Off Campus Activities Arts and Culture

Santa Barbara's endless natural beauty and close proximity to Los Angeles create a vibrant and inspired art scene. With a variety of local musical and theatrical ensembles, classical music, dance, art galleries, an international film festival, Santa Barbara mixes a big-city art scene with small-town charm.

Once a month, downtown galleries open their doors to visitors for First Thursday art walks, which feature live music on street corners and in storefronts. Similarly, the Funk Zone, named for its unique combination of commercial, residential, and industrial buildings, hosts monthly art walks and open studios. Visitors continue to stroll along the waterfront each weekend for Santa Barbara's 50-year tradition of an open-air arts and crafts show.

Some of the annual festivals and events include:

• JANUARY/FEBRUARY: Santa Barbara International Film Festival

• APRIL: Earth Day Festival

• MAY: Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival

• JUNE: Summer Solstice Celebration

• AUGUST: Old Spanish Days Fiesta

• SEPTEMBER: California Lemon Festival

• OCTOBER: Harbor and Seafood Festival, New Noise Music Festival, California Avocado Festival