Events

June 26, 2025

James Taylor journeys through a lifetime of music at the Santa Barbara Bowl

By Kyra Schimpf

Singer-songwriter and musical icon James Taylor performed at the Santa Barbara Bowl with a soundtrack centering travel, family and pure musical connection.

June 26, 2025

Sean Baker champions independent cinema at Campbell Hall

By Jake Turner

Following the screening of Sean Baker’s acclaimed 2017 film “The Florida Project,” the four-time Academy Award winning writer-director himself came out on Campbell Hall’s stage for a Q&A on May 27.

May 22, 2025

Extravaganza 2025: Chris Lake brings the heat, Aminé saves the day

By Lauren Chiou, Kendra Martinez

Amidst sunny weather and a last-minute lineup change, students arrived in droves to watch headliner Chris Lake and performers Aminé, Ravyn Lenae and Zacari on the Harder Stadium stage.

May 17, 2025

Shabang 2025: two UCSB student bands featured on festival lineup

By Lauren Chiou, Kendra Martinez

Isla Vista bands Big Hungry and Cordoba performed at the two-day music festival, bringing a taste of the I.V. music scene to San Luis Obispo.

May 14, 2025

Lineup for 45th Extravaganza revealed: students react, AS Program Board responds

By Kyra Schimpf

UC Santa Barbara’s Associated Students Program Board revealed the partial lineup for the 45th annual Extravaganza music festival on May 8 to mixed reception, which was swiftly followed by a full lineup reveal shared vi...

May 8, 2025

An evening with Trixie & Katya

By Anusha Singh, Saanvi Tiwary

The drag queen comedy duo made a rare out-of-drag appearance to a sold-out crowd at UCSB's Campbell

May 7, 2025

Hiromi brings spirit, fun and jazz fusion to Campbell Hall

By Natalie Frances

Hiromi Uehara and her band Sonicwonder demonstrated a masterful ability to lead their audience on a unique and energetic voyage through jazz music.

April 24, 2025

Zero Waste Festival encourages sustainability with music, crafts, thrifting

By Lauren Chiou

The festival was organized by Associated Students Zero Waste Committee, a student-led organization dedicated to reaching a UC-wide goal of zero waste.

April 17, 2025

The Avett Brothers kicks off 2025 season at Santa Barbara Bowl

By Lucy Dixon

The North Carolinian band, featuring brothers Seth Avett and Scott Avett, has been defined by their distinct musical and lyrical range.

April 10, 2025

Big Sean fires up the Thunderdome for annual The Warm Up concert

By Kyra Schimpf

After the chaos and charm of yet another Deltopia, students were treated to a highly anticipated performance from six-time Grammy nominated rapper Big Sean.

March 6, 2025

Twin flames: Yuja Wang and Víkingur Ólafsson in concert

By Kasey Wang

Yuja Wang and Víkingur Ólafsson not only proved their undeniable technical prowess at the Granada Theatre, but also gave the crowd a uniquely unforgettable display of passionate musicality.

February 20, 2025

SBIFF 2025: closing night shines with ‘A Missing Part’

By Nathan Kwon

As the final screening of the 11-day event, the closing night screening served as the perfect capstone to a festival that once again recognized cinema excellence in the company of filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike.

February 20, 2025

SBIFF 2025: Colman Domingo receives Montecito Award

By Anushka Ghosh Dastidar

Domingo brought an abundance of love with him as he was honored with the Montecito Award for great contribution to film on Valentine’s Day. Oprah Winfrey presented him with the award.

February 20, 2025

SBIFF 2025: Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce receive Cinema Vanguard Award

By Anushka Ghosh Dastidar

The two actors took part in a career retrospective with Deadline’s Pete Hammond, prior to being honored with the revered Cinema Vanguard Award for breaking new ground in film.

February 20, 2025

SBIFF 2025: Zoe Saldaña honored with American Riviera Award

By Jack Dindia, Conor Kelly

The American Riviera Award is given for outstanding achievement in American film. Saldaña received the award for her role in “Emilia Pérez.” 

February 20, 2025

SBIFF 2025: Timothée Chalamet receives Arlington Artist of the Year Award

By Lauren Chiou

The sold-out ceremony took place at Santa Barbara’s Arlington Theatre on Feb. 11, and featured a career retrospective of Chalamet’s work, along with a discussion moderated by actor Josh Brolin.