The Santa Barbara Bowl

The Santa Barbara Bowl is one of the best outdoor amphitheaters in the country. Many top name performers insist in adding this stop to their tours due to the small theatre feel and outdoor beauty. The venue seats a little over 4500 people. Needless to say the sound quality is outstanding and the surrounding views of the Santa Barbara hills and the coastline are stunning.

ETG Tip: Arrive early and head up to the very top of the bowl to find the Scranton Overlook. You can catch a glorious sunset over the Pacific Ocean and the gorgeous Santa Barbara Hillsides. While you are there, grab some dinner at the Hutton Parker Outdoor BBQ, then head back down to see the show.

Santa Barbara Bowl

We attended the much anticipated Brandi Carlile Show (September 2026) which was absolutely incredible. She is one of the best vocalists of our time. Her band was exceptional as well. Onstage Carlile talked about her love for performing in Santa Barbara and at the bowl.

The opening act, Sista Strings was also fantastic. These two sisters also sang back up in Carlile’s band for her entire show. Song after song, each performance continued to top the last one. Carlile and her band obviously had loads of fun, as they continued to play an extended set list.

The Santa Barbara Bowl has featured many iconic shows during its 90 year history. Performers include: the Grateful Dead with Jerry Garcia, Bob Marley, Radiohead, James Taylor, Neil Young, among others. In September of 1979, Joni Mitchell recorded her well known live album and concert film, Shadows and Light (released in 1980).

History of the Santa Barbara Bowl

Construction began in 1935. The venue was specially built to host the annual Old Spanish Days Fiesta. The location was chosen to take advantage of the exceptional acoustics created by the adjacent SB hills as well as the Santa Ynez Mountains. Finally on August 6, 1936, the Santa Barbara Bowl officially opened. The inaugural performance was Memorias de Santa Barbara (Memories of Santa Barbara), written and produced by Charles Pressley. The pageant was part of the city’s annual Old Spanish Days Fiesta.

After years of acclaimed musical performances, the bowl needed a facelift. Hence the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation was created in 1991. The organization completely renovated the venue, restoring it to its original glory with an incredible sound system.

The Santa Barbara Bowl Current Day

Today, the Santa Barbara Bowl continues to thrive offering phenomenal show with mainstream stars. Rides share drop-offs and pick-up location can be found in designated areas. Along with an easy shuttle to the entry. Many people do walk, but the hill is quite steep. We ended up taking the shuttle up, then walking down after the concert. Parking is available for a fee, and complimentary Bike valet parking is iin front of the venue. The staff is quite organized, helpful and kind.

If you love music, visit the Santa Barbara Bowl for an unforgettable evening. It is located at 1122 N. Milpas Santa Barbara, CA 93103; https://sbbowl.com

Check out ETG’s articles about other iconic outdoor amphitheaters. See LA’s Best Outdoor Venues for Live Music. This includes info about The Hollywood Bowl, the Greek Theatre and the Ford Theatre. We also loved Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, Morrison CO.