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2026 Concert Guide to the Santa Barbara Bowl + Where to Stay

By: Kristyn Huang / 10 Mar 2026
A crowd of people on a stage

There are few concert venues in California as magical as the Santa Barbara Bowl. Nestled in the hills above downtown Santa Barbara, this iconic open-air amphitheater combines world-class acoustics with stunning coastal views. Every year, thousands of music fans travel to Santa Barbara to see some of the biggest names in music perform under the stars.

If you're planning a trip for a show in 2026, make it a full getaway by staying with the Santa Barbara Hotel Collection—a group of welcoming, locally loved hotels just minutes from the venue and Santa Barbara's beaches, harbor, and downtown.

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2026 Santa Barbara Bowl Concert Schedule

Here are the currently scheduled concerts and events at the Santa Barbara Bowl for 2026: 

April

  • April 7 - Disclosure (Live)
  • April 8 - Disclosure (Live)
  • April 14 - David Byrne - Who Is the Sky Tour
  • April 25 - Charlie Puth - Whatever's Clever World Tour

May

  • May 6 - James Taylor - An Evening with James Taylor

June

  • June 2 - Lord Huron
  • June 13 - The Black Keys - Peaches ‘n Kream Tour

July

  • July 17 - Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias
  • July 18 - Young the Giant - Victory Garden Tour
  • July 19 - Rainbow Kitten Surprise - North American Tour

August

  • August 1 - Trevor Noah
  • August 2 - Trevor Noah
  • August 6 - Sierra Ferrell - Heavy Petal Tour
  • August 13 - Tedeschi Trucks Band - Future Soul 2026 Tour
  • August 22 - Train - Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in the Atmosphere Tour

September

  • September 12 - Santana
  • September 13 - Santana
  • September 25 - Alabama Shakes

October

  • October 3 - Jack Johnson - SURFILMUSIC Tour
  • October 4 - Jack Johnson - SURFILMUSIC Tour

Note: Additional shows may be announced throughout the year.

Make It a Concert Getaway in Santa Barbara

One of the best parts about seeing a show at the Santa Barbara Bowl is turning it into a weekend getaway. Spend the day exploring the waterfront, enjoying world-class dining, or relaxing on the beach before heading up the hillside for an unforgettable night of live music.

To make the most of your visit, stay with the Santa Barbara Hotel Collection, a group of charming boutique hotels located near Santa Barbara's top attractions.

Where to Stay: Santa Barbara Hotel Collection

Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

A comfortable and convenient choice for concert travelers, this hotel offers spacious rooms, modern amenities, and easy access to downtown Santa Barbara. It's a great home base for exploring local restaurants, shopping, and nightlife before or after the show.

Brisas Del Mar, Inn at the Beach

Located near the waterfront, this Mediterranean-style boutique hotel offers beautiful courtyards, complimentary breakfast, and loaner bikes so guests can explore the coast before heading to the Bowl for a concert.

Inn by the Harbor

Just steps from Santa Barbara Harbor and the beach, this charming inn provides relaxed coastal vibes, lush gardens, and comfortable suites—perfect for concertgoers looking to combine live music with a seaside escape.

A white kitchen with a glass display case

Lavender Inn by the Sea

For travelers seeking a peaceful boutique experience, this elegant inn offers beautifully designed rooms and a quiet atmosphere just minutes from Santa Barbara's beaches and downtown attractions.

When you stay at one of these four unique hotels, you'll enjoy:

  • Convenient access to the Santa Barbara Bowl
  • Easy access to Santa Barbara beaches and the harbor
  • Walkable locations near restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and shops
  • Charming boutique accommodations with personalized service

Whether you're traveling for rock, pop, comedy, or classic legends, Santa Barbara's concert season offers unforgettable nights of music.