FREE Summer Cinema
Friday Nights Under the Stars at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden
July 10 – August 28 | 8:30 PM
(No screening on Friday, August 7 due to Fiesta)
UCSB Arts & Lectures and the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture present the 2026 FREE Summer Cinema lineup: “Mixtapes & Misfits,” seven films powered by iconic music, big emotions and unforgettable characters who refuse to fit the mold. Screenings take place Friday evenings at 8:30 p.m. from July 10 through August 28, under the stars at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden (no film on Friday, August 7 due to Fiesta).
This year’s lineup includes: Pretty in Pink, Say Anything…, La Bamba, Rushmore, Love & Basketball, Napoleon Dynamiteand Hairspray. Begun in 2010, this collaboration between Arts & Lectures and the County Office of Arts & Culture has become a cherished Santa Barbara summertime tradition.
This summer, come stretch out on the grass and spend your Friday nights with the quirky outsiders, deadpan dreamers and unforgettable voices that shaped generations, one soundtrack-inspired mixtape at a time. Pack a blanket, bring friends and enjoy the summertime vibes of these offbeat coming-of-age stories.
“This year’s ‘Mixtapes & Misfits’ lineup celebrates the joyful weirdness and emotional honesty of films that defined generations, with unforgettable soundtracks that will spark instant nostalgia,” says UCSB Arts & Lectures Miller McCune Executive Director Meghan Bush. “We’re deeply thankful to the Gainey Family Foundation and Montecito Bank & Trust for helping to make these free summer evenings possible and for helping create a shared experience for the Santa Barbara community.”
“Montecito Bank & Trust is delighted to continue its partnership with A&L’s Free Summer Film Series,” says Chairman and CEO Janet Garufis. “This cherished community tradition brings families and friends together for unforgettable summer nights under the stars, beautiful Santa Barbara weather, and a fun-filled lineup of classic favorites featured in this year’s ‘Mixtapes & Misfits’ series.”
Filmgoers are reminded to respect the lawn and fellow attendees: please bring only blankets that are permeable (no plastic/nylon/tarps) and chairs that are low-backed and low to the ground. Audience members may begin setting up at noon on the day of each screening.
Premier Sponsor:
Corporate Sponsor:
Presented in association with:
Special Thanks:
Media Sponsors:
Explore the full event schedule or learn more about supporting the vibrant cultural life of our community.