Local

Who’s performing at Santa Barbara Bowl? Here’s the 2026 concert lineup

The Santa Barbara Bowl will host a variety of acts, including rock legends, pop stars and standup comedians, in 2026.
The Santa Barbara Bowl will host a variety of acts, including rock legends, pop stars and standup comedians, in 2026. Getty Images

Rock legends, pop stars and standup comedians are among the acts performing at one of the Central Coast’s biggest concert venues in 2026.

The Santa Barbara Bowl is hosting headliners ranging from Bob Dylan, Santana and James Taylor to Charlie Puth and Brandi Carlile.

The rest of the lineup incudes comedians Trevor Noah and Gabriel Iglesias.

Bands lined up to perform at the outdoor venue include Alabama Shakes, The Black Keys and Train.

Here’s what to know:

Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara. stellalevi Getty Images

Where is the Santa Barbara Bowl?

The Santa Barbara Bowl is at 1122 North Milpas St. in Santa Barbara.

The outdoor venue typically holds about 4,500 eventgoers with seating options ranging from stadium seating and chairs to a standing-room-only floor section.

The Santa Barbara Bowl averages 27 shows from April through November “when the weather is perfect for live entertainment and ocean views,” according to Visit Santa Barbara.

Carlos Santana performs at the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles in 2022. The Grammy Award-winning guitarist will play the Santa Barbara Bowl in September 2026.
Carlos Santana performs at the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles in 2022. The Grammy Award-winning guitarist will play the Santa Barbara Bowl in September 2026. Brittany App Courtesy of California Mid-State Fair

Who’s playing at Santa Barbara Bowl in 2026?

In 2026, the Santa Barbara Bowl will welcome acts performing a variety of genres including Americana, country, folk, pop, reggae and rock.

Here’s who is performing this spring, summer and fall:

Doors typically open an hour and a half before the showtime.

Concertgoers should arrive about 90 minutes early to “allow for time spent parking and venturing up the hill to the venue,” Visit Santa Barbara said.

“The Bowl is located within a residential neighborhood, so the organization asks that guests maintain a respectful level of noise when arriving and leaving the venue,” Santa Barbara’s official destination marking organization said.

James Taylor performs during the 2006 Rainforest Foundation Fund benefit concert. He’ll play the Santa Barbara Bowl in May 2026.
James Taylor performs during the 2006 Rainforest Foundation Fund benefit concert. He’ll play the Santa Barbara Bowl in May 2026. Abaca Press/MCT/TNS Nicolas Khayat

Where can I park?

Santa Barbara High School offers “convenient and safe parking” for concertgoers, Visit Santa Barbara said.

According to the Santa Barbara Bowl, parking at the school, 700 East Anapamu St. in Santa Barbara, costs $30 per car.

The parking lot closes 30 minutes after concerts end.

You can also take a taxi or use Uber, Lyft or another rideshare service.

All passengers are dropped off on the corner of Milpas and Anapamu streets.

Firestone Walker Brewing Co. in Paso Robles.
Firestone Walker Brewing Co. in Paso Robles. Joe Johnston jjohnston@thetribunenews.com

What are food and drink options at Santa Barbara Bowl?

No outside food or drinks are allowed inside the Santa Barbara Bowl, except for factor-sealed plastic bottles of water.

However, the venue offers multiple concession stands and bars.

Towbes Family Cafe serves sandwiches from Kaptain’s BBQ Shack, burritos from Mony’s Taco, pizza slices from Rusty’s Pizza Parlor and a Cheese Shop cheese plate.

Treats from D’Angelo’s Bakery and Santa Barbara Popcorn Co. are offered at Snack & Desserts.

Hutton Parker Outdoor Kitchen is an outdoor barbecue operated by Kaptain’s BBQ Shack.

In addition, Positive Libation, Locals Only Bar and Dreier Bar serve a variety of beers and wines.

That includes products from local breweries and wineries including Firestone Walker Brewing Co. and Laetitia Vineyard & Winery.

What is the bag policy at Santa Barbara Bowl?

“For safety and speed of entry, a no bags policy is enforced,” the Santa Barbara Bowl said on its website.

Eventgoers are only allowed to bring small purses or clutches measuring no larger than 10 inches by 7 inches by 2 inches.

What’s banned at Santa Barbara Bowl?

Prohibited items at Santa Barbara Bowl include:

  • Weapons
  • Knives
  • Mace and pepper spray
  • Fireworks and sparklers
  • Laser pointers
  • Balls
  • Glow sticks
  • Umbrellas
  • Strollers
  • Backpacks or large bags
  • Sleeping bags
  • Tablets and laptops
  • Selfie sticks and GoPros

Smoking, including tobacco, cannabis and vaping, is not allowed at the venue.

You also can’t bring in controlled substances.

Photo and video equipment are only allowed if the artist approves. Check the Santa Barbara Bowl website on the day of the concert to see if those items are permitted.

Comedian and actor Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias will perform at Santa Barbara Bowl in July 2026.
Comedian and actor Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias will perform at Santa Barbara Bowl in July 2026. Nick Ut Associated Press

How can I buy tickets for Santa Barbara Bowl shows?

You can buy tickets to Santa Barbara Bowl shows in person via the box office or online via AXS.com or the AXS Tickets mobile app.

The box office is at 1122 North Milpas in Santa Barbara. It’s open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, opening at noon for weekend and holiday performances.

Call 805-962-7411 or email sbbowl@sbbowl.com.

Stay updated by following theSanta Barbara Bowl on Instagram, X and Facebook.

Related Stories from San Luis Obispo Tribune
Alexiah Syrai Olsen
The Tribune
Alexiah Syrai Olsen is a service journalism reporter for The Tribune in San Luis Obispo, California. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and design from The New School in New York City. 
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER