From Iran to North Korea, from Cuba to Tibet, Pico Iyer has spent more than 40 years traveling to the places we hear about more than know about. In a world ever more mediated, he longs to see places first-hand, and catch a human reality often lost in images or on screens. Sharing long, detailed stories about his journeys across Iran, to Pyongyang, and to other places in the news more than in our heads, he catches some of the beauty and surprise of travel and reminds us why travel is more urgent than ever in a world where we're so often lost in our own bubbles. Iyer is the author of 15 books, including, this year, "Autumn Light," "This Could be Home," and "A Beginner’s Guide to Japan." Two of his recent works "The Art of Stillness" and "The Open Road" were national bestsellers.

Local organizations will come together to celebrate Independence Day during the 56th annual Fourth of July Parade.

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation invites community members to wear their red, white and blue for the 56th Annual Fourth of July Parade and spend the evening listening to patriotic melodies at the Courthouse Sunken Garden. 

The Canary rooftop is the place to soak up the sun this Fourth of July! Head to the Canary’s roof for a free and open to the public event, where Finch & Fork will be grilling complimentary bites - like hot dogs and burgers - and slinging boozy slushies, cocktails, wine, and beer at the bar. Santa Barbara's own Everything's Fine

Join Santa Barbara City College for a family-friendly 4th of July!
Food trucks:
Big Truck Foods
Romanti-Ezer
Kona Ice

Local band:
Mr. Friendly

Gather your friends and family for the free 4th of July concert at 5 p.m. in the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Garden.

Come join us at the brewery this 4th of July and get front row seats for the State Street parade starting at 1pm and Chillpoint playing at 5pm. Seats are first come first serve and it will be a rockin day at the Night Lizard! With 2 new beers on tap it will be a 4th of July event that you won’t want to miss out on! See you all there! Cheers!!

Art show at Old Mission Santa Barbara on July 4th from 9am to 4pm

Solvang celebrates USA Independence Day with a Parade, BBQ,  3 Free Concerts, plus Festival & Fireworks Show.

Santa Barbara Elks Lodge #613 will be celebrating this patriot event with their annual 4^th of July Family Fun Day from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Stearns Wharf Merchants Association presents their Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show.

Hop-in and head over to Rosewood Miramar Beach for our inaugural Fourth of July celebration!