Dog Days of Summer: FREE Summer Cinema

By Giving List Staff   |   May 23, 2025

UCSB Arts & Lectures and the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture present the FREE outdoor summer film series Dog Days of Summer, seven heartwarming, hilarious and sometimes shaggy tales featuring man’s best friend. Screenings take place Friday evenings at 8:30 p.m. from July 11 through August 29 in the County Courthouse Sunken Garden.

This year’s lineup includes: 101 Dalmatians (1961), The Sandlot, Best in Show, My Dog Skip, Isle of Dogs, Marley & Me and Dog. Begun in 2010, this collaboration between Arts & Lectures and the County Office of Arts and Culture has become one of Santa Barbara’s most cherished summertime traditions.

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.

From scrappy sidekicks and brave rescue dogs to pampered pups and loyal companions, dogs have a special place in our lives and in the movies. This summer, come stretch out on the grass and spend your Friday nights with some of the most beloved dogs on film. Pack a blanket, bring friends and enjoy the dog days of summer with these classic stories under the stars.

UCSB Arts & Lectures Miller McCune Executive Director Celesta M. Billeci has a question. “Are you ready for some puppy love, Santa Barbara? I’m delighted that this 16th season of summer cinema in the sunken garden celebrates all things canine, and I can’t wait to see all of you there. Please join me in tail-wagging gratitude for our loyal longtime sponsor, Montecito Bank & Trust, and give a rousing welcome to our new supporting sponsor, the Gainey Family Foundation.”

“As Montecito Bank & Trust celebrates our 50th Anniversary, we are thrilled to return as the Premiere Sponsor of the UCSB A&L Free Summer Film Series!” says MB&T’s Chairman and CEO Janet Garufis. “There’s something special about watching films under the stars – it captures the carefree spirit of the summer season. We’re proud to support an event that brings the community together to celebrate their furry companions and enjoy great films, good company and this year’s Dog Days of Summer lineup is sure to make these nights unforgettable!”

See the schedule and get your tickets here!

 

UCSB Arts & Lectures

Donate now!

artsandlectures.ucsb.edu
(805) 893-3755
Senior Director of Development & Special Initiatives: Stacy Cullison

Mission

To educate, entertain and inspire.

Begin to Build a Relationship

We know you care about where your money goes and how it is used. Connect with this organization’s leadership in order to begin to build this important relationship. Your email will be sent directly to this organization’s Director of Development and/or Executive Director.

Enriching Program at Santa Barbara’s Doorstep

Arts & Lectures brings our community, the University, and its students an incredible array of artistic offerings that are unequaled in any other community of our size in this country. A&L always manages to present the kind of material that appeals to thousands – I don’t know how they do it! Their robust education outreach, presented to both English and Spanish-speaking audiences, enriches younger students immeasurably. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a varied and stellar program right here on our doorsteps!
Sara Miller McCune
A&L Advisory Council Member & former co-chair, pictured with Tony-winning soprano Audra McDonald

Help UCSB Arts & Lectures Educate, Entertain, and Inspire Onstage and Off

With over 30,000 students and lifelong learners engaged in educational opportunities in the past year, UCSB Arts & Lectures brings arts, ideas, and stimulating conversations to every corner of Santa Barbara County annually. This year, it looks to do even more. 

When you join the Arts & Lectures Producers Circle with a contribution of $2,500 or more, you signal that you wish to become a leader in the effort to create a better, more thoughtful and creative community for all. Your gift will not only have an impact on the young people and families who benefit from Arts & Lectures’ education program, it will also propel the organization to even greater heights of achievement in bringing the world’s greatest artists and thinkers to Santa Barbara.

Key Supporters

Advisory Council members and leaders who have helped make A&L a vibrant part of Santa Barbara:
John & Jody Arnhold
Paul & Patricia Bragg Foundation
Marcy Carsey
Audrey & Timothy O. Fisher
G.A. Fowler Family Foundation
Connie Frank & Evan Thompson
Martha Gabbert
Eva & Yoel Haller
Luci & Rich Janssen
Dorothy Largay & Wayne Rosing
Kath Lavidge & Ed McKinley
Patty & John MacFarlane
Manitou Fund
Sara Miller McCune
Jillian & Pete Muller
Natalie Orfalea & Lou Buglioli
Maxine Prisyon
Sage Publishing
Heather & Tom Sturgess
Anne Smith Towbes
Sherry Villanueva
Lynda Weinman & Bruce Heavin
Merryl Snow Zegar & Chuck Zegar
Dick Wolf