Positive experience. Clean seating area and bathrooms. Polite mature audience (no one looking at…read moretheir phones or talking through the film). Free ample parking. Reasonable prices. Recommended. Will return next time I'm in the area. No concerns.

(Attended 07/24/25 TH @ 2:00pm and once before): This theatre was more inland than along any…read moreriviera! I returned from an overnight getaway in nearby Solvang when I decided to catch a film at the SBIFF Riviera Theatre. I became aware of the theatre during the recent Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), and thought this stop would be a nice relaxing break before I got back to L.A.. Originally, the theatre was an auditorium building designed by architect Alfred Eichler in 1926 as part of the University of California, Santa Barbara's Mesa Campus. It opened as the Riviera Theatre on May 12, 1964 with Ludmla Tcherna in "The Lovers of Teruel". ​​In June 2016, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival entered a new era with the acquisition of this beloved theatre. After a $5 million dollar capital campaign and renovation, the theatre was now SBIFF's new state-of-the-art, 360+ seat capacity, year-round home, showing new international and independent films every day. The theatre was now an irreplaceable resource for the community and a representation of Santa Barbara's rich history. Would this theatre be on my radar the next time I was in the area!? PURCHASE Ticket - General Admission ($12.50): I watched the international film, "Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight" https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=48&select=229mdFVeyJEvIkH3f7ecUA because this was the only option, which surprisingly held my interest throughout. This seemed to be a bargain as I felt standard non-matinee promotion prices were upwards of $15.00 or more... but I could be wrong. Tejava The Unsweetened Tea Peach Black Tea 16.9floz Bottle ($5.50): I wasn't in the mood for beer or soda, so this was the next best healthier option - not bad. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=48&select=cR_MOZMMlHwt90VdThv5ig Large Buttered Popcorn ($8.25): Fluffy and buttery, this was one of life's simple pleasures. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=48&select=tpiIOBQsf4ta4Dm70IUWgw SERVICE From the onsite ticket purchase to the concessions, everything was a breeze - thank you! PARKING (FREE): They had their own multi-tiered spacious private lot - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE An older exterior with the ticket window https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=48&select=-hLfv9vvbxacXONMzZ4nhQ just outside the entrance door, you entered into an open lobby area with a small concession stand https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=6ooIHZ51UkHBLRthQhNUxA to your left and the restrooms on your right, respectively, before you entered https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=ME05hVwbTLw7z7vXOVbzPA into the single-screen theatre. Enter a cleaner https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=0m-xsOpcXOJktGs1-iI18A more glamorous modern cinema ambience, with larger, plush seats, equipped with the all-important cup holders. Most importantly, the theater was rigged with a stunning new projector and sound system comprising a Dolby Vision laser projector and the expansively spatial Dolby Atmos audio system, which took the output from four to some 50 speakers around the room. The Riviera was now one of only 26 theaters in the U.S. with such technology and the only nonprofit so equipped in the country and possibly the world. Natural lighting only existed in the lobby through the doors/windows while the electric house and stage lighting filled in the rest. There weren't any monitors or background music. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=s-VR-koXfa89fAeeUxHdSg ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL I had a fun afternoon at The SBIFF Riviera Theatre and would definitely return the next time I was in the area if not during the next film festival. I loved the old-time appeal, and of course the surrounding area was beautiful. I loved everything about the theatre itself, the concession drinks (no alcohol) https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=tSCzN1yDJCO-1MC-k9L7qg and food https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=FY8rbodociQn9r0jnImGvg prices seemed very reasonable, and the service was straightforward. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $26.00 BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS

Now that the world is opening up again it's nice to have THC&PH for some quality movie viewing. And…read moreeven better with their selections of beer and wine, soft drinks, fresh popcorn, and sweets for everyone. Updated stadium seating is very comfortable, and their new sound system is top notch. Their staff makes sure it's a very pleasurable experience. Special shout out to Khamla and Sandra for taking such good care of us all. Located amongst the many auto dealerships, and right next door to The Natural Cafe.

This is NOT a cinema and draft house. It's a regular movie theatre. Period. Regular movie seats…read more Typical concessions and food. Not as advertised at all.

Built 90 years ago and seating 4,500 this stunning and surprisingly intimate outdoor venue is…read morenestled in the wooded hillside of SB. It's a climb, both from street parking to the Bowl and then from security to seating, but heavenly when you land inside. Its primary concert season runs April-October. We booked tickets months in advance for Alabama Shakes - their last stop! That landed us 3/4 of the way up (row R). The sound was loud but tolerable without any plugs. Seats are not cushioned and a bit narrow. A couple of rows below us three larger guys struggled to fit. I wish we could have sat just 10-12 rows closer for visuals but all was already sold out. Drinks are down at the entrance level and range from beer, wine, hard seltzers, kombucha, and water with prices from $5-15. Parking is $30 at the neighboring high school or free on a side street. Restrooms (entrance level) are clean and move quickly - not quite so for the women's I was told. We arrived 45 min before the opening band (6:15p) and managed a street spot only 3 blocks (10 min uphill walk) away. Tyler Ballgame - a rock band from LA - opened for a solid 45-50 min and received "wows" from everyone within earshot including us. Brittany and Co then took the stage barely 15 min later and her natural vocals were astonishingly good (like, studio good)! We had 70° weather and a full moon. An incredible night. Exiting was slow-ish through the handful of aisles and even fewer staircases but no one in this audience was in a rush, already reminiscing about the show. As an out-of-towner, with so much to do in/around SB, the Bowl is definitely a venue to consider when one of your favorite bands isn't coming to your local concert hall.

Absolutely love the Santa Barbara Bowl. Not only is it a beautiful venue, but the volunteers that…read morehelp out here are helpful and friendly every time! Check-in is easy but ladies make sure you bring a small sized purse or handbag. Check out their website for measurements. No backpacks or large bags allowed. There are several trolleys available to shuttle people up and down the hill if you're not able to make the trek. But, if you're able to walk up the hill, there's a bar located in the middle. You can grab a drink and hangout for a bit while surrounded by nature. There's also another bar at the very top of the bowl. The views are amazing and overlook the city. I love it during sunset. They offer a variety of food such as pizza, bbq, snacks and sweets. They hFor beverages it's beer, cider and wine unless you're VIP then they do offer hard liquor in that area. I've been to a lot of concerts here and there really isn't a bad seat. The acoustics are phenomenal! The only thing that sucks is the concert must end by 10pm. I recently attended the Earth, Wind and Fire concert and they didn't start until 8:15pm! That's cutting it pretty close, but they did put on an amazing show. I just wish they could perform longer. Seems like the recent shows like Carlos Santana and Diana Ross were very short concerts as well. So keep that in mind if you're coming to see an older band. Pro Tip: Get here earlier if you're driving and park a few blocks away for free! It's a nice easy stroll. Otherwise you'll pay $30 to park at SBHS or struggle to find free parking in the neighborhood. Overall, I love SB Bowl and it's one of my favorite venues to attend.

This review is for the performance offerings that UCSB's Theater and Dance program is providing…read more(free!) during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Department has been doing a great job of continuing to create a season of work despite physical and social distancing requirements. By migrating productions to an online format, the show goes on! Last night I had the pleasure of watching "Under Ordinary Circumstances," the last theater production of the Fall quarter portion of the season. The piece, written by Brian Otaño and directed by Shirley Jo Finney, saw members of an AA group for young people working through their recovery during this year's quarantine. Cast and crew--many of whom are by now well-versed in Zoom theater--did a fantastic job. In addition, this season has so far included a whopping eight other productions. Spanning across Department projects and affiliations from Naked Shakes (a Shakespeare performance company) to Launch Pad (which produces new works), these events have presented diverse storytelling styles and subject matter. Yet to come is the Fall BFA Dance major Capstone show. Winter and Spring promise an exciting menu of stagings. You can find performance information and an event calendar on the Department's website. I've also signed up for the emailing list to get news, and if you want to sign up you can do so here: https://www.theaterdance.ucsb.edu/news/announcement/807 Disclaimer: I am a Department PhD student, so this review may be biased!

First and foremost, this is a UC. Meaning that is of the highest academic standards. I was thrilled…read morethat two of my daughters were able to continue to dance, while at the same time get a world class education. UCSB is not a dance school. It is a highly ranked research university and education comes first. Those wanting a school solely because of its dance program should not go here. Not because it isn't good, but because the focus will be on educating the student to become a future leader in whatever field they choose. Although UCSB is a large school, it acts more like a smaller school with staff and professors that care about each student and their success. I am a UCLA Alumni and I can honestly say that my girls get treated way better here at UCSB than I ever did at UCLA. Anyone would be lucky to be admitted to the dance program here at UCSB and I am blessed that two of my daughters were fortunate enough. Go Gauchos!

Amazing show! I honestly did not know what to expect and was really surprised! Sure, the show may…read morenot have the same production and gadgets as Cirque du Soleil in, say LV, but the troupe really knows their arts and the acts are, in my opinion, just as incredible. For me the tickets are worth the show several times over. Seriously! Check them out!

What a fun event! I haven't gone to a circus since I was a kid, so I honestly wasn't sure what to…read moreexpect. The performers were all really talented and it was impressive to see how tall they would stack themselves! There were drink and food options for purchase at the front, which are allowed in the event area. This particular set-up offered ample parking at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. I noticed they had a lot of different show times, too, depending on everyone's preference for when to attend.

I love dance unlimited! This is such a great studio and the teacher lisa is incredibly kind, caring…read moreand supportive!

Dance Unlimited is the most wonderful place for kids AND adults…read more The Owner, Lisa Walsh, is one of the sweetest people and a wonderful and patient teacher. She is also one of the best tap dancers in the state. I have been taking lessons off and on for the past 15 years and have loved the experience. She is a real gem in the dance world, and this city is lucky to have her and her wonderful dance studio.

I am sorry to hear that this venue no longer exists, so I am posting mainly for archival purposes…read morein case, like me, you may have visited this establishment but are no longer sure whether or not you were having a fever dream. I performed here with a quintet called Max and the Makeups almost exactly 10 years ago, July 2nd 2010. I understand why some patrons might have been a bit intimidated by this place-- before the music started, there was an uneasy, restless vibe; I had the distinct impression that the house was steeped in some really unusual mix of counterculture mythology I couldn't identify or understand. The audience and the other bands were a bit dubious when we arrived, probably due to our advanced years-- the term "hobby rockers" was muttered by some of the other artists-- but everything changed when the set started, and we delivered about an hour of some of the most savage punk rock I've played since I turned 50. The crowd was absolutely rabid; I hadn't felt that kind of energy in a long time, and I've only felt it a few times since. When we got offstage-- or the living room, or wherever it was-- my impression of the place shifted dramatically. I felt like I'd known everyone for decades, and it was like all of us were swamped by a wave of positive energy. I remember coming outside for a break while another band was playing-- I think it was RF7, but don't quote me on that-- and the walls were literally pulsing to the beat of the music. I remember being astonished that all the windows did not break and the doors blow off their hinges and into the yard. If the planet ever becomes more hospitable to human life again, I hope this place, or something like it, is resurrected.

Don't be all butt-scared -- just come in. So yeah, this place used to host hella scary and…read moresomewhat annoying Olympia-based folk-indie rock that sounded more like summer church camp chantings than all that angsty shit college years are made of, but it really is the venue for all sorts of diverse, community-oriented events, including: - skill-share workshops - sweaty-ass dance parties - Scarentine's Day parties - hardcore/grindcore/emocore/buttcore/crackcore/peniscore shows - alternative graduation - vegan potlucks So yeah, I can understand from that from the outside the place seems like one of those hippy-dippy hipster-vegan elistist innocent-indie biker-tofu places, which it is in a way, but I think I filthed the place up enough with my scroungy ass to even it out. You know, I let ice cream and sunflower seeds and gummy bears hella spill out of my bed with figure skating tapes running into the morning cuz I fell asleep watching, took plenty of dumps, brought enough gay people in to make this a truly well-rounded place. I just hope the Pink Mailbox is still the art-centric, queer-friendly, activist-gathering, collective-effort place we originally meant it to be. Before we brought the DDR and legwarmers in.

Pollock is hands down the best classroom to have at UCSB. A majority of the film classes are taught…read morehere each week. During the weekend and nights Pollock is home to some of the best (and cheapest) movie screenings and guest lecturers from Hollywood.