Annual summer film series from UCSB Arts & Lectures brings the beach

Serving up classic beach-themed films in an idyllic outdoor setting, UCSB Arts & Lectures has teamed with the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture to present the free summer series, “Sun, Surf and Cinema,” with screenings every Friday night at 8:30 p.m. at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden. 

The series kicks off Friday, July 5, at 8:30 p.m. with JAWS. Also in the lineup: Point Break (July 12); 50 First Dates (July 19); Blue Crush (July 29); The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (August 9); Mamma Mia (August 16) and Crazy Rich Asians (August 23). There will be no film shown August 2, due to Fiesta. 

“The free summer film series has been a community favorite from the beginning, and we are delighted to bring it back to the Courthouse Sunken Garden for another fun-filled season of entertainment where all are welcome,” said Celesta M. Billeci, A&L’s Miller McCune Executive Director. “We’re celebrating something that’s sure to resonate with all of us in Santa Barbara — Hollywood’s long standing love affair with the ocean and the beach.” 

UCSB’s Office of Summer Sessions, through its Summer Events & Entertainment Grant Program, is supporting student engagement with the UCSB Arts & Lectures Summer Films series. This year, students attending a screening are encouraged to sport their beachiest UCSB Gaucho gear for a chance to be featured on A&L’s social media channels.

Students who attend can also visit Arts & Lectures’ on-site UCSB student booth to receive a free T-shirt (current student ID required), free snacks and refreshments, and information about public transportation to and from downtown.

Attendees may begin setting up on the lawn at noon on the day of the screening. Chairs are allowed, but they must be low-backed and low to the ground.