10 Must-See Performances This Week: Why Missing Them Could Haunt You Forever!

This edition of ON Culture was originally emailed to subscribers on January 9, 2026. To receive Leslie Dinaberg’s arts newsletter in your inbox on Fridays, sign up at independent.com/newsletters.

Exciting Upcoming Events in Santa Barbara's Arts Scene

Santa Barbara's cultural calendar is bustling this January and February, offering an array of performances and events that showcase diverse art forms from around the world. The stage is set for a series of captivating dance performances, all made possible through the efforts of UCSB Arts & Lectures.

Mark your calendars for January 25, when the French dance company Compagnie Hervé Koubi presents Sol Invictus at the Granada Theatre. This performance will be followed by the mesmerizing Argentine tango show Germán Cornejo’s Tango After Dark, which has two showings on February 1 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre. Additionally, on February 6, the national dance company of the Republic of Guinea, Les Ballets Africains, will take the stage at the Granada. These performances promise to be a wonderful opportunity for armchair travel and cultural exploration, right in the heart of Santa Barbara.

In addition to dance, music lovers can rejoice as tickets for several concerts at the Santa Barbara Bowl are now available. Upcoming shows include popular artists such as Disclosure, Charlie Puth, James Taylor, and Lord Huron. Previously announced acts include David Byrne, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Train, and Jack Johnson. For a full concert schedule, visit sbbowl.com/concerts.

Music enthusiasts should also keep an eye on the lineup for BottleRock Napa Valley, which announced its Memorial Day weekend performers. Anticipated acts include the Foo Fighters, Backstreet Boys, Lorde, and LCD Soundsystem, among many others. With such a lineup, it’s sure to be a highlight of the summer festival season.

For readers interested in literature, don't miss the book launch of We Are Resilient, authored by mother-daughter duo Sissy Taran and Tiffany Howard, on January 25 from 1-3 p.m. at the Grace Fisher Foundation Inclusive Arts Clubhouse in La Cumbre Plaza. This book features a collection of voices celebrating perseverance and creativity, with all proceeds supporting the Foundation’s inclusive arts and education programs in Santa Barbara County.

The cinematic offerings are just as rich, as the new McHurley Film Center prepares for its grand opening. One of the must-see films is Wim Wenders’ classic Wings of Desire, which will screen on February 25 as part of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) with a 4K restoration. Known for its poetic storytelling, this film tells the tale of an angel longing for human experiences.

Additionally, mark your calendars for a documentary screening of Pistachio Wars on January 27 at UCSB’s Carsey Wolf Center. This film looks into the hidden side of California’s health-food industry, focusing on the powerful agricultural empire of Stewart and Lynda Resnick of the Wonderful Company, who control a significant portion of the state's water resources. The film not only promises to unveil the complexities of agricultural practices but also highlights the growing climate issues facing California.

Local films will also be featured during SBIFF, including the world premieres of Eternal Stoke, a portrait of Santa Barbara surfer Chris Brown, and Imbalance, directed by Dale Griffiths Stamos, which examines the complexities of relationships amid the #MeToo movement. Other premieres include Relatively Normal, which explores life during the pandemic through a teenager's eyes, and Stand By, Mother, which promises a magical journey for its young protagonist.

Finally, as we approach Super Bowl Sunday on February 8, food takes center stage alongside the highly anticipated halftime show featuring Bad Bunny. A recent survey shows that buffalo wings reign as the top snack food in California, with other favorites including pizza and nachos. This year’s event is not just a sports spectacle but a culinary one as well.

With so many events scheduled, Santa Barbara's artistic landscape is thriving. For further details on events happening this week and beyond, visit independent.com/events/. Whether you’re drawn to dance, music, literature, or film, there's something for everyone to enjoy in our vibrant community.