Lobero Theatre

The mission of the Lobero Theatre Foundation is to operate and maintain the historic Lobero Theatre as a performing arts center and cultural asset to the community, and to present the highest quality productions in music, dance and theatre.

What makes Santa Barbara’s Lobero Theatre a favorite venue of stars like actor and musician Jeff Bridges?

Performers enjoy its comfortable, community atmosphere, which has drawn local and national celebrities since it was founded in 1873, making the Lobero California’s oldest, continually operating theatre. The Lobero is equally treasured for its architecture, and recent renovations such as new seats, expanded restrooms, and other upgrades ensure it will remain a cherished community resource.

This cultural gem hosts local and nationally known events from Santa Barbara Choral Society to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, as well as notable artists like Pat Metheny, Jeff Bridges, Bill Frisell, and Charles Lloyd, who credit the Lobero among their favorite venues.

From its earliest days, the Lobero has been Santa Barbara’s grand stage for both community and professional performances.

The Lobero flourished in the 1920’s with a glittering golden era of “preview performances” for Hollywood. Stage greats Lionel Barrymore, Tallulah Bankhead, and Bela Lugosi, as well as young musicians Vladimir Horowitz and Sergei Rachmaninoff, were among the giants who trod the Lobero Stage.