Community Calendar

The schedule for August includes:

A New Culture of Warfare? How Modern Conflicts Might Shape Twenty-First Century Global Affairs (Three Parts) with Dr. David Livingstone — Mondays, July 25, August 3 and 10, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Zoom and Thousand Oaks campus

Exploring Islamic Art: Beauty, Pattern, and Meaning Across Cultures with Dr. Sophia Momand — Wednesday, August 5, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Zoom and Thousand Oaks campus

The Maya and Climate Change: Human Environmental Relationships in the Classic Period Lowlands (Two Parts) with Dr. Ken Seligson — Thursday, August 6 and 13, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Zoom

Armchair Traveler Visits Saint Petersburg, the Cultural Capital of Russia with Dr. Asya Pereltsvaig — Tuesday, August 11, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Zoom

This year’s theme "Wild is the Night" lineup brings together stories of discovery, connection, and the unexpected from wild adventures and larger-than-life journeys to moments of transformation that change us forever. Across each film, we’re reminded that when we step beyond the familiar and into the unknown, we open ourselves to wonder, possibility, and the kind of magic that can only be found after dark. You can bring friends and family to mingle, to picnic, to meet the filmmakers from the films screening; and to make meaningful summer, the screening schedule includes the following films:

Thursday, July 2 | Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Friday, July 10 | Selena y Los Dinos
Friday, July 17 | Cookie Queens
Friday, July 24 | Best in Show
Thursday, August 20 | Arrival
Thursday, August 27 | Jurassic Park

Since 2007, UCSB Reads has fostered a shared sense of belonging by bringing the UCSB campus and Santa Barbara communities together to read a common book that explores compelling issues of our time. Conceived by then Executive Vice Chancellor Gene Lucas, the program is led by the UCSB Library in collaboration with campus and community partners. Each year, a committee of UCSB faculty, students, staff, and community members selects a thought-provoking, interdisciplinary book written by a living author that encourages a wide range of readers to engage with a contemporary social, political, cultural or scientific issue such as climate change, racial justice, technology, memory, identity, and democracy.

The program kicks off in winter with a book giveaway for UCSB students led by the Chancellor, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, and University Librarian, and culminates with a free public talk by the book’s author(s) at Campbell Hall in the spring. Throughout the winter and spring quarters, the Library sponsors a variety of free learning, experiential, and social events to explore the book’s themes. The selected book is also incorporated into the university curriculum for winter and spring, allowing students to explore its themes in an academic context. UCSB Reads is generously supported by many individuals, university departments, and organizations.

This exhibition highlights the history of UCSB Reads since its inception, featuring promotional posters, selected books, custom bookmarks along with testimonials and images of participants engaging with programming throughout the years. UCSB Reads has become a beloved campus tradition that brings together thousands of people every year and demonstrates the power of literature to bridge divides, promote intellectual engagement, and build community.

The schedule for August includes:

A New Culture of Warfare? How Modern Conflicts Might Shape Twenty-First Century Global Affairs (Three Parts) with Dr. David Livingstone — Mondays, July 25, August 3 and 10, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Zoom and Thousand Oaks campus

Exploring Islamic Art: Beauty, Pattern, and Meaning Across Cultures with Dr. Sophia Momand — Wednesday, August 5, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Zoom and Thousand Oaks campus

The Maya and Climate Change: Human Environmental Relationships in the Classic Period Lowlands (Two Parts) with Dr. Ken Seligson — Thursday, August 6 and 13, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Zoom

Armchair Traveler Visits Saint Petersburg, the Cultural Capital of Russia with Dr. Asya Pereltsvaig — Tuesday, August 11, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Zoom

This year’s theme "Wild is the Night" lineup brings together stories of discovery, connection, and the unexpected from wild adventures and larger-than-life journeys to moments of transformation that change us forever. Across each film, we’re reminded that when we step beyond the familiar and into the unknown, we open ourselves to wonder, possibility, and the kind of magic that can only be found after dark. You can bring friends and family to mingle, to picnic, to meet the filmmakers from the films screening; and to make meaningful summer, the screening schedule includes the following films:

Thursday, July 2 | Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Friday, July 10 | Selena y Los Dinos
Friday, July 17 | Cookie Queens
Friday, July 24 | Best in Show
Thursday, August 20 | Arrival
Thursday, August 27 | Jurassic Park

Ventura County's outdoor summer concert series, Rock the Collection, is returning for four nights of live music spanning genres and generations. This year's lineup leans into the power of the tribute act — performers who have spent years perfecting the sound, energy and theatrics of some of the most iconic artists in music history. Attendees are invited to explore culinary offerings from the various eateries at The Collection before claiming a spot on the lawn with a chair or blanket and settling in with family and friends.

Rock the Collection is presented by Ventura County Credit Union. All concerts are FREE and take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Collection Park.

2026 Schedule
Date Artist Genre
July 29 The K-Tel All-Stars '70s Tribute Band
Aug. 12 DSB A Tribute to Journey
Aug. 26 Twisted Gypsy A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Sept. 9 That's What I Like A Tribute to Bruno Mars

Ventura County's outdoor summer concert series, Rock the Collection, is returning for four nights of live music spanning genres and generations. This year's lineup leans into the power of the tribute act — performers who have spent years perfecting the sound, energy and theatrics of some of the most iconic artists in music history. Attendees are invited to explore culinary offerings from the various eateries at The Collection before claiming a spot on the lawn with a chair or blanket and settling in with family and friends.

Rock the Collection is presented by Ventura County Credit Union. All concerts are FREE and take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Collection Park.

2026 Schedule
Date Artist Genre
July 29 The K-Tel All-Stars '70s Tribute Band
Aug. 12 DSB A Tribute to Journey
Aug. 26 Twisted Gypsy A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Sept. 9 That's What I Like A Tribute to Bruno Mars

Ventura County's outdoor summer concert series, Rock the Collection, is returning for four nights of live music spanning genres and generations. This year's lineup leans into the power of the tribute act — performers who have spent years perfecting the sound, energy and theatrics of some of the most iconic artists in music history. Attendees are invited to explore culinary offerings from the various eateries at The Collection before claiming a spot on the lawn with a chair or blanket and settling in with family and friends.

Rock the Collection is presented by Ventura County Credit Union. All concerts are FREE and take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Collection Park.

2026 Schedule
Date Artist Genre
July 29 The K-Tel All-Stars '70s Tribute Band
Aug. 12 DSB A Tribute to Journey
Aug. 26 Twisted Gypsy A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Sept. 9 That's What I Like A Tribute to Bruno Mars

Ventura County's outdoor summer concert series, Rock the Collection, is returning for four nights of live music spanning genres and generations. This year's lineup leans into the power of the tribute act — performers who have spent years perfecting the sound, energy and theatrics of some of the most iconic artists in music history. Attendees are invited to explore culinary offerings from the various eateries at The Collection before claiming a spot on the lawn with a chair or blanket and settling in with family and friends.

Rock the Collection is presented by Ventura County Credit Union. All concerts are FREE and take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Collection Park.

2026 Schedule
Date Artist Genre
July 29 The K-Tel All-Stars '70s Tribute Band
Aug. 12 DSB A Tribute to Journey
Aug. 26 Twisted Gypsy A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Sept. 9 That's What I Like A Tribute to Bruno Mars

Since 2007, UCSB Reads has fostered a shared sense of belonging by bringing the UCSB campus and Santa Barbara communities together to read a common book that explores compelling issues of our time. Conceived by then Executive Vice Chancellor Gene Lucas, the program is led by the UCSB Library in collaboration with campus and community partners. Each year, a committee of UCSB faculty, students, staff, and community members selects a thought-provoking, interdisciplinary book written by a living author that encourages a wide range of readers to engage with a contemporary social, political, cultural or scientific issue such as climate change, racial justice, technology, memory, identity, and democracy.

The program kicks off in winter with a book giveaway for UCSB students led by the Chancellor, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, and University Librarian, and culminates with a free public talk by the book’s author(s) at Campbell Hall in the spring. Throughout the winter and spring quarters, the Library sponsors a variety of free learning, experiential, and social events to explore the book’s themes. The selected book is also incorporated into the university curriculum for winter and spring, allowing students to explore its themes in an academic context. UCSB Reads is generously supported by many individuals, university departments, and organizations.

This exhibition highlights the history of UCSB Reads since its inception, featuring promotional posters, selected books, custom bookmarks along with testimonials and images of participants engaging with programming throughout the years. UCSB Reads has become a beloved campus tradition that brings together thousands of people every year and demonstrates the power of literature to bridge divides, promote intellectual engagement, and build community.