Santa Barbara Bowl
Santa Barbara, CA · Amphitheater
The Santa Barbara Bowl, the historic stone amphitheater built into a hillside above the city, runs a no-bags policy with two exceptions. You can bring a clear plastic bag up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches, or a small handheld purse up to 10 by 7 by 2 inches, about the size of a small hardcover book. Small infant and medical bags can be discussed with security at the gate.
Backpacks, oversized purses, fanny packs, and printed totes all stay home, and there is no bag check, so a non-approved bag has to go back to the car. The walk up to the Bowl is steep, with ocean and mountain views from the terraced seats, so travel light and bring a layer for the evening.
Venue details
Need a concert bag for Santa Barbara Bowl?
Stadium-approved clear bags that meet the policy.
What you can bring
Or a small clutch, up to
10" x 7" x 2"
Does not need to be clear
- Clear plastic bag up to 12" x 6" x 12"
- Small handheld purse or clutch up to 10" x 7" x 2", about the size of a small book
- Small infant and medical bags, discussed at the security check
Not allowed inside
- Backpacks and oversized purses
- Fanny packs and camera bags
- Printed tote bags
- Camera equipment, laptops, and drones
- Strollers, flashlights, and laser pointers
The Bowl runs a no-bags policy with two exceptions, a clear bag up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches or a small handheld purse up to 10 by 7 by 2 inches. Small infant and medical bags can be discussed with security at the gate.
Upcoming events
Heading to a show at Santa Barbara Bowl? Here are the next events, with tickets on StubHub and SeatGeek so you can compare before you buy. The bag policy above applies to every one of them.
Browse all upcoming concerts →
No bag that fits? Plan ahead
The Santa Barbara Bowl does not offer bag storage, so a backpack or oversized purse has to return to your vehicle. The walk up to the historic Bowl is steep, so travel light.
Common questions
What is the Santa Barbara Bowl bag policy?
A no-bags policy with two exceptions, a clear bag up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches or a small handheld purse up to 10 by 7 by 2 inches.
Are backpacks allowed at the Santa Barbara Bowl?
No. Backpacks, oversized purses, fanny packs, and printed totes are not allowed.
Can I bring a small purse to the Santa Barbara Bowl?
Yes, a small handheld purse up to 10 by 7 by 2 inches, about the size of a small hardcover book.
What should I know before a Santa Barbara Bowl show?
The walk up to the historic hillside Bowl is steep, so travel light and bring layers for the evening.
Getting there
Gates open
Gates usually open 60 to 90 minutes before showtime. Arrive early, since the walk up the hillside takes time.
Parking
Street and neighborhood parking surrounds the Bowl, with shuttles running from downtown lots on show nights. Spaces are limited, so plan ahead.
Public transit
MTD buses serve the Milpas Street area near the Bowl, and many fans walk or take a shuttle from downtown Santa Barbara.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft drop off near the Bowl, though the uphill walk to the seats remains. Expect waits after the show.
Seating chart
Verified June 2026 against the Santa Barbara Bowl official policy. Rules can change for one-off events, so check your event page too.