Open Mic & Art Gallery Nights at the Library!

Open Mic & Art Gallery Nights at the Library!

Take the stage and share your voice, or take to your canvas and share your visual art! All are invited to Santa Barbara Public Library's Open Mic & Art Gallery programming in 2026. This series is a celebration of creativity, community, and self-expression in all its forms, and everyone is invited to attend or perform!

Join us for the first event in the series on Friday, January 30 from 6-7:30pm in Central Library's Fireplace Room.

Following each Open Mic Night event, the library will host a month-long gallery exhibit in the Faulkner Side Galleries, featuring artwork submitted by participating artists. Library visitors can enjoy the art pieces throughout the month and learn more about upcoming Open Mic & Art Gallery events!

Upcoming Programs:

• Friday, January 30 | 6-7:30pm
• Friday, April 24 | 6-7:30pm
• Friday, July 31 | 6-7:30pm
• Friday, October 30 | 6-7:30pm

What kind of performances?

We want this to be a place where all forms of expression can shine and are welcome! Some examples are: spoken word, music, poetry, comedy, dance, and more.

Who can participate?

Everyone! You don't need to be a professional artist or experienced performer. Whether this is your first performance or you've been sharing your art for years, we welcome your participation!

What is the selection process? Santa Barbara community members are invited to pre-register to guarantee time to perform and submit art pieces at an upcoming open mic program. As time allows, there will be a sign-up sheet for attendees to sign up to perform on the day of.

Where and when is the Open Mic Night & Art Gallery?

Events take place at Central Library (40 E. Anapamu Street) in the Library's cozy and welcoming Fireplace Room.