SBIFF 2027 dates
The 42nd Santa Barbara International Film Festival runs February 3 to 13, 2027. It happens every year in early February, during Hollywood's awards season. The festival says it draws about 100,000 attendees.
Tributes announced so far on sbiff.org:
- Andrew Garfield, Maltin Modern Master Award: Saturday, February 6, 2027, 8 p.m.
- John Malkovich, Outstanding Performer of the Year: Friday, February 12, 2027, 8 p.m.
More honorees are usually added as the festival gets closer, so check back on the official site.
How SBIFF tickets work
SBIFF is mostly a pass-based festival: you buy a pass rather than a ticket to each film. The options, from the festival's FAQ:
- Festival passes come in four levels: Concierge, Platinum, Cinema and State Street. Passholders are seated starting 30 minutes before each screening, and every pass except Concierge can be shared with someone else.
- MiniPak: four admissions for a few films. You pick up a "Q card" (a place-in-line card) an hour before the screening.
- Rush tickets: $15 at the door, sold 5 minutes before showtime if there are empty seats. Great for a spontaneous movie.
Pass sales don't offer refunds, and passes and prices are listed on the official site.
Visiting for just a day or two? Skip the pass. Line up for the free films and seminars, then try a $15 rush ticket for an evening screening.
Free things to do at SBIFF
You don't need a pass to enjoy the festival. There are free events every day, first come, first served. In 2026, free film screenings ran at the Arlington Theatre most mornings and early afternoons, and free Filmmaker Seminars (panels with directors, writers and producers) were held at the Music Academy of the West. Look for the 2027 lineup in the festival guide.
The printed festival guide comes out the day before the festival starts, and SBIFF also has an app with the full schedule.
SBIFF venues
| Venue | Address | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Arlington Theatre | 1317 State St. | The big one, home of the star tributes and many free screenings |
| SBIFF Film Center | 916 State St. | Downtown, walkable to restaurants |
| SBIFF Riviera Theatre | 2044 Alameda Padre Serra | Up on the Riviera hillside; free parking lot that can fill up |
| Box office (SBIFF Education Center) | 1330 State St., Suite 101 | Open Feb 1-2, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Feb 3-13, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; street parking only |
Most venues are along State Street, so once you're downtown you can walk between screenings. See our getting around guide for buses and bike share.
FAQ
When is the Santa Barbara Film Festival 2027?
The 42nd Santa Barbara International Film Festival runs February 3 to 13, 2027.
Who is being honored at SBIFF 2027?
So far, Andrew Garfield receives the Maltin Modern Master Award on February 6, and John Malkovich is Outstanding Performer of the Year on February 12. More honorees may be announced.
Can you buy single tickets to SBIFF?
SBIFF is mainly pass-based, but $15 rush tickets go on sale 5 minutes before a film if seats are open, and there are free events every day.
Are there free events at the Santa Barbara Film Festival?
Yes. Free events run daily, first come, first served. In 2026 they included free film screenings at the Arlington Theatre and free filmmaker seminars.
Where is SBIFF held?
Mainly downtown on State Street, at the Arlington Theatre and the SBIFF Film Center, plus the SBIFF Riviera Theatre on the hillside above town.
Make a weekend of it
Fit the festival into our weekend itinerary, have dinner between screenings with our date night ideas, or explore the tasting rooms of the Funk Zone. Flying in? See our Santa Barbara Airport guide.