Started in 1995, this open-door, drop-in recreation program for children in grades K through 6th, provides a variety of activities including arts & craft projects, educational games, sports, contests, and daily snacks. The program is free for Isla Vista residents and $100 per month for non-Isla Vista residents. The program is run at Children’s Park, 6681 Picasso Rd.

The Exploration Club is a free Saturday program which takes youth on field trips to local parks, preserves, beaches, museums, and hiking trails in the Santa Barbara area. The program is free for Isla Vista residents, some field trips require a nominal admission fee for museums, water parks, etc. The program meets at Children’s Park, 6681 Picasso Rd.

In collaboration with the Santa Barbara Food Bank, IVRPD is hosting the Picnic in the Park summer lunch program to provide free lunches for local Goleta/Santa Barbara area youth under the age of 18 at Estero Park, 889 Camino Del Sur.

“Music in the Park” is a recurring special event hosted by Isla Vista Recreation and Park District (IVRPD) that features live music along with food, games, activities, vendors, and tabling from event sponsors. Each year, IVRPD celebrates the tradition of live music in Isla Vista by showcasing local bands and artists in a festival-format that spans 4 consecutive weekends. “Music in the Park” occurs during Fall and Spring quarter of each year in the iconic Anisq’Oyo’ Park Amphitheater as part of IVRPD’s calendar of special events that are designed to provide high quality recreational programming, free to the Isla Vista community.

This premier live music and entertainment event takes place each Fall, aligning with the beginning of UCSB’s academic quarter. It offers local Isla Vista musicians, artists, and student groups a platform to showcase their creative talents, foster community, and engage in meaningful public dialogue. The Fall concert series is a vibrant celebration of the diverse cultural and artistic expressions within the community. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic mix of musical genres and captivating performances.

The Halloween Pumpkin Patch is an immersive theatrical experience featuring live performance actors, interactive storytelling, and decorative landscapes of light, sound, and color that dazzle and delight participants as they embark on their quest through mystical realms to retrieve their pumpkin souvenir – and much more! This premier event has attracted over 10,000 attendees in the last two years, making it one of Isla Vista’s most popular seasonal celebrations.

This year’s Día de Los Muertos event will create an inviting and family-friendly communal space for people to honor and remember loved ones in a colorful, joyful atmosphere. Join us as we celebrate the rich tapestry of this Mexican cultural holiday with live music performed by Mariachi Mexicanismo, handmade tamales, homemade ponche, loteria, folklorico storytelling, tissue paper flower and calavera coloring sheets, and an evening devoted to making ofrendas.

This joyous occasion brings people together to celebrate the holiday spirit amongst a lively and festive atmosphere of decorative lights, fresh food, music, and more. This year, guests will be able to enjoy a taco bar prepared by Super Cucas featuring steak, chicken, and veggie options, including ponche and Mexican hot chocolate. The sweet sounds of Mariachi Mexicanismo will fill the air, inviting guests to join in song and dance. For those feeling crafty, a gingerbread house-making competition will test the best’s skills and feature a selection of prizes to be announced. IVRPD will also be leading an ornament decorating activity where guests can create take-home souvenirs along with a free small Christmas tree and goodie bag filled with festive holiday surprises. IVRPD’s lighting and decorations will remain on display for one entire month following the event for everyone to enjoy. Visit these illuminated nighttime locations at Estero Park Red Barn, Little Acorn, Anisq’Oyo’ Park Pumphouse, and IVRPD’s District Office, located at 961 Embarcadero Del Mar.

This event celebrates Black culture by showcasing local artists of color through art, music, food, and more. This year’s event will proudly feature a special tribute honoring the life and work of poet Sojourner Kincaid Rolle, presented by Alla McKeon & The Rahkas. A spoken word poetry program will follow, hosted by Sade Champagne and friends, along with children’s story telling, rock painting, and a closing ceremony performance by local indigenous group, Tolteka Izkalot.

This premier live music and entertainment event occurs each Spring season, coinciding with the start of UCSB’s Spring academic quarter, providing local Isla Vista musicians, artists, and student groups the opportunity to showcase their creative talents, build community, and engage in meaningful public dialogue.