Entry No. 30 — the Santa Barbara file — filed under: morbid history

Lobero Theatre

California's oldest continuously operating theater is named for a man it outlived: Italian trombonist José Lobero converted an adobe schoolhouse into the theater in 1873, lost it to creditors after twelve years, and died by suicide in Santa Barbara in 1892 at age 69. The 1924 Spanish Colonial Revival hall standing today was built on the footprint of his original stage.

The move: Book whatever's on the Lobero's calendar — Opera Santa Barbara, State Street Ballet, a touring act — in the hall built on the ashes of Lobero's original theater, then find his name on the building's history plaque before the house lights come up.

• 📍 Downtown Santa Barbara
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 33 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: Wikipedia · Official site

last checked: 2026-07-20