As autumn begins, Isla Vista Recreation & Park District (IVRPD) is partnering with UC Santa Barbara’s Community Housing Services and Isla Vista Community Services District to host the annual Welcome Back Concert in Anisq’Oyo, Park, to mark the start of Fall Quarter and welcome back students to Isla Vista.
The concert, 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, will offer live music featuring a lineup of local artists; vendor market hosted by Thriftopia with crafts and clothing; resource tables by local organizations including the IV Tenants Union, Isla Vista Community Services District, UCSB’s Community Housing Services; lawn games like life-sized Jenga; food and drinks; and free distribution of ice cream sandwiches, courtesy of IV Drip.
IVRPD has allocated a portion of its Measure O Budget to ensure the event remains free for the Isla Vista community.
“Back to school is always an exciting time,” said Supervisor Laura Capps, chair of the Santa Barbara County Board. “I’m proud that the Isla Vista Recreation & Park District and others like the Isla Vista Community Services District, UCSB housing, and more are coming together to welcome, support, and celebrate students as they return to school for the year ahead.”
“We have evolved our Music in the Park Series that showcased free local musical performances in our downtown amphitheater into learning what it is to be an Isla Vistan by exploring the tabling resources from our partners that the community has to offer to new and old residents alike,” said Kimberly Kiefer, IVRPD general manager.
“We are hoping that through this community experience residents of Isla Vista and UCSB housing can come celebrate the beginning of their ’25-’26 academic year,” said Jennifer Birchim, assistant director of UCSB University and Community Housing.
“Through connection we feel strongly that residents will feel a collective responsibility to unite in the safety, security and well-being of Isla Vista’s unique culture and community,” Birchim said.
“This annual Welcome Back Concert has become a staple for our Isla Vista Community. I am so glad leaders from UCSB and Isla Vista can come together to create a fun, safe and inviting atmosphere to kick off the 2025 school year,” said Myah Mashhadialireza, Isla Vista Community Services District’s Community Programs and Engagement director.
A limited quantity of snacks and lite refreshments will be provided while supplies last.
Attendees are encouraged to travel to the event by bicycle, skateboard, on foot, by bus (direct routes to the park include Santa Barbara MTD Lines 11, 15x, 25x, and 27), or by means of alternative transportation.
To request ADA accommodations, email ivrpd@ivparks.org or call 805-968-2017.