July 5 was an evening so loaded with arts and culture, it could only happen in downtown Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden lawn was strewn with blankets and chairs filled with movie fans waiting to watch Roman Holiday, the 1953 romantic comedy starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn.

A block or two away, galleries of the Historic Art District welcomed art lovers in a mini Friday evening edition of 1st Thursday, to make up for the regular monthly art walk giving way to the July 4 festivities the night before.

To complete the event, Downtown Santa Barbara (DSB) hosted two music performances on State Street, in the kick-off of the Rock Around the Block pop-up music series.

“We wanted to enhance the Summer Movie Series experience by adding an additional element to summer Friday evenings,” said Carrie Kelly, DSB executive director. “We invite everyone to come downtown, have a bite to eat, do a little shopping, enjoy the music, then settle in for Those Fabulous Fifties films.”

In addition, DSB restaurants are offering Dinner & a Movie selections, such has special pricing at Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant & Take Out; and 20 percent off everything at Sushi Tyme, with a mention of the movies series.

Before the Peck/Hepburn classic, people strolling past the Santa Barbara Museum of Art were entertained by the music of Chill Point; and farther down State Street, guitarist David Segall serenaded diners near Andersen’s Danish Bakery & Restaurant.

At 10 West Gallery, 10 W. Anapamu St., owner Mark Walker hosted a steady stream of art lovers. “It was great to see all the energy in the downtown area,” he said. “So many people were out enjoying all that downtown SB has to offer.”

Several galleries exhibiting works by local artists plan to remain open later on Fridays throughout the summer, except on Aug. 2 during Fiesta.

The music/art/movies continue through August (except Aug. 2). The schedule is as follows:

July 12: Movie North by Northwest; Rock Around the Block: Mission Canyon Band*

July 19: Movie Rebel Without a Cause; John Lyle

July 26: Movie Some Like it Hot; SB Trombone Quartet

Aug. 9: Movie On the Waterfront; Out of the Blue

Aug. 16: Movie High Noon; Bill Rotella AND Stray Herd

Aug. 23: Movie Sunset Boulevard; Donna Green & the Roadhouse Daddies

*Rock Around the Block is a pop-up music series; locations on State Street vary. Alternate sites may include Andersen’s, 1106 State; and Benchmark eatery, 1201 State, 5-8 p.m.

— Kate Schwab for Downtown Santa Barbara.