Going North

* Alfresco--The Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara will begin its summer picnic concerts on Friday. The academy’s gardens will open for twilight picnicking, followed by an 8 p.m. concert at Abravanel Hall, featuring young artists in a variety of musical selections. The campus is at 1070 Fairway Road. $10. 969-8787.

* Stage--Santa Barbara Civic Light Opera will open “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” Friday at the Granada Theatre, 1216 State St. Show times: Wednesday-Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m. Through July 30. $10-$39.50. 966-2324.

* Festival--The Pacific Pride Foundation will present Santa Barbara’s ninth annual Gay and Lesbian Pride at the Beach Festival on Saturday at Leadbetter Beach. There will be arts and crafts vendors, food and live entertainment. Free. 963-3636, Ext. 121.

* Rhythm--Dodo Munoko and La Rumba Band will perform high-energy soukous music Saturday in the “Dancing Under the Influence” series at SohO Restaurant, 1221 State St., Santa Barbara. Show time: 9:30 p.m. Dinner reservations ensure priority seating. $8. 962-7776.

* Dance--The annual Summerdance Santa Barbara will return Monday at 5 p.m. with a free opening celebration at Paseo Nuevo shopping center. The seasonal event offers open forums, panel discussions, lectures and performances around Santa Barbara. Activities will continue through July 28. Performance highlights include the Doug Elkins Dance Company and Tere O’Connor Dance. For more information or a complete schedule of activities, call 963-0408.