Celebrating 101 years, Old Spanish Days Fiesta has reigned as the summer event that locals and visitors alike look forward to each August in Santa Barbara. Taking place this year from July 30 to Aug. 3, the streets of downtown Santa Barbara glisten with papel picado (colorful paper flags) and street vendors, while live music, caballo (horses), mercados (markets) and the historic parade take festival-goers back in time. This annual festival is a celebration of the area’s rich history and diversity, with influences from Spanish, Mexican and Native American cultures.
Old Spanish Days Fiesta returns with a bang, featuring iconic events such as the El Desfile Histórico and Flor y Canto. Keep reading for the ultimate itinerary of events to attend at this year’s Fiesta celebration.
Visit Santa Barbara would like to remind the festival-goers that throwing and leaving confetti, sequins and glitter on the ground is considered littering. Using paper confetti only, sparingly, is encouraged.
WEDNESDAY, July 30
Courthouse Fiesta Tours from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Free one-hour, docent-guided tours of the beautiful historic landmark take place every hour between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 30 through Sunday, Aug. 3. The tour meets and begins in the iconic Mural Room at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.
Cost: Free to attend
El Mercado de la Guerra from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
This lively Mexican market has everything from souvenirs, live entertainment to authentic Mexican and Spanish cuisine. Located across from City Hall in downtown Santa Barbara, El Mercado De La Guerra is a great way to officially kick off Old Spanish Days Fiesta. This market is open every day of Old Spanish Days Fiesta through Saturday, Aug. 2.
Cost: Free to attend
La Fiesta Pequeña from 8-10 p.m.
Head into the evening at Old Mission Santa Barbara with the anticipated La Fiesta Pequeña, meaning “little fiesta,” and enjoy classic dance performances from Californios Spirit.
Cost: Free to attend
THURSDAY, July 31
La Misa del Presidente at 10 a.m.
This Roman Catholic Mass dates back to the first day of Fiesta in 1936 and today is followed by a festive reception in Old Mission Santa Barbara’s Sacred Garden.
Cost: Free to attend
DIGS! (Celebración de los Dignatarios) from 5-10 p.m.
Go to the Santa Barbara Zoo, for DIGS!, a ticketed, all-inclusive event for an evening of wild animals, food, music and dancing. DIGS! is a 21+ event, as there will be a wide selection of local wine, beer and tequila served all night long.
Cost: $135 per person (early bird)
Noches de Ronda from 8-10 p.m.
Noches de Ronda, translating to “night watch,” takes place at the Sunken Garden of the Santa Barbara Courthouse through Saturday, Aug. 2, where spectators can view various types of performances, including California-style dance and music, contemporary flamenco and folklórico traditions.
Cost: Free to attend
FRIDAY, AUG. 1
El Desfile Histórico starting at 12 p.m.
Historically held on State Street, this year El Desfile Histórico boasts a brand-new route: Cabrillo Boulevard to Calle Cesar Chavez and back. The parade features antique coaches, carriages and wagons, floats and over 600 horses. Parade attendees will be able to park in the downtown parking garages, where they can take a shuttle — free of charge — to the parade route. This service is offered courtesy of the City of Santa Barbara and Downtown Santa Barbara.
Cost: Free to attend
Flor y Canto from 7-8 p.m.
Held at the Sunken Gardens of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Flor y Canto is a short-but-sweet celebration of Spanish music and dancing.
Cost: Free to attend
SATURDAY, AUg. 2
El Desfile de los Niños starting at 10 a.m.The charming Children’s Parade is a favorite fiesta event. This year, El Desfile de los Niños will take place along Cabrillo Boulevard, from Garden Street to Calle Puerto Vallarta. This parade highlights young people of Santa Barbara and their families as they don traditional costumes to celebrate the rich culture of the area. Children walk, ride in wagons and dance down the parade route!
Cost: Free to attend
Mujeres Makers Market from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
From Aug. 2-3, join this popular monthly market for its Fiesta edition. Mujeres Makers Market promotes community and unity amongst women creatives and highlights women of color. Come shop and support over 50 women-owned businesses at this outdoor event at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park.
Cost: Free to attend
Tardes de Ronda from 1-4 p.m.
Tardes de Ronda showcases Fiesta’s youngest performers — dancers under 13 — sharing their passion on the iconic Sunken Gardens stage at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. This free, family-friendly event is a heartwarming celebration of tradition in motion.
Cost: Free to attend.
Fiesta on Stearns Wharf from 2-9 p.m.
For one of the best views of Santa Barbara, head to Stearns Wharf after the Children’s Fiesta Parade on Cabrillo Boulevard. Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca will present a captivating Mexican folklórico dance showcase, free for all to enjoy. Following their participation in the parade, the dancers, dressed in vibrant traditional costumes, will perform a series of dances that celebrate their rich cultural heritage.
Cost: Free to attend.
28th Annual Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival starting at 5 p.m.
The Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival returns to the Santa Barbara Bowl for its 28th year. Grab your tickets to witness performances from Mariachi Las Catrinas, Mariachi Leyendas del Mariachi and Mariachi Los Galleros de Danny Rey.
Cost: Ticket prices to be announced
Sunday, Aug. 3
Fiesta Arts and Crafts Show from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. along Cabrillo Boulevard
Close out the week’s festivities with a stroll through the Fiesta Arts and Crafts Show on Cabrillo Boulevard, where you can discover expertly crafted pottery, jewelry, home decor, art and more.
Cost: Free to attend.
