For 100 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 31 to Aug. 4, 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. Celebrating it’s centennial year, 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.
PRE-FIESTA EVENTS
Project Fiesta! Centennial Exhibit Celebrating Fiesta’s 100th Year, every Wednesday-Sunday between July 12-Nov. 1
The Santa Barbara Historical Museum is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Old Spanish Days Fiesta with an expanded Project Fiesta! exhibition. Project Fiesta! features the largest collection of annual Fiesta posters ever displayed, with most from the Museum’s extensive collection and some on loan from the community. The exhibition includes footage of the first 1924 El Desfile Histórico (The Historical Parade), showcasing riders on horses with silver-trimmed saddles, flower-adorned carriages and wagons and high-stepping “dancing” horses. Also on display are a saddle with Fiesta’s official crest and another adorned with hand-tooled silver and semiprecious gems.
Cost: Free to attend.
Noche de Gala, July 27 from 5-8:30 p.m.
Celebrate Spanish culture at Casa del Herrero‘s Noche de Gala, the weekend before Old Spanish Days Fiesta. This cherished event returns with modern twists at Montecito’s only National Historic Landmark, where you’ll enjoy Spanish food, architecture, music and more!
Cost: Starting at $250 per person
WEDNESDAY, July 31
Courthouse Fiesta Tours between 10:30 a.m.-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 31 through Sunday, Aug. 4. 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. 3.
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, Aug. 1
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: $125 per person (early bird), $150 per person (general), $175 (day of event)
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. 5, 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. 2
Annual Fiesta Friday Party at Loquita starting at 11 a.m.
Immerse yourself in Santa Barbara’s rich Spanish heritage with a flamenco performance at Loquita. Indulge in authentic Spanish cuisine like chorizo y pollo paella, patatas bravas, bocadillo de verduras and churros. Sip on bottomless sangria and enjoy Vandagandr Gin and Lalo Tequila tasting while dancing to DJ A Smooth Exchange. This event is for ages 21+.
Cost: $85
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
Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo
Experience the excitement of the annual Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo, presented by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA), Thursday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 4 at Earl Warren Showgrounds with events featuring a variety of thrilling competitions. These events include bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer stopping, mutton bustin’, saddle bronc riding, PRCA team roping, barrel racing and bull riding.
Cost: $30 per adult, $15-$20 per child (under 12 years old)
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—celebrating its 20th year this year!
Cost: Free to attend
Flamenco Arts Festival Gala featuring Mercedes de Córdoba starting at 6 p.m.
Join the 25th Flamenco Arts Festival in celebrating the dance expression of award-winning flamenco dancer Mercedes de Córdoba, joined by an outstanding group of musicians: Juan Campallo on guitar, Paco Vega on percussion, and vocals by Jesus Corbacho and Pepe de Pura at Lobero Theatre.
Cost: $54-$154 per person
Flamenco Arts Festival Gala After Party starting at 9:30 p.m.
Meet the artists from the Flamenco Arts Festival gala and enjoy music, delicious Spanish cuisine, tapas and beverages, and giveaways at the Lobero Theatre Courtyard. The event is catered by acclaimed L.A. Chef Roger Navas-Balladares.
Cost: $154 per ticket (VIP tickets only)
SATURDAY, AUg. 3
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 Saturday, Aug. 3 to Sunday, Aug. 4, 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
Fiesta on Stearns Wharf from 3-4 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.
27th Annual Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival starting at 5 p.m.
The Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival returns to the Santa Barbara Bowl for its 27th 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. 4
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.
