Old Spanish Days Fiesta

July 30-August 3, 2025
 

Santa Barbara Courthouse & venues throughout downtown
Free-to-fee, sbfiesta.org

Santa Barbara is one of the most authentic and historic tourist destinations maintaining its Spanish roots from the Mission Days. Reflected in an annual celebration, Old Spanish Days Fiesta held annually in the summer. Celebrating over 100 years, the event strives to keep  its traditions, though one of the showpiece events, the Fiesta Stock Horse Show and Rodeo, announced that it was folding after a century of equestrian competitions. Its claim: "The Santa Barbara Fiesta Stock Horse Show and Rodeo is the last remaining Stock Horse Show and Rodeo in California," sadly, may no longer be true.  It's a developing story, but for now they are presenting a show, minus professional rodeo, in Santa Ynez instead of Earl Warren Showgrounds.

TRADITIONS  La Fiesta Pequeña 

July 30, 2025, 8 p.m.

Old Mission Santa Barbara
2201 Laguna St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Free, sbfiesta.org
Fiestas in the Spanish and Mexican tradition have always been closely connected with church celebrations so historic Old Mission Santa Barbara hosted a sunset service for the festival in 1926. An Ecclesiastical Procession along the Mission corridor up to the steps of the Mission with addresses by dignitaries, music, dancing and ending with a reception has continued to open with this program since 1927 and is called Fiesta Pequena, Little Fiesta.

TRADITIONS  Mercado De La Guerra

July 30-August 2, 2025, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

De La Guerra Plaza
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Free, sbfiesta.org

• Authentic Spanish and Mexican-American cuisine
• Handcrafted items
• Traditional arts
• Cultural goods
• Fiesta merchandise
• Unique treasures

Located across from City Hall, stroll through a colorful Mexican market which includes live entertainment all day and into the early evening.

TRADITIONS Fiesta Historical Parade - El Desfile Histórico

August 1, 2025,  12-1:30 p.m.

Route: The parade runs along Cabrillo Boulevard from Castillo Street to Calle Cesar Chavez.

One of the nation's largest equestrian parades features over 600 horses, many antique carriages, coaches and wagons, floats depicting episodes from the history of the state and city, and descendants of local Native Americans, Spanish Pioneers, the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West, and local service clubs and organizations.

TRADITIONS  Nights of Gaiety - Las Noches de Ronda

July 31-August 2, 2025, 8-10 p.m.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden
1100 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Free, sbfiesta.org
From the fire of flamenco to the charm of Mexican folklórico dances, spectacular dances and songs in the cool night air offer an authentic, free experience rolling back the clock to another time.

 Wednesday, July 30, 2025

• Santa Barbara County Courthouse Fiesta Tours 10:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.  1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, free.
• El Mercado de la Guerra 11 a.m. -10 p.m. Mexican market with food courts, shopping and carnival rides on the first block of East De La Guerra Street, Santa Barbara
• La Fiesta Pequeña; 8-10 p.m. Traditional songs and dances: tunes of the Californios, Flamenco, Spanish classical and Mexican folklórico dances. Old Mission Santa Barbara, 2201 Laguna Street, free.

Thursday, July 31, 2025

• Santa Barbara County Courthouse Fiesta Tours 10:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.  1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, free.
• La Misa del Presidente 10 a.m. The Mass of the President at Old Mission Santa Barbara is free
• El Mercado de la Guerra 11 a.m. -10 p.m. Mexican market with food courts, shopping and carnival rides on the first block of East De La Guerra Street, Santa Barbara
• Celebración de los Dignatarios 5-10 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Niños Drive, Santa Barbara, CA $173.08  Public can buy tickets and attend this fundraiser at the zoo
• Las Noches de Ronda 8 p.m. at Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa Street, free.

Friday, August 1, 2025

• Santa Barbara County Courthouse Fiesta Tours 10:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.  1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, free.
• El Mercado de la Guerra 11 a.m. -10 p.m. Mexican market with food courts, shopping and carnival rides on the first block of East De La Guerra Street, Santa Barbara
• Fiesta Historical Parade El Desfile Histórico 12-1:30 p.m.
• Flor y Canto 7-8 p.m. original Spanish California dances & songs of the 19th century. Interwoven with historic narration, the musical numbers are accompanied on replica acoustic instruments. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the show. Held at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa Street, free.
• Las Noches de Ronda Nights of Gaiety 8 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens, free.

Saturday, August 2, 2025

• Santa Barbara County Courthouse Fiesta Tours 10:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.  1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, free.
• El Mercado de la Guerra 11 a.m. -10 p.m. Mexican market with food courts, shopping and carnival rides on the first block of East De La Guerra Street, Santa Barbara
• El Desfile De Los Niños (Children's Parade); 10 a.m. proceeds down State Street, from Victoria Street to Ortega Street.
• Fiesta Arts & Crafts Show; Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. , Sunday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Cabrillo Boulevard, west of Stearns Wharf.
• Tarde de Ronda 1 p.m.-4 p.m. free Children's Variety Show at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa Street
• Las Noches de Ronda Nights of Gaiety 8 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens, free.

Sunday

• Santa Barbara County Courthouse Fiesta Tours 10:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.  1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, free.
• Fiesta Arts & Crafts Show 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Cabrillo Boulevard, west of Stearns Wharf.

THE BEGINNING IN 1924

In the year 1924 business people felt Santa Barbara should have an annual summer event to attract and entertain visitors. Community Arts Association opened the new Lobero Theatre, as well.

 

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.