Old Spanish Days Fiesta draws large and loyal crowds to Santa Barbara year after year, in celebration of Santa Barbara’s heritage and traditions. From July 31 – August 4, we invite you to join the 95th annual event (event schedule below)!
Wednesday, July 31st, 2019
As the August sun slowly sets behind the “Queen of the Missions”, experience the Franciscans hospitality as they welcome all to enjoy the official opening of Old Spanish Days Fiesta at this beautiful setting as they have since 1927. La Fiesta Pequeña, “Little Fiesta”, is a colorful, historical program which includes traditional songs and dance from Californios Spirit. This event is free to the public.
Blankets, chairs or any other items left to reserve seating at Fiesta Pequena will not be allowed until 6 AM on Wednesday, the morning of the show. Any items before this time will be removed and confiscated by the City Parks Department. Thank you for your compliance.
Mercados
El Mercado de La Guerra (Wednesday - Saturday)
11a - 11p
Stroll through a colorful Mexican market (across from City Hall) to feast on Spanish and Mexican-American foods, shop for crafts and souvenirs, and enjoy live entertainment all day and into the early evening.
Mercado de la Guerra is located in De La Guerra Plaza, on the first block of East De la Guerra Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
El Mercado del Norte (Wednesday - Saturday)
11a - 11p
Come for the fun and the food, stay for the music and dancing. Check out our four distinct "neighborhoods" for all of the family: the food court where you can watch daily entertainment and enjoy Fiesta foods; the Fiesta Bazaar for souvenirs; Fiesta Carnival with rides and attractions for the kids; and the Crazy Horse Cantina for icy cold beer and live entertainment in the evening to get you out on the dance floor. Mercado Del Norte is located in Mackenzie Park at the corner of State Street and Las Positas Street in the San Roque area.
Wristbands for the Carnival are $30 on Wednesday and Thursday and $35 on Friday and Saturday.
Thursday, August 1st, 2019
8pm
Las Noches de Ronda, “Nights of Gaiety” is held in the famous Sunken Gardens of the beautiful Santa Barbara County Courthouse. The evening performances feature spectacular dances and songs from the fire of flamenco to the charm of Mexican folklórico dances. Over 200 performers entertain nightly and donate their time to this wonderful event. Admission is free to the public.
Blankets and chairs can be set up no earlier than 9 AM on the day of the event - please note that anything of plastic or nylon material will be removed.
5–10pm
Now All Inclusive! Santa Barbara's wildest and most talked about party happens just once a year at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Experience which wines and tequilas pair with a stunning sunset over the Pacific while you stroll the lush gardens of the beautiful Santa Barbara Zoo. Come hungry, food from the Central Coast's finest eateries is included in the price of the ticket and drinks are included as well. Then party the night away to the best dance sounds of DJ Hecktik.
For guests ages 21+ only.
Friday, August 2nd, 2019
12pm
This year marks the 95th anniversary of the Fiesta Historical Parade. It is unique to Santa Barbara and features floats depicting episodes from the history of the state and city. Descendants of local Native Americans, Spanish Pioneers, the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West, and local service clubs and organizations all reenact historical scenes. It is one of the nation’s largest equestrian parades, featuring over 600 horses, as well as many antique carriages, coaches, and wagons. The parade starts at the west end of Cabrillo Boulevard, proceeds east along the beach to State Street, then up State Street to Sola Street.
Viewing the Parade is free. Seats can be set up ahead of time along the State Street segment of the Parade route only - seats can be set up no earlier than 5 PM on Thursday, August 1st. Old Spanish Days provides a section of shaded, guaranteed seating along Cabrillo Boulevard between Bath and Chapala streets. General tickets and deluxe tickets are on sale soon! (space is limited)
8pm
Las Noches de Ronda, “Nights of Gaiety” is held in the famous Sunken Gardens of the beautiful Santa Barbara County Courthouse. The evening performances feature spectacular dances and songs from the fire of flamenco to the charm of Mexican folklórico dances. Over 200 performers entertain nightly and donate their time to this wonderful event. Admission is free to the public.
Blankets and chairs can be set up no earlier than 9 AM on the day of the event - please note that anything of plastic or nylon material will be removed.
7pm
Here is a rare opportunity to see the original Spanish California dances & songs of the 19th century. Interwoven with historic narration, the musical numbers are accompanied on replica acoustic instruments. These unique songs & dances are performed by local residents in authentic costumes much as they would have been 150 years ago. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the show!
Saturday, August 3rd, 2019
10am
The charming Children's Parade is organized by the City Parks and Recreation Department. Young people of Santa Barbara, their parents, and other parade participants don traditional costumes and celebrate the rich culture of the area. The parade proceeds down State Street, from Victoria Street to Ortega Street. Viewing the parade is free.
To participate in the parade please call the Parks and Recreation Department at (805) 564-5418 for information and an application.
Ice cream for Parade participants is sponsored by MarBorg Industries.
1–5pm
Held in the historical Sunken Gardens on Saturday afternoon, the always highly attended “Afternoon of Gaiety” features the talents of performers under the age of sixteen. The Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens are located at 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
8pm
Las Noches de Ronda, “Nights of Gaiety” is held in the famous Sunken Gardens of the beautiful Santa Barbara County Courthouse. The evening performances feature spectacular dances and songs from the fire of flamenco to the charm of Mexican folklórico dances. Over 200 performers entertain nightly and donate their time to this wonderful event. Admission is free to the public.
Blankets and chairs can be set up no earlier than 9 AM on the day of the event - please note that anything of plastic or nylon material will be removed.
Sunday, August, 4th 2019
10AM - 4PM
All makes, all models car show at 632 East Canon Perdido Street on Sunday, August 4rth, 10 AM – 4 PM. Featuring live music, vendors, beer garden, raffle prizes and lots of exceptional cars. Trophies given for cars from the 1930’s – 2000’s, 1st-2nd-3rd. All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara. Event is co-hosted by the High Rollers Car Club. For more information please call (805) 962-2382 or email info@boysgirls.org
3:30pm
Bring the family, snacks, and lawn chairs for an afternoon of beautiful music conducted by Dr. Michael Shasberger. Held at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
5:30PM - 9:00PM
Watch art ‘come to life’ with flamenco! Enjoy fabulous cuisine, costume contest, professional performance, auction, lively music and dancing, all while raising scholarship funds for artists, dancers, musicians, authors and actors. Fiesta costume or cocktail attire. Produced by the Profant Foundation, celebrating 20 years as a non-profit organization, and nearly 100 years of Fiesta parties! Tickets: jeprofant@gmail.com ; $225/person, or $1000 VIP booth for 4 people
For a more detailed list of events please visit the Old Spanish Days site
Content and photos courtesy of OSD site