Events
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Spirit of Fiesta Auditions
Lobero Theatre 33 E. Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara, CAYoung performers dedicate countless hours preparing for this annual event and for the honor to represent Old Spanish Days as the “Spirit of Fiesta” and the “Junior Spirit of Fiesta.”
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Fiesta Poetry Contest
This first-ever Fiesta Poetry Contest adds a new creative wrinkle to the multi-month Old Spanish Days festivities. The competition is open to residents of Santa Barbara County. The contest will offer monetary prizes in three age categories and an opportunity for winners to read their creative work during Old Spanish Days events this summer. Submit Your Entries Today!
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La Primavera
El Paseo Restaurant 813 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, CAPlease join El Presidente 2026, Colin Hayward, and the entire Fiesta family on May 2nd for an unforgettable evening kicking off the Fiesta season at the historic El Paseo Restaurant. Tickets available now.
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Fiesta Dog Parade
Fiesta Dog Parade Begins 800 State Street, Santa Barbara, CAThe first annual Fiesta Dog Parade & Costume Contest, happening May 16, 2026, is a joyful, family-friendly celebration of Santa Barbara’s culture, community spirit, and love of dogs. Inspired by Old Spanish Days Fiesta, this vibrant new tradition brings together locals, businesses, nonprofits, and pet lovers for a one-of-a-kind event filled with color, creativity, and connection.
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Fiesta Ranchera
Rancho La Patera & Stow House 304 N. Los Carneros Road, Goleta, CAJoin us for a festive evening at the beautiful Rancho La Patera garden to sample appetizers, wine, and beer from local restaurants, wineries, and breweries. Enjoy performances by the 2026 Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta and dance the night away, under the stars, with Area 51. 21 and over only. No tickets sold at the door.
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Fiesta Fashion Sale
Santa Barbara Carriage & Western Art Museum 129 Castillo Street, Santa Barbara, CADon't miss out on this perfect opportunity to get Fiesta ready! Held at the Carriage and Western Art Museum.
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La Recepción del Presidente
Santa Barbara Club 1105 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CALa Recepción del Presidente will kick off Fiesta week at the Santa Barbara Club, where the idea of forming Old Spanish Days Fiesta into an organization was first developed 102 years ago. The evening includes an elegant dinner, lively entertainment, and concludes with dancing under the stars. Tickets are limited.
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El Mercado De La Guerra
De La Guerra Plaza 8 East De La Guerra Street, Santa Barbara, CAStroll 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.
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La Fiesta Pequeña
Old Mission Santa Barbara 2201 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, CALa Fiesta Pequeña, “Little Fiesta”, is a colorful, historical program in front of the "Queen of the Missions," which includes traditional songs and dance from Californios Spirit. This event is free to the public.
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La Misa del Presidente
Old Mission Santa Barbara 2201 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, CAThis Roman Catholic Mass dates back to the first day of Fiesta in 1936 and today is followed by a festive reception in the Mission’s Sacred Garden.
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El Mercado De La Guerra
De La Guerra Plaza 8 East De La Guerra Street, Santa Barbara, CAStroll 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.
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DIGS! (Celebración de los Dignatarios)
Santa Barbara Zoo 500 Ninos Drive, Santa Barbara, CADIGS at the Santa Barbara Zoo features small bites, margaritas, local breweries, and wineries. This all-inclusive event includes music and dancing on the Zoo's iconic hilltop. 21 and over only. No tickets sold at the door.
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Las Noches de Ronda
Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CALas 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.
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