Events
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Fiesta Poetry Contest
Unleash your inner bard and celebrate the spirit of Santa Barbara! The Old Spanish Days Fiesta Poetry Contest is officially calling all wordsmiths to capture the magic, history, and vibrant culture of our beloved tradition. Whether you’re a budding young storyteller, a creative teen, or a seasoned adult poet, this is your stage to shine—the contest is open to all ages! Apply 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
De Le Guerra Plaza 0 East De La Guerra 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 Le Guerra Plaza 0 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 Le Guerra Plaza 0 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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El Mercado De La Guerra
De Le Guerra Plaza 0 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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The Historical Parade (El Desfile Histórico)
Cabrillo Boulevard 99 West Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, CAOne of the largest equestrian parades in the country, the Fiesta Historical Parade 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. The parade runs along Cabrillo Boulevard from Castillo Street to Calle Cesar Chavez.
While viewing El Desfile Histórico is free to the public, Tickets for a shaded section of covered reserved seating along the beach side of Cabrillo between Anacapa and Garden Streets are also available for purchase.
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Flor y Canto
Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CAHere 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.
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