Kick off Old Spanish Days in style with our detailed Fiesta 2025 Guide, designed to help you make the most of this iconic Santa Barbara celebration. From lively performances and vibrant parades to artisan markets and community events, our guide highlights all the magical Fiesta happenings you won't want to miss.
2025 Santa Barbara Fiesta Guide
Live Music & Performances:
La Fiesta Pequeña / “Little Fiesta”: Marking the official start of Fiesta, La Fiesta Pequeña is a vibrant program taking place on the steps of the historic Santa Barbara Mission, showcasing stunning cultural dance and music performances.
Wednesday, July 30 | 8pm - 10pm | Santa Barbara Mission
Las Noches de Ronda / “Nights of Gaiety”: Bring your picnic blankets and snacks and enjoy a beautiful evening of song and dance from over 200 performers under the starry night sky at the beautiful Courthouse Sunken Gardens.
Thursday, July 31 - Saturday, August 2 | 8pm | Courthouse Sunken Gardens
Flor y Canto: Watch musical numbers and recreations of original Spanish California dance and song of the 19th century with this historic program, performed by local residents in authentic costumes with replica instruments.
Friday, August 1 | 7pm - 8pm | Courthouse Sunken Gardens
Tarde de Ronda: Perfect for kids, this Junior version of Las Noches de Ronda features exceptional performances from young artists who encapsulate the spirit of Fiesta.
Saturday, August 2 | 1pm - 4pm | Courthouse Sunken Gardens
Fiesta at Paseo Nuevo: Daily shows will occur at Santa Barbara’s beautiful outdoor mall, with new dance and music performances every hour, delicious eats, and free face painting!
Wednesday, July 30 - Saturday, August 2 | 12pm - 7pm | De La Guerra Place at Paseo Nuevo
Photo: Damian P. Gadal
Parades & Tours:
El Desfile Histórico / "The Historical Parade": Featuring over 600 horses, this historic parade is one of the largest equestrian parades in the nation, highlighting antique carriages and wagons, historical reenactments, floats, and more!
Friday, August 1 | 12pm Noon | Starts at the West end of Cabrillo Boulevard, proceeds east along the beach to Calle Cesar Chavez, then back down Cabrillo
El Desfile de Los Niños / "Children’s Parade": Kids and parents will love the Children’s Parade, showcasing young participants and families in charming traditional costumes and colorful floats, all celebrating the rich culture of Santa Barbara.
Saturday, August 2 | 10am | The parade begins near Cabrillo Boulevard and Calle Puerto Vallarta and ends near the corner of Cabrillo Boulevard and Garden Street
Courthouse Fiesta Tours: Learn more about the history of the Santa Barbara courthouse, with free one-hour docent guided tours of the renowned landmark.
Wednesday, July 30 - Saturday, August 2 | Every hour between 10:30am - 3:30pm | Meet in the mural Room at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Shopping:
Mercado De La Guerra: Fiesta’s largest market is held in Downtown Santa Barbara’s De La Guerra Plaza, offering a wide array of authentic souvenirs and crafts from several vendor booths, delicious bites and beverages from food vendors, and a center stage with performances and live music happening all day!
Wednesday, July 30 - Saturday, August 2 | 11am - 10pm | De La Guerra Plaza
Fiesta Arts & Crafts Show: Vendor booths selling handmade products from local artisans will line the beautiful beachfront Cabrillo Boulevard. Browse, shop, and enjoy the local treasures!
Saturday, August 2 & Sunday, August 3 | 10am - 4pm | Cabrillo Boulevard, West of Stearns Wharf
Mujeres Makers Market: Spotlighting local woman owned businesses and artisans of color, the Mujeres Makers Market has it all, including gifts, soaps, clothing, jewelry, desserts, and more!
Saturday, August 2 & Sunday, August 3 | 10am - 4pm | 123 E Canon Perdido Street
Community Events:
La Misa del Presidente: Held annually on the second morning of Fiesta, the Saint Barbara Parish invites the community to enjoy a High Mass at the Santa Barbara Mission in honor of La Presidenta and the Old Spanish Days Board. This tradition dates back to the first day of Fiesta in 1936 and ends in a fun-filled reception in the Mission’s Sacred Garden.
Thursday, July 31 | 10am | Saint Barbara Parish at the Santa Barbara Mission
Our Lady of Guadalupe Mercado: A local favorite, this event offers a fun day of Fiesta performances and delicious Mexican food and drink at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parrish on Santa Barbara's Eastside. We recommend the tamales!
Saturday, August 2 & Sunday, August 3 | 11am - 9pm | Our lady of Guadalupe Parrish
Santa Barbara Rodeo Days: This thrilling rodeo will include traditional events like bull riding, barrel racing, team roping and more from top-tier PRCA talent, capturing the cowboy culture of old California. Drinks, food and entertainment will also be available to enjoy!
Friday, August 1 - Sunday, August 3 | Earl Warren Showgrounds | Ticketed Event
Fiesta Stock Horse Show and Rodeo: View spectacular competitive events like bareback riding, tie down roping, steer stopping and more to honor the history of vaqueros and make space for the next generation of vaqueros.
Friday, August 1 - Sunday, August 3 | Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Center
