A Guide to Santa Barbara's 2024 Fiesta
Every summer, Santa Barbara celebrates Old Spanish Days Fiesta, a beloved tradition that honors the city's diverse culture, heritage, and history. Born from the community's desire to have an annual Summer event for locals and tourists and to honor the city's founding, Santa Barbara’s very first Fiesta was held back in 1924. This year marks the 100th year of the festival, a milestone that is sure to make this year’s Fiesta an extra special event, and we’re excited to share a guide with you on how to celebrate!
The majority of these events are free to the public unless stated otherwise.
DK Group Favorites:
As Santa Barbara locals of over 20 years, we’ve celebrated our fair share of Fiestas. So we wanted to highlight a few of our favorite events and activities we’ve discovered and loved over the years.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Mercado: This event is a local favorite, providing delicious Mexican food and lovely performances at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish on Santa Barbara’s Eastside. We recommend stopping by and trying the incredible homemade tamales and pozole.
Friday, August 2 - Sunday, August 4 | 11 AM - 9 PM | Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 227 North Nopal St.
Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo: Earl Warren Showgrounds hosts a series of fun and exciting professional rodeo events, including bareback riding, tie down roping, and bull riding. Devin recommends watching the mutton busting!
Thursday, August 1 - Sunday, August 4 | 8 AM - 10:30 PM | Earl Warren Showgrounds
Sunday Cruiser Ride: Every year 1,000+ cyclists make their way from Stearns Wharf to State Street and all the way up to Goleta Beach. This Sunday bike ride is the perfect way to wrap up a successful Fiesta weekend.
Sunday, August 4 | 12 PM | Stearns Wharf
Live Music and Performances:
From traditional Flamenco and Folklóriko dancing to live singing and bands, Santa Barbara’s Fiesta is known for showcasing incredible talent of all ages and cultures.
Fiesta Pequeña (Little Festival): A free historical program on the steps of the Santa Barbara Mission featuring traditional song and dance from various performers and groups.
Wednesday, July 31 | 8 PM - 10 PM | Santa Barbara Mission, 2201 Laguna St
Las Noches De Ronda (Nights of Gaiety): An evening of incredible performances at the beautiful Sunken Gardens in the Santa Barbara courthouse.
Thursday, August 1 - Saturday, August 3 | 8 PM - 10 PM | Courthouse Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa St.
Flor Y Canto: This musical event hosts Spanish California dance and song of the 19th century, accompanied with replica acoustic instruments from the time.
Friday, August 2 | 7 PM - 8 PM | Courthouse Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa St.
Paseo Nuevo: The Paseo Nuevo shopping center will be hosting 5 days of performances in collaboration with the SB Historical Museum, Flamenco SB and other local dance groups.
Tuesday, July 30 - Saturday, August 3 | 12 PM - 7 PM | De La Guerra Place in Paseo Nuevo
Fiesta on Stearns Wharf: Following the children's parade, Ballet Folklórico Mexico Azteca will showcase their beautiful traditional dances right on the pier.
Saturday, August 3 | 3 PM - 4 PM | Stearns Wharf
Shopping & Dining:
Explore a diverse assortment of meals, snacks, and drinks from various cultures, and get some shopping done at one of the many local markets.
Mercado De La Guerra: The Mercado De La Guerra is a colorful Mexican marketplace with vendors selling crafts, souvenirs, food and drinks. This year’s market will be larger than ever before, with vendors and performances spanning from De La Guerra Plaza to Downtown State Street.
Wednesday, July 31 - Saturday, August 3 | 11 AM - 10 PM | De La Guerra Plaza, 8 E De La Guerra St.
Fiesta Arts & Crafts Show: Browse handmade items and crafts from local artisans while taking in the beautiful ocean views down Cabrillo Boulevard’s beachfront sidewalk.
Saturday, July 31 - Sunday, August 3 | 9 AM - 6 PM | Cabrillo Blvd
Mujeres Makers Market: Enjoy this local monthly event with a Fiesta spin. Browse a variety of art and wares made by women of color while delighting in special performances and music.
Saturday, July 31 - Sunday, August 3 | 11 AM - 10 PM | 123 E. Canon Perdido St.
History & Culture:
Fiesta honors many of the cultures that make up Santa Barbara, specifically those of the Chumash, Mexican, Spanish, and early Californian. Get to know more about Santa Barbara's rich history and celebrate the city's vibrant culture today with these events.
El Desfile Historical (The Historical Parade): This grand parade is one of the largest equestrian parades in the whole country, showcasing floats, carriages, over 600 horses, and performers depicting episodes from the history of California and Santa Barbara.
Friday, August 2 | 12 PM - 2 PM | Along Cabrillo Blvd, from Castillo Street to Calle Puerto Vallarta (Santa Barbara Chromatic Gate)
Courthouse Fiesta Tours: Take a free guided tour at Santa Barbara’s famous courthouse, learning about its deep history and architecture.
Wednesday, July 31 - Sunday, August 4 | 10 AM - 3 PM. Tours begin every half-hour Wednesday through Saturday and every hour on Sunday | Meet in the Mural Room at the SB Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St
La Misa del Presidente: This Roman Catholic Mass invites those of all faiths to enjoy High Mass in the main church of the Old Mission. Honoring the Old Spanish Days president and board, this mass was first held in 1936 and is followed by a reception in the Mission’s Sacred Garden.
Thursday, August 2 | 10 AM | Santa Barbara Mission, 2201 Laguna St
Project Fiesta: The Santa Barbara Historical Museum is open for free during Fiesta, showcasing their special exhibit “Project Fiesta: A History of Old Spanish Days” where you can explore the history, memories, stories, and vintage costumes and art throughout the decades since its inception in 1924.
Wednesday July 31 - Sunday August 4 | Santa Barbara Historical Museum, 136 E. De La Guerra St
Kids & Family:
Most all Fiesta events are family friendly, with activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. But here are a few events held specifically for kids that are sure to be tons of fun for the whole family!
El Desfile de los Niños (Children’s Parade): Santa Barbara youth, parents, and other participants come together to celebrate the city's rich culture with fun costumes and floats. Hosted by the Parks & Rec Department.
Friday, August 2 | 10 AM | State Street from Victoria to Ortega
Tardes de Ronda: Enjoy a Junior version of Noches de Ronda, with Tardes de Ronda, a children's variety show featuring performers ages 16 and younger.
Saturday, August 3 | 1 PM | Courthouse Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa St.
21+ Events:
For adults over 21+, Fiesta offers fun events for enjoying a night out with good drinks, food, and friends.
Casa Cantina: Relax with a cold drink, food, and live music at the courtyard of the historic Casa De La Guerra, the original home of Fiesta.
Wednesday, July 31 - Saturday, August 3 | 2 PM - 12 AM | Casa De La Guerra | Purchase Tickets Here
Loquita's Annual Fiesta Party: Enjoy flamenco dancing and authentic Spanish cuisine, tapas, and drinks at one of our favorite local restaurants- Loquita!
Friday, August 2 | 11 AM | Loquita, 202 State St. | Purchase Tickets Here
Thanks for reading our complete Fiesta guide! We wish everyone in Santa Barbara a fun and safe Fiesta, filled with family, friends, and celebration. Viva La Fiesta!
