2026 Dates for specific favorites. Here are the key 2025 events for reference:
April 12 Spirit & Jr. Spirit of Fiesta Audition
May 17 La Primavera
June 7 Fiesta Fashion Sale (Formerly known as the Costume Sale) 9am at Carriage Museum
June 19 Fiesta Ranchera
July 27 La Recepción del Presidente
Wednesday, July 30
Mercado De La Guerra 11 a.m.
La Fiesta Pequeña, 8 p.m.
Thursday, July 31
La Misa del Presidente, 10 a.m.
Mercado De La Guerra, 11 a.m.
DIGS, 5 p.m.
Las Noches de Ronda, 8 p.m.
Friday, August 1
Mercado De La Guerra, 11 a.m.
El Desfile Histórico (Parade), noon
Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo, 7 p.m.
Flor y Canto, 7 p.m.
Las Noches de Ronda, 8 p.m.
Saturday, August 2
Arts & Crafts Show, 9 a.m.
Children’s Parade, 10 a.m.
Mercado De La Guerra, 11 a.m.
Tarde de Ronda, 1 p.m.
Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo, 7 p.m.
Las Noches de Ronda, 8 p.m.
Sunday, August 3
Arts & Crafts Show, 9 a.m.
Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo, 1 p.m.
Old Spanish Days Fiesta is a beloved Santa Barbara tradition that has continued for nearly 100 years. It fosters a unique spirit among locals as an important coming together which encourages community cooperation, celebration, and growth. The festival has grown due to the overwhelming interest of many different organizations to develop and maintain it as an extension and expression of their place in the community. Visitors are also able to experience this historical spirit of Santa Barbara when they watch and join the city and its residents in Fiesta celebrations.
The annual event provides an education to residents and visitors about the history, customs, and traditions of the American Indian, Spanish, Mexican, and early American settlers that comprise the rich cultural heritage of Santa Barbara. Old Spanish Days Fiesta is not only a unique forum for the cultural expression of our spirit and diversity, but also provides a vehicle for the non-profit and community service groups to raise funds for local charities and social service organizations.
Old Spanish Days Fiesta has grown in stature and reputation to become one of the top regional festivals in the United States. The event annually draws thousands of visitors from around the world. Fiesta performers come from around the nation and Mexico to participate. Celebrities of international renown who have participated or performed in Fiesta include Leo Carrillo, Will Rogers, Shirley Temple, Charles Lindberg, William Randolph Hearst, Don Wilson, Paul Whitman, and Delores Del Rio.