SUN., JULY 27
La Recepción del Presidente
Join El Presidente Dennis Rickard at his recepción. Mexican buffet and live music, performances by the 2014 Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta. Feel free to wear your Fiesta attire. 5-10pm. DoubleTree Resort Plaza del Sol, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd. $85 (advance); $100 (door). Call 962-8101 or email info@oldspanishdays-fiesta.org.
WED., JULY 30
La Fiesta Pequeña
The “Little Fiesta” officially opens Old Spanish Days. Held on the steps of Santa Barbara’s historic Old Mission, the event features traditional songs and dance, including tunes of the Californios, flamenco, Spanish classical, and Mexican folklórico dances. Food is available for purchase from vendors. 8pm. S.B. Mission, 2201 Laguna St. Free.
Santa Barbara Mission Docent Tours
Come explore this beautiful landmark during special docent-led tours. Wed.: 11am and 1:30pm. S.B. Mission, 2201 Laguna St. Call 682-4713.
Courthouse Fiesta Tours
Take guided tours (every half hour) of the Moorish-Spanish building. Meet in the Mural Room. 10am-3pm. Santa Barbara County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St. Free. Call 962-6464.
El Mercado de la Guerra
Feast on Spanish and Mexican-American foods, shop for crafts and souvenirs, and enjoy live entertainment, including Spanish and Mexican folk dancing, children’s events, and music. (Daily) 11am-11pm. De la Guerra Plaza (across from City Hall). Free.
El Mercado del Norte
Enjoy a selection of Spanish-Mexican foods and beverages, including icy-cold beer margaritas at the Crazy Horse Cantina, as well as carnival rides for the kids and live entertainment in the evening. (Daily) 11am-11pm. MacKenzie Park, State and Las Positas sts. Free.
Casa Cantina
The annual Mexican-style cantina featuring beer and margaritas at Casa de la Guerra. All proceeds benefit the S.B. Trust for Historic Preservation. Noon-midnight. Casa de la Guerra Courtyard, 15 E. De la Guerra St. Call 965-0093.
THU., July 31
La Misa del Presidente
A nondenominational prayer service at the Old Mission followed by a garden reception. Open to the public. Fiesta attire encouraged. 10am. Free. Old Mission, 2201 Laguna St. Call 682-4713.
Celebración de los Dignatarios
Appetizers and wines by area restaurants and wineries. Meet local dignitaries; listen to live music. 5-10pm. S.B. Zoo, 500 Niños Dr. Tickets: $85 (advance); $100 (door). Call 962-5339 or visit nightout.com/events/celebracin-de-los-dignatarios/.
Las Noches de Ronda (Nights of Gaiety)
A variety show of music, singing, flamenco, and folklórico dances from many regions of Mexico. Bring blankets and chairs for lawn seating. 8pm. S.B. County Courthouse, Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa St. Free.
Santa Barbara Mission Docent Tours
Come explore this beautiful landmark during special docent-led tours. Thu.: 11am and 1:30pm. S.B. Mission, 2201 Laguna St. For more info and cost, call the Mission at 682-4713.
Courthouse Fiesta Tours
Guided tours (every half hour) of the Moorish-Spanish building. Meet in the Mural Room. Free. 10am-3pm. Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Anacapa and Anapamu sts.. For info, call 962-6464.
El Mercado de la Guerra
Feast on Spanish and Mexican-American foods, shop for crafts and souvenirs, and enjoy live entertainment, including Spanish and Mexican folk dancing, children’s events, and music. (Daily) 11am-11pm. De la Guerra Plaza (across from City Hall). Free.
El Mercado del Norte
Enjoy a selection of Spanish-Mexican foods and beverages, including icy-cold beer margaritas at the Crazy Horse Cantina, as well as carnival rides for the kids and live entertainment in the evening. (Daily) 11am-11pm. MacKenzie Park, State and Las Positas sts. Free.
Casa Cantina
The annual Mexican-style cantina featuring beer and margaritas at Casa de la Guerra. All proceeds benefit the S.B. Trust for Historic Preservation. Noon-midnight. Casa de la Guerra Courtyard, 15 E. De la Guerra St. Call 965-0093.
Competencia de los Vaqueros (Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo)
Tri-County riders compete in the Alisal Ranch Horse Class, Fiesta Ranch Horse Class, Old Timers Team Roping, and Steer Stopping. 8am. Earl Warren Showgrounds, Calle Real at Las Positas Rd. Free. Call 688-5093 or visit sbfiestarodeo.com.
Professional Bull Riders Challenger Tour
The nation’s top riders competing in bull roping. Earl Warren Showgrounds, Calle Real at Las Positas. Tickets: Box seats $80 and $65 each; general admission seats $40 (adult) or $25 (under 11). 7:45pm. Tickets and info: Jedlicka’s, 687-0747; Showgrounds, 967-6331; and sbfiestarodeo.com.