Fiesta Preview 2011

Featured Events

Recepción de la Presidenta

Join La Presidenta Joanne Funari at her reception, and enjoy a Mexican buffet, live music, and performances by the 2011 Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta. Feel free to wear your Fiesta attire. Sunday, July 31, 5-10 p.m. Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort (Plaza del Sol), 633 East Cabrillo Boulevard. $75 in advance; $85 at the door. Call 962-8101 or visit info@oldspanishdays-fiesta.org.

La Fiesta Pequeña

“The Little Fiesta” officially opens Old Spanish Days on the steps of Santa Barbara’s historic Old Mission. This event features Fiesta’s traditional songs and dances: tunes of the Californios, and flamenco, Spanish classical, and Mexican folklórico dances. Food is available for purchase from area vendors. Wednesday, August 3, 8 p.m. Old Mission S.B., 2201 Laguna Street. Free.

La Misa de la Presidenta

Attend this nondenominational, open-to-the-public Mass at the Old Mission, followed by a garden reception. Fiesta attire is encouraged. Thursday, August 4, 10 a.m. Old Mission S.B., 2201 Laguna St. Free. For info, call 682-4713.

Celebración de los Dignatarios

Meet S.B. dignitaries and dance to a live band while enjoying appetizers and wines by area restaurants and wineries. Thursday, August 4, 5-10 pm. S.B. Zoo, 500 Niños Drive. $85 in advance. Call 962-8101 or visit brownpapertickets.com/event/185100.

Professional Bull Riders Challenger Tour

Witness the nation’s top riders compete in bull roping. Thursday, August 4, 7:45 p.m. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. Box seats, $65-$80; general admission, $30-$45. For tickets and info, call Jedlicka’s at 687-0747 or the showgrounds at 967-6331 or visit sbfiestarodeo.com.

Competencia de los Vaqueros (Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo)

Tri-county riders compete in different events all Fiesta-week long. Thursday, August 4 show features Alisal Ranch Horse Eliminations and the Fiesta Ranch Horse Class. 8 a.m. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. Free. For info, call 967-6331 or visit sbfiestarodeo.com.

Casa Cantina

Check out this Mexican-style cantina, featuring beer and margaritas at Casa de la Guerra. All proceeds benefit the S.B. Trust for Historic Preservation. Thursday-Saturday, August 4-6, noon-midnight. Casa de la Guerra Courtyard, De la Guerra Plaza. For info and tickets, call 965-0093.

Las Noches de Ronda (Nights of Gaiety)

Come see a variety show of music, singing, flamenco, and folklórico dances from many regions of Mexico. Bring blankets and chairs for lawn seating. Thursday-Saturday, August 4-6, 8 p.m. S.B. County Courthouse Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa Street. Free.

Daily Fiesta Events

Santa Barbara Mission Tours

Come explore this beautiful landmark during special docent-led tours. Monday and Tuesday at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m.; and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. For more info and cost, call the S.B. Mission at 682-4713.

Courthouse Fiesta Tours

Go on a guided tour (every half hour) of the Moorish-Spanish building. Meet in the Mural Room. Wednesday-Sunday, August 3-7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Anacapa and Anapamu streets. Free. 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 all day and into the evening featuring children’s shows, Spanish and Mexican folk dancing, and music. Wednesday-Sunday, August 3-6, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. De la Guerra Plaza (across from City Hall). Free.

El Mercado del Norte

Enjoy a selection of Spanish-Mexican foods and beverages, as well as carnival rides for the kids, the Fiesta Crazy Horse Cantina for icy cold beer and margaritas, and live entertainment in the evening. Wednesday-Saturday, August 3-6, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Located in MacKenzie Park, State and Las Positas streets. Free.