Old Spanish Days Events 2017

The Most Complete Guide to Fiesta

La Fiesta Pequena at the Santa Barbara Mission.

Wednesday 8/2

Courthouse Fiesta Tours daily
Meet in the Mural Room for a guided tour of the Moorish-Spanish building. Tours happen every 30 minutes. 10am-3pm. S.B. County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St. Free. Call 962-6464.

Missions of Edwin Deakin daily
One of the earliest artists to record all 21 California missions in color, Edwin Deakin visited each mission and made these field watercolor sketches between 1897 and 1899, documenting the missions as they were falling into ruin. His work had a profound impact on efforts to save them before they disappeared forever. Previously thought to be lost to the 1906 earthquake and fire in San Francisco, this permanent collection is one of S.B.’s most valued treasures. 10am-5pm. S.B. Historical Museum, 136 E. De la Guerra St. Free; donations accepted. Call 966-1601. sbhistorical.org

S.B. Mission Docent Tours daily
Trained docents will lead a special tour of the Queen of the Missions. 11am and 1:30pm. Old Mission S.B., 2201 Laguna St. Free-$13. Call 682-4713.

El Mercado de la Guerra daily
Feast on Spanish and Mexican-American foods, shop for crafts and souvenirs, and enjoy live entertainment, all while strolling through this colorful Mexican market. 11am-11pm. De la Guerra Plaza, first block of E. De la Guerra St. Free.

El Mercado del Norte daily
Enjoy Fiesta foods, souvenirs at the Fiesta Bazaar, rides and attractions at the Fiesta Carnival, and ice-cold drinks and live entertainment at the Crazy Horse Cantina. The purchase of a wristband gets you unlimited rides. 11am-11pm. Mackenzie Park, State St. and Las Positas Rd. Admission: Free; wristband: $25.

Crazy Horse Cantina
This cantina inside El Mercado del Norte features a beer garden with live entertainment and is host during the day to Fiesta’s battle-of-the-bands competition. 11am-10:30pm. El Mercado del Norte, Mackenzie Park, State St. and Las Positas Rd. Free. Ages 21+ after 5pm.

Fiesta! at Paseo Nuevo daily
Celebrate Old Spanish Days Fiesta with flamenco dance performances and live music in the heart of this outdoor paseo. Noon-7pm. Center Ct., Paseo Nuevo, 651 Paseo Nuevo. Free. paseonuevoshopping.com

Casa Cantina
This annual Mexican-style cantina invites all to relax, sip a cold drink, and celebrate at the home of Fiesta. Noon-midnight. Casa de la Guerra, 15 E. De la Guerra St. Free-$10. Ages 21+. Call 965-0093. sbthp.org

La Fiesta Pequeña
This “Little Fiesta” will have traditional songs and dance from the Californios, flamenco, Spanish classical, and Mexican folklórico. There will also be special appearances and special performances by the 2017 Spirit and Junior Spirit. 8pm. Old Mission S.B., 2201 Laguna St. Free.

Thursday 8/3

La Misa del Presidente
Community members of all faiths are welcome to enjoy High Mass followed by a festive reception in the mission’s Sacred Garden to celebrate the long-standing relationship between the Old Mission and Old Spanish Days as well as the entire Fiesta community. 10am. Old Mission S.B., 2201 Laguna St. Free. Call 682-4713.

S.B. Mission Docent Tours daily
Trained docents will lead a special tour of the Queen of the Missions. 11am and 1:30pm. Old Mission S.B., 2201 Laguna St. Free-$13. Call 682-4713.

S.B. Special Mission Treasures Tour
Learn about some of Old Mission S.B.’s most precious treasures, magnificent architecture, and beautiful and historical artworks in areas not normally open to the public, including the Archive-Library! 2:30pm. Old Mission S.B., 2201 Laguna St. $20. Ages 12+. Call 682-4713.

DIGS! Celebración de los Dignatarios
Enjoy food from the Central Coast’s finest eateries, experience wines and tequilas, and dance to the sounds of DJ Hecktik by sunset. All-in-one pricing includes admission, drinks, and food. 5-10pm. S.B. Zoo, 500 Niños Dr. $110-$125. Ages 21+. Call 962-5339. sbzoo.org

Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Touring Pro Division
The nation’s top riders and brave cowboys risk it all in thrilling eight-second rides and jaw-dropping wrecks against monstrous animal athletes weighing up to 2,000 pounds. 7pm. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. $25-$80. Call 688-5093. sbfiestarodeo.org

Las Noches de Ronda (Nights of Gaiety)
More than 200 performers will create an evening of dance and song, from flamenco to Mexican folklórico. Bring blankets and chairs for lawn seating. 8pm. Sunken Gardens, S.B. County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St. Free.

Friday 8/4

S.B. Mission Docent Tours daily
Trained docents will lead a special tour of the Queen of the Missions. 11am and 1:30pm. Old Mission S.B., 2201 Laguna St. Free-$13. Call 682-4713.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Mercado
Enjoy a wide array of authentic Mexican cuisine and entertainment. 11am-9pm. Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 227 N. Nopal St. (corner of Nopal and Montecito sts.). Free.

Loquita’s Fiesta Parade Party
Enjoy a paella lunch with pintxos and a glass of sangria with an amazing view of the parade. The full bar will be open for purchases for those who want a little extra celebration. 11am-3pm. Loquita, 202 State St. $50. Call 880-3380. loquitasb.com

El Desfile Histórico (The Historical Parade)
This year marks the 93rd anniversary of the Fiesta Historical Parade, one of the largest equestrian parades in the U.S., featuring more than 600 horses as well as floats, dancers, and antique carriages, coaches, and wagons. The parade starts at the west end of Cabrillo Boulevard, proceeds east along the beach to State Street, and then goes up State Street to Sola Street. Noon. Free-$38.

Courthouse Legacy Foundation’s Annual Fiesta Party
Celebrate Fiesta from the second floor of the Courthouse, overlooking the Sunken Gardens and Las Noches de Ronda festivities. The Loggia and Mural Room are the perfect places to view this annual Fiesta celebration while enjoying cocktails and great food. You can also get breathtaking and sweeping city views from the Clock Tower. Enjoy exclusive and private use of the Courthouse for the evening. 6:30-9:30pm. S.B. County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St. $75. Ages 21+. Call 770-7222. sbclf.org

Flor y Canto (Flower and Song)
Interwoven with historical narration, Spanish California dances and songs of the 19th century will be performed by area residents in authentic costumes. Bring a picnic dinner and blankets for lawn seating. 7pm. Sunken Gardens, S.B. County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St. Free. Call 962-6464.

2017 Flower Girls photo at the Santa Barbara Mission

PRCA Performance: Competencia de los Vaqueros
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeo riders will compete in Bareback Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Steer Stopping, Mutton Bustin’, Saddle Bronc Riding, PRCA Team Roping, Barrel Racing, and Bull Riding. 7:30pm. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. $20-$35. Call 688-5093. sbfiestarodeo.org

Saturday 8/5

Fiesta Pancake Breakfast
Come hungry for all-you-can-eat pancakes while you support the veterans in S.B. 7am-2pm. Veterans’ Memorial Bldg., 112 W. Cabrillo Blvd. $7. Call 568-0020 or 636-7961.

Fiesta Arts & Crafts Show
Browse for handmade treasures created by artisans as you stroll along the beautiful beachfront. 10am-7pm. Cabrillo Blvd., west of Stearns Wharf. Free.

87th Annual Desfile de los Niños (Children’s Parade)
Young people of Santa Barbara, their parents, and other parade participants will don traditional costumes and celebrate the rich culture of the area. Ice cream is provided for participants. The parade will go down State Street from Victoria Street to Ortega Street. 10am. Free. Call 564-5418.

S.B. Mission Docent Tours
Trained docents will lead a special tour of the Queen of the Missions. 10:30am and 2pm. Old Mission S.B., 2201 Laguna St. Free-$13. Call 682-4713.

Casa Cantina daily
This annual Mexican-style cantina invites all to relax, sip a cold drink, and celebrate at the home of Fiesta. Noon-midnight. Casa de la Guerra, 15 E. De la Guerra St. Free-$10. Ages 21+. Call 965-0093. sbthp.org

Tardes de Ronda (Afternoon of Gaiety)
This afternoon of dances and songs from various Mexican regions features performers ages 16 and younger. 1-5pm. Sunken Gardens, S.B. County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St. Free.

21st Annual S.B. Mariachi Festival
This festival featuring Pedro Fernandez, Mariachi Los Camperos, Mariachi Sol de México de Jose Hernandez, Mariachi Los Reyes, and Mariachi Herencia de Mexico will show you the heart and soul of mariachi. 5:30pm. S.B. Bowl, 1122 N. Milpas St. $55-$115. Call 962-7411. sbbowl.com

PRCA Performance: Competencia de los Vaqueros
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo riders will compete in Bareback Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Steer Stopping, Mutton Bustin’, Saddle Bronc Riding, PRCA Team Roping, Barrel Racing, and Bull Riding. 7:30pm. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. $20-$35. Call 688-5093. sbfiestarodeo.org

Sunday 8/6

Fiesta Pancake Breakfast
Come hungry for all-you-can-eat pancakes while you support the veterans in S.B. 7am-2pm. Veterans’ Memorial Bldg., 112 W. Cabrillo Blvd. $7. Call 568-0020 or 636-7961.

Courthouse Fiesta Toursdaily
Meet in the Mural Room for a guided tour of the Moorish-Spanish building. Tours happen every hour. 10am-3pm. S.B. County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St. Free. Call 962-6464.

Fiesta Arts & Crafts Show
Browse for handmade treasures created by artisans as you stroll along the beautiful beachfront. 10am-7pm. Cabrillo Blvd., west of Stearns Wharf. Free.

Missions of Edwin Deakin daily
One of the earliest artists to record all 21 California missions in color, Edwin Deakin visited each mission and made these field watercolor sketches between 1897 and 1899, documenting the missions as they were falling into ruin. His work had a profound impact on efforts to save them before they disappeared forever. Previously thought to be lost to the 1906 earthquake and fire in San Francisco, this permanent collection is one of S.B.’s most valued treasures. Noon-5pm. S.B. Historical Museum, 136 E. De la Guerra St. Free; donations accepted. Call 966-1601. sbhistorical.org

S.B. Mission Docent Tours daily
Trained docents will lead a special tour of the Queen of the Missions. 1:30pm. Old Mission S.B., 2201 Laguna St. Free-$13. Call 682-4713.

Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association Performance: Final Event
Riders will compete in Bareback Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Steer Stopping, Team Penning, Mutton Bustin’, and Saddle Bronco Riding, plus PRCA Team Roping, Barrel-Racing, and Bull Riding. 2pm. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. $10-$25. Call 688-5093. sbfiestarodeo.org

West Coast Symphony Orchestra 48th Annual Fiesta Concert
Under the direction of conductor Dr. Michael Shasberger, the concert will feature music with a Spanish flair. Bring snacks and lawn chairs or blankets for lawn seating. 3:30pm. Sunken Gardens, S.B. County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St. Free. cieloperformingarts.org