Fiesta Events

Thu., July 24

Recepci³n del Presidente

Join El Presidente Tim Taylor at his reception. There will be a bountiful Mexican buffet, music by Mariachi Mexicanismo, performances by the 2008 Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta, and the sounds of King Bee. 5-10pm. Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort’s Plaza del Sol. Tickets are $60 in advance at the Arlington (call 963-4408); $80 at the door.

Sat., July 26

El Fandango Dinner/Dance

Dinner and dancing, with music by the Estrada Brothers; Fiesta costumes encouraged. Sponsored by the Santa Barbara/Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities. 6pm-midnight. Elks Lodge #613, 150 N. Kellogg Ave., Goleta. Tickets $65 per person. For reservations and information, call Alice Vasquez at 684-4724.

Summer Celebration

Celebrate Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s eighth birthday with an activity-filled Saturday, featuring environmental-focused crafts and programs and tours for the family. Be sure to check out the surf exhibit and classic surf films. 10am-6pm. Special admission rate: $2 for adults, seniors, students, and youth; free for children younger than six. For more information, call 962-8404 x115 or visit sbmm.org.

Mon., July 28

Fiesta at Paseo Nuevo

Have your lunch with Fiesta entertainment at Paseo Nuevo from Monday, July 28-Sunday, August 3. Dances performed by area dance schools are Monday-Tuesday, noon-1:30 p.m. and Wednesday-Thursday, noon-4:30pm; El Presidente, Spirit, and Junior Spirit Thursday, noon, and Saturday-Sunday, 12:30-3pm. Free.

Wed., July 30

Fiesta at Paseo Nuevo

Fiesta at La Cumbre Plaza

Flamenco dancing performed by the Linda Vega Dance Studio. Wednesday, July 30-Sunday, August 3, 4:45-7pm. La Cumbre Plaza near Macy’s. Free.

Courthouse Fiesta Tours

Guided tours (every half hour) of this beautiful Moorish-Spanish building. Daily, 10am-3:30pm. 1100 Anacapa St. (meet in the Mural Room). Free.

El Mercado De la Guerra

Feast on Spanish and Mexican-American foods, shop for crafts and souvenirs, and enjoy live entertainment all day. Evening entertainment starting at 5pm. Tonight: rock music by Fahrenheit 101 (from the Santa Barbara Rock ‘n’ Roll Academy) and Pretzel Logic, a Steely Dan tribute band. Daily, 11am-11pm. Free.

Casa Cantina

The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation hosts the annual Casa Cantina, a Mexican-style cantina featuring beer and refreshments in the courtyard of Casa de la Guerra. For a fee, drop in, have a cold drink, and relax for a while. Noon-midnight. Free for Trust members. All proceeds benefit the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation.

El Mercado del Norte

Enjoy food and carnival fun. Tonight, dance under the stars to a variety of exciting Latin music. Daily, 11am-11pm. Located at the corner of State Street and Las Positas Road in MacKenzie Park.

Fiesta Summer Art Show and Sale

See 40 works of art by area artists who participated in the 2008 Fiesta Poster Art Competition. 11am-5pm. Nelson Gallery, 330 State St. Call 962-2705.

Thu., July 31

Fiesta at Paseo Nuevo

Fiesta at La Cumbre Plaza

Flamenco dancing performed by the Linda Vega Dance Studio. Wednesday, July 30-Sunday, August 3, 4:45-7pm. La Cumbre Plaza near Macy’s. Free.

La Fiesta Peque±a

“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 Spanish classical and Mexican folkl³rico dances. Food is available for purchase from local vendors. 8pm. Free.

Courthouse Fiesta Tours

Guided tours (every half hour) of this beautiful Moorish-Spanish building. Daily, 10am-3:30pm. 1100 Anacapa St. (meet in the Mural Room). Free.

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

Tri-county riders compete in the Alisal Ranch horse class, Fiesta Ranch horse class, Buckaroo class, Old Timers team roping, and steer stopping. 8am. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. Free.

La Misa del Presidente

La Presidenta’s Mass at the Old Mission is followed by a garden reception; Fiesta attire encouraged. Open to the public. 10am. Free. Call 682-4713.

El Mercado De la Guerra

Feast on Spanish and Mexican-American foods, shop for crafts and souvenirs, and enjoy live entertainment all day. Evening entertainment starting at 5pm features regional Mexican music played by Los Higuere±os, Banda Agavera, and Conjunto Desafio. Daily, 11am-11pm. Free.

Casa Cantina

El Mercado del Norte

Enjoy food and carnival fun. Don’t miss Locals Night, with an array of local bands coming on stage at 5pm. Daily, 11am-11pm. Located at the corner of State Street and Las Positas Road in MacKenzie Park.

Fiesta Summer Art Show and Sale

See 40 works of art by area artists who participated in the 2008 Fiesta Poster Art Competition. 11am-5pm. Nelson Gallery, 330 State St. Call 962-2705.

Celebraci³n de los Dignatarios

Meet the mayor, members of the City Council, and other dignitaries. Hear Mariachi Mexicanismo and then dance to the music of Soul City Survivors. There will be appetizers and wines from area restaurants and wineries. 5-10pm. Hilltop of the Santa Barbara Zoo. $85 in advance, $100 at the gate. Tickets at the Arlington (call 963-4408).

Professional Bull Riders Tour

The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Challenger Tour. The toughest sport on dirt returns with an exciting competition. 7:30pm. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. For tickets and info, call Jedlicka’s Saddlery at 687-0747. July 28 tickets will be available at the Earl Warren Showgrounds box office or call 967-6331.

Las Noches de Ronda

The “Nights of Gaiety” features a variety show of music, singing, Flamenco from Spain, and Folkl³rico dances from many regions of Mexico. Elements Restaurant will feature savory food and beverages on the Courthouse lawn. Bring blankets and chairs for lawn seating. 8pm. S.B. Courthouse Sunken Gardens. Free.