Fiesta Events

Thursday, July 31

Fiesta at Paseo Nuevo

Have your lunch with Fiesta entertainment at Paseo Nuevo though Sunday, August 3. Dances performed by area dance schools: Thursday, noon-4:30 p.m.; El Presidente, Spirit, and Junior Spirit: Thursday, noon, and Saturday-Sunday, 12:30-3 p.m. Free.

Fiesta at La Cumbre Plaza

Flamenco dancing performed by the Linda Vega Dance Studio. Every day through Sunday, August 3, 4:45-7 p.m. La Cumbre Plaza near Macy’s. Free.

Courthouse Fiesta Tours

Guided tours (every half hour) of this beautiful Moorish-Spanish building. Daily, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 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. 8 a.m. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. Free. Call 967-6331.

La Misa de la Presidente

La Presidenta’s Mass at the Old Mission is followed by a garden reception; Fiesta attire encouraged. Open to the public. 10 a.m. Old Mission, 2201 Laguna St. 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 starts at 5 p.m. and features regional Mexican music played by Los Higuere±os, Banda Agavera, and Conjunto Desafio. Daily, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. De la Guerra Plaza. 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; free for Trust members. Noon-midnight. 9 E. De la Guerra St. Call 966-6961.

El Mercado del Norte

Enjoy food and carnival fun. Don’t miss Locals Night, with an array of area bands coming on stage at 5 p.m. Daily, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. MacKenzie Park, State St. and Las Positas Rd. Free.

Fiesta Summer Art Show and Sale

See 40 works of art by local artists who participated in the 2008 Fiesta Poster Art Competition. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 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 dance to the music of Soul City Survivors. There will be appetizers and wines from area restaurants and wineries. 5-10 p.m. Hilltop of the Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Ni±os Dr. $85 in advance; $100 at the gate. Tickets at the Arlington (call 963-4408); call 962-5339 for more information.

Professional Bull Riders Tour

Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Challenger Tour. The toughest sport on dirt returns with an exciting competition. 7:30 p.m. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. Call 967-6331.

Las Noches de Ronda

“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 food and beverages. Bring blankets and chairs for lawn seating. 8 p.m. Courthouse’s Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa St. Free.

Friday, August 1

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

Tri-county riders compete in breakaway roping, tie-down roping, team roping, and barrel racing. Riders compete in open stock horse and hackamore class eliminations and Buckaroo class. 8 a.m. and noon. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. Free. Call 967-6331.

Courthouse Fiesta Tours

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

El Mercado de la Guerra

Stroll through a colorful Mexican market to feast on Spanish and Mexican-American foods, shop for crafts and souvenirs, and enjoy live entertainment all day and into the early evening. Tonight features blues/rock by the Alastair Greene Band, and rock and roll dance band King Bee at 5 p.m. Daily, 11a.m.-11 p.m. De la Guerra Plaza. Free.

El Mercado del Norte

Enjoy food and carnival fun. Don’t miss tonight’s live country music presented by KRAZ 105 at 5 p.m. Daily, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. MacKenzie Park, State St. and Las Positas Rd.

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; free for Trust members. Noon-midnight. 9 E. De la Guerra St. Call 966-6961.

Fiesta Summer Art Show and Sale

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

El Desfile Hist³rico/Parade

The Fiesta Historical Parade is one of the largest equestrian parades in the United States. The parade starts at the west end of Cabrillo Boulevard, proceeds east along the beach to State Street, and then up State Street to Sola Street. Noon. (Televised live by KEYT Channel 3.)

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

Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) events, including bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer stopping, mutton bustin’, saddle bronco riding, PRCA team roping, barrel racing, and bull riding. 7:30 p.m. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. Call 967-6331 for tickets or visit Earl Warren box office.

Flor y Canto

See original Spanish California dances and songs of the 19th century. Interwoven with historic narration, the musical numbers are accompanied on replica acoustic instruments. These unique songs and dances are performed by area residents, much as they would have been 150 years ago, in authentic costumes. 7 p.m. Courthouse’s Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa St. Free.

Las Noches de Ronda

“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 food and beverages. Bring blankets and chairs for lawn seating. 8 p.m. Courthouse’s Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa St. Free.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Mercado

Homemade Mexican food, games, live entertainment, and dancing. Daily, noon-11 p.m. 227 N. Nopal St. Call 965-4060.

Saturday, August 2

57th Annual Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast

Enjoy Fiesta music and costumed dancers with a hearty breakfast to start your day. Sausage, coffee, milk, orange juice, and all the pancakes you can eat! 7 a.m.-noon. Alameda Park, 1400 Santa Barbara St. $6; proceeds go to Kiwanis charities and youth activities.

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

Tri-county non-pro riders compete in amateur steer stopping, team and tie-down roping, and open Ranch Horse Class. 8 a.m. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. Free. Call 967-6331.

78th Annual El Desfile de los Ni±os

Young people of Santa Barbara, their parents, and other parade participants don traditional costumes and celebrate the rich culture of the area. Parade proceeds down State Street, from Victoria to Ortega streets. 10 a.m. For info and application, call 897-1982.

Courthouse Fiesta Tours

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

Fiesta Arts & Crafts Show

A statewide gathering of artisans and craftspeople displaying a wide variety of paintings, carvings, pottery, and other handcrafted wares on Cabrillo Boulevard, west of Stearns Wharf. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

El Mercado de la Guerra

Stroll through a colorful Mexican market to feast on Spanish and Mexican-American foods, shop for crafts and souvenirs, and enjoy live entertainment all day and into the early evening. Tonight’s entertainment is presented by Roy at 5 p.m. Daily, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. De la Guerra Plaza. 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; free for Trust members. Noon-midnight. 9 E. De la Guerra St. Call 966-6961.

El Mercado del Norte

Enjoy food and carnival fun. Don’t miss tonight’s entertainment presented by KRUZ 97.5 at 5 p.m. Daily, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. MacKenzie Park, State St. and Las Positas Rd.

Fiesta Summer Art Show and Sale

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

Tardes de Ronda

Wearing colorful costumes, children from the Santa Barbara area demonstrate their talents and multicultural heritage in this variety show. 1-5 p.m. Courthouse’s Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa St. Free.

La M°sica Antigua de Espa±a

Celebrate the music of Old Spain, Mexico, and early California for voice and classical guitar. 3-4 p.m. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State St. Free. Call 965-7419.

Las Noches de Ronda

Final performance of traditional Spanish music, dancing, and singing under the stars. Bring chairs or blankets for lawn seating. Food is available for purchase from Elements Restaurant. 8 p.m. Courthouse’s Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa St. Free.

Mariachi Festival

Entertainment includes Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, Mariachi Internacional Guadalajara, and Mariachi Monumental. 5:30 p.m. Santa Barbara Bowl, 1122 N. Milpas St. Tickets available at the Bowl and Ticketmaster at 583-8700.

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

Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association performs. 7:30 p.m. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. Call 967-6331.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Mercado

Homemade Mexican food, games, live entertainment, and dancing. Daily, noon-11 p.m. 227 N. Nopal St. Call 965-4060.

Sunday, August 3

Fiesta Stock Horse Show

Riders compete in non-pro stock horse, open and committee calf branding, and Team Penning Slack. 8 a.m. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. Free. Call 967-6331.

Fiesta Arts & Crafts Show

A statewide gathering of artisans and craftspeople displaying a wide variety of paintings, carvings, pottery, and other handcrafted wares on Cabrillo Boulevard, west of Stearns Wharf. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Fiesta Summer Art Show and Sale

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

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

Riders compete in bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer stopping, Team Penning, Mutton Bustin’ and Saddle Bronco Riding, plus Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association team roping, barrel-racing, and bull riding. 1:30 p.m. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. Call 967-6331.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Mercado

Homemade Mexican food, games, live entertainment, and dancing. Daily, noon-11 p.m. 227 N. Nopal St. Call 965-4060.

West Coast Symphony 42nd Annual Free Fiesta Concert

Bring the family, snacks, and lawn chairs for an afternoon of music conducted by Christopher Story VI. 3:30 p.m. Courthouse’s Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa St. Free.