Fiesta Preview 2007
Taking it to the Streets
Events to Get You in the Fiesta Mood
The long, hot summer days signal the approach of Santa Barbara’s favorite party-Fiesta. This year’s celebration promises to be as fun-filled as ever with myriad events including mercados, flamenco dancing, music, stock horse shows, and parades. Although Fiesta officially kicks off on August 1, as the following listings show, there are plenty of things to do during the run-up to Fiesta. So, dust off your Old Spanish Days garb and fill your pockets with cascarones and ¡viva la fiesta!
Fri., July 27
El Arte de los Ni±os de Fiesta
Check out children’s artistic renditions of Santa Barbara history and their experiences of Fiesta. Artist reception and awards ceremony, 5-7pm. Free. Creativity Center and Old Spanish Days, 1 N. Calle Cesar Ch¡vez, Ste. 100.
Sat., July 28
Old Spanish Days Wine Tasting
Thirty area boutique wines, gourmet food, and live music, with wines available for purchase. Tickets $55 per person in advance; $65 day of the event. 4-7pm. Courthouse Sunken Gardens. Pre-event reception from 2:30-4pm at Elements Restaurant includes rare/reserve tasting. $80 per person (advance purchase). For tickets, call Arlington Ticket Agency at 963-4408.
El Fandango Dinner/Dance
Dinner and dancing at the Elks Lodge (150 N. Kellogg Ave., #613), with music by the Estrada Brothers. Fiesta costumes encouraged. 6pm-midnight. Sponsored by the Santa Barbara/Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities. Tickets $65 per person. For reservations and info, call Monica Falcon at 962-8406.
Summer Celebration
Surf-themed artwork by Hank Pitcher, photography by Dan Merkel, and surfboards from Renny Yater on display and surf films such as The Craving, Crystal Voyager, and The Big Swell show in the museum’s high-definition Munger Theater. Tubular crafts and hands-on activities for the kids will take place throughout the day. 10am-5pm. Free. S.B. Maritime Museum (113 Harbor Wy., # 190). Call 962-8404.
Sun., July 29
Art of Fiesta Exhibit
See a one-of-a-kind collection of rare Fiesta memorabilia and art. 1-4pm. Santa Barbara Club (1105 Chapala St.). Free.
Recepci³n de la Presidenta
Join La Presidenta Kelly Magne at her Recepci³n, which includes a bountiful Mexican buffet, performances by the 2007 Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta, and music by King Bee. 5-10pm. DoubleTree Resort (633 E. Cabrillo Blvd.). Tickets $55 per person in advance; $75 at the door. Call 963-4408.
Mon., July 30
(through Thu., Aug. 2)
Fiesta at Paseo Nuevo
Take a lunch break and watch Fiesta dances performed by area dance schools. Noon-1:30pm. Free. Paseo Nuevo Center Court.
Annual Fiesta Golf Classic
Start your day with a charity golf tournament hosted by the Santa Barbara Sunrise Rotary Club at Glen Annie Golf Course (405 Glen Annie Rd., Goleta) and finish with dinner and a variety of fun events at Oak Park. It all starts at noon. $200 greens fee per golfer, which includes two dinner tickets ($40 value). For entry and sponsorships, call Steve Kally at 338-0611 or Tim Marme at 895-2341.
Sunrise Rotary Fiesta Buffet Dinner & Auction
Sunrise Rotary continues the festivities in Oak Park with a catered Fiesta dinner and liquid refreshments. Come and participate in live and silent auctions, listen to live music, and see a performance by the Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta and other fiery Spanish dance groups. 6pm. Dinner tickets: $20 adults, $12 for children 12 and younger. For tickets and information, call Steve Kally at 338-0611 or Tim Marme at 895-2341.
Wed., Aug. 1
Fiesta at La Cumbre Plaza
Stop by La Cumbre Plaza near Macy’s for flamenco dancing performed by the Linda Vega Dance Studio. 2-6pm. Free.
Courthouse Fiesta Tours
Daily guided tours (every half hour) of the Moorish-Spanish building (1100 Anacapa St.). Meet in the Mural Room. 10am-3:30pm. Free.
El Mercado de la Guerra
Visit a marketplace with Spanish and Mexican-American foods, crafts and souvenirs, and live entertainment all day and into the early evening. The evening’s entertainment starts at 5pm. De la Guerra Plaza (across from City Hall), Wednesday through Saturday. 11am-11pm. Free.
Casa Cantina
¡ndale todos a la Casa Cantina! The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation hosts the annual Casa Cantina, featuring a Mexican-style cantina with beer and refreshments at the historic Casa de la Guerra. Fee for public; free for trust members. Proceeds benefit the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation. Noon-midnight. Courtyard of Casa De la Guerra in De la Guerra Plaza.
El Mercado del Norte
Spanish and Mexican foods and beverages, carnival rides and attractions, beer gardens, and entertainment featuring traditional Spanish dance performances and Latin music. 11am-11pm. MacKenzie Park (3098 Las Positas Rd.). Free.
La Fiesta Peque±a
The Little Fiesta officially opens Old Spanish Days on the steps of Santa Barbara’s historic Old Mission. The event features music and a program of classical Spanish, flamenco, and Mexican dances. Food available from vendors. Sponsored by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. 8pm. Free.
Thu., Aug. 2
Fiesta at La Cumbre Plaza
Stop by La Cumbre Plaza near Macy’s for flamenco dancing performed by the Linda Vega Dance Studio. 5-7pm. Free.
Courthouse Fiesta Tours
Daily guided tours (every half hour) of the Moorish-Spanish building (1100 Anacapa St.). Meet in the Mural Room. 10am-3:30pm. Free.
Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo
Horse riders from the tri-counties compete in the Alisal Ranch Horse class, Fiesta Ranch Horse class, Buckaroo class, Old Timers team roping, and steer stopping. 8am. Free. Earl Warren Showgrounds (3400 Calle Real).
La Misa de la Presidenta
La Presidenta’s Mass at the Old Mission is followed by a garden reception. Fiesta attire encouraged. Open to the public. 10am. Free. For information, call 682-4713.
El Mercado de la Guerra
Visit a marketplace with Spanish and Mexican-American foods, crafts and souvenirs, and live entertainment all day and into the early evening. The evening’s entertainment starts at 5pm. De la Guerra Plaza (across from City Hall), Wednesday through Saturday. 11am-11pm. Free.
Casa Cantina
¡ndale todos a la Casa Cantina! The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation hosts the annual Casa Cantina, featuring a Mexican-style cantina with beer and refreshments at the historic Casa de la Guerra. Fee for public; free for trust members. Proceeds benefit the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation. Noon-midnight. Courtyard of Casa De la Guerra in De la Guerra Plaza.
El Mercado del Norte
Spanish and Mexican foods and beverages, carnival rides and attractions, beer gardens, and entertainment featuring traditional Spanish dance performances and Latin music. 11am-11pm. MacKenzie Park (3098 Las Positas Rd.). Free.
Celebraci³n de los Dignatarios
Greet the mayor, members of the City Council, and other dignitaries while dancing to the music of Soul City Survivors. Appetizers and wines presented by area restaurants and wineries. 5-10pm. The hilltop of the Santa Barbara Zoo. Tickets: $75 per person in advance; $100 at the gate. Tickets are available at the Arlington Ticket Agency at 963-4408.
Professional Bull Riders Tour
The professional bull riding competition starts at 7:30pm. Earl Warren Showgrounds (3400 Calle Real). Tickets: ticketmaster.com or call 583-8700. After July 31, call the box office at 967-6331.
Las Noches de Ronda
Nights of Gaiety, 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 under the stars in the Sunken Gardens of the County Courthouse. 8pm. Free.
