Pre-Fiesta Listings
SAT., JULY 31
Flower Girl Garden Party
The Flower Girls, who march in the parade and children’s parade and participate at Fiesta Pequeña, will receive their annual badge from El Presidente Michael Dominguez. 10am-noon. County Courthouse Sunken Gardens. Free.
SUN., AUG. 1
Recepción del Presidente
Join El Presidente Michael Dominguez at his recepción. Enjoy a Mexican buffet and live music and performances by the 2010 Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta. Feel free to wear your Fiesta attire. 5-10pm. DoubleTree Resort Plaza del Sol. Tickets: $65 in advance; $85 at the door. 962-8101 or info@oldspanishdays-fiesta.org.
WED., AUG. 4
Courthouse Fiesta Tours
Guided tours (every half hour) of the Moorish-Spanish building. Meet in the Mural Room. (Daily) 10am-3pm. Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Anacapa and Anapamu sts. Free.
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, Flamenco, Spanish classical, and Mexican folklórico dances. Food is available for purchase from local vendors. Event sponsored by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. 8pm. Old Mission. Free.
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. (Daily) 11am-11p.m. De la Guerra Plaza (across from City Hall). Free.
El Mercado del Norte
Selection of Spanish-Mexican foods and beverages. Carnival rides for the kids and the new Fiesta Crazy Horse Cantina for icy cold beer, margaritas, and live entertainment in the evening. (Daily) 11am-11pm. MacKenzie Park, State St. and Las Positas Rd. Free.
Santa Barbara Mission Tours
Come explore this beautiful landmark during special docent-led tours. Tours are Wed., Fri., and Sat. at 11am, 1pm, 2:30pm, and 4pm; Thu., 1pm, 2:30pm, and 4pm. For more info and cost, call the mission at 682-4713.
Viva la Canary
Celebrate the beginning of Fiesta a The Perch, Canary Hotel’s rooftop. There will Fiesta-priced specials on margaritas and house-made sangria, $2 tacos made by Chef Brian Parks, who will be roasting a pig for the event. Music by DJ Sparx and Latin trumpet player Rico DeLargo. Fiesta attire encouraged. 5-10pm. Canary Hotel rooftop, 31 W. Carrillo St. Tickets: $20, advance; $25, door. Call (877) 548-3237 or visit canarysantabarbara.com.
THU., AUG. 5
Casa Cantina
A Mexican-style cantina featuring beer and margaritas at the historic Casa de la Guerra. All proceeds benefit the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation. Noon-midnight. Courtyard of Casa de la Guerra, De la Guerra Plaza. For more info and tickets, call 965-0093.
Courthouse Fiesta Tours
Guided tours (every half hour) of the Moorish-Spanish building. Meet in the Mural Room. (Daily) 10am-3pm. Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Anacapa and Anapamu sts. Free.
Celebración de los Dignatarios
Appetizers and wines presented by area restaurants and wineries. Dance to the sounds of Soul City Survivors. 5-10pm. S.B. Zoo, 500 Niños Dr.Tickets: $85 per person in advance; $100 at the gate. Tickets available online at brownpapertickets.com/event/70512.
Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo (Competencia de los Vaqueros)
Fiesta Tri-County Stock Horse show brings in riders from the Tri-Counties to compete in the Alisal Ranch Horse Class, Fiesta Ranch Horse Class, Old Timers Team Roping, and Steer Stopping. 8am. Earl Warren Showgrounds, Calle Real at Las Positas Rd. Free. For more info, visit sbfiestarodeo.com.
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. (Daily) 11am-11p.m. De la Guerra Plaza (across from City Hall). Free.
El Mercado del Norte
Selection of Spanish-Mexican foods and beverages. Carnival rides for the kids and the new Fiesta Crazy Horse Cantina for icy cold beer margaritas and live entertainment in the evening. (Daily) 11am-11pm. MacKenzie Park, State St. and Las Positas Rd. Free.
La Misa del Presidente
Mass at the Old Mission followed by a garden reception. A nondenominational service, open to the public. Fiesta attire encouraged. 10am. For info, call 682-4713. Free.
Las Noches de Ronda
“Nights of Gaiety,” a favorite Fiesta tradition. A variety show of music, singing, Flamenco from Spain, and Folklórico dances from many regions of Mexico. Bring blankets and chairs for lawn seating. 8pm. S.B. County Courthouse Sunken Gardens. Free.
Santa Barbara Mission Tours
Come explore this beautiful landmark during special docent-led tours. Tours are Wed., Fri., and Sat. at 11am, 1pm, 2:30pm, and 4pm; Thu., 1pm, 2:30pm, and 4pm. For more info and cost, call the mission at 682-4713.
Professional Bull Riders Challenger Tour
Nation’s top riders competing in bull roping. Tickets: box seats $80 and $65 each; general admission seats $45 or $30; each first come, first served. 7:45pm. Tickets and info available Jedlicka’s (687-0747) and Earl Warren Showgrounds (967-6331). For more info, visit sbfiestarodeo.com.
