11th Annual Casa Cantina
A highlight of the annual Old Spanish Days Fiesta celebration, from Wednesday, August 1 to Saturday, August 4, 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., locals and visitors alike are invited to stop by, have a cold drink and celebrate at the home of Fiesta—Casa de la Guerra.
Admission: $6–$10, admission fee varies (includes 1 FREE drink before 5:00 p.m. and reentrance throughout the day), 21 years of age and over ONLY after 3:00 p.m., FREE Admission for SBTHP Members. Veranda tables available by reservation: info@plusonesb.com.
When the first modern Old Spanish Days Fiesta celebration was held in 1924, parties and teas in honor of members from early Santa Barbara families were held at Casa de la Guerra. Casa Cantina, located across the street from De la Guerra Plaza in the heart of downtown’s Fiesta activities, continues the site’s tradition as a place for civic celebrations and special events. Featuring beer and wine for sale, for a small fee guests can relax, have a cold drink and enjoy live music in the evening in Casa courtyard. All proceeds benefit the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation and the continued restoration of Casa de la Guerra. SBTHP members receive FREE admission with a valid membership card. Before 4:00 p.m. admission includes entrance to the exhibit at Casa de la Guerra, A Legacy Set in Stone: Santa Barbara Stone Architecture, 1870-1940. For more information call (805) 965-0093 or visit sbthp.org.
Casa Cantina Entertainment
Wednesday, August 1, 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Live Music by Spencer the Gardener
Thursday, August 2, 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Live Music by Big in Japan and Freakin’ on Speakers
Friday, August 3, 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Live Music by Flock of Cougars and Jeff Hershey & The Heartbeats
Saturday, August 4, 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Live Music by Somos Son
Casa Cantina 4-Day Wristband via Night Out, Inc.:Purchase wristband here
Veranda VIP Tables: VIP table reservations on the Veranda: info@plusonesb.com for reservations or more information. Cost: $200/night, $600/week. Includes:
– Private table for 6 guests
– VIP guests on the Veranda will have a dedicated host
– 6 complimentary beverage tickets each night
– Live music and entertainment
– 6 Commemorative VERANDA VIP credentials
About Casa de la Guerra
One of the most important remnants of Santa Barbara’s Spanish-Mexican heritage, the Casa has been at the heart of Santa Barbara’s history since its construction (1819-1827) by the fifth Presidio comandante, José de la Guerra. The house played an important role in the civic and social life of Santa Barbara well into the twentieth century as the site of regular gala celebrations for family weddings, community gatherings, and visiting government emissaries. When the first modern Old Spanish Fiesta was held in 1924, parties and teas in honor of members of the early families were held at Casa de la Guerra. Following the devastating June 29, 1925, earthquake in Santa Barbara, the Casa and neighboring El Paseo served as models for rebuilding parts of downtown Santa Barbara. Starting in 1990, the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation began conducting research to determine the structural history of the Casa, with particular emphasis on its original configuration during the time José de la Guerra and his family resided there, a thirty-year period between 1828 and 1858. Today the restored home is a museum featuring original furnishings, a history of the De la Guerra family, and rotating exhibits.
About the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP)
Founded in 1963 by Dr. Pearl Chase and other community leaders, the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) works to preserve, restore, reconstruct and interpret historic sites in Santa Barbara County. SBTHP operates El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, Santa Barbara’s 18th century birthplace, under a unique agreement with California State Parks. Recently purchased, the neighboring building that housed Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens provides an opportunity to interpret the history of Santa Barbara’s Asian American community in the Presidio neighborhood. SBTHP also owns and operates Casa de la Guerra, the 1820s home of Presidio Comandante José de la Guerra and his family. The restored home is now a museum featuring original furnishings and rotating exhibits. Recently SBTHP signed an agreement with State Parks to manage and develop the Santa Inés Mission Mills near the town of Solvang as a future California State Park. These are a few of the projects SBTHP is presently pursuing—learn more here.