Old Spanish Days Fiesta — Aug 5–9

Old Spanish Days opened its 103rd annual Fiesta in Santa Barbara on Wednesday, with five days of official events running through Sunday, August 9, according to organizers. The festival’s core venues this year include Old Mission Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and downtown sites including De la Guerra Plaza and State Street. (sbfiesta.org) Old Spanish Days says the celebration is meant to honor and preserve Santa Barbara’s history, culture, heritage and traditions. (sbfiesta.org) The 2026 theme is “Fiesta Forever,” El Presidente Colin Hayward said when organizers announced this year’s program in April. ### What is happening in Santa Barbara from August 5 through August 9? (sbfiesta.org) The 2026 Old Spanish Days Fiesta runs from Wednesday, August 5, through Sunday, August 9, with music, dance, food and parade events spread across Santa Barbara. Old Spanish Days describes this year’s program as its 103rd annual Fiesta. Wednesday’s opening-day schedule included El Mercado De La Guerra from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and La Fiesta Pequeña from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Old Mission Santa Barbara. Thursday’s schedule lists La Misa del Presidente at 10 a.m., Mercado De La Guerra from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., DIGS! at the Santa Barbara Zoo from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Las Noches de Ronda at the County Courthouse Sunken Gardens from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. (sbfiesta.org) ### Which events are the main public anchors of the festival? La Fiesta Pequeña opened the public program on Wednesday night at Old Mission Santa Barbara. Old Spanish Days describes it as a free historical program featuring traditional songs and dance in front of the mission. (sbfiesta.org) El Mercado De La Guerra is running on multiple days in De la Guerra Plaza and nearby blocks, offering food, crafts, souvenirs and live entertainment. The official event listing places the market across from City Hall and says it runs all day and into the evening. (sbfiesta.org) Friday’s centerpiece is El Desfile Histórico, scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. on Cabrillo Boulevard. Old Spanish Days calls it one of the largest equestrian parades in the country and says it features floats depicting episodes from the history of the state and city. (sbfiesta.org) ### What happens after Thursday night? Friday, August 7, includes Mercado De La Guerra, the historical parade at noon, Flor y Canto from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., and another night of Las Noches de Ronda from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Organizers also said the community photo contest runs through Friday. (sbfiesta.org) Saturday, August 8, includes the Arts & Crafts Show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Children’s Parade from 10 a.m. to noon, Mercado De La Guerra from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tarde de Ronda from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Las Noches de Ronda from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday’s schedule on the main festival page lists the Arts & Crafts Show beginning at 9 a.m. (sbfiesta.org) ### Who is organizing Fiesta 2026, and what is new this year? Colin Hayward is serving as El Presidente for 2026 and announced the “Fiesta Forever” theme at a media conference on April 13. Hayward said the phrase means “continuously celebrating the history and traditions of Santa Barbara’s Fiesta celebrations.” (sbfiesta.org) Old Spanish Days said this year’s additions include a community-wide Fiesta Photo Contest and a Fiesta Poetry Contest. The organization’s news page also lists the inaugural Fiesta Dog Parade among 2026 additions. (sbfiesta.org) ### Where can visitors check the official schedule? Old Spanish Days posts its event calendar on its official website, where listings include times, venues, ticketing details and category tags for public events. Visit Santa Barbara also lists the festival dates and links back to the organizers’ site for event information. (sbfiesta.org) Sunday, August 9, is the final day of the 2026 festival, and Old Spanish Days says upcoming events and tickets remain available through its online calendar. Friday’s El Desfile Histórico at noon on Cabrillo Boulevard is the next major scheduled public event after Thursday night’s programs. (sbfiesta.org) (sbfiesta.org) (sbfiesta.org)