Kid Friendly Fiesta Events

Not my Photo :)

Old Spanish Days "Fiesta" is a Santa Barbara tradition that has continued for almost 90 years. Many Santa Barbara locals love it (and many leave town to avoid the tourists!). It is so fun for kids and a favorite memory for the year!) Here is a list of my favorite Fiesta events for kids. (the full calendar)

1. The Children's Parade (free) takes place the Saturday of Fiesta at 10am along State St (from Victoria to Ortega). Set up towards the beginning of the route for faster viewing and less wait time.

2. El Mercado del Norte is a fiesta carnival for the kids and is located at Mackenzie Park (Las Positas and State St). It runs 11am-11pm Wednesday-Saturday fiesta week. It is cheapest to go on Wednesday ($25 wristbands) and more expensive the other days ($30 wristbands)

3. Historical Fiesta Parade (free)  takes place the Friday of Fiesta at noon along Cabrillo St. (by West Beach) to State St. and then up State St to Sola St. This parade has horses! Set up towards the beginning of the route for faster viewing and less wait time. (Note: chairs cannot be set up ahead of time along Cabrillo St.)

4. The Tardes de Ronda (free) takes place the Saturday of Fiesta from 1-5 on the Sunken Gardens SB Courthouse lawn. All performers are under 16!

5. Flor y Canto (free) takes place the Friday of Fiesta at 7pm on the Sunken Gardens SB Courthouse lawn. There is song and dance with story telling from the past. It goes later than I like for my kids but gives a more historical perspective.

6. West Coast Symphony Concert (free) takes place Sunday at 3:30 on the Sunken Gardens SB Courthouse lawn.

 La Cumbre Plaza has events all week, but they vary by year and can be found here.