EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF FIESTA

Every August, Santa Barbara comes alive with music, dancing, colorful costumes, and a celebration that has been bringing the community together for more than a century.

Known as Old Spanish Days Fiesta, the annual festival honors the city’s rich cultural heritage through parades, flamenco performances, live entertainment, and incredible food. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, Fiesta is one of the best times of year to experience Santa Barbara.

This year, two downtown favorites—Loquita and Paloma—are joining the celebration with festive food, drinks, and live entertainment on August 7.

💃 A Tradition More Than 100 Years in the Making

Since 1924, Old Spanish Days Fiesta has celebrated the diverse cultures that shaped Santa Barbara, honoring the traditions of Spanish, Mexican, Indigenous, and early North American communities.

Today, the festival transforms downtown into one big celebration, complete with historic costumes, music, dancing, and one of California’s most beloved summer events.

It’s the kind of festival where visitors don’t just watch—they become part of the celebration.

Learn more about Old Spanish Days Fiesta before planning your visit.

🥘 A Taste of Spain at Loquita

Located just steps from the waterfront, Loquita is embracing the spirit of Fiesta with a lively afternoon inspired by Spain’s culinary traditions.

Guests can enjoy an all-inclusive menu featuring tapas, paella, patatas bravas, fresh churros, and bottomless sangria while watching live flamenco performances by Timo Nuñez Arte Flamenco. Complimentary tastings of tequila, mezcal, and gin add another festive touch to the experience.

New this year, two flamenco performances give guests the flexibility to enjoy both the famous Fiesta parade and Loquita’s celebration throughout the afternoon.

🍹 Keep the Celebration Going

After the parade, the party continues just around the corner.

The bar at Paloma will celebrate Fiesta Friday with $10 margaritas from 2 to 5 p.m., making it the perfect stop before settling in for dinner on the restaurant’s welcoming patio.

It’s an easy way to soak in the festive atmosphere while enjoying one of downtown Santa Barbara’s newest neighborhood gathering spots.

🚶 Make It a Weekend

One of the best things about Fiesta is that it’s easy to turn into a full weekend getaway.

Spend the morning exploring Santa Barbara’s historic downtown, browse local boutiques along State Street, visit the waterfront, or relax on the beach before joining the festivities.

The city’s walkable layout makes it easy to move between parade routes, restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and cultural attractions without ever needing to get back in the car.

🌞 Summer Is Better in Santa Barbara

Few places capture the feeling of a California summer quite like Santa Barbara.

Between the ocean views, Mediterranean architecture, incredible restaurants, and vibrant cultural traditions, it’s a destination that feels both relaxing and full of energy at the same time.

Fiesta simply adds another layer to that experience.

✨ Join the Celebration

Some festivals are worth planning a trip around.

With more than 100 years of history, Old Spanish Days Fiesta continues to be one of California’s most iconic celebrations, bringing together music, food, dance, and community in a way that’s uniquely Santa Barbara.

Whether you’re raising a glass of sangria at Loquita, enjoying a margarita at Paloma, or simply soaking up the excitement along State Street, you’ll quickly discover why Fiesta remains one of the Central Coast’s favorite summer traditions.

For tickets and reservations, visit https://www.loquitasb.com/ or https://www.lapalomasb.com/！