In preparation for Old Spanish Days Fiesta 2024, the Santa Barbara Police Department (SBPD) is offering the following advisories on road closures, parking enforcement, and other matters of public safety during the event.

“We kindly urge everyone to stay informed about essential safety topics to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all,” the SBPD said.

• Unattended personal items cannot be left to reserve spots before sunrise on the day of events, including Pequeña or parades. Blankets and chairs may be placed to reserve spaces for Fiesta events starting at sunrise on the day of the event.

No stakes are allowed in the grass, and items may not be placed in planter beds. Unattended items interfering with regularly scheduled maintenance may be removed by city staff.

Police Presence

• SBPD expects a large influx of people into the city during the Old Spanish Days-Fiesta annual celebration. Additional officers will be assigned to foot patrols along the State Street Promenade, Funk Zone and Waterfront.

There will also be additional traffic patrols throughout the city, Wednesday, July 31 through Saturday, Aug. 4. The officers’ primary duty is to prevent collisions and driving under the influence (DUI) throughout the week.

• Police ask that all motorists, cyclists and pedestrians abide by traffic laws. Please have a sober driver, utilize taxis, or use ride-share services if you are consuming alcoholic beverages.
• Instruct children to seek assistance from a police officer if they become separated from you.
  

  “If You See Something, Say Something”
• Report suspicious activities and packages to the police, please contact SBPD’s Dispatch Center on the non-emergency line, 805-882-8900.
• For emergencies or if you see an impaired driver, dial 9-1-1.


   
  No Alcoholic Beverages or Smoking in Public
• Though State Street has been reconfigured into a promenade, it is a public thoroughfare and open alcoholic beverages are prohibited on any public street, sidewalk, or area.
• Santa Barbara Municipal Code 9.05.010 prohibits the consumption or possession of any open alcoholic beverage upon any public street, sidewalk, parking lot, or alley.

Citations could be issued as a result of possessing an open alcoholic beverage or consuming an alcoholic beverage in public.

• Smoking and electronic cigarettes are also prohibited in the city while in public per Municipal Code 9.20.020. Santa Barbara aims to be a smoke-free city to protect the health, safety and well-being for all.
  
Parking Enforcement
• All parking enforcement rules and regulations including timed, 15, 60 and 75-minute zones, and all other parking regulations, will be enforced throughout the city during the week.
   
  Exception from timed parking: only on Friday, Aug. 2 for the Historical Parade, with no time enforcement primarily in the West Beach and Funk Zone neighborhoods.

• People participating in the Fiesta celebration for an extended period are urged to use one of the city’s downtown parking lots, garages, or harbor, beach, and waterfront lots. Note that waterfront, harbor and beach parking lots require payment for parking.
   
  No Parking Areas

Temporary no parking areas will be clearly designated with signage.


• Friday, Aug. 2, 5 a.m.-6 p.m. Cabrillo Boulevard between Castillo Street and Niños Drive, and surrounding streets.
• Saturday, Aug. 3, 8 a.m.-noon. Cabrillo Boulevard between Garden Street and South Milpas Street, and surrounding streets.
   
  Street Closures for Events & Parades

Expect heavy traffic delays before, during and after events. Plan accordingly to accommodate these events. The following major roadways will be closed to all vehicles starting at the specified dates and times.
 
For up-to-date street closures listed by day and by event, please visit the City’s Fiesta 2024 Road Closures, Parking, and Public Safety Updates page.


El Mercado De La Guerra – The Mexican market across from City Hall in De La Guerra Plaza. Mercado hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. July 31-Aug. 3. 

• Closure of De la Guerra Loop Road – 5 a.m. Saturday, July 27 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4.
• Closure of East De la Guerra Street between State and Anacapa streets – 5 a.m. Tuesday, July 30 to 7 p.m. Sunday Aug. 4.
   
  Las Noches De Ronda, held in the Sunken Gardens at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, will be 8-11 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1 to Saturday, Aug. 3.
• Daily street closure of 100 E. Anapamu Street, between Anacapa and Santa Barbara streets – 5 p.m.-midnight, Thursday. Aug. 1 to Saturday, Aug. 3.
• Additional closure of 100 E. Anapamu St. between Anacapa and Santa Barbara streets – noon-7 p.m. Sun. Aug. 4.
   
  Blankets and chairs can be set up no earlier than 9 a.m. on the day of the event. Note that anything of plastic or nylon material will be removed.

La Fiesta Pequeña at Old Mission Santa Barbara — Wednesday, July 31 

• 6 p.m. – Street closures in the surrounding area of the Old Mission Santa Barbara.
• 6:30-10 p.m. – Street closure of Los Olivos Street between Laguna Street and Alameda Padre Serra. Street closure of Laguna Street between Padre and Los Olivos streets. 

Alternative modes of transportation, other than motor vehicles, are recommended.

The Historical Parade, El Desfile Histórico along Cabrillo Boulevard – Friday, Aug. 2

• 5 a.m. – Closure of Cabrillo Boulevard between Niños Drive and Castillo Street, and adjoining streets in the area.
• 9:30 a.m. – Stearns Wharf closed to vehicles.
• Noon – El Desfile Histórico begins
• 4 p.m. – Roads will start to reopen.
   
  The Fiesta Historical Parade Map includes detailed information about street closures, public parking, and parade details. Accessible Parking and Parade Viewing: Additional ADA parking spaces with accessible paths to the parade route and accessible restrooms will be available at the eastern end of the Main Harbor Parking Lot, and payment for parking is required. Access to the Main Harbor Parking Lot is via Loma Alta and Shoreline Drive.

The Children’s Parade, El Desfile de los Niños along Cabrillo Boulevard – Saturday, Aug. 3lvd.

• 8 a.m. – Closure of Cabrillo Boulevard between Garden Street and South Milpas Street, and adjoining streets.
• 10 a.m. – El Desfile de los Niños begins.
• 1 p.m. – Roads will start to reopen.
   
  The Children’s Parade Map includes information about street closures, public parking, and parade details for the Children’s Parade.
   
  Accessible Parking and Parade Viewing: Additional ADA parking spaces with accessible paths to the parade route and accessible restrooms will be available at the eastern end of the Palm Park Parking Lot, and payment for parking is required. Access to the Palm Park Parking Lot is via Garden Street and Cabrillo Boulevard.
   
  Bicycle Parking

Riding a bike is a great way to attend the festivities, SBPD said. The city provides additional bike racks on Cabrillo Boulevard and in the Harbor during the event.
 
For more about Fiesta 2024 events, visit Old Spanish Days website. For up-to-date street closure, parking, and safety updates, visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Fiesta.