Fiesta Ranchera Event Returns to Historic Rancho La Patera on June 18

Old Spanish Days and the Goleta Valley Historical Society are teaming up to host Fiesta Ranchera, a festive evening celebration at the historic Rancho La Patera gardens on Thursday, June 18.

The event, which runs from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., will feature appetizers, wine, and beer from local restaurants, wineries, and breweries. Attendees will enjoy performances by the 2026 Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta, musical entertainment by Tony Ybarra, and dancing under the stars with Area 51.

Tickets are $100 and must be purchased in advance—no tickets will be sold at the door. The event is for guests 21 and older only. Proceeds benefit both Old Spanish Days and the Goleta Valley Historical Society.

A Historic Setting

The venue for Fiesta Ranchera holds deep connections to the era that Old Spanish Days celebrates. Rancho La Patera was established in 1873 as part of Rancho La Goleta and is considered the oldest commercial citrus ranch in California. The historic property was dedicated to the community 50 years ago and is now under the stewardship of the Goleta Valley Historical Society.

The Stow House, also built in 1873, stands as one of Goleta’s most significant historic landmarks and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Fiesta itself celebrates the Rancho Period, which ran roughly from 1824 to 1864. The annual community festival was first held in 1924, making it one of Santa Barbara’s most enduring traditions.

Big Plans for August Fiesta

The June event comes as Old Spanish Days officials announced expansion plans for this year’s main Fiesta celebration, scheduled for August 5–9.

El Presidente 2026 Colin Hayward, joined by this year’s Spirit of Fiesta Jenna Ramirez, recently announced that the popular Mercado De La Guerra will expand onto two blocks of State Street.

“Everyone is looking forward to a great Fiesta this year, and we are extremely excited to be expanding the popular Mercado De La Guerra onto State Street,” said El Presidente Hayward. “The Mercado is such a big part of the Fiesta experience. It’s our center for so much of the community celebration, and we are looking forward to having more booths, more entertainment, and more food opportunities so that everyone in our community can continue to have a memorable Fiesta during August.”

The Mercado De La Guerra has been a part of Old Spanish Days Fiesta since the 1930s.

Event Details

Fiesta Ranchera

• Date: Thursday, June 18
• Time: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Location: Rancho La Patera & Stow House, 304 N. Los Carneros Road, Goleta
• Cost: $100 (advance purchase required)
• Age: 21 and older only
• Tickets Here

Full Schedule of Fiesta Events

Several beloved Fiesta traditions will return this year:

• Fiesta Pequeña – Opening night celebration on the steps of the Old Mission, Wednesday, August 5
• Noches de Ronda – Thursday through Saturday, August 6–8
• El Desfile Histórico – The historic Friday parade along Cabrillo Boulevard from Castillo Street to the Rainbow Arch past the Hilton Beachfront Resort
• Arts & Crafts Show – Along Cabrillo Boulevard during Fiesta weekend
• El Presidente Party – The Saturday prior to Fiesta, one of two major fundraisers that helps Old Spanish Days provide free Fiesta events to the public