Fiesta Safety Information

Santa Barbara Police Department (SBPD) SBPD expects a large influx of people into the city during the annual celebration. Additional Officers will be assigned to foot patrols along the State Street Promenade, Funk Zone, and Waterfront. As in years past, some of those additional Officers will be from neighboring Tri-County agencies. Outside agency officers are generally tasked with specialized enforcement such as alcohol beverage control, nightlife, or special event safety.

There will be additional traffic patrols throughout the city. These Officers’ primary duty is to prevent collisions and driving under the influence (DUI) throughout the week. We request that all those driving, bicycling, and walking within the community abide by traffic laws. Please have a sober driver, utilize taxis, or use ride-share services if you are consuming alcoholic beverages.

The City and SBPD take public concerns regarding the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) seriously. SBPD does not assist ICE in immigration enforcement. If any federal agency were to operate in a manner that compromises public safety or violates legal protocols, we would take appropriate action to ensure the safety of our community. Our officers are trained to verify credentials and protect the rights of all individuals, especially in public high-traffic areas. We remain committed to fostering trust with our community and will continue to monitor any concerns that may impact the safety and tone of our city events.

“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.

Non-Emergency Line

(805) 882-8900.

For emergencies or if you see an impaired driver, dial 9-1-1.

Though State Street has been reconfigured into a Promenade, it is important to remember it is still 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.

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.

Temporary no parking areas will be clearly designated with signage.

If you are participating in the Fiesta celebration for an extended period, you are encouraged to utilize one of the City’s downtown parking lots, garages, or harbor, beach, and waterfront lots. Please note that waterfront, harbor, and beach parking lots will still require payment for parking.

Temporary no-parking areas will be clearly designated with signage.

Riding a bike is a great way to attend the festivities! The City provides additional bike racks on Cabrillo Boulevard and in the Harbor during the event.

Bike Share Pilot Program

The Mexican market across from City Hall in De La Guerra Plaza.

Mercado hours of operation: Wednesday, July 30 to Saturday, August 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

• De la Guerra Loop Road will be closed from Saturday, July 26 at 5:00 a.m. through Sunday, August 3 at 7:00 p.m.
• East De la Guerra Street will be closed between State Street and Anacapa Street from Tuesday, July 29 at 5:00 a.m. through Sunday, August 3 at 7:00 p.m.

"Little Fiesta" will occur at the Old Mission Santa Barbara on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. It is highly recommended you use alternative modes of transportation to this event other than a vehicle.

• 6:00 p.m. – Street closures will begin in the area surrounding the Old Mission Santa Barbara.
• 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Los Olivos Street will be closed between Laguna Street and Alameda Padre Serra. Laguna Street will be closed between Padre Street and Los Olivos Street.
• 10:00 p.m. – Roads will begin to reopen.

View the La Fiesta Pequeña Street Closure Map 

The Historical Parade, El Desfile Histórico, will occur along Cabrillo Boulevard on Friday, August 1. The public is welcome to start setting out their chairs on Thursday, July 31, at 5:00 p.m.

• 6:00 a.m. - Cabrillo Boulevard will close from Castillo Street to Bath Street, including surrounding streets. Castillo Street will close from West Yanonali Street to Cabrillo Boulevard, and Shoreline Drive will close from Harbor Way to Castillo Street.
• 10:30 a.m. - Cabrillo Boulevard will close between Bath Street and Milpas Street. Stearns Wharf will also be closed.
• Noon - El Desfile Histórico Begins! Closures include Calle Cesar Chavez from Cabrillo Boulevard to East Yanonali Street, East Yanonali Street from North Calle Cesar Chavez to Garden Street, and Garden Street from East Yanonali Street to Cabrillo Boulevard.
• 4:00 p.m. - Approximate time when roads will start to reopen after the parade.

To view information about street closures, public parking, and parade details, visit the Interactive Fiesta Historical Parade Map 2025 (Google Maps)

Parking Lot Closures

• 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – SBCC Lower Lots (La Playa West Lot and La Playa East Lot) and Pershing Park Parking Lot will be closed.
• 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Palm Park Parking Lot will be closed.

Open Parking Lots (standard parking fees apply):

• Leadbetter Parking Lot
• Main Harbor Parking Lot
• Garden Street Visitor Lot (Note: No entry or exit between noon to 3:00 p.m.  during parade and return procession)
• Cabrillo West and East Lots

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, will occur along Cabrillo Blvd on Saturday, August 2, 2025. There will be no public access to the Carousel House and Plaza area.

• 8:00 a.m. - Street Closure of Cabrillo Blvd., between Garden Street to South Milpas Street and adjoining streets.
• 10:00 a.m. - El Desfile de los Niños begins!
• 1:00 p.m. - Approximate time when roads will start to reopen after the parade.

To view information about street closures, public parking, and parade details, visit The Children’s Parade Map 2025 (Google Maps)

 

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.