The traditional downtown mercado in De la Guerra Plaza will grow for this week’s Fiesta, expanding out to State Street. The change for the 2026 event will expand the mercado footprint to include two blocks of State Street, bordered by Ortega Street and Canon Perdido Street.
Event Details
The free event runs from Wednesday, August 5 through Saturday, August 8, 2026. The mercado area will have a main stage in the plaza surrounded by food, a beer garden, and vendors. Some of the vendors began setting up on Sunday and continue construction on Monday. All permits for health and construction will be verified before the operators can serve guests.
Thousands will be expected to visit the area during Old Spanish Days, with many local residents planning to attend on the first day before the flow of tourists pour into the city. This will be the only mercado operated by Old Spanish Days. There will not be a mercado at MacKenzie Park or at the waterfront as the city has seen in the past. There will be no Old Spanish Days carnival.
A carnival or mini fair will be held on the field at The Club on Canon Perdido Street with rides, food, and dancing. The Club will also have a free pancake breakfast on Saturday morning from 7 – 9 a.m.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
