Vacaville Fiesta Days

A PARADE OF COLOR, SOUND, AND CULTURE

The annual Fiesta Days parade begins at Merchant Street near Mason Street, proceeds down Merchant Street and ends at South Orchard Street. You’ll see the best classic cars in Vacaville, local notables, bands, and floats as participants take to the streets in a whirl of color and music. The streets fill up fast, so be sure to arrive early to get a good view of the festivities.

FAMILY FESTIVITIES

Fiesta Days has been a family-friendly event from its start in 1957 and that tradition still holds true. Even very little ones can find pint-sized rides in the kid’s area and the taller and braver among the town’s youth can take a whirl on the Gravitron or the Zipper, a favorite among adventurous high-schoolers! Throughout the day you’ll find carnival fun, including vendors in the park and ice cream trucks lined up along Monte Vista Ave, ready and waiting with traditional carnival fare and icy treats. Then, as the sun goes down, the park becomes a blaze of color and light as the rides and music continue into the night. Unlike in previous years, this year the carnival will be open on Memorial Day Monday the 27th, but the fiesta gardens will not. Never fear, though! Downtown Vacaville offers plenty of meal options for the whole family. Continue the hispanic heritage celebration at Los Reyes, El Patron, or Santana's Cantina or take a stroll down Main Street to find even more delicious choices!

LOCK ‘EM UP

Beginning in 1957, a jail was set up at Fiesta Days to incarcerate any man who hadn’t grown a beard for the Whiskerino Contest. Even the town’s distinguished Judge S.M. Dobbins was once captured and incarcerated! These days, you can be part of the good-natured detainment by heading down to the jail, or prior to Fiesta Days, the office at 130 Allison Ct, with a picture of your wanted individual and what they are wanted for. The fee is $5 and the Sheriff will create a wanted poster of the villain and arrest them on sight. But we’ve discovered the Top-Secret get out of (Fiesta Days) jail free card: the only sure way to keep your freedom is to wear a Fiesta Days button, pin, shirt, or hat. It can be from any year, as long as you have the logo on you!

How will you celebrate Fiesta Days? Chime in on social media with #vacavillefiestadays or #ilovevacaville to share your adventure with us!