San Juan Capistrano Festival of the Swallows Hoo’s Gow Day Guide Friday March 21 2025.
Friday March 21 2025: Hoos’Gow Day
9:00am-4:00pm: The Streets of Downtown San Juan Capistrano
Hoos’Gow Day is a San Juan tradition!
Bringing a taste of the Wild West back to San Juan Capistrano.
The “Sheriff” and the “Deputies” of the Fiesta Association are dressed in their traditional black and white western garb while they roam the town in search of city slickers.
If you’re not wearing western wear, watch out!
You might just be roped into the fun!
The Deputies will “arrest” anyone not dressed in western attire (and some who are, but just look like they need time in the Hoos’Gow), or any man who is clean-shaven.
However, the rules often change to suit the sheriff and his over-zealous deputies, who are out to fill the jail.
There’s plenty of wild western “whooping and hollering” going on as our deputies fill the streets.
The penalty for noncompliance is being thrown into the Hoos’Gow.
Jail sentences are short for those who can make “bail” by simply purchasing a Fiesta Association souvenir.
“Bail” money is used to help defray the costs of the parade.
Friday March 21 2025: Frog Jumping Contest at Los Rios Park
4:00pm-6:00pm
Friday March 21 2025: Hoo’s Gow Day
9:00am-4:00pm: The Streets of Downtown San Juan Capistrano
Friday March 21 2025: Frog Jumping Contest at Los Rios Park
4:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday March 22 2025: Swallows Day Parade
11:00am in Downtown San Juan Capistrano
Saturday March 22 2025: The Mercado
9:00am-5:00pm at Historic Town Center (HTC) Park in downtown San Juan Capistrano
Times and Dates are subject to change.
Please contact the event organizer for the most up to date information
