Plan Your Visit to Fiesta San Antonio
Plan your visit to Fiesta San Antonio! Experience parades, live music, delicious food, and vibrant traditions celebrating Texas’s rich culture and history.
WHAT IS FIESTA SAN ANTONIO?
Fiesta San Antonio is a city-wide celebration that started in 1891. A group of locals wanted to honor the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto with their own Battle of Flowers. So, they put on a parade complete with horse-drawn carriages, bicycles covered in fresh blooms, floats carrying children dressed up like flowers, and everyone threw flowers at each other.
The Battle of Flowers Parade was a hit, and it still continues today. It’s also one of the only parades in the U.S. that’s planned and directed entirely by women, and it’s the second-largest parade nationally. As the years went on, more events were added like a carnival, balls, dances, and more. Today, there is Fiesta royalty and numerous groups and organizations involved in the 11-day long festival that celebrates the rich and diverse culture of the city.
WHEN IS FIESTA SAN ANTONIO?
Fiesta San Antonio fills the city with fun for 11 days. As one of the nation's premier festivals, Fiesta brings together more than 2.5 million people a year each April. The Battle of San Jacinto was fought on April 21, 1836, so Fiesta takes place every April. This year, Fiesta will run from April 24th through May 4th.
SHOW US YOUR SHOES
The Battle of Flowers and Flambeau Parade royalty ride on floats in long dresses. During the parades, you’ll hear viewers yell, “Show us your shoes!” The royalty will lift their dresses and display their elaborate shoes. This tradition has inspired many Fiesta attendees to wear fancy footwear like boots with whimsical designs.
FIESTA MEDALS
The history of Fiesta medals is as colorful as the medals themselves. People collect them every year to show their San Antonio pride. There are a lot of fun ways to wear them around your neck, pinned to your hat, and however else you can think. You can get medals at various events throughout the 11-day celebration! Wear your most colorful clothing, comfy shoes, and a sash to pin your medals on.
FIESTA SAN ANTONIO EVENTS
The number of Fiesta events varies each year, but typically there are 105-120 events! Check out some of the best ones:
Brighton Center’s Taste of the Northside
April 23
Get ready to eat, drink, and party with a purpose at San Antonio’s ultimate all-inclusive Fiesta foodie experience! Hosted at the stunning Rock at La Cantera, this evening allows you to sample gourmet bites from over 50 of the city's top restaurants while sipping on premium top-shelf cocktails, craft brews, and curated wines. You can move to the beat of live music and DJs knowing that every ticket helps the Brighton Center provide life-changing services for children with disabilities and developmental delays. It is the perfect way to feel good about every delicious bite!
April 16
Step into a culinary journey across the Lone Star State at this vibrant outdoor celebration! Held at the scenic Alamo Beer Company, the evening showcases the diverse flavors of Texas through gourmet small plates crafted by top-tier local chefs. You can wander through various tasting stations where each dish is perfectly paired with premium wines, spirits, or a cold craft brew. With live music setting the tempo and a lively atmosphere that captures the heart of San Antonio, it is a spectacular way to toast to local culture and community!
Fiesta® Fiesta presented by TOYOTA
April 16 - 26
Hosted at the Alamodome, the celebration transforms the space into a sea of vibrant medals and flying cascarones. You can trade pins with fellow fans, catch the colorful People's Parade, and dance to live music while snacking on classic local treats. From the royal appearances to the electric atmosphere, it is a spectacular way to join thousands of neighbors in honoring the traditions and community spirit that make San Antonio shine!
April 16 - 23
Soar through the sky on thrilling fairground rides, test your skills at classic carnival games, and indulge in iconic treats like funnel cakes and cotton candy. The air is filled with the scent of popcorn and the sounds of festive music, creating a vibrant atmosphere perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike. Whether you are aiming to win a giant stuffed animal or simply want to soak in the glowing skyline from the top of the Ferris wheel, this spirited tradition is a must-see highlight of the season!
April 17 - 26
This massive celebration at the Historic Market Square brings together thousands of locals and visitors for a lively experience filled with daily performances, dancing, and a variety of family-friendly activities. You can wander through the square to find dozens of food booths offering iconic treats including the famous chicken on a stick while enjoying a non-stop lineup of live music across multiple stages. From the colorful decorations to the spirited atmosphere, it is a fantastic way to honor local heritage and soak in the festive community vibes that define the season!
April 17
This lively gathering brings students and locals together for an afternoon filled with colorful booths, festive music, and a wide variety of delicious food. You can browse through unique student-led displays, enjoy live performances on stage, and participate in fun activities that showcase the spirit of the campus. It is a fantastic opportunity to experience the heart of local school pride while soaking in the joyful atmosphere that makes this springtime event a beloved annual favorite!
April 17
Witness a spectacular display of royal pageantry in the heart of Main Plaza as the People's King is officially crowned! For one afternoon, traditional folklorico dancing, mariachi music, and the grand arrival of the royal court bring the community together in a festive ceremony. You can cheer along with the crowd while celebrating a long-standing legacy of education and scholarship fundraising that benefits local students. It is a wonderful way to soak in the deep heritage of the city and enjoy a joyful kick-off to the festivities that honors the spirit of giving and leadership!
April 17 & 18
Indulge in a legendary two-day party that has been a local favorite for over a century! Located on the campus of St. Mary’s University, this massive festival draws crowds with its famous baked, raw, and fried oysters along with dozens of other delicious food stalls. You can catch incredible performances from over 30 bands across multiple stages, featuring everything from rock and country to pop and jazz. The evening sky even lights up with a spectacular fireworks display, making it a perfect spot to enjoy great music and community spirit while supporting student scholarships.
April 17 - 19
Transport yourself to the heart of the Big Easy without ever leaving San Antonio at this flavorful celebration under the shade of Sunken Garden Theater! You can wander through the park while the aroma of authentic Cajun and Creole cooking fills the air, offering everything from spicy crawfish and gumbo to crispy boudin and sweet beignets. The sounds of brass bands, zydeco, and jazz provide a soulful soundtrack that will have you dancing between bites of world-class seafood. It is a wonderful way to enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere while supporting local community programs and scholarships through every delicious dish.
April 18
This neighborhood celebration kicks off with a colorful parade featuring local schools and organizations before transitioning into a lively festival at the Commons. You can spend the day exploring unique craft booths, enjoying a variety of local food vendors, and watching live performances that showcase neighborhood talent. A relaxed, welcoming afternoon that celebrates local spirit and togetherness, offering fun for all ages, from a petting zoo for the kids to a festive atmosphere for the adults!
April 18
Located at Port San Antonio, this alcohol-free event offers a safe and joyful environment filled with interactive games, carnival rides, and plenty of hands-on activities. You can enjoy various food booths serving up festival favorites while watching live entertainment that keeps the energy high for all ages. It is a wonderful way to introduce children to local traditions and community pride.
The Texas Cavaliers River Parade
April 20
This magical evening transforms the San Antonio River Walk into a vibrant theater of lights and music as dozens of colorful barges carry celebrities, bands, and local dignitaries past cheering crowds. You can enjoy the festive atmosphere from the riverbanks while taking in the elaborate costumes and creative themes that make this floating spectacle a true local treasure. Since the event supports numerous children's charities, every seat in the house contributes to a great cause while you experience the enchanting beauty of the city at night.
A Night In Old San Antonio (NIOSA)
April 21 - 24
Step into a historic four-night celebration that transforms the heart of La Villita into a global village of flavor and fun! You can wander through fifteen distinct cultural sections featuring everything from the sights and sounds of the Mexican Market to the classic charm of the French Quarter. Indulge in legendary festival snacks like anticuchos and shypoke eggs while dancing to live music that echoes through the cobblestone streets. This massive volunteer-led effort serves as the primary fundraiser for local historic preservation, ensuring that the city's unique architectural heritage remains protected for generations to come.
April 22
Experience an evening of unparalleled elegance and tradition as a new monarch is officially crowned in a spectacular display of artistry! This grand ceremony features a breathtaking procession of royalty dressed in magnificent, hand-beaded gowns with intricate trains that take years to create. You can marvel at the stunning stage sets and elaborate costumes while listening to the sounds of a live symphony orchestra accompanying the royal court. Witnessing the incredible craftsmanship and historical storytelling firsthand makes this prestigious annual celebration a truly unforgettable highlight of the season.
April 21 - 23
This wildly popular production pokes fun at local and national politics through a series of flamboyant skits, outrageous costumes, and over-the-top performances. You can expect a fast-paced evening of laughter and social commentary that pushes the boundaries of traditional celebrations in the most entertaining way possible. Because the show raises significant funds for local charities and theater arts, your night of comedy directly supports vital community programs and health services.
April 24
As the only parade in the country planned and directed entirely by women, this massive event features stunning hand-decorated floats, energetic marching bands, and equestrian units that wind through the heart of the city. You can join the cheering crowds as thousands of participants honor the heroes of Texas history while celebrating the vibrant culture of today. It is a landmark celebration that brings the community together for a grand display of spirit and heritage that has captivated audiences for over a century!
April 25
Grab your favorite four-legged friend and head to the charming streets of Alamo Heights for a morning filled with wagging tails and creative costumes! This beloved canine celebration features a whimsical walk where pups of all shapes and sizes dress up in their finest festive attire to compete for fun awards. You can explore a variety of pet-friendly vendors and enjoy the company of fellow animal lovers in a relaxed, outdoor setting. Every registration helps provide certified therapy animal teams to those in need throughout the community, making it a heartwarming way to enjoy the season with your best friend!
April 25
Wander through the historic, tree-lined streets of one of the city's most beautiful districts during this vibrant single-day celebration! The festivities begin with a quirky and creative neighborhood parade, followed by an expansive fair featuring hundreds of local artists, craft vendors, and delicious food stalls. You can enjoy a diverse lineup of live music and dance performances while exploring the unique architecture and charming gardens of the area. Since the event funds local preservation and community grants, every visit helps protect the historic character and artistic soul of this iconic neighborhood!
April 25
This stunning evening procession showcases dozens of magnificent floats glowing with thousands of lights alongside high-stepping marching bands and vibrant dance troupes from across the nation. You can join the massive, cheering crowds lining the route to experience a world-class display of artistry and synchronized performance under the stars. The high-energy atmosphere and glowing displays create an unforgettable grand finale that perfectly captures the joyful spirit of the entire season.
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