Once upon a time my dad had been stationed in San Antonio but I hadn't revisited the city since I was a young kid. Oh how things have changed - and for the better! (Except for the brutal heat!) On a whim we decided to check out the San Antonio Fiesta, held for 11 days beginning in mid to late April.
While the 2026 Fiesta has wrapped up for the year, I'm going to give you 2026 dates since the 2027 schedule isn't published yet.
Save the date! Fiesta 2027 is April 15 to 25, 2027!
The Fiesta offers a wide range of cultural, musical, and culinary events throughout the city and is one of the most popular festivals held in the U.S. Because San Antonio is a mid-sized city (by Texas standards anyway) San Antonio is super budget friendly, which was a welcome surprise.
San Antonio is definitely a city worth looking into CityPass for. We saved quite a few bucks using one and it's possible to save up to 40% on:
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Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises
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San Antonio Zoo
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Tower of the Americas
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The Alamo – Exhibit and Church
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San Antonio Botanical Garden
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San Antonio Museum of Art
Money $aving Tip: Currently Groupon is offering an additional 20% off the $63 adult price.
Choose 4 of the above
San Antonio public transportation is a bargain. A regular 7 day pass is around $12. We qualified for the senior rate so only paid 25 cents per trip 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday and received free rides Saturdays and
Sundays. The public transportation is called the VIA system.
There are also scooters and city bikes available. The BCycle city bikes are $15 for one hour or $25 for unlimited rides all day. You just have to dock it within an hour each time to avoid additional charges.
There are also more traditional bike shops around where you can take one out for longer - or bring your own bike as we do.
SATX
"The Local" is an electric vehicle transportation service that provides free rides across popular downtown areas in San Antonio. It connects various districts and is designed to support sustainable transportation initiatives in the city.
Riders can hail the electric vehicles on the street, hop in, and inform the driver of their destination. This service is particularly beneficial for locals and visitors exploring downtown.
With parking being at somewhat of a premium during the Fiesta we decided we wanted to avoid the parking issue altogether and stay within walking or biking distance of the action, so decided to stay at the Drury Inn & Suites right on the Riverwalk.
It was my first time staying at a Drury and I have to say it was a pleasant one that exceeded my expectations.
We looked at a Spring Special Offer but found we'd actually get more of a discount with the senior discount and with joining their Rewards program. This dropped a 2 room king suite rate to $213.72 per night and with paying at the time we made the reservation we dropped that price further to $195.35 per night.
This deluxe two-room suite featured two spacious rooms separated by a door. There was one king bed in the bedroom, a pull-out double sofa sleeper in the living room and a TV in each room. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi, a microwave, refrigerator, coffeemaker, iron and ironing board, and hairdryer. The rooms were clean and comfortable, newly remodeled.
A nice breakfast was included and also a complimentary 5:30 Kickback that featured a rotating menu each evening. See an example Kickback menu
We could also pair attractions with our reservation, at discounted rates - which was nice for attractions our CityPass didn't cover.
Search hotels in San Antonio here
Money $aving Tip: Even staying a couple of blocks away from the Riverwalk will reduce your nightly hotel rate even more.
With Fiesta San Antonio the festival runs for 11 days, and the best experience usually comes from choosing one anchor event, one food stop, and one flexible backup plan, especially if you only plan on spending a couple of days or a weekend there.
The official Fiesta San Antonio site keeps the calendar, FAQs, and date filters in one place, which makes it much easier to separate the headline events from the smaller local celebrations. If you are coming from outside town, that matters because Fiesta is spread across downtown San Antonio and several nearby event spaces rather than being contained in a single venue.
We did the full 11 days so that we could show you everything San Antonio has to offer, besides the Fiesta. Most people like to combine the Fiesta with some San Antonio sightseeing, as we did.
Traffic & Parking
Many downtown streets get closed during Fiesta for the different venue locations. Driving and parking is a nightmare. It's best if you book your accommodation within walking distance of the venues, park your car at your accommodation and leave it there, using Fiesta and public transportation instead. Or bring your bike as we did, finding that the easiest way to get around outside of the Fiesta venues themselves.
Fiesta draws 2.5 million visitors a year to give you some idea of how congested San Antonio will get.
If you insist on driving and want to find free or discounted parking spaces and avoid the hassle of circling blocks, several apps are designed to help you locate available spots, get alerts, and even book ahead:
SpotAngels: Free street parking, garage deals, and rule reminders. Shows real-time street parking availability, alerts before street cleaning or other restrictions, and offers exclusive garage deals for hourly/monthly parking.
Download: Google Play | Apple App Store
BestParking: Find and book parking anywhere (cities, airports, stadiums), compare prices, pre-pay, and save up to 50%. Also offers free parking discovery.
Download: BestParking App
SpotHero: Search and compare thousands of parking facilities, book event, airport, and monthly parking, and get a prepaid pass.
Download: SpotHero App
ParkingFinder: GPS-based search for public lots, private garages, and street parking; simple map interface and fast loading.
Download: ParkingFinder App
Parking.com: Search by address or landmark, compare rates, pre-pay, get turn-by-turn directions, and download coupons.
Download: Parking.com App
Fiesta Necessities
San Antonio gets ungodly hot in the summer. Bring a water bottle along to stay hydrated.
Bring good walking shoes because you're going to be on your feet a whole lot. A sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses are a good idea too.
Thursday April 16, 2026
Breakfast was included with our accommodations, that's where we ate breakfast each morning so I'm not going to include breakfast restaurants in this itinerary.
Get settled into your accommodations. The two biggest tourist attractions in San Antonio are FREE, a rarity in most cities. The second of these attractions is the Riverwalk our hotel was located on.
Photo credit: Tim Leffel
While there are plenty of boutiques, shops, restaurants and bars along the Riverwalk to empty your wallet at, to stroll along the Riverwalk is FREE.
The commercial touristy part of the Riverwalk is a very small part of the overall Riverwalk though, the little loop section in the middle for a pathway that extends for 15 miles. Go to their Riverwalk site on the official tourism site to see all the areas to stroll along, bike along, or kayak along. Be sure to check out their events section as there's events happening along the Riverfront most of the time during the warm weather months.
There was an Artisan Riverwalk Show taking place when we strolled the Riverwalk - 40 handmade artisan booths, including pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, paintings, beadwork, and more. Located at the River Walk Extension (close to the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Building and the Shops at Rivercenter)
FREE to attend. Although we didn't buy anything it was interesting to see all the different items on display.
Lunch:
Stop at Casa Rio - modeled after the very first true Tex-Mex restaurant in the entire country which opened in 1899.
Try the “Regular Plate” which consists of a cheese enchilada, Mexican rice, refried beans, a tamale, and their famous Chili con Carne. $16.50
This was created as a sampler plate so visitors could try a little bit of everything. The chili is unique to the community because it is based on a recipe used by the “Chili Queens” in the late 1800s. The Chili Queens would serve visiting military and cowboys their famous chunk meat chili doused in all sorts of spices in the nearby Alamo Plaza.
430 E. Commerce St. San Antonio
What we'd recommend is taking early afternoon after lunch to rest up for the festival kickoff.
The festival kicks off with Fiesta Fiesta from 4 pm to 10 pm in Travis Park with the People’s Parade, Military Salute, opening ceremony, and live music. Admission is FREE.
Fiesta Fiesta Kickoff
Travis Park in downtown San Antonio will be the source of Fiesta with the opening ceremonies including the cracking of the cascarones, cutting of the ugly tie, a parade, bands, DJs, and the start of medal collecting at Pin Pandemonium. There will be a ceremony with the Mayor, a military salute, The People's Parade, food vendors including the iconic Chicken on a Stick and various sponsor activations. Visit San Antonio
Crazy Hats
You'll see a lot of crazy, exotic hats at Fiesta. There's a hat contest and luncheon sponsored by the Women's Club of San Antonio. Cost $80.
Guests compete in several individual and group categories, showcasing creativity, flair, and Fiesta® spirit.
Local celebrity judges help select the winners, with rosette ribbons and small trophies awarded to 1st-3rd place honorees.
The event also features a large Silent Auction and the Woman’s Club Boutique Auction for festive shopping opportunities.
In addition to the Official Fiesta Teen Queen, other Fiesta® Royalty from various organizations will be in attendance.
The proceeds from the Fiesta Hat Contest and Luncheon in San Antonio go to local charities and scholarships.
The event, hosted annually by The Woman’s Club of San Antonio, is one of the organization’s largest fundraisers. It supports college scholarships for local students and contributes to local charitable causes. In addition, past descriptions note that some proceeds also help with the restoration of the historic mansion that houses the Woman’s Club
Tickets and information available by calling 210-732-4811, through The Woman’s Club of San Antonio Facebook page, or click HERE!
Medal Collecting
Fiesta San Antonio took a page from the Disney pin trading book.
Pin Pandemonium is an area to buy and trade Fiesta Medals and support the Fiesta non-profit organizations. It is a highlight of the event.
The Carnival
The carnival midway also opens with the kickoff festivities.
It features over 100 rides, including four roller coasters, four giant wheels, and a variety of major, family, and kiddie rides for all ages.
Money $aving Tip:
Advance Sale Ride Wristbands are just $26 for use on any one day of the Fiesta Carnival when bought online. Specific purchase date for 2027 yet to be published.
BOGO Ride Wristbands
Buy one unlimited ride wristband, get a second for free. 2027 purchase date yet to be published.
Valid onsite only and cannot be combined with any other offers.
We took a walk through the carnival before the opening ceremonies and it was fairly empty.
The time to see and visit the carnival midway is at night when everything is all lit up and the place comes alive.
The carnival is held in Alamodome Parking Lot C and closing is at 11 pm.
The People's Parade
The People’s Parade is a free, walking parade that kicks off the Fiesta® Fiesta presented by Toyota kickoff event in San Antonio’s Travis Park. It’s one of the signature traditions of the 11‑day Fiesta celebration, designed to bring together participants, volunteers, and guests in a festive, community‑oriented way.
The parade begins at 6:30 p.m., with the parade starting at 6 p.m. on the south side sidewalk of the Jefferson Bank Building (Travis & Navarro Streets) and travels the perimeter of Travis Park, ending back at Travis & Navarro around 7 p.m.
Open to Fiesta® PMOs (Parade Management Organizations), Royalty, Special Guests, and anyone wearing bright Fiesta® fashion (sashes, medals, mascots, etc.) to represent their event or organization.
Friday April 17, 2026
Fiesta De Reyes
Fiesta De Reyes is one of the largest free Fiesta celebrations in San Antonio, held annually at Market Square in downtown San Antonio, offering 10 days of music, food, and cultural festivities.
The festival features live performances on multiple stages, including Tejano, Cumbia, Conjunto, and cover bands. Special themed days, such as Military Monday, honor active duty service members and veterans with exclusive discounts and live music from U.S. Army bands. Other highlights include Take Me Back Tuesday, a throwback night with '80s, '90s, and contemporary tribute bands.
Attendees can enjoy a wide variety of food booths, with over 30 vendors offering traditional Fiesta staples like funnel cakes, turkey legs, fajitas, and agua fresca. The event also features artisans and novelty vendors.
Fiesta de los Reyes is designed for families, with kids zones, dancing areas, and interactive activities throughout Market Square.
514 E. Commerce Street, San Antonio
10 a.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight) daily
FREE for all attendees.
A Taste Of New Orleans
A Taste of New Orleans is one of Fiesta San Antonio’s signature events, celebrating 40 years of New Orleans–style food, music, and family fun in the Sunken Garden Theatre, Brackenridge Park, 3875 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio.
Expect a full N'Awlins menu with classics like:
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Gumbo (various styles)
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Red beans & rice
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Shrimp creole & étouffée
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Jambalaya, boudin, Cajun catfish
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Fresh crawfish boil, alligator, crab dishes
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Beignets and sweet treats
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Ice-cold beverages (alcoholic drinks require age 21+)
Food and drink are paid via RFID wristband; pre-purchasing entry and credits can save time.
There's also a great lineup of N'Awlins bands to listen to.
Kids can enjoy rides, play areas, clowns, and face painting—making it the perfect outing for the whole family.
This event is sponsored by San Antonio Zulu Association, a nonprofit is committed to education and cultural awareness. Through events like A Taste of New Orleans, they provide scholarships and community engagement opportunities across the city.
Admission & Tickets
Tip: Arrive early to enjoy the music and food without long lines. Use VIA Park & Ride for easy access to the Sunken Garden.
Admission is charged during select hours, after 6pm Monday-Thursday and after 1pm Fridays-Sundays. So you want to go when admission is FREE, before 1 pm. (On weekends)
No in and out privileges. Children under 12 are free with ticketed adult.
If you're military (active & veterans) you want to watch for Military Monday! Show your military ID to receive a special wristband for exclusive discounts at participating food and beverage vendors, plus $1 off sodas all day! Look for the Consejos in white guayaberas—they’ll be distributing wristbands throughout the event.
Don’t miss the main ceremony at noon, featuring the National Anthem and a Color Guard presentation. Then, enjoy the incredible sounds of the U.S. Army Jazz Ensemble, performing live on the N. San Saba Stage.
Lastly there's Jay's favorite...
Oyster Bake Day
Oyster Bake is another Fiesta staple. Oyster Bake had more than 36,000 chicken-on-a-stick, 9,000 steak-on-a-stick, and more oysters than the Gulf of Mexico. Okay, it’s really about 100,000 oysters that are served baked, fried or raw - and Jay probably ate half of them himself.
Oyster Bake took place at St. Mary’s University from 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. and included several live band stages.
Admission: $25 to $45, depending on the type of admission. There are 3 different types:
General Admission Single Day Pass: $30
Admission on either Friday or Saturday
Access to 3 stages of music
Children 12 & under are free
No re-entry
General Admission 2 Day Pass: $45
Admission on BOTH Friday and Saturday
Access to 3 stages of music
Children 12 & under are free
No re-entry
Friday Single Day VIP Experience $150
Saturday Single Day VIP Experience $200
Admission for specific date purchased only
$50 in coupons good for food, or non-alcohol beverage items
5 beer / wine drink tickets (must be at least 21 years of age)
Swag bag which includes the official 2026 Fiesta Oyster Bake medal
Unlimited access to private, shaded VIP Experience lounge
Luxury, air-conditioned portable restrooms
Private VIP Bud Light
Build-a-Bar
Between these 3 events you'll have a full day's worth of activities.
Saturday April 18, 2026
El Rey Fido Coronation
This is one of our favorite events at Fiesta, when the Fiesta literally goes to the dogs!
Yup, they crown a Canine Court believe it or not.
From Left: Benny – Knight of the Royal Court, Finn – Duke of the Chew Toy, Toby – El Rey Fido XXIV, Leroy – Prince of the Food Bowl, Bocephus – Duke of the Fire Hydrant
Saturday, April 18, at 9:45 am to 11 am at Hops & Hounds, 1123 Avenue B, San Antonio, TX 78215
Admission is FREE - with music, vendors, custom drinks, Fiesta royalty and more.
The event is hosted by the San Antonio Humane Society, which has raised tens of thousands of dollars each year for needy dogs and cats.
Fiesta Kings Cup
490 Specht Rd., San Antonio Noon - 4:00 p.m.
Admission: $275
Enjoy the spectacle of fast-paced polo, sometimes called “hockey on horseback,” as teams from across Texas compete for the Fiesta Kings Cup Trophy.
Hosted by San Antonio Foundation for Equine Education and the San Antonio Polo Club.
Piñatas in the Barrio
This is where you can be present for the unveiling of the Barrios Largest Piñata in San Antonio! You can also witness the crowning of the 2026 King and Queen of the Barrio.
Plaza Guadalupe from Noon - 9:00 p.m. Admission is FREE.
Live entertainment, music, dance groups, and of course food!
AUEDA - Action United for Entertainers and Diverse Artists with proceeds from the event go towards scholarship programs for Diverse Artists.
We went from El Rey Fido Coronation to Pinatas in the Barrio, skipping the polo match.
Since Pinatas in the Barrio ran until 9 pm we broke away from that for a couple of hours to go tour the Alamo as we'd chosen that on our CityPass.
The Alamo
San Antonio's most famous tourist attraction is of course, the Alamo. 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio.
Viewing the courtyard, grounds and Alamo Shrine are FREE. The complete tour is covered under CityPass as well.
The Church, or Shrine, has become the most recognizable structure on the Alamo grounds. Originally a Spanish mission church (1755-1793), it later played a vital role in the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. Some traces from the battle still exist but changes to the structure reflect its later role as a U.S. Army Quartermaster Depot warehouse and eventually a memorial to the Alamo Defenders.
Touring Alamo Church is FREE. To help preserve the historic site, visitors will need to reserve their free ticket to enter the Church ahead of their visit. Entry to Alamo Church also includes access to the new Sacristy Exhibit, an immersive journey through time that unveils the Sacristy's remarkable evolution across centuries.
The Alamo Shrine
There's a ton of things to see and do at the Alamo but what we enjoyed most was the Living Military Encampment.
Demonstrations vary daily but on most days you'll get a taste of life in the 1830s. Artillery talks and demonstrations happen almost every day. 1830s medicine is also a popular topic.
Musket firing demonstrations take place every day at 10:30 a.m. in Plaza de Valero.
Travel through time with the experiential experience Surrounded! The Alamo Augmented Experience, available in the Alamo Long Barrack.
Through the use on a handheld tablet, engage with the history of the Alamo through six experiential portals.
Adult: $10, $5 with any paid experience.
Note: Your CityPass is valid for 9 days after you first use it so you can break your tour of the Alamo up during those 9 days if you wish.
San Fernando Cathedral
Photo credit: Tim Leffel
If you'd like to see something really cool, visit the San Fernanado Cathedral after dark. The Cathedral itself is beautiful but after dark the place really puts on a show when a whole history of the city and the state gets projected onto the front of it, a 24-minute show.
The event and touring the Cathedral is FREE but they'd greatly appreciate a donation.
Dinner:
You have got to try the Italian fare at Nonna Osteria! Only a short distance from the Alamo and Riverwalk at 401 S Alamo St, San Antonio.
Jay tried their house specialty, Pasta Tartufo which is mixed in a cheese bowl right at your table. It doesn't look like much but the sauce is very rich and the pasta very filling. It was delicious!
I went with the more standard meatballs - equally delicious.
Bread with olive sauce
Meatballs
I could have made a meal just of the bread alone. Best bread I've had anywhere!
Hours
Sunday - Thursday: 11 am to 10 pm
Friday & Saturday: 11 am to 11 pm
Our quiet dinner together gave us the brief respite we needed from the Fiesta crowd and our batteries recharged we headed back to Pinatas in the Barrio until it closed at 9 pm.
Sunday April 19, 2026
A Day In Old Mexico
"A Day in Old Mexico" is hosted by the San Antonio Charro Association and takes place at Rancho del Charro, 6126 Padre Drive, San Antonio, TX. The event celebrates Mexican traditions and the national sport of charrería, which is similar to a rodeo and includes horse reining, bull riding, and artistic roping skills.
6126 Padre Dr,, San Antonio
Founded in 1947, the San Antonio Charro Association is dedicated to preserving the traditions of charrería, Mexico’s national sport.
The association hosts events year-round, actively competes across the country and internationally, and holds state titles – with significant participation during Fiesta® San Antonio as an official Fiesta® event.
There will be charros, elegant Escaramuzas, a grit contest, Fiesta Royalty appearances, local vendors, and food.
A Day In Old Mexico begins at 11 am and runs to 5:30 pm.
Admission: $25 adults, children 12 and under are free.
Go Rio San Antonio River Cruise
The Go Rio San Antonio River Cruise was one of our CityPass choices and since the weather was beautiful we decided to take the cruise.
GO RIO's 35-minute San Antonio River Walk boat tour connects you to the city's culture, history, architecture, and timeless charm. Tours are narrated and last 35 minutes.
Operating hours are from 10 am to 10 pm.
General Admission without CityPass
Adult: $15.50
Child (Age 1-5): $9.50
Senior (Age 65+): $12.50
Military: Valid military ID must be presented at time of use. Discount is available exclusively to active duty, reserve, or retired military personnel. Offer extends to dependents and spouses. Only one ID is required per military family. $12.50
Brackenridge & Hemisfair Parks
San Antonio boasts a number of beautiful parks but in my estimation, Brackenridge tops them all.
It even has a Japanese tea garden and craft brewery. Brackenridge lies just north of town.
Brackinridge Park Japanese Tea Garden
Right in the center of Brackenridge Park is Hemisfair Park. Hemisfair Park has everything you and you kids will love and it's all FREE.
There's a large ADA accessible playground, a toddler play area, a huge splash pad, a central games plaza, big blue blocks for kids to build with, plenty of lawn picnic area, a sand play area, the Springs are five water features where you can dip your toes in or race toy sailboats.
The Hemisfair District is in the heart of downtown San Antonio, right next to the Tower of the Americas and just a short walk from The Alamo, River Walk, and La Villita. You can get there easily by car, foot, bike, scooter, or rideshare. Once you arrive, you’ll find three unique public parks, each with FREE amenities to enjoy, and a vibrant mix of locally owned restaurants and businesses.
The parks have enough to keep the kids entertained and to burn off some excess energy! Spend the day there just relaxing! Grab a beer from the craft brewery or pack a picnic lunch, kick your shoes off and put your feet up.
Hemisfair is open— rain or shine— seven days a week, from 5 AM until midnight.
Dinner:
Dough Pizzaria Napoletana - a kid friendly restaurant with really good food that borders the Hemisfair Park splash pad. 518 S Alamo St, San Antonio
They make their pizzas using farm-fresh ingredients and true Neapolitan techniques. At the heart of the pizzeria is "Il Cuore” and “Scintilla,” their wood-burning ovens that bake the pizzas to perfection in 90 seconds at over 900 degrees.
Located at the corner of Hemisfair in San Antonio, Dough has become a cherished local eatery, earning widespread acclaim through its appearances on Food Network in 2011, 2018, and 2021.
Aside from being committed to crafting the most authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas in SA, they’re also known for a lovely selection of southern Italian cuisine (starters and pasta) and Italian wines.
After dinner, Yanaguana Garden, in Hemisfair Park, hosts a mobile DJ playing music on Thursday evenings.
During our visit, there was a FREE movie playing on a big outdoor screen in the park, part of a roaming location series you can see more about here.
Monday April 20, 2026
There's no Fiesta event scheduled until 7 pm this evening so you can do more sightseeing if you wish.
San Antonio Missions National Park
2202 Roosevelt Ave, San Antonio
History meets the National Parks at the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Texas.
There are four community missions that aren't part of the Alamo: Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. Together they are the most complete and intact group of Spanish Colonial mission complexes in the world. Through these mission communities, the Spanish asserted political, religious, and cultural influence on its newly claimed territories. With labor recruited from Indigenous South Texans, the Spanish built these five missions on the northern frontier of New Spain. You can take the short drive between missions or walk or bike along the paved Mission Reach Hike and Bike Trail that connects these sites.
You can view all missions here and listen to an audio tour of each.
While admission and parking are free, you’ll have to pay for a tour if you want that. At San Jose though, there are regularly scheduled ranger-led tours that are complimentary so we only toured San Jose.
National Park Service Rangers conduct one-hour guided tours of the Mission San Jose grounds at 10 am and 11 am daily. There is no charge or need to register, just be outside the Visitor Center at the tour time you want to attend.
Guided Ranger tour at San Jose Mission
Admission to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is FREE, making it an accessible experience for everyone. Visitors can also contribute to the preservation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site through optional donations.
These four missions are about 2.5 miles apart from one another and are all connected via the Bike/Hike Trail that runs from the Riverwalk to the missions, so you can bike to them as Jay and I did.
The Bike/Hike Trail is FREE to use.
Lunch:
We decided to bike to the San Antonio Tower of the Americas, about 10 miles taking the Hike & Bike Trail from the missions. (1 to 1.5 hour ride) to have lunch at the top of the tower,
Groupon ran a special deal where you'd get 2 tower admission tickets at $67 each plus a $50 Landry's Egift Card if you purchased tickets through Groupon - plus an additional 20% off Groupon promotion. Additionally we belong to the Landry's Loyalty program and The Chart Restaurant at the top of the tower is a Landry's restaurant so we ate lunch for practically nothing. We both had Prime Rib French Dip sandwiches, normally $20 each.
While the food wasn't anything extraordinary (we didn't expect it to be) the price was right and we got a beautiful bird's eye view of San Antonio.
We returned to the hotel to take a swim, cool off and relax until the Fiesta evening event, which had been rescheduled after being cancelled due to weather and torrential rains.
Texas Cavaliers River Parade
This is a favorite among Fiesta goers. Each year, the parade draws more than 250,000 spectators along the picturesque San Antonio River Walk.
Founded in 1926 by John B. Carrington, the Texas Cavaliers are composed of more than 500 business, civic, and community leaders dedicated to promoting and preserving the bravery and independence for which the heroes of the Alamo fought.
In 1989, the organization established the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation to support local children’s charities. To date, the Texas Cavaliers have distributed more than $14 million to Texas charities.
Admission prices varied by seating.
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Patio seating on the Riverwalk was $36.50 per person.
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VIP and table seating at Hard Rock Cafe was $85 per person all ages.
VIP seating at Hard Rock Cafe included Chef Specialty Fiesta Buffet, party favors, Fiesta Medal, and face painting.
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Balcony Admission: $50++ per person (ages 21+) — includes Fiesta Pop Up Bar, no assigned seating.
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Chair Only (First Come, First Serve): $35++ — includes Chef Specialty Fiesta Buffet.
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Alamo Float Viewing (General Admission) $18 to $28 per person, all ages.
Seating starts at 6:00 PM, parade at 7:00 PM. The parade ends around 9:30 pm.
I'll have to show you a video of the 2025 river parade but it will give you an idea of what the parade is like.
Tuesday April 21, 2026
Fiesta Especial
The Alamodome Parking Lot C
Fiesta Especial Celebration Day is a free, sensory-friendly Fiesta® carnival experience created by disABILITYsa for children and adults with disabilities to enjoy rides, games, and
activities alongside their families, schools, and programs. Hosted at the Alamodome parking lot, the day blends fun and learning with inclusive amenities, educational stations, and an environment intentionally designed to be accessible, welcoming, and safe for all. Advanced registration is required. No general admission is given at the gate.
Sadly:
"Fiesta Especial® Celebration Day - CANCELLED
It is with very sad hearts that we announce Celebration Day has been cancelled due to severe weather conditions, safety concerns, and an abundance of caution for our guests, volunteers, exhibitors, and friends.
Thank you all for your willingness to weather the rain clouds with us, but we can't wait to celebrate with you all next year."
Our hearts were breaking, especially for those kids whom we're sure were looking forward to their special day at Fiesta. We'd intended to attend this event but...we don't control the weather unfortunately.
So we decided to go on to our next scheduled attraction...
Sea World San Antonio
We normally skip tourist trap attractions like this but Groupon was running a pre Memorial Day promotion - Save 59% on SeaWorld San Antonio Ticket Deals, Fun Cards & Meal Discounts. A single day ticket to Sea World + a free meal dropped from $122.31 to $49.68 - a savings of 59%. Groupon offered an additional 20% savings on top of that so a ticket ended up costing $39.75.
Jay wanted to do the Dine With Orcas (reservations required) at $36. Dine with Orcas is a 1 hour long all-you-can-eat buffet on a private, poolside patio next to the Orca tank that includes an up-close encounter with orcas and their trainers and animal care specialists. It was a nice experience, very educational and well worth the money.
A Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA)
La Villita Historic Arts Village, 418 Villita St, San Antonio,
A Night in Old San Antonio® (NIOSA) is a four-night, 150,000+ visitor celebration in San Antonio’s historic La Villita Arts Village, blending culture, cuisine, and preservation in a festive, heritage-themed setting.
5:30 PM – 10:30 PM nightly; alcohol sales cease at 10:00 PM.
Admission
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Adults: $12 in advance / $15 at the gate
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Children under 12: Free with an adult
What to Expect
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15+ heritage-themed areas celebrating San Antonio’s multicultural roots, including:
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Haymarket (Mexican cuisine)
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French Quarter (beignets, French treats)
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Sauerkraut Bend (German sausages)
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South of the Border (Pollo Rancho, Tex-Mex)
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Main Street USA (Americana)
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Mission Trail, Clown Alley, Villa España, Frontier Town, Irish Flats, Froggy Bottom, Chinese Town
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Over 250 food & drink booths and 14+ nonstop entertainment stages with live music, dance, and cultural performances.
You want to get to NIOSA as early as possible as it fills up quickly!
The NIOSA crowd
Cornyation (Adult Entertainment)
How can I describe Cornyation? Take one part salacious scandals, two parts audacity, three parts ‘I do what I want,’ a metric ton of drag queens, dozens of outlandish costumes, King Anchovy, and more than 100 thespians dedicated to lampooning everyone, everything and anything newsworthy. This one of those events that has to be experienced in person.
Cornyation also began tonight and ran for 3 nights at the Empire Theater with 2 performances each night at 7 pm and 10 pm. Ticket prices ranged between $18 and $55 depending on seats.
Fiesta Cornyation in turn donates the funds raised to AIDS and HIV charities.
We weren't quite sure what to expect with this one...we laughed like hell through the entire show. What a talented group of performers! (But definitely an adult show!)
We had a blast at this show, everyone was so "into" it and in PAR-TAY! mode thanks to the show's performers. They definitely knew how to play a crowd!
Wednesday April 22, 2026
Fiesta Hat Contest and Luncheon
Westin San Antonio North
For this event, participants compete in several individual and group categories, showcasing creativity, flair, and Fiesta spirit. There will be local celebrity judges choosing the winners, with rosette ribbons and small trophies awarded to 1st-3rd place.
The luncheon starts at 10:30 am and admission was $80.
VIP tickets were available for $125.
The event also featured a large Silent Auction and the Woman’s Club Boutique Auction for festive shopping opportunities.
In addition to the Official Fiesta Teen Queen, other Fiesta® Royalty from various organizations were in attendance.
The luncheon was hosted by The Woman's Club of San Antonio.
There were a few hours between the hat luncheon and the next Fiesta event so we packed in some more sightseeing.
San Antonio Botanical Garden
555 Funston Place, San Antonio
No, the Botanical Garden won't be a snoozefest for the kids!
We found the San Antonio Botanical Garden was a great place to decompress from the Festiva crowds,
No, it won't be boring for the kids thanks to the Family Adventure Garden where each weekly Nature Exploration features a different nature-play activity designed to inspire a love of nature while engaging in sensory experiences outdoors. Explorations begin at the lawn near Prickly Pear Pavilion in the Family Adventure Garden just past the entrance archway. Check their website for days these activities are held.
Recommended for Early Childhood ages 5 and under. Included with Garden admission and membership.
There's also a childrens vegetable garden.
The Garden is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
A visit to the San Antonio Botanical Garden typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and interest in the various exhibits. Some visitors suggest allowing up to 3 hours if you want to explore more thoroughly or enjoy a leisurely experience.
General Admission
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Adults (ages 14–64): $18–$22
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Military (active duty): $16–$20 (valid ID required; does not apply to dependents)
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Children (ages 3–13): $13–$15
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Museums for All Program: $3 with SNAP or WIC EBT card and valid ID
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Family 4-Pack: 2 adults and 2 children for $75, flexible for any day visit
NOTE that the Botanical Garden is one of the CityPass choices!
Lunch:
The County Line. 111 West Crockett Street #104, San Antonio
The County Line is a barbecue restaurant known for its casual and fun atmosphere. The menu features classic barbecue dishes such as brisket, ribs, sausage, and chicken, along with a variety of sides, salads, and desserts. The drink selection includes sodas, iced teas, and beers.
The County Line River Walk features an awesome river side patio and open-air bar.
We ordered their 5 meat combo for 2 - $45
Pork Ribs, Chicken, Peppered Turkey, Sausage & Brisket.
It was delicious!
The County Line opens at 11 am and is open for lunch and dinner daily.
We were pretty tired so returned to the hotel to rest up for the evening festivities. But if you still have energy to keep going...
Take the Kids Spelunking At Natural Bridge Caverns
26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio
Visitors to Natural Bridge Caverns can explore the state’s largest commercial cave, descending 180 feet below the surface. The caves feature amazing rock formations, providing a unique underground view. Above ground, visitors can enjoy various activities like watching the Bracken bat flight, tackling a high ropes course, or searching for gems and fossils.
Money $aving Tip: If you go on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday your tickets will be cheaper than other days of the week. Prices vary by activities chosen, see their website. Book early for discounts on every ticket purchased.
If spelunking isn't your thing...
Visit The Trendy King William Historic District
Live oaks shade the sidewalks along King William Street, where restored limestone mansions sit a few blocks south of downtown San Antonio.
King William Historic District is worth visiting when you want a walkable San Antonio neighborhood with nineteenth-century architecture, shaded streets, and a quieter pace than the central River Walk. The strongest visit is exterior-focused: you look closely at homes, gardens, porches, river crossings, and public spaces instead of expecting every historic building to operate like a museum.
King William Historic District works best when you enjoy slow looking. You will get more out of 90 unhurried minutes with the walking-tour app than from a rushed drive-by on South Alamo Street.
Skip a full loop through every side street if you only have 30 minutes. Start near King William Street and Madison Street, focus on the most visible houses, and save Guenther Street or a river detour for a longer visit.
You should also skip any expectation of broad interior access. The King William Association states that homes are privately owned, so the best short visit uses public sidewalks and one planned public stop.
Plan 60 to 90 minutes for a first King William Historic District walk if you want photos, short tour-app stops, and a comfortable pace. Add time if you plan a meal at The Guenther House, a Villa Finale tour, or a River Walk connection.
The King William Association offers four self-guided walking tour brochures, and the STQRY King William Walking Tour lists 163 stops for deeper exploration.
FREE, unless you enter a museum, pay for food, or use paid parking.
IMPORTANT: Please remember these are private lived-in residences! Do not trespass on lawns, in gardens, etc.
Mariachi Festival
The San Antonio River Walk transforms into a floating performance venue, where music and dance light up downtown! Enjoy performances of all kinds, including mariachi, folklórico, and special collaborations. The music is awesome and best enjoyed if you make restaurant reservations on the Riverwalk as the bands play!
The event is FREE and begins at 5:30 pm.
We made dinner reservations at Saltgrass Steak House, another Landry's restaurant where we could use our Landry Select Club points toward the price of the meal.
Saltgrass Steak House offers a classic American steakhouse experience. The menu features a range of hearty dishes, including prime rib, filet mignon, and sirloin steak, complemented by sides, salads, and desserts. The restaurant’s drink selection includes wines, beers, and cocktails.
The riverfront patio is an excellent spot for enjoying the mariachi bands.
Saltgrass is open for lunch and dinner daily.
Saltgrass Steak House patio on the River Walk
Thursday April 23, 2026
St. Philips College Culture Fest & Rib Cookoff
St. Phillip’s College
Visitors to this event will enjoy some of the BEST ribs in San Antonio while celebrating the 131st Anniversary of St.
Philip’s College. Proceeds from CultureFest and the Rib Cook-Off help provide scholarships for students.
It is a high-energy and kid-friendly festival featuring a rib cook-off, LIVE music, a car show, food and non-food vendors, and several grill raffles, all in one location!
Admission is FREE.
The cookoff runs from 10 am to 4 pm.
PAC Fest
Palo Alto College
PACfest became an Official Fiesta® San Antonio event in 2003, but the celebration began long before that. Palo Alto College first hosted the event in the early 1990s, and over the years it has grown into one of the community’s favorite Fiesta destinations!
This is a family-friendly celebration that features a full day of entertainment with artistic and musical performers on the main stage, delicious food booths, children’s activities. There is also a Social Media Alley, and much more. Food and novelty vendors serving Fiesta favorites like chicken on a stick, turkey legs, and corn in a cup are Palo Alto College student organizations raising funds to support their clubs, events, and community initiatives throughout the academic year.
Admission is FREE and the event runs from noon to 11:30 pm.
Fredstock
San Antonio College - 309 W. Dewey Place
The uniquely named Fredstock is in honor of Fred Weiss, a longtime Radio-TV-Film professor who taught at San Antonio College for more than 20 years. He also founded the college’s Music Business Program. The festival events allows his story to be shared. Participants can learn more about his and celebrate his legacy. The event also features today’s students and their opportunity to showcase their work and gain hands-on experience in the music industry.
Fredstock runs from 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Admission is FREE.
La Semana Alegre
210 S Alamo St, San Antonio,
La Semana Alegre is a two-day music festival featuring national and regional artists in a variety of genres such as indie, electronic, Latin, and throwbacks.
Single day general admission is $20, 2-day pass is $35, VIP tickets are $40.
5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Friday April 24, 2026
Battle of the Flowers Parade
Downtown Streets of San Antonio, 1819 N. Main, San Antonio
The Battle of Flowers Parade has approximately 10,000 participants, over 4,500 band members, over 200 horses, carriages and antique cars, and festive balloons. This is a DON'T MISS parade!
Founded in 1891, the Battle of Flowers is one of the few all-women-produced parades in the U.S., honoring the defenders of the Alamo and Goliad and commemorating Texas’ independence at the Battle of San Jacinto It’s a cornerstone of Fiesta San Antonio, drawing over 350,000 spectators annually.
The parade featured:
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Flower-covered floats with elaborate designs
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Costumed participants in vibrant attire
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Giant helium balloons and horse-drawn carriages
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Antique cars and uniformed military
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Marching bands, vanguards, and pep squads
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Cavalcades including the San Antonio Charro Association and Escaramuza Rosas de Castilla
Viewing & Access
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VIA Metropolitan Transit will offer convenient, affordable Park & Ride service to and from the Battle of Flowers Parade. Click here to learn more and view the schedule.
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Parking: Downtown parking is limited; many employers and schools close on parade day. Arrive early and consider walking in from nearby streets.
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Tickets: Available at the Fiesta Store on Broadway; bring sunscreen and enjoy street food and drinks along the route.
Street chair tickets range from $16.95 to $28.25, bleacher seat tickets are $33
Vanguard: 9:55 a.m. | Parade Start: 10:30 a.m.
The parade lasts about 3 hours, ending around 2 pm.
Fiesta Jazz Festival
St. Mary’s University Alumni Athletic & Convocation Center, One Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio
The Fiesta Jazz Festival offers educational and performance experience for over 500 middle school, high school, and college jazz musicians from across the state.
Middle School Jazz Band: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., University Invitational: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Admission is FREE.
If you'd prefer to do some sightseeing after the parade...
San Antonio Zoo
3903 N. St. Mary's Street, San Antonio
Explore 57 acres and encounter 750 different species of animals at the San Antonio Zoo. Located in Brackenridge Park just north of downtown, the San Antonio Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country.
Brackenridge Park has the Brackenridge Park Eagle train ride, which isn’t part of the zoo, but many San Antonio kids consider it a companion experience to a day at the zoo.
The zoo always celebrates the holidays in a big way with Zoo Boo, a Halloween trick-or-treat event, and Zoo Lights during the holidays. The May Zoo La La is a 21+ food festival worth planning your trip around.
Hours: 9 am – 6 pm daily, varies by season. Check their website for admission fees.
Dinner:
Treat the kiddos to dinner at Chicken 'n Pickle. 5215 UTSA Boulevard San Antonio
This unique venue offers a variety of kid-friendly dishes, including cheeseburgers and grilled cheeses, along with pickleball courts, lawn games, and a children's playground. The casual atmosphere and engaging activities make it a hit with families. With a motto like "Clean food is better food," you can rest assured your family's meal is high-quality and ethically sourced.
This is a cashless restaurant.
Restaurant Hours
Mon-Wed: 8 am to 10pm
Thur: 8 am to 11 pm
Fri-Sat: 8 am to Midnight
Sun: 9am to 10pm
Sunday Brunch Buffet 9 am to 2 pm
Saturday April 25, 2026
Fiesta Pooch Parade
250 Viesca St., San Antonio
The Fiesta Pooch Parade features a costume contest and a variety of food trucks.
Benefits San Antonio Therapy Dogs.
We absolutely loved this parade and event! (I think the dogs did too!) It was a great way to start the day.
FREE and open to the public, $43.57 to walk the parade if you want to parade your own pooch.
The parade runs from 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
King William Fair
122 Madison, San Antonio
The King William Fair starts with a 1.5-mile parade featuring 200 Arts and Craft vendors, 60 local food vendors, five stages of live entertainment, street performers, and a kids play area.
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Admission: $20.00, kids under 11 are free
Sightseeing option for those with kids...
The DoSeum
2800 Broadway, San Antonio
For families who want a museum experience where everything can be touched, the DoSeum is the place. Located two miles north of downtown San Antonio in the Midtown/Olmos Park area, the DoSeum is an indoor‑outdoor place to play and explore, focusing on STEM and exploration.
Activities include construction and building challenges, mini experiments with light, sound waves, and water. Plus, there’s the “Spy Academy” challenge that helps kids develop problem‑solving and observational skills.
The outdoor Adventure Garden has outdoor climbing structures and a creek for wading and splashing.
The museum cafe is a satellite of local favorite, Bakery Lorraine, with coffee and bites, including the famous macarons.
It’s best suited for kids under 12, and there’s a dedicated play area for kids under five.
Hours: 9 am – 6 pm Monday-Saturday, 12 pm – 5 pm Sunday
Admission: $18 per person, kids under 1 are free. Book with a San Antonio CityPass
Dinner:
The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum. 318 E. Houston Street, San Antonio
If taxidermy, Texas history and burgers and beer are your things, then the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum, often called the “Hall of Horns” by locals, is for you. A local bellhop, Albert Friedrich, opened the saloon in 1881. At that time, if customers didn’t have enough cash to pay for drinks, Friedrich was known to accept horns, pelts and other objects as forms of payment. His gamble paid off: The saloon is now also a museum, displaying eclectic oddities the owner collected over the years (think rattlesnakes in jars, antlers and much more).
Today, the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum has expanded to include a Texas Ranger Museum with quirky rotating exhibits, a cafe and the original bar where both Pancho Villa and Theodore Roosevelt are said to have visited.
The venue’s on-site Buckhorn Cafe offers both lunch and dinner service, with hours typically from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and sometimes extended into the evening on weekends. The menu features comfort food, quick bites, and desserts, and you can dine in, take out, or order delivery.
n addition to the cafe, the Buckhorn also has restaurant space that can serve plated meals, buffets, and food stations, making it suitable for dinner gatherings. Popular menu items include the Buckhorn Burger, chili, pulled pork sandwiches, grilled cheese, and BBQ plates.
If you plan to eat dinner there, it’s best to check the current hours and menu online or call ahead, as offerings and times can vary seasonally.
Fiesta Flambeau Parade
Downtown Streets of San Antonio, 1819 N. Main, San Antonio
The Fiesta Flambeau Parade is America’s largest illuminated night parade featuring over 150 parade entries travelling 3.1 miles. This is another DON'T MISS! parade!
The 2026 parade theme is “Adventures in Toyland”, celebrating the joy, imagination, and nostalgia of toys across generations. 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Admission: Street Chair Tickets are $28.25.
Sunday April 26, 2026
Last day of the Fiesta!
A Day in Old Mexico
6126 Padre Dr, San Antonio
A Day in Old Mexico celebrates Mexican heritage through the tradition of charreía. There will be charros, elegant
Escaramuzas, a grit contest, Fiesta Royalty appearances, local vendors, and food.
(This is a repeat of the previous A Day In Old Mexico charreia) 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Lunch:
Photo credit: Burgerteca
In this big, bright, festive space, chef Johnny Hernandez makes custom-made burgers with traditional Mexican ingredients like mole negro and pickled red onions. Burgerteca’s also got a kids’ menu and fun snacks like Mexican ice cream, frozen popsicles (paletas), and shaved ice (raspas). Kids will love the giant Day of the Dead folk-art figure outside the door, too!
Festival de Cascarones
One University Way, San Antonio
The Festival de Cascarones is an annual celebration held in San Antonio, Texas, marking the final day of Fiesta San Antonio. It is a free, public event that brings together families, friends, and the community for a day of entertainment and cultural festivities.
1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Admission: Free (Parking $10, card only)
That wraps up our 11 day tour of San Antonio's FIESTA. I really think the most impressive part of Fiesta is how the San Antonio community so successfully demonstrated what a community of people can accomplish when they decide to work together and support one another. Well done, San Antonio!