Ready for Fiesta? San Antonio’s biggest party of the year runs from April 20 to April 30 this year, and whether you’re a seasoned chicken-on-a-stick connoisseur or this is your first time cracking cascarones, we’re here to help! Dust off your flower crowns and don your medal sashes as we give you the lowdown on some of the best events around town and how to celebrate at home as well.
COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS
Fiesta® Fiesta
This event celebrates the Official Opening Ceremony to Fiesta! On April 20 from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Travis Park, come kick off the celebration with your favorite Fiesta food and beverages, live entertainment, a people’s parade, a military salute, and a fireworks finale. Plus, it’s free to attend!
Oyster Bake
The Fiesta Oyster Bake raises money for St. Mary’s University student scholarships and programs. The music festival features over 35 bands and entertainers and serves up more than 100,000 oysters (baked and raw), 33,000 chicken sticks, 4,000 ears of corn, and 5,000 hamburgers! This event runs on Friday, April 21 (5:00 to 11:00 p.m.) and Saturday, April 22 (noon to 11:00 p.m.).
NIOSA®
In the heart of downtown San Antonio on the grounds of La Villita Historic Arts Village District, the three-day Night in Old San Antonio event (5:30 to 10:30 p.m.) pays homage to the city’s diverse culture with food, music, and decorations. Listen to jazz and bite into beignets in the French Quarter … drink Irish beer in Irish Flats … enjoy Maria’s famous handmade tortillas in Haymarket or sizzling sausage and a German oompah band in Sauerkraut Bend. This is the top annual fundraiser for the Conservation Society of San Antonio, one of the nation’s oldest and most active historic preservation organizations.
PARADES
The Texas Cavaliers River Parade (April 24, 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.) runs right along the River Walk, with proceeds and donations benefiting 70+ children’s charities every year. The water floats are filled with lights, people, and music.
The Battle of Flowers® Parade (April 28, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) is the second-largest day parade in the United States! It honors the heroic spirit of the patriots of the Alamo, commemorates the victories of San Jacinto and Goliad, and celebrates the diversity and heritage of Texas and our nation. This parade, considered the founding event of Fiesta® San Antonio, holds incredible historical significance and is the oldest parade in the nation hosted entirely by volunteers.
The Fiesta Flambeau® Parade (April 29, 7:15 to 10:30 p.m.) is the largest illuminated night parade and the highlight of Fiesta! It attracts over 750,000 street spectators and 1.5 million television audience viewers. Leading the parade for its 75th year is the University of Texas Longhorn Band, followed by spectacular themed floats, marching units, both local and out-of-town bands, dance groups, equestrian units, and many other attractions, all of which create a memorable night of wonderfully illuminated entertainment.
FESTIVAL FESTIVITIES
Taste of the Northside
Enjoy unlimited food tastings from over 50 of San Antonio’s top restaurants, along with amazing wine, spirit, and beer selections, at this year’s Taste of the Northside (April 25, 6:30 to 11:30 p.m.). With four stages hosting live music and both specialty parking and shuttle services, you’ll be treated like royalty! Plus, all proceeds benefit the Brighton Center, which provides developmental and educational services to children of all abilities.
King William Fair
The King William Fair on April 29 is held in the heart of Texas’ very first residential historic neighborhood. Featuring a quirky parade that travels a two-mile route through the neighborhood, over 65 food and beverage vendors, more than 200 arts-and-crafts vendor booths, live local entertainment, and fun for kids, this fair has it all!
See the full lineup of Fiesta San Antonio events here!
FIESTA AT HOME
5 Festive Fiesta Cocktails
Go beyond basic beer this Fiesta with cocktails that are as colorful and vibrant as the party itself. Whether you’re celebrating at home or looking for a few festive additions to the pregame, these drinks will get you ready for a night out in San Antonio.
11 Fiesta Recipes to Try at Home
Fiesta started as a way to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, but it has evolved into an epic food-filled festival! Whether you’re celebrating at home or want a Fiesta fix year-round, we’re sharing some of our favorite foods that you can whip up in your own kitchen.
6 EPIC Texas Queso Recipes
You can’t celebrate Fiesta in Texas without queso! Nothing is more comforting than a warm bowl of gooey cheese begging for you to take a dunk.
The Best Texas Restaurants to Celebrate Fiesta
Even if you’re not attending this year’s Fiesta celebrations in San Antonio, you can still toast to a good time! From frosty marg-slinging bars to awesome Tex-Mex restaurants, we’ve rounded up the best spots to celebrate Fiesta around the state.
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