Anyone who’s lived in San Antonio for more than a few years has probably attended a Fiesta party or two. But for those of you who haven’t – and we know you’re out there, shamefully hiding the fact that you’ve never been to Fiesta for fear of ridicule – here are 30 Fiesta events that you’ve got to go to at least once. Some of them made the list because they’re popular, and some made the list because they’re underrated, but they all made the list because they’re worth your time.

WEBB Party $75-$90, Fri. April 19, 7:30pm-midnight, Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., sanantonioaids.org Perhaps one of Fiesta’s most iconic events, the WEBB Party attracts more than a thousand guests and raises money for the San Antonio AIDS foundation. The theme changes every year, so don’t ever miss it. This year’s theme is “Stayin’ Alive,” which celebrates both medical breakthroughs and, of course, the disco era. The headliner will be the remarkable Ada Fox. Photo via Instagram / fiestasa
A Day in Old Mexico & Charreada $20, Sun. April 21 & 28, 3pm-6pm, 6126 Padre Dr, sacharros.org For those who don’t know, charreada is like the grandfather of the modern rodeo (charros being Mexican horsemen). This Fiesta event happens twice this April, on the last two Sundays of the month. There will be vendors before the rodeo, with the website saying to expect about two hours of rodeo time, during which there will be several different events. Photo via Instagram / fiestasa
Fiesta Pooch Parade $25-$35, Sat. April 27, 7:45am, Alamo Heights Swimming Pool, 250 Viesca, therapyanimalssa.org Dog lovers gather here! Especially people with a passion for service animals and their community. The Fiesta Pooch Parade is the major fundraising event for Therapy Animals of San Antonio. This event will kick off with a costume contest, after which, the parade will begin. Photo courtesy of Fiesta San Antonio
The Texas Cavaliers River Parade Entitled “Magnificent Missions,” this year’s Texas Cavaliers River Parade promises an evening of family fun with live music, celebrities and lights. More than 45 festively decorated floats sponsored by local community organizations and military installations drift down the river. King Antonio XCVI reigns over the evening’s festivities and gives a Texas-sized welcome to the enthusiastic spectators along the winding route. $14-$26, 7-9pm Mon, Apr. 23, San Antonio River Walk, (210) 227-4837, texascavaliers.org. Credit: Photo courtesy of Fiesta San Antonio
Fiesta San Fernando Free, Thurs. April 25- Sat. April 27, 11am-midnight, San Fernando Cathedral, 231 W Commerce St, sfcathedral.org Filled with fun, Fiesta San Fernando will include everything you want in a Fiesta event, taking place at one of the most puro spots in San Antonio. The celebration will have, perhaps most importantly, beer. Additionally, you’ll be able to find tons of food, a market, and unlimited musical performances from all of your favorite genres. Photo via Instagram / venuesatsanfernandocathedral
A Night in Old San Antonio $12-$15, Tue. April 23- Fri. April 26, 5:30pm-10:30pm, 227 South Presa Street, niosa.org NIOSA? ’Nuff said. Just don’t go on college night. Photo courtesy of Fiesta San Antonio
Viva Botanica $9-$12, Sat. April 20, 10am-2pm, Botanical Gardens, 555 Funston Pl, sabot.org Can’t wait to do something great for the environment and plant a native tree which has been dotingly cared for by Botanical Gardens volunteers? Can’t wait to see the magic of the Guadalupe Dance Company again? Can’t wait to welcome the throes of spring in the beautiful San Antonio Botanical Gardens? Then this event is for you. Photo via Instagram / sabotgarden
Mission Reach Flotilla Festival Free, Sat. April 20, 11am-5pm, 6030 Padre Dr, sariverfoundation.org Designed to bring awareness to the newly-developed Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project of the San Antonio River, the Mission Reach Flotilla Festival will have a ton of features and things to do. There will be an ‘80s-themed costume contest (hello, hairspray and shoulder pads) for not only humans but pets as well, live music, dances, local and commercial vendors as well as local eats. You’ll make such good memories that you’ll want to keep returning to Mission Country Park again and again, long after Fiesta is over. Photo via Instagram / sariverfoundation
Battle of Flowers Band Festival $15-$30, Thurs. April 25, 5:30pm, Alamo Stadium, 110 Tuleta Dr, battleofflowers.org Literally how much cooler can the Battle of Flowers family of events get? The Battle of Flowers Band Festival is the oldest and longest-running marching band festival in the country. The purpose is to give the opportunity to more than 30 local high school bands to show their stuff, while fostering the love of music and the chance to earn grants. Photo via Instagram, ooodangitsmary
Cornyation $15-$45, Tue. April 23 – Fri. April 26, 7pm and 10pm, Majestic Theater, 226 E Houston St fiestacornyation.com If you’re not sure what Cornyation in, let this be an introduction: their fans are called Corn Holes. Self-described as “cheap, raunchy, and ready to party,” Cornyation is kind of like a satirical review of current and local affairs. We mean events, not who’s getting with who, of course. With Cornyation, who knows. Photo via Instagram / fiestacornyation
King William Fair & Parade $13-$16, Sat. April 27, 8am, multiple locations, kwfair.org Made famous by its historic significance and uncommon (at least for San Antonio) Victorian architecture, the King William Fair and Parade takes place in this historic part of town. The Fair and Parade will feature music, food, an artists’ alley and a children’s kingdom. What Fiesta event doesn’t? What sets the King William variety apart from the rest is, of course, the beautiful atmosphere and surroundings. Photo via Instagram / kingwilliamfair
Rey Feo Crowning Free, Fri. April 19, 5:30pm-7pm, Arneson River Theater, 418 Villita St, reyfeoconsejo.org This will be the 71st public crowning of Rey Feo Sal Barbaro III. This isn’t just a public crowning, though. Since becoming an official Fiesta San Antonio celebration in the early ‘80s, League of United Latin American Citizens has raised more than a quarter of a million dollars for scholarships to youth in San Antonio. Rey Feo, of course, is the “People’s King.” The chic, expensive afterparty will cost you $125 though. Photo via Instagram / reyfeolxxisalbarbaro
Fiesta Arts Fair $12-$15, Sat. April 20 10am-6pm, Sun. April 21 11am-5pm, Southwest School of Arts, 300 Augusta St, swschool.org Originating in the 1970s and benefitting the Southwest School of Arts in San Antonio, Fiesta Arts Fair has an annual participation of around 12,000 people, making it a highlight of Fiesta. This event is not only great for art-seeking and art-loving adults, but it has a great feature for the younger members of the family as well, which is the Young Artists’ Garden. You won’t find just art, though – you’ll also find food too. Mmmm. Photo via Instagram / southwestschoolofart
Fiesta Flambeau Parade $18-$35, Sat. April 27, 6:45pm, multiple locations, fiestaflambeauparade.org For those of you who don’t know, Fiesta Flambeau Parade is pretty much the crown jewel of Fiesta San Antonio. That, and it has been called the world’s largest night parade, which is a…shining claim to hold. This year, it will be led by the University of Texas band and will feature marching units of various bands, dancers, themed floats and equestrians. Photo via Instagram / fiestasa
Celebrations of Traditions Pow Wow Free, Sat. April 13, 11am-4pm, Woodlawn Park Gym, 1103 Cincinnati Ave, unitedsanantoniopowwow.org What could be more beautiful than attending a free event hosted by United San Antonio Pow Wow? More beautiful, even, is the chance to experience the culture of America’s first inhabitants in an environment meant to dispel stereotypes to anyone who has genuine interest. Not to get all SJW on you, but it’s pretty awesome. Photo via Instagram / grownup_geek
Taste of New Orleans $12-$15, Fri. April 12 5pm-11pm, April 13 & 14 noon-11pm, Sunken Garden Theater, 3875 N. St. Mary St., saza.org When you think of New Orleans, what do you think of? Food is probably near the top of the list. That’s just one of the things – albeit a major thing – that the Taste of New Orleans Fiesta event promises. There will also be New Orleans-style music and entertainment. How could you even consider missing this? Think of the beignets! Photo via Instagram / sazaorg
Fiesta Carnival $22-$25, Thurs. April 18 – Sun. April 28, hours vary, Alamodome parking lot, 401-449 S Cherry St, wadeshows.com While admission to the carnival itself is free, you’ll be finding yourself paying for rides all night if you don’t get an unlimited rides wristband, which, at $22-$25 (or $18 if you buy before April 17), they’re pretty reasonably priced if you plan to ride until you puke. Which we highly recommend. Plus, this event is hosted by the same company that organizes the Poteet Strawberry Festival, so you know it’s gonna be well done. Photo via Instagram / sam_pena22
Ford Mariachi Festival & Kickoff Free, Tue. April 23 – Thurs. April 25, 7:30pm-9:30pm, San Antonio RiverWalk, thesanantonioriverwalk.com At the Ford Mariachi Festival, San Antonio River boats will float by, carrying different performers of Mariachi music and Folklorico dancers alike. As the boats make random stops, sit along the River Walk and sip a margarita, enjoying the traditional songs, dances, and costumes worn by the performers, who are from various schools around the San Antonio area. Photo via Instagram / fiestasa
Fiesta De Los Niños Free, Sat. April 20, 10am-6pm, 200 Goodrich Dr, fiestadelosninos.com A self-proclaimed party for “the pint-sized folks” (AKA the children), Fiesta De Los Niños is perhaps Fiesta’s most family-friendly event (which isn’t to say that many of the events aren’t family friendly, but still). While it will feature a parade that will go through Port San Antonio, there’s more to it than that: games, STEM-related activities and rides. There’s even room for the non-pint-sized folks (AKA the parents) to dance. The only downside? No alcohol. Photo via Instagram / fiestasa
The Chili Queens Cook-Off Free, Sun. April 28, 3pm-8pm, Bonham Exchange, 411 Bonham St, fiestasanantonio.org There is just so much to love about the Chili Queens Cook-Off. May the best chili win! May the best chili also be represented by the tackiest queen imaginable. If you’ve missed this event in recent years, you should definitely make it a point to stop by this year in honor of BX owner Kenneth Garrett’s passing. Photo via Instagram / txchiliqueens
Battle of Flowers Parade $15-$30, Fri. April 26, 9:30am, multiple locations, battleofflowers.org For those who don’t know, the Battle of Flowers Parade is the founding event of Fiesta. Perhaps even cooler – depending on who you ask – is that it is the only parade in the United States organized ENTIRELY by ladies. This event attracts more than half a million people, so get tickets while you can (or find a spot nearby to post up) and support this amazing event. Photo via Instagram / fiestasa
Fiesta Oyster Bake $30, Fri. April 12 5pm-11pm, Sat. April 13 noon-11pm, St. Mary’s University, 1 Camino Santa Maria, oysterbake.com As the self-proclaimed “heartbeat of Fiesta,” Oyster Bake is something you’ve got to experience at least once in your life. What has been going on for more than 100 years returns again to bring you oysters, one of the biggest parties during Fiesta, and musical entertainment. Make sure not to miss it this year, because Seether and Montgomery Gentry are the headliners. Photo via Instagram / oysterbake
San Jose Missionfest This South Side tradition begins with an outdoor mariachi mass and offers a full day of family-friendly fun with food and live entertainment from tejano, country, jazz and conjunto artists. The event benefits Mission San Jose Church, a World Heritage site. $5 (free for kids 12 and under), 10:30am-11pm, Sun Apr. 29, Mission San Jose Church, 701 E Pyron Ave, (210) 922-0543, fiesta-sa.org. Credit: Fiesta San Antonio
Blast from Fiesta Past Exhibition at the Witte Museum $14, Wed. April 17 – Sun. July 28, hours vary, Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway St, wittemuseum.org Was 1969 a simpler time? Probably, but don’t forget that in the months following Fiesta in 1969, we put a man on the moon. This exhibit at the Witte Museum, running from mid-April to late July, shows the space and science-themed Fiesta royalty outfits from the year 1969. Photo via fiestasanantonio.org fiestasanantonio.org
Fiesta Gartenfest Explore German culture in the biergarten during Fiesta for a true party. There will be German entertainment, food and of course plenty of beer. $5 (free for kids under 12), 5pm-midnight Wed, Apr. 25-Fri Apr. 27, Beethoven Halle and Garden, 422 Pereida St., (210) 222-1521, beethovenmaennerchor.com. Credit: Fiesta San Antonio
Piñatas in the Barrio Free, Sat, April 20, noon-10pm, Plaza Guadalupe, 1327 Guadalupe St, aueda.org You may have seen Piñatas in the Barrio in the past. And you may have been impressed by them, too. But what you’ve seen in the past won’t stand up to Fiesta 2019: this year will hold “the Barrio’s Largest Piñata.” You heard it here – this year’s piñata will be record-sized. Plus, you’ll be supporting Action United for Entertainers and Diversa Artists, who help musicians and local artists in their time of need. Photo via Instagram / danzavidasa
Fiesta Pops $5-$96, April 26 & 27 8pm, April 28 2pm, HEB Performance Hall,100 Auditorium Circle, tobincenter.org Featuring not only the San Antonio Symphony but Guadalupe Dance Company as well, this year’s Fiesta Pops run from April 26 to April 28. The show includes music, dance, and culture from Mexico and South America performed by San Antonio’s finest talents. Photo via Instagram / sasymphony
Fiesta Comedy Explosion $28, Thurs. April 26, 8pm-10pm, Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club, 618 NW Loop 410 #312, priestholmesfoundation.org One thing you may notice about many of these Fiesta events is that they’re incredible fun, but they also benefit the community in some way. This official Fiesta event, Fiesta Comedy Explosion, is no exception. Hosted by the Priest Holmes Foundation, this $28 event is an annual fundraiser for a scholarship that will go to high school seniors graduating in Bexar County. Photo via Instagram / thelolcomedyclub
10th Street River Festival Sat. April 27 – Mon. April 29, vfwpost76ontheriverwalk.org Known for being the oldest volunteer fire department post in Texas and located on 10th Street in San Antonio (hence where the name 10th Street River Festival originates), this official Fiesta event is free and has music and, of course, beer. Taking place on the site of an old, Victorian-style house and benefiting military veterans, this event is a can’t-miss if you’re down for good music and atmosphere. Photo via Instagram / southernhellbelle
Deco Fiesta Sat. April 20, noon-11pm, 1800 Fredericksburg Rd, facebook.com This year’s Deco Fiesta brings a lot to the table. Taking place in the historic Deco District of San Antonio – which put Tex-Mex cuisine on the map and made famous by its colorful murals – Deco Fiesta is outdoors. Local vendors, all of the foods you’ve ever cared to try and musical acts for all ages makes this event worth visiting if you haven’t before. Photo via Instagram / decofiestaeventosok