30 Fiesta Events Every San Antonian Should Go to At Least Once
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.
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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.
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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
Texas Cavaliers River Parade
$14-$26, Mon. April 22 7pm, various locations, texascavaliers.org
The Texas Cavaliers River Parade features more than 45 unique floats. That’s one reason (or 45?) alone to experience this at least once. Another reason is that the organizers of this event, the Texas Cavaliers, have distributed more than $8 million to charities around Texas, which is a whopper of a number.
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.
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fiestacornyation
