Fiesta® is officially upon us, April 20–30! So grab your favorite colorful attire, lather your kiddos in sunscreen, and hang on to this handy list of family- and kid-friendly Fiesta events! You might be surprised by how many there actually are, and each year new ones pop up.
These tips might also help you survive and thrive during the San Antonio festival known as Fiesta:
- First, don’t forget that thanks to Fiesta, most kids have a school holiday on Friday, April 28.
- When attending outdoor events (which most of them are), stay hydrated!
- Make transportation and parking a little easier by using VIA Park & Ride. Check their website for details.
- Tickets for many events, including the parades, can be purchased at the Fiesta at North Star® store or even H-E-B.
- For the full Fiesta schedule and all the details, visit the official site.
- You can watch much of the action from the comfort of your home on KSAT-12. They will broadcast all three Fiesta parades.
APRIL 14–16
Fiesta FitFest | UTSA | FREE
A weekend chock full of FREE group workout classes from the mainstage, an inflatable sports zone, live music, and races to boot. Click here to register for the foot or bike races.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20
Fiesta Fiesta| Hemisfair | FREE
The official Fiesta kickoff, 4:00–10:00 p.m., with a variety of food and beverage offerings as well as an array of musical performances.
Fiesta Carnival| 100 Montana St. | FREE
Gear up to fiesta like there’s no mañana with all the family fun of a typical carnival… but exponentially better since it’s in San Antonio. Entrance is free with food and drinks for purchase. Click here to see “buy online and save” options. Carnival runs daily through April 30.
A World of Inspiration: Fiesta Exhibit | Witte Museum
Beyond the cries of “show us your shoes,” the annual Fiesta exhibit at the Witte dons the beauty of the dresses and jewels. Admission to the Fiesta exhibition is included with admission to the Witte. For ticket pricing and hours of admission: https://www.wittemuseum.org/
Friday, April 21
Children’s Texas History Forum | Casa Navarro Historical Site| FREE
This year, events will be held at Casa Navarro, the home of Jose Antonio Navarro, the truest of Texans. Born in San Antonio, Navarro was a statesman, revolutionary, politician, rancher, and merchant. Students are taken back in time by reenactors and hostesses dressed in period clothing. Presentations of flags flown throughout San Antonio and Texas history are presented in a way that is educational and entertaining. 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Call 210-679-6193 for more information.
Alamo Heights Night| University of the Incarnate Word | Tickets on sale now!
Activities will highlight food from some of San Antonio’s leading restaurants and caterers. Two stages will feature live music throughout the evening from bands such as Hotcakes, Skyrocket, Finding Friday, Brandon Michael Band, Biohazard Brass Band, a mariachi band, and more. The festive atmosphere will be family-friendly as the carnival midway will captivate kids of all ages with activities such as laser tag, rock climbing, hamster balls, slides, rides, face/hair painting, and more. 5:30–11:30 p.m. Check out https://alamoheightsnight.org/ for tickets and more information.
Saturday, April 22
Pickles Y Sombreros | Morgan’s Wonderland | Tickets: $5
Celebrating all things pickle: pickle ball, pickle-inspired food, yard games, and more 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.! Tickets: https://mwsa.ticketapp.org/portal/product/17
OLLU 5K Confetti Walk & Run | Our Lady of the Lake Main Building
The race will wind participants through the University’s historic campus before taking on the trails of the newly renovated Lake Elmendorf Park. Participants will receive a T-shirt, a customized bib, and a custom finisher medal. All proceeds from the event will benefit The Lake Fund, which funds scholarships for OLLU students as well as other campus needs. Register today: https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/SanAntonio/OLLUConfetti5KRunWalk
Fiesta Castle Hills | 207 Lemonwood Dr. | FREE
Family-friendly, artisan vendors, live music, children’s activities, great food, and specialty margaritas; http://castlehillscommunityorganization.org
Fiesta Arts Fair | UTSA SW Campus | Tickets available now!
The festive two-day event offers visitors the opportunity to interact with artists and purchase high-quality contemporary and traditional arts and crafts from approximately 115 exhibitors. Guests are treated to live regional music, food and beverage booths, and an interactive children’s art area. Learn more: https://www.swschool.org/fiestaartsfair
Celebrations of Traditions Pow Wow | Texas A&M University-San Antonio Pavilion |FREE
All who attend have the opportunity to view and participate in the American Indian culture and traditions of dance and music at an official Native American Pow Wow. The pow wow promotes tribal traditions, culture, and the opportunity for native people to gather in celebrating their rich heritage with one another. http://unitedsanantoniopowwow.org
Chaparral Music & Heritage Festival | Hemisfair Park | FREE
Chaparral celebrates south and central Texas heritage including food, music, and more. The event features live music from established and up-and-coming Texas music artists. Enjoy a vendor market, a variety of food and beverage options, and more fun and excitement for guests of all ages. https://saparks.org/event/chaparral-music-heritage-festival/
Viva Botanica | San Antonio Botanical Garden | FREE with garden admission
A family-friendly Fiesta event that includes hands-on activities including: Wooden Nature Medals, Tissue Flower Crowns, Plant a Pepper!, Explore Spicy Senses, Water Conservation and Bluebonnet Seed Giveaway, culinary tastings, and music, theater, and dance performances. Drinks and food will be available for purchase. https://www.sabot.org/events/viva-botanica/
Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta | Padre Park | $10 presale, $20 at event
The San Antonio River Foundation and the San Antonio River Authority invite you to participate in the Official Kayaking Event of Fiesta. Equipment will be supplied by Mission Kayak and attendees will have the opportunity to challenge their skills by paddling through an obstacle course or through a leisurely course. This $20 adventure assists efforts to bring awareness to the recreational opportunities along the Mission Reach area of the San Antonio River. https://www.sariverfound.org/
Earth Day San Antonio | Woodlawn Lake Park | FREE
Channel Earth with a farmers’ market, free tree giveaway, and over 50 environmental organizations. 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 23
Fiesta de la Familia | St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church | FREE
This is a family-oriented event with no entry fee and food, beverages, games, a live/silent auction, and music for your enjoyment. 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. https://stgregorys.net/
A Day in Old Mexico & Charreada | Rancho del Charro | Admission is $20
Explore the distinctive culture that upholds deep-rooted customs, traditions, and family as a way of life. This family event features food, drinks, pony rides for the kids, Ballet Folklorico performances, and live mariachi music. 12:00–6:00 p.m.
Piñatas in the Barrio | Plaza Guadalupe | FREE
Features live entertainment, delicious food, and fun for the whole family. Rey Feo will crown the Senior Citizen King and Queen of the Barrio at this official Fiesta event.
Fiesta de los Niños | Boeing Center at Tech Port | FREE
This is a party for the “pint-sized folks.” A parade will lead the way but there is lots more to do. San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology will be open and showcasing amazing technological exhibits. Children can enjoy games, STEM activities, and rides. There will be food vendors with all your favorite treats. https://fiestasanantonio.org/events/fiesta-de-los-ninos/
Deco Fiesta| Deco District | FREE
Local residents and tourists come together in San Antonio’s historic Deco District. This outdoor festival offers performances by local and national musicians of all ages, a diverse food and drink menu, local art vendors, and community spirit for all to enjoy. https://fiestasanantonio.org/events/deco-fiesta/
Monday, April 24
Texas Cavaliers River Parade |San Antonio River Walk | Tickets on sale now
Each year hundreds of thousands of people line the banks of the San Antonio River to view this parade. Monies generated through the parade are donated to local children’s charities through the organization’s Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation. https://www.texascavaliers.org/
Tuesday, April 25
Fiesta Especial Celebration Day | Alamodome, Parking Lot C | FREE
A community-based education program and carnival experience for children and adults with disabilities and their schools, programs, and families. Advance registration is required, and no general admission will be permitted at the entrance gate. 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. http://www.fiestaespecial.com/
Thursday, April 27
Battle of Flowers Association Band Festival | Alamo Stadium | Tickets $8–25
Event features choreographed music presentations by more than 30 local high school bands. Marching bands and color guards will participate in the famous “Parade of Bands” while being judged on marching, musicality, and crowd appeal. In between the two “Parade of Bands,” two to three feature bands will perform their winning UIL competition routines, followed by an awards ceremony. Concluding the evening, more than 5,000 students will join together in a mass band presentation on the field, performing a medley of songs and showcasing their music and color guards in tandem with a fantastic fireworks finale. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. https://www.battleofflowers.org/
St. Philip’s College Culturefest & Rib Cook-Off | St. Philip’s College | FREE
Entertainment includes Folklorico dancers, the Sam Houston Hurricane Marching Band, a car show, and much more. If you have barbecue skills, you can participate in the rib cook-off for $20–30. If ribs aren’t your thing there will be plenty of other delicious foods and drinks, from gorditas, funnel cake, mangonadas, and much more. Come for the day and enjoy fun for the whole family. 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. https://www.alamo.edu/spc/culturefest
PACfest| Palo Alto College | Tickets $15, Parking $10
This family-friendly event features food, games, social media alley, musical entertainment, and is home to the Fiesta Grill Down, a carne asada contest. Then stick around after dark for a Fiesta-worthy fireworks finale. https://www.alamo.edu/pac/pacfest
Friday, April 28
Battle of Flowers Parade® | Parade Route | Tickets $20–35
The Battle of Flowers® Parade honors the heroic spirit of the patriots of the Alamo, commemorates the victory of San Jacinto, and celebrates the diversity and heritage of Texas and our nation. The Battle of Flowers Parade holds the distinction of being the first celebration held in Alamo Plaza and is considered the founding event of Fiesta San Antonio. The parade has run each year since 1891, except during World Wars I and II. The parade is broadcast by KSAT-12. 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Tickets: https://www.battleofflowers.org/
Saturday, April 29
Fiesta Pooch Parade | Alamo Heights Swimming Pool | FREE to watch
Spend a Saturday morning with your favorite furball on a 2.6-mile walk through the tree-lined streets of Alamo Heights, presented by Therapy Animals of San Antonio. Come early for exhibits and presentations; then the ever-popular Canine Costume Contest starts at 8:15 a.m. (You must be registered to enter.) Advance registration is $30 for individuals and $35 for families. 7:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. https://therapyanimalssa.org/pooch-parade/
Festival de Animales | San Antonio Zoo | Included with Zoo Admission
Celebrate the animals, culture, and food of Latin America! Since 2016, Festival de Animales has highlighted the zoo’s conservation efforts in Latin America and educated guests on the animals native to Latin America that call the San Antonio Zoo home. Amazing up-close animal interactions, culinary delights, entertainment, and authentic merchandise from Latin America are sure to delight while guests immerse themselves in South American culture. A visit to Festival de Animales will help further the zoo’s vision to secure a future for wildlife through loving, engaging with, acting for, and protecting animals and the places they live.
King William Fair | King William Historic District | Tickets Available Now
A family fair with arts and crafts vendors, live music and dance on five stages, food and beverage booths, a Kids’ Kingdom play area, and a small but quirky parade, all on the streets of the historic district with its stately homes and gracious gardens. https://www.kwfair.org/
Breakfast For The Brave | Chicken N Pickle | Tickets Available Now
Breakfast for the Brave is a fundraising event for Endeavors programs that serve the military community. This family-friendly event will feature a breakfast, live music, Folklorico dancers, a round-robin-style Pickleball tournament, and so much more. Gates open at 7:00AM for warm-ups and a beginners’ clinic for those new to Pickleball. All proceeds from the event will benefit Endeavors programs that serve Veterans, active duty, military families, and first responders. https://endeavors.org/featured-events/breakfast-for-the-brave/
United Way Kids Festival | 5033 Lord Rd. 78220 | FREE
More than 65 booths (nonprofits, school districts, and city services) will provide information, activities, and entertainment focusing on the celebration and promotion of early childhood development. There will be a large variety of activities offered for children of all ages. Kids Festival will have an event stage hosting numerous entertainment acts along with mascot characters. City officials will welcome participants and attendants throughout the day. https://www.uwsatx.org/
Fiesta Flambeau Parade | Parade Route | Tickets Available Now
This year’s theme is “Celebrating Literary Classics.” The Flambeau is the largest illuminated night parade and the highlight of Fiesta. Leading the parade for its 74th year is its premier band, The University of Texas Longhorn Band, followed by spectacular themed floats; marching units; local, out-of-town, and out-of-state bands; dance groups; equestrian units; and many other attractions that create a memorable night of illuminated entertainment. Tune in to KSAT-12 or KSAT.com for live coverage. https://www.flambeau.org/
Sunday, April 30
Fiesta San Fernando | San Fernando Cathedral | FREE
Each year the cathedral hosts a celebration of family, food, and fun. Live entertainment daily and beautiful arts and crafts booths for your enjoyment. Take part in a Fiesta event rooted deep in the city’s history, where “fiestas” started more than 260 years ago. https://fiestasanantonio.org/events/fiesta-san-fernando/
Festival de Cascarones | Texas A&M University-San Antonio | FREE
Celebrate the final day of Fiesta San Antonio with Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Featuring live music, food, games, and fun for the whole family. The event will be headlined by Cassadee Pope. https://www.tamusa.edu/festival-de-cascarones/
A Day in Old Mexico & Charreada | Rancho del Charro | Admission is $20
Explore the distinctive culture that upholds deep-rooted customs, traditions, and family as a way of life. This family event features food, drinks, pony rides for the kids, Ballet Folklorico performances, and live mariachi music. Gates open at 11:00 a.m.
Whether you are a Fiesta-goer who tries to make it to as many events as possible or you just want to pick an event or two to attend, there is no lack of family-friendly fun. We can’t wait to see you there!
