The King William Fair & Parade: Our Favorite Family-Friendly Fiesta Event

I’ve lived in San Antonio for more than 20 years, and I’ve been to an abysmally low number of Fiesta events. In my defense, my parents rarely ventured within loop 410 when I was growing up, so anything downtown was a world away.

I have since become a Southeast side resident, and I am all over events and venues in the downtown and Southtown area. Yet, I still admittedly get anxious over the idea of kids and crowds during Fiesta (is there anyone who doesn’t?). I first started going to the King William Fair and Parade when I was working as a program director for a local nonprofit and we were in the parade. So that was a great initiation into becoming a Fiesta event-goer. And I’ve been going to the King William Fair and Parade every year since.

Parade & Fair Location and Parking Tips

The parade kicks off at 9:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 28th, and starts on Guenther right next to Brackenridge High School, running through King William and looping back to the high school. My favorite area to watch the parade from is along Guenther, close to the beginning of the parade route. This part of the parade is outside of the fairgrounds, so there’s no fee to get in and watch. A number of residents host porch-side watching parties throughout the parade route, but anyone is welcome to bring a chair and sit along the street curb.

My best tip for scoring a prime parade-watching spot? Get there early! We usually scope out parking in the neighborhood—but be mindful of any no-parking zones. Then we walk over and enjoy the parade (usually from a friend’s porch). If scouring neighborhood streets for parking isn’t your jam, the King William Fair has an entire page dedicated to parking and travel alternatives (hello, VIA and Uber).

The Fair itself is held within the northern end of King William, from South Alamo and up. Admission to the fair is $15 day of, or $12 in advance for adults and kids ages 13 and older (children 12 and under are free—score!). Food, beverages, and activities all require tickets and can be purchased online as well.

What’s So Special About This Parade?

I love this parade because it is so laid-back, and it features a number of great local organizations. It can also be a bit quirky due to all of the arts groups (there may be some slightly stranger groups than you would see in the official Fiesta Parade). I’ve never felt unsafe or overcrowded during the King William Parade, and it feels less like putting on a show and more about keeping it true to the people of San Antonio, although it is certainly always entertaining!

My kids always come home with gobs of beads, candy, books, and even a coveted Fiesta medal or two. And I love keeping an eye out for Slab Cinema and The Magik Theatre—two of the most creative parade participants each year.

Fairground Happenings

Some years we go to the fair, and some years we don’t. It really comes down to how the kids are doing. And some years we go to the parade in the morning and the fair later in the day (with a break for a more affordable lunch in between). Our favorite part of the fair is the Kids’ Kingdom. There are rides, carnival games, and free arts and craft, as well as music and performers. We usually go and play a few games, and are always sure to enjoy a paleta, too.

There is also an Artisan Alley with artists and craftsmen selling their wares, along with art installations and performances. I’m curious to check out their Doggy Fashion Show.

You can check out a full list of vendors, performance lineup, and everything else you may need to know on the King William Fair website.

Overall, I highly recommend attending the King William Fair and Parade at some point. Whether your kids are in strollers or too big for their britches (aka: teenagers), it’s really just a fun time for everyone. Granted, you’ll want to leave time for a recovery nap afterwards and are likely to find confetti from cascarones in your underwear—just sayin’.  

Amy
Amy Lynn is a divorced mama of four kids and dog mom to two. She’s lived in San Antonio for over 20 years and has a degree in English from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Previously a program director at a local literary arts nonprofit, she began blogging as a creative outlet when she became a stay-at-home mom. Now a digital media consultant and writer, Amy is the founder of The Dog Guide and The Dog Guide San Antonio. Favorite Restaurant: Clementine Favorite Landmark: Hays Street Bridge Favorite San Antonio Tradition: Cascarones