Red, White and Blue Family Fun: The Armed Forces River Parade

San Antonio is a city that loves to celebrate and we’re known as Military City U.S.A. That means you can enjoy free red, white and blue family fun at the city’s annual Armed Forces River Parade.

Not many cities can offer river parades. And no one does it better than San Antonio. Sitting on the banks of the River Walk, watching decked-out river boats go by, is something not to missed. The Armed Forces River Parade floats this year on Sunday, July 2 at 6 p.m., with star-spangled floats carrying representatives of all five branches of the U.S. military. The parade floats play patriotic and America-themed rock music as they wind their way through the 2.5-mile downtown parade route along the River Walk, putting on about a 40-minute show. And when the floats go through the Arneson River Theatre, onstage entertainment will serenade them.

Courtesy of the San Antonio River Walk Association

Red, white, and blue pageantry, including cool uniforms that never fail to delight the littles? Yes! And better yet? It’s all free.

A view of military members saluting at Arneson River Theatre. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio River Walk Association.

Unlike some of the other river parades, you don’t have to purchase seats to see the show. As a matter of fact, you’re welcome to bring folding chairs and sit along the parade route. Just don’t block pedestrian traffic, and come out early to secure a good spot. You can see the parade for free from anywhere downtown along the River, but you can also make a reservation at your favorite River Walk eatery so you can dine and drink outside while enjoying the parade. (Entertainment for the kids and food and drinks for adults? Score!) Make a reservation and enjoy a fun family evening.

The Armed Forces River Parade is one of the largest parades on the River Walk. Surprised? I was too. You see, there’s so much hype/interest in the other fabulous river parades that I think this one gets lost in the shuffle. And that’s a shame.

Did you know that San Antonio has been home to a consistent military presence for nearly 300 years? That’s right—the military has been part of our city almost as long as San Antonio has been in existence. It’s one of the reasons San Antonio is officially Military City USA. Joint Base San Antonio includes Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base, and Randolph Air Force Base, blanketing our city with a large military presence. We’re home to one of the nation’s largest active and retired military populations, so our love of the military runs deep—and floats on the River during the Armed Forces Parade.

But let me guess: you’re worried about parking downtown or navigating the River Walk with kids, strollers, etc. in tow, dealing with crowds, etc., right? Don’t be. The parade crowd is very family-friendly, and parking is available. If you don’t find a city lot, there are private lot options, too. Paying for parking used to bother me, but honestly, we attend so many terrific free events in San Antonio that we’ve come to just think of parking as how we “pay to play.” It’s more than worth it to get out and explore, see something new, and enjoy everything downtown has to offer, like fantastic parades.

Dawn
An Army brat who came to Texas for college and ultimately managed to make the Lone Star State her permanent home, Dawn became a mom “AMA” (advanced maternal age), giving her the opportunity to use a stroller vs. a walker as she navigates the world of motherhood. Her growing up way too fast native Texan loves all things Star Wars, Legos, dinosaurs and keeping his parents on their toes. When she’s not busy parenting the original strong-willed child, Dawn runs Tale to Tell Communications, a San Antonio-based PR and marketing agency. An award-winning writer, Dawn also contributes to San Antonio Woman, Rio Magazine and Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She and her family enjoy exploring all that San Antonio has to offer, going on adventures and playing tourist together as much as possible. Favorite Restaurant: Clementine Favorite Landmark: The beauty of the River Walk, especially La Villita Favorite San Antonio Tradition: Celebrating anything and everything with color, music and food