What first began in 1891, Fiesta San Antonio is now in its 126th year of existence. Organized by the Fiesta San Antonio Commission Inc., they are known for being a “nonprofit, volunteer, self-supporting organization that plans, promotes, coordinates, and preserves Fiesta San Antonio through support of its participating member organizations in presenting a safe, educational, annual celebration of the diverse heritage, culture and spirit of San Antonio for its residents and visitors.”
Now, as one of the nation’s premier festivals, the event has made an economic impact of more than $284 million for the city of San Antonio. According to the official event website, “Some 3.5 million party-goers enjoy Fiesta San Antonio. More than 20 percent of Fiesta-goers travel from across the state, the nation, and even the world!”
This year’s Fiesta San Antonio 2017 will take place starting on Thursday, April 20 and run through Sunday, April 30. Read on to see with the 126th annual event holds in store for residents and visitors alike.
Fiesta San Antonio Events
Each year, there is a long list of events included in Fiesta San Antonio’s lineup. From live music and parades, to sporting events, contests, fashion shows, carnivals, 5K and 10K runs and walks, car shows, masked balls, and much, much more. For the full list of events, visit official Fiesta event calendar.
Here are a few of the many events to look forward to this year:
Fiesta Fiesta at Hemisfair – April 20th from 5-9pm
Located in the heart of the city, Hemisfair is the new home for Fiesta Fiesta 2017. Those in attendance can look forward to live entertainment, meet-and-greets with Official Fiesta Royalty and special guests, and taking part in buying, selling or trading Fiesta pins and medals at Pin Pandemonium. Fiesta Fiesta is known to be the kickoff party of the 10-day festivities, and this year’s event also features Taste of Texas, which provides guests with the opportunity to try cuisine from 12 different Texas Chefs.
This event is located at the Hemisfair, 434 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205.
Fiesta Carnival – April 20th from 6-11pm
According to the official event website, “Thrills and chills fill the air at one of the best carnivals in the land. Glittering lights, exciting rides and a wide assortment of foods in the heart of San Antonio make the Carnival a perennial favorite of Fiesta-goers. Revenue from this event helps support the activities of the Fiesta.” Admission is also free for this event.
This event is located at the Alamodome Parking Lot C, 401 – 449 S Cherry St, San Antonio, TX 78206.
Celebrations of Traditions Pow Wow – April 22 from 10am-4pm
A true display of the history of San Antonio, the Celebrations of Tradition Pow Wow gives all visitors the chance to participate in the American Indian culture and traditions of dance and music. Organized by United San Antonio Pow Wow, there mission is to “is to promote the traditions and culture of the American Indian in the most positive manner possible, provide Indian people the opportunity to participate, practice, teach and exchange tribal traditions among tribes, enlighten the non-Indian about the history and culture of America’s first inhabitants, and dispel stereotypes created about the American Indian.”
This event is located at the Woodlawn Gymnasium, 1103 Cincinnati Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201.
A Day in Old Mexico & Charreada – April 23 starting at 3pm
Hosted by the Asociación de Charros de San Antonio, this event provides fun for the whole family, with food, drinks, pony rides, Ballet Folklorico performances and live Mariachi music. Attendees will be able to explore the unique culture that upholds upholds deep-rooted customs, tradition and family as a way of life.
This event is located at the Rancho del Charro, 6126 Padre Dr. San Antonio, TX 78214.
The Texas Cavaliers River Parade – April 24 from 7-9pm
According to the official event website, “Each year hundreds of thousands of people line the banks of the San Antonio River to view the most unusual parade in America…the Texas Cavaliers River Parade! This year’s parade, entitled “Kaleidoscope” 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 XCV reigns over the evening’s festivities and gives a Texas-sized welcome to the enthusiastic spectators along the winding route. The money raised through the parade is donated to children’s charities in our community through the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation.”
This event is located at the River Walk, San Antonio, TX 78249.
Fiesta Gartenfest – April 26 from 5pm-12am
Ready to celebrate Fiesta German-style? Head over to Fiesta Gartenfest to enjoy live music and entertainment presented by an 50-piece concert band and other performers. There will also be German food and German beer, and the band will be playing until midnight. Admission to this event is $3 pre-sale and $5 at the gate, and children 12 and under are admitted free of charge.
This event is located in the Beethoven Halle and Garden, 422 Pereida St, San Antonio, TX 78210.
Battle of Flowers Parade – April 28 from 12:20-4pm
With the 2017 Parade theme of “Blazing Trails,” the Battle of the Flowers parade looks to “salute the many trailblazing people, events and ideas that have made our city, state and nation great.” This particular event is known for being the first celebration to be held in Alamo Plaza and is considered the founding event of Fiesta San Antonio, held way back in 1891. Admission to the parade ranges between $12 – $25, and tickets are available for purchase at www.battleofflowers.org and at The Fiesta Store.
This event follows Parade Route, E Grayson & Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78228.
Fiesta Flambeau Parade – April 29 from 6:30-10pm
This year’s 2017 theme for the Fiesta Flambeau Parade is “City Lights and Celebrations.” The parade will be led by the University of Texas Band, and according to the official event website, “The Fiesta Flambeau Parade Association, Inc. is the largest illuminated night parade in the nation. The parade is viewed by approximately 700,000 people in the streets of downtown San Antonio and another 1.5 million on television.”
The event follows Parade Route, E Grayson & Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78228.
To learn more about the dates, times, and locations for all events, and for all additional information, visit the official Fiesta San Antonio website.