Stars & Stripes on Houston Street Launches this Year
(San Antonio) - June 12, 2024 – Known as Military City, USA®, San Antonio’s Fourth of July celebrations are bigger and brighter than ever in 2024, highlighted with the inaugural roll out of festive San Antonio Stars & Stripes on Houston Street, a collaborative effort between the City of San Antonio, Centro San Antonio, the Alamo and Visit San Antonio.
Always a popular holiday weekend, locals and visitors are encouraged to experience San Antonio turn red, white and blue for the Fourth of July holiday. Events are planned from July 1 to 7, with marquee happenings scheduled for the weekend of July 4-7.
“As Military City, USA®, we are proud of our rich military history. The launch of Stars & Stripes on Houston Street gives us another opportunity to showcase San Antonio’s patriotic spirit,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “I want to thank our partners at Visit San Antonio, Centro, and the Alamo, as well as all the local organizations who are making these events across the city possible. I wish everyone a safe and fun Fourth of July.”
Centro San Antonio works to create a more beautiful, playful, welcoming and prosperous downtown highlighting the San Antonio spirit. “Stars and Stripes on Houston Street aims to build on the success of our previous initiative, Holidays on Houston Street,” said Trish DeBerry, President and CEO of Centro San Antonio. “The positive response to these events demonstrates that our residents and visitors want a more vibrant downtown San Antonio. In collaboration with Visit San Antonio and the City, we hope to establish Houston Street as the premier destination district in our city's core by continuously introducing events each year that invigorates our downtown community, not only through smiles, but in dollars for our local businesses. Centro consistently activates spaces to breathe new life into our downtown economy, initiating projects that serve as intermediaries between property owners and business owners, truly creating a more dynamic and prosperous city center, accessible to all.”
At the cradle of Texas Liberty, a full day of activities will shine on the grounds and in the sky. "Stars & Stripes Salute at the Alamo will feature an exhilarating performance by the U.S. Air Force Rock Band and a breathtaking drone show over the Alamo Church," said Dr. Kate Rogers, Executive Director of Alamo Trust, Inc. "This event is designed to bring our community together for a memorable celebration, showcasing the vibrant spirit of Military City U.S.A. right in the heart of Alamo Plaza."
Visit San Antonio’s mission is to bring the world to San Antonio, driving the robust hospitality sector of the economy. “Summer is always a popular time in San Antonio and visitors are looking for new things to see and do; Stars & Stripes on Houston Street is an exciting addition to the line up.” said Marc Anderson, President and CEO, Visit San Antonio.” Our team is promoting to regional markets through our owned, paid and earned media efforts. We are proud to be a part of this combined effort and this is just another example of the power of collaboration found in the Alamo City. Working together, we elevate our city!”
Here is a sampling of the exciting line-up, more details and additional events available at VisitSanAntonio.com:
San Antonio Stars & Stripes on Houston Street – Monday, July 1 - Sunday, July 7. Houston Street is a historic, charming promenade and entertainment hub in the heart of downtown San Antonio. Stars & Stripes on Houston Street programming and decor will run from the Alamo to Legacy Park to include red, white and blue pageantry, lighting and window décor and a military tribute banner program honoring various members of the local military past and present via the historic street lampposts all along the corridor.
San Antonio Stars & Stripes on Houston Street: Paletas and Popsicles – Tuesday, July 2. From noon to 4 p.m., visitors and locals are invited to take a cool break at one of six pop up kiosks on Houston Street with a complimentary paleta or popsicle.
San Antonio Stars & Stripes on Houston Street: Movies by Moonlight: “The Sandlot” – Tuesday, July 2. Steps away from Houston Street at historic Travis Park, visitors and locals can catch this classic movie. Activities start at 7:30 p.m. and the movie starts at dusk. Food and beverage options will be available for purchase. Downtown Tuesday free parking is available after 5 p.m. in the nearby St. Mary’s Garage (205 E. Travis St.).
San Antonio Stars & Stripes on Houston Street: Street Parade – Thursday, July 4. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., enjoy vintage military and fire trucks, classic cars, marching bands and local and regional cultural heritage groups for this Houston Street parade guaranteed to get everyone in the patriotic holiday spirit.
San Antonio Stars & Stripes on Houston Street: Summer Night City – Thursday, July 4.
Texas Public Radio's event features vinyl DJ Rambo Salinas and live music from Pochos Chidos and Volcán. Check out various artists, vendors, food trucks and photo-opportunities 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Free and fun for the whole family.
San Antonio Stars & Stripes on Houston Street: Majestic Theater Open House – Thursday, July 4. Everyone is invited to step inside this stunning 1920s atmospheric theater for a cool break, entertainment, tours, concessions and more from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
San Antonio Stars & Stripes on Houston Street: Picnic Under the Stars – Thursday, July 4. This ticketed event will be a grand evening inside the historic, atmospheric Majestic Theater to include “star”-gazing, dinner, drinks, and more from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Stars and Stripes at the Alamo – Thursday, July 4 - The July 4th celebration at the Alamo will feature staff and volunteers portraying soldiers from the 1836 battle, bringing history to life through immersive reenactments throughout the day. This will include volunteers depicting American soldiers from the 1850s-1870s, highlighting the Alamo's connection with the U.S. Army. Additionally, living historians will present a Spanish presidial program representing 1776, showcasing the Alamo's rich and diverse historical significance.
Stars and Stripes Salute Concert at the Alamo – Friday, July 5. Everyone is invited to celebrate Independence Day weekend at the inaugural Stars & Stripes Salute at the Alamo. Features the U.S. Air Force Rock Band and performances by the Children's Chorus of San Antonio, Opera San Antonio, Youth Orchestra of San Antonio, plus other surprises on the pavilion stage. The evening will close with a spectacular drone show over the Alamo narrated by country music artist, Pat Green. Tentative schedule: living history 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., live music 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and drone show starting at 9:30 p.m.
The City of San Antonio Official H-E-B 4th of July Celebration – Thursday, July 4. All are invited to join the fun from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. culminating in a fireworks spectacular at Woodlawn Lake Park.
Salute at Sunset River Parade – Thursday, July 4, Friday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6 at sunset. San Antonio’s famous river parades are epic, and this holiday weekend will present Salute at Sunset each night. Dozens of decorated floats will salute all branches of the military, offer patriotic entertainment and more.
San Antonio Stars & Stripes on Houston Street: Movies by Moonlight: “Armageddon” – Saturday, July 6. Catch this classic movie at Legacy Park on Houston Street. Activities start at 7:30 p.m. and the movie starts at dusk. Showcase patriotic spirits with this end-of-the-world classic offering nonstop action, impressive pyrotechnics and ample American flags. Enjoy food and beverage options for purchase and some intergalactic inspired pre-show activities for all.
San Antonio Stars & Stripes on Houston Street: Picnic in the Park - Saturday, July 6. From noon to 6 p.m., head to one of downtown San Antonio’s historic parks (Milam, Legacy and Travis) for free family fun including food trucks offering holiday staples, live performances with pop ups from local performance groups, , and summer activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Parking Information - Celebrate the nation’s independence San Antonio style, with events, programming, pageantry and more. Check out the City's SAPark website for easy, convenient and affordable parking. A map shows a full list of City-owned garages and lots.
To plan a spectacular San Antonio Fourth of July, additional events and more details, go to VisitSanAntonio.com.
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About the City of San Antonio - Vibrant & Thriving
San Antonio is a vibrant city with a thriving economy, deep cultural heritage and communities that are compassionate, inclusive and proudly diverse. It is the seventh largest city in the United States and one of the strongest fiscally managed cities in the country, nurturing entrepreneurship, encouraging investment and funding infrastructure. The City fosters partnership and growth opportunities in aerospace, bioscience, cybersecurity, green technologies, healthcare, and information technology. San Antonio’s famed River Walk and Alamo are the top tourist attractions in Texas, and its historic missions are a designated World Heritage Site – the first and only in Texas. Proudly called Military City, USA®, San Antonio is home to one of the largest populations of active duty military and veterans, as well as mission-critical commands, including military medicine, cybersecurity, pilot training and basic training. For more information, visit SanAntonio.gov and follow @COSAGov on social.
About CENTRO San Antonio
Centro San Antonio is a nonprofit placemaking organization that manages the Downtown public improvement district (PID). Centro’s purpose is to create a more beautiful, playful, welcoming, and prosperous Downtown in the spirit of San Antonio. Learn more at centrosanantonio.org.
About Alamo Trust, Inc.
Alamo Trust, Inc. (ATI) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that oversees the daily operations at the Alamo and implementation of the Alamo Plan. Located in the heart of San Antonio, the Alamo stands as a Shrine to Texas Liberty. The Alamo tells the story of Texas Independence as part of its rich and diverse 300-year history to over 1.6 million visitors every year and is the #1 most visited destination in the State of Texas. In 1960, the Alamo was designated a United States National Historic Landmark, and in 2015, it became part of the Lone Star State's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness living history, experience authentic artifacts, and explore an iconic landmark that shaped the country. Visit theAlamo.org.
About Visit San Antonio
Visit San Antonio is a 501(c)6 and serves as the sales and marketing arm of San Antonio as a leading leisure and meetings destination. In 2022, San Antonio welcomed approximately 34.8 million visitors. Hospitality is one of the top five industries in the city, contributing $19 billion to the local economy annually and employing more than 140,000. More information about Visit San Antonio and the city’s vast offerings can be found at VisitSanAntonio.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Visit San Antonio
Ja’Nise Solitaire
Communications Manager
Janise.Solitaire@VisitSanAntonio.com
City of San Antonio
Kelly Saunders
Public Relations Manager
Kelly.Saunders@SanAntonio.gov
Lauren Sage
Preservation Outreach Coordinator
Lauren.Sage@sanantonio.gov
CENTRO San Antonio
Chris Cortez
Director of Communications & Marketing
Ccortez@centrosa.org
The Alamo
Jonathan Huhn
Director of Communications and Community Outreach
Alamo Trust, Inc.
jhuhn@theAlamo.org