¡Viva Fiesta! ¡Viva San Antonio!

April 24 - May 4, 2025

Fiesta San Antonio is our city’s largest celebration, with over three million people attending every year. The occasion is marked by adorning flower crowns, cracking cascarones, and, of course, waiting in line for a chicken on a stick. Are you ready to dive into all the fun?

¡Viva Fiesta!

@visitsanantonio Are you ready for Fiesta San Antonio?! 🤩🎉 #VisitSanAntonio #visitsanantoniomx #travel #fiesta #fiestasanantonio #easter #happyeaster #fyp #thingstodoinsanantonio #sanantoniocheck #riverwalksanantonio ♬ Summer Deep House - Alexander Virko

What to Expect

If you’ve attended Fiesta in the past, you already know the magic of shouting “Show us your shoes” at the Battle of the Flowers. And if this is your first time, then you have a world of fun in store.

Fiesta is an 11-day, city-wide celebration of art, food, and culture in San Antonio. Over 100 events are held during Fiesta, including parades, foodie events, shows, exhibits, and more. This party with a purpose donates proceeds to charities in our community.

With so much to do, it can be overwhelming to choose. But we have you covered with top events to check out and even some tips for first-timers.

@visitsanantonio We’re here to help you Fiesta like a pro 🤩🎉🪅✨🫶🏽 #VisitSanAntonio #FiestaSA #FiestaSanAntonio #Fiesta #thingstodoinsanantonio #fyp #sanantoniocheck #eidmubarak #eid #tiktokrizzparty #fiestasanantonio2023 #texas #mardigras ♬ Mexico Cityscape classy lively walk - SOUND BANK

Fiesta First-Timer Tips

  1. Stay hydrated — it can get hot out there.
  2. Wear sunscreen  — many Fiesta events are outside.
  3. Dress colorfully — and comfortably!
  4. Drink responsibly — good fun in moderation.
  5. Bring fanny packs — and pack them with sunscreen, chapstick, and cameras.
  6. Buy and trade medals — these are your Fiesta badges of honor.
  7. Crack a cascarones on someone's head — it’s all in good Fiesta fun!

 

The Top 7 Fiesta San Antonio Events to Check Out

Ready to Fiesta? Here are some of the most popular events to add to your itinerary.

  1. The Texas Cavalier River Parade
  2. Battle of Flowers Parade
  3. The Fiesta Flambeau Parade
  4. Fiesta Carnival
  5. NIOSA (Night in Old San Antonio)
  6. Fiesta Oyster Bake
  7. River Walk Fiesta Artisan Show

The Texas Cavalier River Parade

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Texas Cavalier River Parade 2024
Photo by Robert Shaw

Monday, April 28, 2025
San Antonio River Walk

The Texas Cavaliers mark the start of Fiesta with their annual River Parade. Over 250,000 spectators line the banks of the River Walk, crowd on bridges, and tune into the city’s live broadcast to see more than 45 lively floats make their way down the river. This year’s theme is “Shine Bright,” showcasing the community leaders who bring illuminating hope to our city.

Battle of Flowers Parade

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SAFC Royals at Battle of Flowers 2023
Photo by Battle of Flowers Commission

Friday, May 2, 2025
Downtown San Antonio

The Battle of the Flowers is one of the most popular Fiesta events. But did you know that it was also the first? The very first parade dates back to 1891, when a group of women from San Antonio sought a way to commemorate those who fought and died in the Battle of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. This year’s theme is Melodies in Bloom, a serenade to Texas honoring the musical traditions of the Lone Star State. As the parade rolls by, don’t forget to yell, “Show us your shoes!” It’s a Fiesta tradition.

The Fiesta Flambeau Parade

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Fiesta Flambeau Parade 2024 Photo by Fiesta Flambeau Commission
Photo by Fiesta Flambeau Commission

Saturday, May 3, 2024
Downtown San Antonio

We do things bigger in Texas! Fiesta Flambeau is America’s largest illuminated night parade, marching along a 3.1-mile procession through Downtown San Antonio. Over 800,000 people attend this parade (with another 1.5 million tuning in at home on their TVs). This year's theme, "Deep in the Arts of Texas," celebrates the state's rich artistic heritage, featuring vibrant floats, marching bands, and dance performances.

Fiesta Carnival

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Overhead shot of the Fiesta Carnival
Photo by Fiesta Commission

April 24 - May 4, 2025
Alamodome

Meet us under the Fiesta Carnival Ferris Wheel! This Fiesta event is a family favorite because there is something for everyone. Get your thrills on spinning rides and coasters, or try your luck at game and prize booths. There’s no shortage of Fiesta treats either, with funnel cakes taking the cake as one of the most popular snacks.

NIOSA (Night in Old San Antonio)

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@visitsanantonio NIOSA is here 🎉 Each year, La Villita takes center stage as 85,000 visitors gather for four nights to celebrate the city’s unique heritage at “A Night in Old San Antonio.” Hundreds of elaborately decorated food and drink booths and more than a dozen nonstop entertainment stages represent the diverse cultures and customs of our city in 15 heritage-themed areas! ✨🎉 #VisitSanAntonio #FiestaSA #fiestasanantonio #foodie #sanantoniofoodie #texasfoodie #sanantonio #fyp #niosa ♬ Mariachi Poeyinkz - Poeyinkz

April 29, 2025 - May 2, 2025
La Villita

NIOSA stands for A Night in Old San Antonio, which is hosted every year in historic La Villita, showcasing the city’s rich history and culture. Explore 14 distinct sections devoted to different aspects of San Antonio’s story, over 155 food and drink booths, and continuous live entertainment.

Fiesta Oyster Bake

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Family at Fiesta Oyster Bake 2024
Photo by St. Mary's Alumni Association

Friday, April 25 -  Saturday, April 26, 2025
St. Mary's University Campus

This is your chance to shoot back an oyster! This two-day festival features live music from over 40 bands, and some of the best eats Fiesta is known for — including over 100,000 oysters! If Oysters aren’t your thing, don’t worry. Vendors are serving up other classic Fiesta food groups like chicken on a stick and funnel cake.

River Walk Fiesta Artisan Show

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May 2, 2025 - May 4, 2025
River Walk Extension

Take home a piece of the Fiesta spirit. The Fiesta Artisan Show is free to attend and features over 40 artisan booths showcasing local pottery, textiles, jewelry, paintings, and more. You can find the show nestled along the banks of the River Walk Extension, located near the Shops at Rivercenter.