Saturday, April 27
The best bet for the last Saturday of Fiesta is a toss-up, but you can actually attend both events: The King William Parade and Fair in the morning and afternoon, then the Fiesta Flambeau Parade in the evening!
8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
King William Historic District (122 Madison Street)
This is a terrific event because the parade is a bit far-out and it is significantly shorter and more casual, so it's great if you have younger kids.
Bring your own chairs and set them up around 9 a.m. Then watch as neighbors and others begin to collect along the parade route. This event was originally designed to spoof the other, more traditional parades. It can still be a bit funky, and it's always fun and friendly.
The parade leads to the King William Fair. For that, several streets and the little King William Park are sectioned off. There are several stages set up for different bands. Some will have chairs, but it is a good idea to bring your own, or a blanket if you like to sit a while and just chill.
The booths at the fair are way above average. They consist of arts and crafts, as well as food and drink (Food and drink require tickets you can purchase from specific booths scattered around the area.) Ice chests are not allowed into the fair.
Cost: There's an admission charge for adults, but children 12 and under are free. (Admission ticket booths open at 8 a.m.)
7:45 - 10 p.m.
Downtown parade route
For many, this is the best parade to attend during the Fiesta season. The reason usually has to do with the fact that it's at night, so it's a lot cooler than Friday's Battle of Flowers Parade. Plus, the twinkly lights are so alluring!
The parade route for 2024 is the same as the one that was introduced in 2022, but if you aren't familiar from the last couple of years, be sure to check it out before you get downtown to find your spot.
Many of the runners in the Vanguard are costumed. How they do that and run the 2.6 mile parade route is puzzling, so applaud them as they pass.
Organizers usually expect hundreds of thousands of spectators. Don't be in a hurry, just enjoy and expect the congestion as part of the whole experience.
OTHER POPULAR CHOICES:
Fiesta Pooch Parade: Alamo Heights Swimming Pool, 250 Viesca, 8 a.m. - noon
Festival de Animales: San Antonio Zoo, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
BONUS: The KENS 5 team will be attending three events Saturday: Fiesta Pooch Parade, King William Fair & Parade, and the Fiesta Flambeau Parade. Look for us to ask for your free KENS 5 Fiesta medal! Limit one per person while supplies last!
MORE FIESTA BEST BETS:
Thursday 4/18 | Friday 4/19 | Saturday 4/20 | Sunday 4/21 | Monday 4/22 | Tuesday 4/23 | Wednesday 4/24 | Thursday 4/25 | Friday 4/26 | Saturday 4/27 | Sunday 4/28 | Full list of Fiesta events >>>
FIESTA GUIDE:
Are you brand new to Fiesta? If you've arrived in San Antonio in the past several years, you may never have been to a "normal" Fiesta event. Last year's Fiesta was the first time since April 2019 that Fiesta was held in its normal timeframe due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The KENS 5 Fiesta Guide has all the information you need to get up to speed. Check it out here >>>