SAN ANTONIO — Seemingly just as fast as it arrived, Fiesta 2024 will come to an end this week.
The good news: There are still plenty of opportunities to get in on the fun before the party officially ends Sunday. Here are a few of the closing Fiesta events you can catch this weekend, along with some non-Fiesta fun.
The Battle of Flowers Parade
The Battle of Flowers Parade is the founding event of Fiesta, which the City of San Antonio celebrates annually thanks to a small group of passionate women that held the first Battle of Flowers Parade in 1891, in memory of the fallen heroes of the Alamo and to commemorate the victory at the Battle of San Jacinto.
The Battle of Flowers Association is a civic nonprofit organization which aims to teach the history of our state and keep the patriotic traditions of Texas and San Antonio alive. The association is made up entirely of women, all of whom are volunteers.
Friday marks the 133rd Battle of Flowers Parade and this year’s theme is “Viva Amor 2024.” Thousands are expected to pack downtown streets to watch it unfold, complete with colorful attire and majestic floats.
When: Friday, April 26 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Downtown San Antonio (see parade route here)
Cost: Tickets can be purchased here
King William Fair
The King William Fair is the primary fundraising event for the King William Association, a nonprofit organization which works to preserve and protect the oldest residential historic district in Texas and promote the unique cultural heritage of San Antonio.
The day-long event offers dozens art and craft vendors, lively music, dance, a kids play area, and delicious food and beverages. But what really sets this event apart is the sparkling beauty of its historic King William setting, near the heart of downtown San Antonio. Come for the street parade, stay for the colorful spirit!
Information regarding parking can be found here.
When: Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: King William Historic Area (122 Madison Street)
Cost: Advance purchase admission is $15 for everyone 12 years and older. Admission will be $20 on the day of the fair. Tickets can be purchased here.
Fiesta Flambeau
The idea of a lighted parade, now one of the premier events of Fiesta, was the brainchild of civil engineer Reynolds Andricks.
Leading the parade for the 76th year is the University of Texas Longhorn Band, followed by spectacular themed floats, marching units, local, out of town and out of state bands, dance groups, equestrian units and many other attractions that create a memorable night of illuminated entertainment.
The theme of this year’s Fiesta Flambeau Parade is “Lotsa Loteria.”
When: Saturday, April 27 at 7:45 p.m.
Where: Downtown San Antonio (see parade route here)
Cost: Bleacher tickets are on sale now starting at $30. Tickets can be purchased here.
A Day in Old Mexico
A Day in Old Mexico takes place on the official last day of Fiesta.
There will be plenty of vendors, mariachis, food booths, escaramuza charra (the only female equestrian event in the Mexican charrería) and, of course, the charreada itself.
When: Sunday, April 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: San Antonio Charro Association (6126 Padre Drive)
Cost: Tickets for adults cost $20. Children 12 and under get in free. Tickets will only be sold at the door on the day of the event.
Festival de Animales
Happening Saturday through Sunday, you can catch Festival de Animales, an official Fiesta event at the San Antonio Zoo.
Celebrate the animals, conservation efforts, culture, and food native to South and Central America all while sipping on specialty cocktails and enjoying musical performances throughout the Zoo.
When: Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: San Antonio Zoo (3903 North St Mary's Street)
Cost: This event is free for members and included with zoo admission. Plus, parking is free at the zoo parking garage. Adult tickets cost $31.99 and a child ticket costs $27.99. You can purchase your tickets and find more information on prices here.
Plus...
Also, Thursday marks the return of La Semana Alegre. The Fiesta-adjacent event is a two-day party at Hemisfair that supports its mission to “revitalize the site of HemisFair ‘68 and create a vibrant, walkable urban district for the people of San Antonio.” Check out the lineup of performers set to take the stages at the event here. The event will run from Thursday (5 p.m. to 11 p.m.) until Friday (noon to 11 p.m.).
Finally, a few non-Fiesta events are also on tap for this weekend. The Rock at La Cantera will host a silent disco on Saturday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. where attendees will dance the night away in a one-of-a-kind nightlife experience. Meanwhile, Patron Tequila will host the San Antonio Margarita Festival at the Backyard on Broadway this Saturday from noon to 6 p.m Attendees will be able to enjoy music from a live DJ, 10 margarita booths, food, a beer garden and even a chance to win a trip to Mexico!
Finally, on Friday evening at the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center (922 San Pedro Ave.), the organization will hold an educational screening of the 2018 documentary "Gaza: Health Under Siege." Doors open at 6:30 p.m., the film starts at 7 p.m. and while the screening is free, any donations will go to the relief of those in Gaza impacted by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
