SAN ANTONIO — Viva Fiesta!
Thursday marks the beginning of San Antonio’s biggest party. There’s no shortage of events for you and the whole family to enjoy this weekend, but here are the top five you won’t want to miss.
UIW campus comes alive for the 36th Anniversary of Alamo Heights Night
Happening Friday, the Alamo Heights Rotary Club presents Alamo Heights Night.
The event is a safe and family-friendly block party held on the campus of the University of the Incarnate Word that has raised over $2.4 million for charity, community service and scholarships in its first 35 years.
Attendees can expect dozens of booths of activities, food and drinks, games, rides, and live entertainment running continuously when gates open at 5:30 p.m. Performers will include Hotcakes, Finding Friday, Rick Cavender and more.
Information regarding event parking can be found here.
When: Friday, April 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Where: University of the Incarnate Word (4301 Broadway)
Cost: General admission for adults is $20. $5 for ages 12-17 and students with a valid student ID. UIW students, staff, and faculty as well as active duty military get into the event free with a valid ID. You can purchase tickets or find more information on prices here.
Put those chancla-throwing skills to the test
One of San Antonio’s newer Fiesta events, the 5th Annual Chanclas y Cervezas is set to take place at The Greenline at Brooks this Saturday.
The evening will be filled with laughter, food, games, music, and of course, all your favorite cervezas will be on deck.
Attendees can compete for the chance to be crowned Rey and Reina of the Chanclas Court, and enjoy photo opportunities, chancla obstacle courses, craft stations, and even a petting zoo!
One of South Texas’ favorite Tejano performers, A.B Quintanilla y Los Kumbia All Starz will headline the event. Other performers include Lucky Joe, Rudi Gutierrez, and Selestial Alcoser.
All proceeds from Saturday’s event will benefit Brooks Gives Back, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting initiatives and other nonprofits throughout neighboring communities.
Leashed pets are also welcome to the event. Parking is free and plentiful.
When: Saturday April 20 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: The Greenline SA (2532 Sidney Brooks)
Cost: Online presale tickets cost $15 while onsite tickets will be $20 per person. All children 12 and under get into the event free. You can purchase your tickets here.
Two days of fun, 100,000 oysters, 108 years (and counting)
The Oyster Bake is a premier Fiesta event that began in 1916 as a small gathering of St. Mary's University alumni on the banks of the San Antonio river downtown. Since then, the event has raised $10 million for scholarship and University programs.
"The Heartbeat of Fiesta" will return this weekend for two days of family-friendly fun on the St. Mary's University campus.
The lineup of performers include several fan-favorite tribute bands such as Back in Black (tribute to AC/DC), Eclipse (tribute to Journey) and Nightbird (tribute to Stevie Nicks). Additionally, some big names are set to headline the event including Stephen Pearcy of Ratt, Gary Hobbs, Ram Herrera and the Spazmatics. The full lineup of performers can be found here.
Along with the variety of live music, you can enjoy plenty of activities and all the oysters and chicken-on-a-stick you can handle. There will also be a carnival area for children and a Friday fireworks show.
More information about the event including parking, security and entry, and prohibited items can be found here.
When: Friday April 19 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. & Saturday April 20 from Noon to 11 p.m.
Where: St. Mary's University (One Camino Santa Maria)
Cost: One day only general admission discounted presale tickets cost $25. Two-day general admission tickets for both Friday and Saturday cost $35. You can purchase your tickets or find more information here.
Immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of New Orleans
Another Fiesta favorite, A Taste of New Orleans, will take place at the Sunken Garden Theater all weekend as attendees will be transported into the culture and atmosphere of New Orleans.
The 37th annual family-friendly event will offer New Orleans-style food, an atmosphere of groovy rhythms of jazz and blues, entertainment for kids, and a wide selection of drinks including New Orleans cocktails.
Some of the menu items you can expect at the event include assorted gumbos, red beans and rice, shrimp creole, jambalaya, and plenty more.
A Taste of New Orleans aims to continue its support for a wide range of causes from food security, education, health, culture, and social justice. Visit the event's frequently asked questions page here.
When: Friday April 19 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. / Saturday April 20 from 12 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. / Sunday April 21 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Sunken Garden Theater (3875 North St. Mary Street)
Cost: Single day admission costs $20. Two-day admission costs $35. BlastPass credits for purchasing food, drinks, and activities start at $25. More ticket price information can be found here.
Celebrate one of San Antonio's largest free Fiesta events at Historic Market Square
Also happening throughout the weekend (and throughout the rest of Fiesta), the Historic Market Square will come alive for Fiesta De Los Reyes.
The Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation and the City of San Antonio hosts the culturally-rich celebration that features live performances, food including Fiesta favorites like chicken-on-a-stick and mini tacos, and exciting family-friendly events.
There will be over 30 food booths and a variety of vendors as well as five stages for the endless lineup of artists set to perform.
Set to take the Gateway Stage this weekend include Tejano stars like David Lee Garza y Los Musicales, Latin Breed, and Elida y Avante.
The event is also pet-friendly.
More information regarding the full lineup of performers, a map of the event, merchandise and more can be found on the event's website.
When: Runs throughout the duration of Fiesta starting Friday April 19 - Sunday April 28 from 10 a.m. to midnight
Where: Historic Market Square (514 West Commerce Street)
Cost: Free
Plus...
If you’re looking for some non Fiesta fun happening this weekend: on Friday and Saturday the San Antonio Dance Festival will celebrate movement, culture and artistic innovation. The event will be held at the Carver Community Cultural Center, and will showcase various genres of dance including ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, hip-hop, and flamenco.
Movie lovers can also look forward to some screenings happening over the weekend. The Rock at La Cantera will host their free Movies in Frost Plaza event on Saturday at 6 p.m. with a special screening of the 2023 summer blockbuster, Barbie.
Meanwhile, Alamo City Studios will host their free San Antonio Film Slam event on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Brick at Blue Star. The community is invited to enjoy a night of movie magic that will showcase talent from all around San Antonio.
