From cowboy rodeos to colorful fiestas and bigtime jazz festivals, the many events in San Antonio reflect the Alamo City’s diversity and love of a great time. As one of the largest cities in the country, it is no surprise that there is always something going on in San Antonio.
Check out our list of some of San Antonio’s top events to make sure you make the most of your time in the Alamo City.
DreamWeek
Every January, for just over two weeks, San Antonio comes together in a city-wide summit to exchange ideas, inspire discussion, and ignite change at DreamWeek. DreamWeek’s foundation lies in the teachings set forth by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision. DreamWeek looks to inspire and motivate the improvement of issues facing multi-cultural communities.
MLK March
On January 19, 1987, the Commission and the City of San Antonio held its first official Martin Luther King, Jr. March. Each year, a variety of educational and inspirational events honor one of the nation's most revered civil rights leaders. San Antonio hosts the largest march in the nation, with approximately 300,000 participants.
San Antonio, TX 78205
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is one of the largest of its kind in the state of Texas. For 18 days in mid-February, the stock show and rodeo takes over the AT&T Center with performances by top-class country musicians, great entertainment, a carnival, delicious fair food and shopping.
1 AT&T Center Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78219
March
San Antonio loves a good river parade and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. San Antonio celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a large river parade and celebrations that extend into the weekend, but the celebrations don’t end there. Each year since 1968 the River Walk is magically transformed into the River Shannon through 25-gallons of eco-friendly green dye. Catch the San Antonio River Walk in its emerald green glory!
San Antonio, TX 78205
April
L’Etape San Antonio by Tour de France
Part of a worldwide amateur cycling series, L’Etape San Antonio is your chance to feel like a true Tour de France champion. Grab your bike and feel the wind against your skin as you zip and weave through San Antonio’s charming neighborhoods and breathtaking Hill Country.
Fiesta San Antonio
Fiesta San Antonio is one of the largest and longest-running events in San Antonio. Grand and colorful parades, tons of great live music, a fair, a carnival, bike rides, 5K and 10K runs, a women’s and co-ed soccer tournament, are among the more than 100 events that comprise the 10-day fiesta. Many of the festivals events are held in downtown San Antonio throughout mid to late April.
San Antonio, TX 78205
2022 marks the 100th Anniversary of the Valero Texas Open. Watch some of the PGA tour’s top players vie for one of the oldest championships in the country at the Valero Texas Open. Played on the picturesque links of the Oaks Course of TPC San Antonio, the tournament also features fan-friendly events like the 19th Hole Fiesta.
23808 Resort Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78261
May
Tejano Conjunto Festival
Hear the convergence of European and Hispanic cultures that is conjunto music at this vibrant five-day festival. Known for its small ensembles, prominent accordion, and polka influences make this style of music unique.
San Antonio, TX 78207
Bud Light Pride River Parade & Celebration
The largest river parade celebrating the LGBTQ+ community happens on the San Antonio River Walk. The Bud Light Pride River Parade was created by Visit San Antonio to promote the city’s inclusion, encouragement and support of the LGBTQ+ community to live openly with equal rights.
San Antonio, TX 78205
Pride Bigger than Texas Festival & Parade
Pride San Antonio celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with the Pride Bigger than Texas Festival and Parade. Typically held in June to commemorate Pride Month, this event highlights the accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ community and raises money for local charities.
Fiesta Noche del Rio
Experience the sounds and dances of Mexico, Spain, Argentina, and Texas at Fiesta Noche del Rio. Performances of flamenco and mariachi music are held every Friday and Saturday from May until mid-August at the Arneson Theatre on the River Walk.
418 Villita Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
July
This free parade is dedicated to the men and women in all branches of the United States Armed Forces and features 26 patriotically-decorated and musical floats carrying all branches of military personnel and numerous businesses and nonprofits who honor and support active and retired soldiers.
Balcones Heights Jazz Festival
Savor the soulful tunes of jazz, along with great food and drinks, at the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival. This free summer concert series features internationally acclaimed artists performing at Wonderland of the Americas, a spectacular outdoor amphitheater in northwestern San Antonio.
4522 Fredericksburg Road
San Antonio, TX 78201
Jazz’SAlive
Enjoy top-class performances from award-winning jazz artists from around the country at the Jazz’SALive event in Travis Park. This two-day concert series, typically held in late September, features two stages of performances, fantastic festival food from more than 20 vendors, and products from local craft vendors.
301 East Travis Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
World Heritage Festival
Every September, San Antonio celebrates and promotes the preservation of the San Antonio Missions, the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Texas with the World Heritage Festival.
Chalk it Up
Chalk it Up is San Antonio’s annual celebration of artists through large scale murals along downtown San Antonio. Local artists from all over the city come together in downtown San Antonio to create some of the most artistic chalk creations.
San Antonio, TX 78
Oktoberfest San Antonio
German food, music, dancing, and (of course) beer make up San Antonio’s Oktoberfest, held at the Beethoven Männerchor just south of downtown. This celebration of German heritage in South Texas occurs in early October.
422 Pereida Street
San Antonio, TX 78210
Spiritlandia - Day of the Dead River Parade
Come and enjoy a cultural celebration of life on the River Walk! “Day of the Dead” is a long-held Mexican tradition that honors those who have passed. This year’s River Walk Parade will be full of floating barges with bright lights, all decorated with handmade pieces built by artisans across Mexico, as well as skulls (Calaveras) painted by San Antonio artists.
Día De Los Muertos - Muertosfest Celebration
Named one of the best fall festivals in the United States by National Geographic, this popular cultural event features a colorful procession, live poetry readings, art workshops, live music, an altar contest, and plenty of vendors. Not only is this one of San Antonio's most essential cultural experiences.
San Antonio, TX 78205
Tasting Texas Food + Wine Festival is the brainchild of Visit San Antonio, Culinaria San Antonio, and the iconic James Beard Foundation. This festival with a purpose showcases top culinary leaders across the United States and Mexico as well as up and coming chefs from all over Texas. What better place to celebrate food than the Culinary Capital of Texas?
Travis Park
San Antonio, TX 78295
November
Experience all the vibrance of San Antonio's own Diwali. See first-hand displays of Indian culture and traditions as you watch dances, taste delicious food, and browse for wares from India. Diwali is a celebration akin to the New Year, and it represents the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
434 South Alamo Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
Luminaria
Immerse yourself in the Alamo City's arts scene at this festival in early November. Admire art of all genres, check out a free after-dark event, and enjoy a family-friendly day of artist-led demonstrations, workshops, and more.
434 South Alamo Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival
Held annuall on the second Saturday of November, the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival offers a glimpse into traditional and contemporary Native American Culture. This event showcased Native American artists with musical performances and dancing, Native American-inspired food, storytelling, and artist demonstrations of painting, printmaking, pottery, weaving and carving.
Briscoe Western Art Museum
210 W Market St.
San Antonio, TX, 78205
Welcome the holiday season along San Antonio's famous River Walk during this festive parade. All the fun starts with the illumination of 100,000 lights that kick off a parade featuring 28 illuminated floats festooned in cheery decorations. The lights remain on the trees and are turned-on from sundown to sunrise every day till shortly after New Year’s Day.
San Antonio, TX 78205
December
Valero Alamo Bowl
Played in San Antonio's famous Alamodome, this annual NCAA Division I college football game pits the second-choice teams from the Big 12 and Pac-12 conferences. Some of the biggest teams in the country have hit the gridiron for this prestigious bowl game, including the likes of the University of Texas, Texas A&M University, Baylor University, and the University of Nebraska. Not only is the Alamo Bowl a showcase of two great teams, it's also the ideal time to see potential future stars of the NFL.
100 Montana Street
San Antonio, TX 78203
Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon
Set a new personal record and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the San Antonio version of this race series that has events throughout the country. With such distances as a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon, this race is accessible to runners of all levels. Each course takes you on a scenic tour of San Antonio, a journey that includes tons of live music to spur you on. Held in early December, this is much more than a race; it's an experience you won't soon forget.
San Antonio, TX 78203
Welcome the new year in style at the largest New Year's party in the Alamo City. Celebrate San Antonio features tons of live music and great food and drinks, followed by an awe-inspiring fireworks show at midnight.
San Antonio, TX 78203
Images courtesy of Visit San Antonio.
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