Fiesta San Antonio is one of the city’s most celebrated traditions. It features major events like the Battle of Flowers parade, Fiesta Flambeau, and the Texas Cavaliers River Parade. Other major San Antonio events include Jazz’SAlive, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and the Ford Holiday River Parade. These large-scale celebrations often draw crowds from across the country and showcase the city’s rich culture, music and culinary heritage.
What Makes San Antonio Events So Special?
In San Antonio, every season brings a reason to celebrate. The city’s event calendar is packed with cultural traditions, festive parades, live music and food-centered gatherings that highlight the community’s unique energy. No matter when you visit, San Antonio events offer something for everyone, from live concerts to neighborhood festivals. If you’re searching for San Antonio events this week or planning ahead for later in the year, this guide walks through some of the most exciting happenings on the calendar. It’s time to mark your dates and experience the spirit of San Antonio.
What San Antonio Events Should You Catch in the Spring?
Spring is one of the most exciting times to visit San Antonio, thanks to its signature celebration, Fiesta San Antonio. This multiday event kicks off in April and includes over 100 individual San Antonio events across the city. The iconic Battle of Flowers parade, the oldest event of its kind in the country, brings floats, performers and marching bands to downtown in a full show of community pride. As the sun sets, the Fiesta Flambeau Parade lights up the streets with illuminated displays and performances. Another can’t-miss tradition is the Texas Cavaliers River Parade, where decorated river barges float through the heart of downtown.
Fiesta also features family-friendly options like the King William Fair, with art vendors, live music and food booths set in one of San Antonio’s most historic neighborhoods. For thrill seekers, the Fiesta Carnival offers classic rides and midway games near the Alamodome.
Outside the city center, the Poteet Strawberry Festival is a local favorite, celebrating all things strawberry with rodeo events, cooking contests and concerts. Meanwhile, culinary fans won’t want to miss the Culinaria Wine & Culinary Arts Festival, a multiday event that brings together chefs, winemakers, and mixologists for tastings and classes held at venues throughout the city.
With so much going on, getting around can be part of the adventure. Old Town Trolley Tours® offers a fun and convenient way to explore major attractions during Fiesta without the hassle of parking. Known for their friendly and knowledgeable guides, live narration and comfortable rides, they make sightseeing part of the experience.
What Are the Must-See San Antonio Events in Summer?
Summer in San Antonio is full of energy, with exciting events happening each week. The city’s Fourth of July Celebration at Woodlawn Lake Park is a local favorite. Visitors can expect live music, food trucks, family-friendly activities and a spectacular fireworks show that lights up the sky above the lake. It’s one of the most anticipated San Antonio events of the season.
Music lovers will want to check out Summer Night City, a free Thursday night concert series hosted by Texas Public Radio. Featuring a wide range of genres and showcasing both local and national acts, these open-air shows bring people together all summer long.
August brings San Antonio Restaurant Weeks, which typically begins early in the month. Participating restaurants across the city offer multi-course meals at set prices, giving diners a chance to sample menus at some of San Antonio’s top culinary spots. This is one of the most popular San Antonio events this week for foodies when it kicks off.
For theme park thrills, SeaWorld San Antonio’s Summer Spectacular features the high-energy “HydroPower: Xtreme FX” water ski stunt show, complete with lasers and special effects. Over at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, the park’s Summerbration experience includes unique shows, colorful character parades, and fireworks displays on select evenings.
What Fall Events Should You Experience in San Antonio?
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor festivals and cultural traditions. Jazz’SAlive, a two-day jazz festival at Civic Park, brings together musicians from around the country. The event is free and open to the public, offering live music and a relaxed atmosphere in the heart of downtown.
The city’s Día de los Muertos celebrations are among the most beautiful and meaningful of the year. Events like the Day of the Dead River Parade feature elaborately decorated barges and public altars that honor loved ones who have passed. These events take place throughout October and showcase the deep cultural roots of the community.
Art takes center stage during the Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival, scheduled for mid-October. This nighttime festival transforms Downtown San Antonio into an open gallery filled with light installations, performances and large-scale works by both local and international artists.
Families with young kids won’t want to miss Zoo Boo! at the San Antonio Zoo. Throughout October, the zoo is transformed with Halloween decorations and themed stations where children can trick-or-treat, explore and participate in costume contests.
Fall is packed with San Antonio events that highlight the city’s creative spirit, cultural diversity and family-friendly fun.
What Winter Events Bring Holiday Cheer to San Antonio?
Winter in San Antonio comes alive with festive lights, music and seasonal activities. The season begins with the Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony, a beloved event that turns the River Walk into a glowing holiday display. Decorated river barges, live entertainment and twinkling lights create a magical atmosphere.
Celebrate the magic of the season on San Antonio’s Holiday Sights and Festive Nights® Tour. Climb aboard a festively decorated trolley for a joyful 45‑minute ride through the sparkling streets of downtown. Sing along to classic carols as you pass the River Walk, Houston Street and other glittering holiday displays. The tour begins and ends at Travis Park, home to the city’s Christmas tree, ice skating rink and festive market, creating a cheerful seasonal scene. Complimentary holiday glasses make the lights shimmer in a whole new way, adding a playful touch to this unforgettable holiday tradition!
In December, college football fans gather for the Valero Alamo Bowl, one of the biggest sporting San Antonio events of the year. Held at the Alamodome, the game draws national attention and brings plenty of energy to the downtown area.
The new year kicks off with the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, which runs through most of February. This large-scale event includes rodeo competitions, carnival rides, live concerts and livestock exhibitions. It’s one of the most popular San Antonio events this week when it opens.
For families, ice skating at Travis Park adds winter charm to downtown. The rink operates during the holiday season and offers a fun way to enjoy the cooler temperatures.
San Antonio’s New Year’s Eve Celebration features live music, food vendors and fireworks at midnight. It’s a lively way to wrap up the year with thousands of others gathered downtown.
From parades to rodeos, winter offers a variety of San Antonio events that bring people together in the spirit of the season.
What Can You Do Year-Round in San Antonio?
Not every experience in the city depends on the season. Some of the most memorable San Antonio events happen all year long and offer fun for every kind of traveler. One standout is The Magic Saloon, where comedy, sleight of hand and audience interaction come together for an unforgettable night out. Located in the heart of downtown just steps from The Alamo, The Magic Saloon delivers an immersive live show in an intimate setting, offering something new each week with rotating acts and plenty of surprises.
Just around the corner, The Amazing Mirror Maze Escape offers year-round thrills and laughs for all ages. This multi-attraction experience includes a 4-D Mirror Maze, The Vault Laser Maze, Infinity Maze, Holographic Maze, Escape Rooms and more. Guests can race through glowing tunnels, test their agility against laser beams or explore one of the most visually dazzling indoor attractions in the city. If you’re looking for fun San Antonio events this week, The Amazing Mirror Maze Escape should be at the top of your list.
For a comfortable way to explore the city’s top sights, hop aboard Old Town Trolley Tours® of San Antonio. This fully narrated tour operates daily and highlights the city’s most iconic landmarks. With state-of-the-art vehicles and friendly and knowledgeable guides, Old Town Trolley Tours® gives guests the best view of San Antonio’s history and culture. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly way to make the most of your visit and discover why this tour is a favorite among locals and travelers alike.
Why Plan Ahead for San Antonio Events in 2025?
San Antonio events reflect the city’s unique rhythm throughout the year. Each season has its own unique energy. Spring welcomes traditions like Fiesta San Antonio, summer turns up the volume with concerts and fireworks, fall blends arts and heritage, and winter fills the city with holiday lights and community gatherings. These aren’t just scheduled happenings; they’re experiences that invite you to be part of the city’s story.
Looking for San Antonio events this week? With so much happening year-round, it’s worth checking local calendars or asking your Old Town Trolley Tours® guide for current recommendations. Their live, fully narrated tours are a great way to learn about the city while spotting signs for concerts, food festivals and other fun stops. These moments bring people together, offer a window into local culture and often become the most memorable part of any visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fiesta San Antonio takes place in early April. This annual event includes parades, live music, cultural showcases and more, making it a signature experience for locals and visitors alike. With over 100 individual events happening across the city during Fiesta, it’s a great opportunity to experience San Antonio’s traditions and community spirit.
Spring tends to feature the most high-profile San Antonio events, but every season has something to offer. Summer is ideal for outdoor concerts and food festivals, while winter brings holiday magic and seasonal traditions. Fall is also a popular time for art and cultural festivals, offering a well-rounded calendar of activities for every interest and age group.
Yes, families will find plenty to enjoy. Events like Zoo Boo!, the Ford Holiday River Parade, and the Poteet Strawberry Festival offer fun for all ages. San Antonio events are known for being welcoming and inclusive. The Magic Saloon and The Amazing Mirror Maze Escape also host engaging experiences year-round in the heart of downtown. Many attractions offer seasonal programming designed specifically with younger audiences in mind.
The best way to stay informed is by checking tourism websites, city event calendars and official event social media pages. Local publications and visitor centers also post weekly updates on what’s happening around town. Guests riding with Old Town Trolley Tours® can also ask their conductors for insider tips on San Antonio events this week, including traffic updates, parade routes and newly added happenings.
Many San Antonio events are budget-friendly. Luminaria, Travis Park’s holiday activities, and Hemisfair’s outdoor movie nights are all excellent, low-cost options. Even large festivals like Fiesta include free concerts and family-friendly street fairs. The city also hosts pop-up performances, markets and museum nights that offer affordable ways to enjoy local culture and entertainment without overspending.
