Please note that the information contained below is always subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on these events, call the number provided, or check with Visit San Antonio (www.visitsanantonio.com; tel. 210-244-2000).
The Fiesta City -- San Antonio's nickname refers to its huge April bash, but it also touches on the city's tendency to party at the drop of a sombrero. It's only natural that a place with strong Southern, Western, and Hispanic roots would know how to have a good time. Elaborately costumed festival queens, wild-and-woolly rodeos, and parades and mariachis are rolled out year-round.
January
Martin Luther King, Jr., March and Rally and Dreamweek, various venues. Started in 1987, this has become the country’s largest march in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a nearly 3-mile walk through San Antonio’s east side. It’s the centerpiece of activities for DreamWeek San Antonio, a 16-day series of events designed to foster diversity dialogues (www.sanantonio.gov/mlk, tel. 210/207-7084; and www.dreamweek.org). Mid-January.
February
Stock Show and Rodeo,AT&T Center. San Antonio hosts more than 2 weeks of rodeo events, including music, a farmers market, and carnivals. It’s been running since 1949 (www.sarodeo.com; tel. 210/225-5851). Early February.
March
Bud Light St. Patrick’s Day Festival. Are leprechauns responsible for turning the San Antonio River green—and for turning the beer emerald? Irish dance and music fill the Arneson River Theatre from the afternoon on; kid-friendly events include face-painting and gold coin hunting (www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events; tel. 210/227-4262). St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Contemporary Art Month, various venues. More than 400 exhibitions at more than 50 venues make this month a contemporary art lover’s heaven (www.contemporaryartmonth.com; tel. 210/630-0235). Throughout March.
April
Crafts Day/Starving Artist Show, River Walk and La Villita. Nearly 900 artists from throughout Texas sell their works, with proceeds going to benefit the Little Church of La Villita’s program to feed the hungry (www.lavillita.com; tel. 210/226-3593). First weekend in April.
Fiesta San Antonio, various venues. What started as a modest marking of Texas’ independence in 1891 is now a huge 11-day event, with an elaborately costumed royal court, parades, balls, foodfests, sports events, concerts, and art shows (www.fiesta-sa.org; tel. 210/227-5191). Late April (always includes Apr 21, San Jacinto Day).
May
Tejano Conjunto Festival, Rosedale Park and Guadalupe Theater. Sponsored by the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, this annual event celebrates south Texas’ lively blend of Mexican and German music (www.guadalupeculturalarts.org; tel. 210/271-3151). Mid-May.
Culinaria Festival, various venues. This multi-day food extravaganza includes wine tastings and seminars, haute cuisine sampling, and food truck grazing (www.culinariasa.org; tel. 210/822-9565). Mid-May.
June
Texas Folklife Festival, UTSA Institute of Texas Cultures. Ethnic foods, dances, crafts demonstrations, and games celebrate the diversity of Texas’ heritage (www.texancultures.com; tel. 210/458-2300). Early June.
Juneteenth, various venues. The anniversary of the 1865 announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation is the occasion for a series of African-American celebrations, including an outdoor jazz concert, gospelfest, parade, picnic, and more (www.juneteenthsanantonio.com; tel. 210/843-7805). June 14 and 15.
San Antonio CineFestival, Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. The nation’s oldest and largest Chicano/Latino film festival screens more than 70 films and videos over 4 days (www.guadalupeculturalarts.org; tel. 210/271-3151). Second weekend in July.
August
Restaurant Week, various venues. Special tasting menus and other incentives draw food-lovers to sample the fare at many of the city’s dining spots (www.culinariasa.org; tel. 210/822-9565). Late August.
September
World Heritage Festival, San Antonio Missions. Five days of celebration at San Antonio’s missions include biking and walking tours, art exhibits, picnics, food trucks, and music (www.sanantonio.gov/WorldHeritage; tel. 210/207-2111). First weekend in September.
Diez y Seis, various venues. Mexican independence from Spain is feted at several spots around the city, including La Villita, Market Square, the Arneson River Theatre, Guadalupe Plaza, and the Pearl complex (www.getcreativesanantonio.com). Weekend nearest September 16.
Jazz’SAlive, Travis Park. Bands from around the world come together for a weekend of hot jazz (www.saparksfoundation.org; tel. 210/212-8423). Third weekend in September.
October
Oktoberfest, Beethoven Halle and Garten. San Antonio’s German roots show at this festival with food, dance, oompah bands, and beer (www.beethovenmaennerchor.com; tel. 210/222-1521). Early October.
Mala Luna Music Festival, Nelson Wolff Stadium. Headliners in hip-hop, EDM (electronic dance music), and Latin music join local musicians and artists at this 2-day festival benefitting the Miracle League of San Antonio (www.malalunafestival.com). Halloween weekend.
November
Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony. With trees and bridges illuminated by some 122,000 lights, this floating river parade kicks off the Paseo del Rio Holiday Festival (www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com; tel. 210/227-4262). Day after Thanksgiving.
December
Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, downtown and south. Looping from Market Square past the historic missions and ending up at the Alamodome, this marathon features rocking bands along the route to inspire participants to keep their feet moving (www.runrocknroll.com/en/events/san-antonio). Early December.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
