Breadcrumb navigation:

Home>Visitors>Play>History & Heritage>Historic Events & Festivals
Historic Events and Festivals

Historic Events & Festivals

Fiesta ParadeFiesta
Occuring in April, Fiesta is an annual favorite which includes a flurry of parades, art festivals, concerts and cuisine from San Antonio’s many cultures. The first Fiesta took place in 1891 to honor the memory of our Texas heroes. Fiesta has expanded the initial commemoration to include the recognition and celebration of San Antonio's rich and diverse cultures.

 January

Martin Luther King March Martin Luther King March and Rally
Honoring the Civil Rights leader, this is the largest people's march in the country. Other events throughout the city include a rally, art exhibits, workshops and candlelight vigils. January 19th
 

 February

Stock Show and Rodeo San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
Features great entertainment with star-studded country, rock 'n' roll and Latin artists during all 20 PRCA rodeo performances. This spectacular of fun also includes shopping, a carnival and livestock centers.
 

 March

Dawn at the Alamo Dawn at the Alamo
A pre-dawn commemorative ceremony honors the fallen on both sides from the Battle of the Alamo. Alamo Plaza.
 
Remember the Alamo Remember the Alamo
This event is a dramatization of the events in the final two days (March 5 and 6, 1836) of the 13 day Alamo siege by General Santa Anna's Army of Operations, played out in Alamo Plaza.
 

 April

Fiesta San Antonio Fiesta
Fiesta is an annual favorite which includes a flurry of parades, art festivals, concerts and cuisine from San Antonio’s many cultures. The first Fiesta took place in 1891 to honor the memory of our Texas heroes. Fiesta has expanded the initial commemoration to include the recognition and celebration of San Antonio's rich and diverse cultures.
 

 May

Valero Open Valero Texas Open
Originated and played in San Antonio since 1922, the Valero Texas Open is third oldest tournament in the PGA TOUR. It has been one of the top-three most charitable PGA tournaments on TOUR for the last several years.
 
Gospel on the Plaza Soul Food Festival and Gospel on the Plaza
This will be the 10th Annual Soul Food Festival & 3rd Annual Gospel on the Plaza Competition. This event kicks off with a gospel choir competition and continues with amazing food, arts, crafts, family events and more.
 
Fiesta Noche del Rio Fiesta Noche del Rio
A San Antonio tradition, this performance features songs and dances of Mexico, Spain, Argentina and Texas occuring Friday and Saturday evenings at the River Walk’s historic Arneson River Theatre.
 

 June

Texas Folklife Festival Texas Folklife Festival
This will be the 38th annual three-day cultural celebration with more than 40 ethnic groups together showcasing authentic food, music, dance, and crafts.
 

 July

Contemporary Art  Contemporary Art Month
The month-long celebration of contemporary arts features more than 400 exhibitions and involves more than 50 venues. Events take place in galleries, museums, neighborhoods and studios.  

 August

football Texas Football Classic
Ten of the top high school football teams in the state compete at this weekend football showdown in the Alamodome. Included schools have played in 12 state championships.
 

 September

Jazz's Alive JazzSAlive
Some of the nation's top jazz entertainers, along with regional and local talent, take over Travis Park and dazzle the crowd with their smooth sounds.
 

 October

International Accordian Festival International Accordian Festival
A three-day festival of music, dancing, food and fun which celebrates the versatility of the accordion and accordion-based international styles of music.
 

 November

Dia de los Muertos Dia de los Muertos
Part ancient ritual, part family feast, Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead) celebration starts around Halloween and peaks during the wee hours of Nov. 2 – All Souls’ Day in Catholicism – when tradition says the souls of departed loved ones return to partake of the offerings set out for them in homes and cemeteries.
 
RNRSA Rock 'n' Roll Marathon
Over 30,000 participants take a legendary course past the Spanish Missions and lined with live bands and entertainment.
 
Luminarias Holiday Festivities
The holiday season traditionally kicks off the day after Thanksgiving, and that’s no different in San Antonio, where the River Walk bursts into its brightest display of the year, ushering in a month’s worth of festive special events.
 

 December

Valero Alamo Bowl Valero Alamo Bowl
The Valero Alamo Bowl is played in San Antonio’s Alamodome and features two of the premier college football conferences.
 
Bazar Sabado Bazar Sabado
Just in time for the holidays, the best in folk art from Mexico is displayed for enjoyment and acquisition (on a Saturday, of course).
 

For more information about historical attractions in San Antonio, go to History and Heritage.