San Antonio’s 9th Annual World Heritage Festival Events

San Antonio has a rich culture and heritage that spans over 300 years of history. So, it’s no surprise that we’ve received World Heritage recognition for our thriving culinary scene and historical Mission sites. And do we love to celebrate it! The City of San Antonio World Heritage Office is hosting the 9th Annual World Heritage Festival September 4-8. This annual event celebrates the UNESCO World Heritage Missions, highlighting the importance of preservation.

What is the World Heritage Festival?

So, what exactly is the World Heritage Festival? To give you a better understanding, let’s go back to July 5, 2015. On this date, San Antonio’s five colonial missions, Missions San José, San Juan, Concepción, Espada, and The Alamo, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The missions now represent the only World Heritage site in Texas and one of just 24 in the United States.

The City of San Antonio World Heritage Office and its collaborative partners established the World Heritage Festival to celebrate and promote the UNESCO designation of our missions, honoring our history while promoting the importance of preservation.  

The festival takes place after Labor Day weekend and overlaps with the Organization of World Heritage Cities’ Solidarity Day of World Heritage Cities on September 8. It attracts locals and visitors and offers a fun way to celebrate San Antonio’s unique history through family-friendly and free events.

9th Annual World Heritage Festival Event Schedule

We’re Still Here Tours

September 5-8, Multiple Times, Mission San Juan + San José

Join a National Park Ranger Mission Indian Descendants and representatives of American Indians of Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions on guided tours to learn about the history of the missions and the lived experience of its enduring community members.

A Vision of History

September 5, 6 - 8 PM, The Alamo

Get an insider look at the historic Alamo. This special event allows you to step into the past through the new Mission Gate and Lunette interpretation to discover how the original structure may have looked like when it was built in the 1700s. Watch the original painted frescos come to life inside the church during the new immersive Sacristy, a unique projection experience. Learn more about ongoing research and conservation efforts happening at The Alamo.

Music and Movie Under the Stars

September 6, 6:30 - 10:30 PM, Mission Marquee Plaza

The World Heritage Office and the Military & Veterans Affairs Department present the 4th Annual Music and Movie Under the Stars, a tribute to San Antonio’s legacy as Military City, USA. The night’s festivities include family-friendly fun, pop-up vendors, food trucks, and vibrant entertainment featuring the elite 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and local school choirs. The evening will conclude with a screening of Top Gun. BYOC—bring your own chair!

Tour de Las Misiones

September 7, 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Mission Park Pavilion

Tour de Las Misiones is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to visit and learn about the historic San Antonio missions firsthand. The event will include a leisurely ride along the El Camino with stops at the missions. Attendees also have the option to participate in 5K and 10K walk-or-runs through the scenic Mission River Reach and Mission San José.

El Camino de San Antonio: Caring for Creation Mass and Walk

September 8, 8:00 AM, Mission Espada

Celebrate the “Season of Creation” with a Mariachi Mass at Mission Espada, followed by a walk on the river trail to Mission San Juan in support of caring for God's creation. Mariachi Mass is a one-of-a-kind experience open to all who wish to participate.

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