The Best Things to Do This Labor Day Weekend in San Antonio
The kids may be back in school, but you can still enjoy the last holiday of summer. This year, Labor Day weekend begins on Friday, September 2nd, and ends on Labor Day itself, September 5th. What better place to enjoy your Labor Day holiday than in San Antonio, the family-friendly, walkable city where authenticity meets fun?
You have worked hard, and now it’s time to enjoy your time off with an artisan show, a festival of lights, boat tours, live music, and more. So, whether you want something more relaxing or turbocharged, San Antonio has something for everyone!
We’ve got your weekend plans covered with these Labor Day events and activities:
Labor Day River Walk Artisan Show
Stop by the San Antonio River Walk and enjoy the Labor Day Artisan Show. Here you will find over 40 handmade artisan booths, including those who work with textiles, jewelry, beadwork, paintings, pottery, and more.
The event itself is located near the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, close to the Shops at Rivercenter.
This event is free to the public and will be held Friday through Sunday: from 11:00 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Monday: from 11 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. These dates are subject to change.
Ford Parade of Lights
On September 2nd, stick around the River Walk after the Artisan Show for the Ford Parade of Lights starting at 8 p.m. This annual event consists of decorated floating barges that illuminate the River Walk with their dazzling and colorful displays.
The parade’s path starts at the International Center at 203 St Mary’s St., where the floats will then embark on a journey and complete two laps down the River Walk.
Check weather conditions before arriving just in case any changes are made. If you are feeling hungry or thirsty, there are plenty of food and drink options along the parade’s path. The Ford Parade of Lights is sure to be an illuminating good time!
Frontline Heroes Appreciation Month at the San Antonio Zoo
Calling all doctors, police officers, EMTs, and firefighters in Texas! It’s Frontline Heroes Appreciation Month at the San Antonio Zoo. From September 1st until September 30th, frontline heroes will enjoy free entrance with a proper ID. In addition, guests that accompany our Texas heroes will receive 50% off of standard admission on the day of their visit.
If you visit after September 17th, you can also enjoy the first two weeks of Zoo Boo!, a non-scary daytime Halloween event that the whole family will enjoy.
Zoo hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Additional tickets must be purchased at the front gate.
SeaWorld San Antonio Bier Fest
It is not too early to start celebrating Oktoberfest! The SeaWorld Bier Fest is a one-of-a-kind event that includes a stellar lineup of beers from around the globe, including top-notch local favorites.
You can also sample and explore local foods, including pub favorites. Bold hops, coaster drops, refreshing lagers, and the thrills of fun animal encounters await you on party weekends.
The festival is from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. So, hurry and grab your tickets before the last call on September 11th.
2022 Black History Film Series – The Tuskegee Airman Screening
If you want a little history with your Labor Day, check out a film presented by the San Antonio African Community Archive and Museum. This free screening of the Tuskegee Airman will be held at Hemisfair on September 2nd from 8:15 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first all-African Air Force squadron in World War II, and this film focuses on individual, stand-out pilots. After the screening, enjoy an open discussion and a question-and-answer session from the San Antonio chapter of the Tuskegee Airman.
Labor Day Concerts and Music
Grab your dancing shoes and celebrate your San Antonio Labor Day weekend with free live music! Several concerts are happening in and around the Alamo City, starting with the New Braunfels Farmer’s Market on September 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. While you shop, enjoy music from J.C. Lipsey. On September 3rd, 2012, San Antonio Music Award winner, Natalie Rose Band will perform at Krause’s Café and Biergarten from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
If you do not mind a paid musical performance, you will want to float to Tech Port Arena. Modest Mouse will perform on September 3rd with special guest, The Cribs. Doors open at 6:30, and you can purchase tickets online.
San Antonio Boat Tours
Complete your Labor Day with a selection of guided boat tours around the River Walk. For a more historical tour, there is the Black History River Boat Tour, presented by the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum. This tour will cover the impacts of the African American community in San Antonio and is the only tour that has access to The Pearl. The tour is on September 3rd from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Are you looking for a great night tour and do not mind a little spooky? The Go Rio Cruises Ghost Tour on September 3rd may be right up your alley. Lasting from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., this paranormal ghost tour will lead into San Antonio’s haunted history through a narrated tour. The boarding location starts river-level at Market and Presa Street.
There are tours all year long, so be sure to find the one that’s right for you.
Enjoy the Last Bit of Summer in San Antonio
Summer is beginning to wind down, but the fun never ends in San Antonio. There is always something to do, year around.
If last-minute trips aren’t your style, it is never too early to start planning for those fall and winter vacations.
Check our official visitor’s guide and start scheduling your itinerary today!
