50+ Free Fiesta Events for Families (2016)

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS THE LIST OF FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY FIESTA EVENTS FOR 2016!

Fiesta San Antonio, the Alamo City’s biggest and most colorful celebration, offers more than 50 free events for families to attend! San Antonio Mom Blogs brings you a comprehensive guide to all of the FREE fun your family can have during Fiesta San Antonio 2016.

Admission to the the events listed below is free, but some events do have additional charges for food, drinks, and related activities. Most offer free parking. This list may not be exhaustive so if you know of a family-friendly free Fiesta event I’ve missed, please leave a note in the comments.

San Antonio Mom Blogs makes every effort to keep this list up-to-date by adding any event cancelations or changes due to inclement weather (and any other reasons). However, we may miss updates to events that appear on our large list below. Please be sure to click through to each event to be sure they are taking place as planned before heading out. Thank you!

KSAT 12 is updating this page with any Fiesta cancelations due to weather.

Sunday, April 10

Fiesta Mariachi Mass, San Fernando Cathedral, 115 W. Main Plaza, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
The 20th annual Fiesta Mariachi Mass blesses everyone involved with Fiesta (royalty, commissioners, and participants).

Thursday, April 14

Fiesta Fiesta at the Alamo, Alamo Plaza, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
The official kick off to Fiesta in Alamo Plaza, complete with entertainment, Fiesta pins, cascarones, special guests, and more. Viva Fiesta!

Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 24), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food. Admission is free. Wristbands can be purchased for unlimited rides.

Friday, April 15

Fiesta UTSA, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Food, games, music, entertainment on the campus of UTSA

Crown the King! Public crowning of Rey Feo, Main Plaza in front of San Fernando Cathedral, 5:30-6:30 pm

Fiesta Pops Simulcast with the San Antonio Symphony, River Walk Plaza at the Tobin Center
The evening kicks off at 6:00 p.m. with pre-event Fiesta activities at the Tobin Center River Walk Plaza. Activities include its inaugural Fiesta Medal Extravaganza encouraging locals to trade, sell or purchase Fiesta medals including the Symphony’s official 2016 Fiesta medal. The River Walk Plaz opens at 7:00 p.m. with the concert beginning at 8:00 p.m. Bring chairs and blankets. No outside food, drinks, or pets allowed.

Fiesta de los Reyes at Market Square (runs through Sunday, April 24), Market Square, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
One of the largest free Fiesta events. Live music (Tejano, Conjunto, Latin Jazz, and Country and Western) from several stages and 30 food booths.

Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 24), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food. Admission is free. Wristbands can be purchased for unlimited rides.

Saturday, April 16

Women’s and Co-ed Soccer Tournament (runs through Sunday, April 17 and is free for spectators), STAR Soccer Complex, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Texas Corvette Association Car Show (free for spectators), Main Plaza in Boerne, Texas, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Alamo City Fiesta Rugby Tournament, Brooks Field Park, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Fiesta rugby tournament features exciting matches between teams from across the state of Texas as well as touring teams from overseas, competing for the Fiesta Trophy!

Southwest Olympic Fiest a, SWISD Spring Sports Complex, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Designed to enhance the lives of special needs individuals, and hosted by Southwest Independent School District, this free, family-friendly event provides games, food, and entertainment as well as track and field events for special needs kids.

Earth Day, presented by City of San Antonio, Woodlawn Lake Park, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
San Antonio’s Earth Day celebration takes place during Fiesta, with entertainment, education sessions, and vegetarian food.

Fiesta Lacrosse Invitational, St. Mary’s Hall, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The oldest team athletic event in Fiesta, Lacrosse is showcased as JV and middle school teams from San Antonio and Austin compete to hone their skills. Free for spectators to attend.

Zeta Fiesta Track Meet, Wheatly Heights Sports Complex, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This annual track meet for kids ages 5 – 12 helps kids develop sportsmanship skills while competing in an athletic event. Free for spectators, $2 for participannts. All kids receive certificates of participation. Winners receive ribbons.

Celebrations of Traditions of Pow Wow, Woodlawn Gymnasium, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
View and participate in the American Indian culture and traditions of dance and music at an official Native American Pow Wow.

El Rey Fido Coronation, Grand Hyatt San Antonio, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
This year’s four-legged king of Fiesta is crowned! Dogs and their humans compete prior to Fiesta to raise funds for the San Antonio Humane Society. The pair who raises the most money reigns as ambassadors for the Humane Society for the next year. Admission is free.

Fiesta de los Niños, Port San Antonio, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
This Fiesta event is all about the kids! Rides, games, music, dancing, food, a parade, and more, are all presented at this alcohol-free Fiesta event. Free admission.

Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 24), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food. Admission is free. Wristbands can be purchased for unlimited rides.

Fiesta Festival, San Antonio State Supported Living Ctr., 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Presented by the San Antonio State Supported Living Center, Fiesta Festival is a family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration with free admission. Take in the parade at noon, enjoy food, entertainment, arts and crafts, and more.

San Jacinto Victory Celebration, The Alamo, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Commemorate the Battle of San Jacinto during a ceremony to honor the Texas victory. Historians will be on hand to describe and discuss the battle and, afterward, enjoy food and music. Perfect for young history buffs and anyone wanting to learn more about this important time in our history.

Fiesta de los Veteranos, Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
A celebration of our nation’s veterans, this event includes Family Island, a place for families, children, and the young at heart with moon bounces, games, face painting and other fun activities.

Piñatas in the Barrio, Plaza Guadalupe, 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
A family-friendly, all-day festival that includes the unveiling of San Antonio’s record-size piñata and the crowning of the Senior Citizen King and Queen of the Barrio by El Rey Feo.

This Hallowed Ground, The Alamo, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Tour the original perimeter walls of the Alamo with members of the San Antonio Living History Association.

Investiture of King Antonio, The Alamo, 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 17

Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 24), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food. Admission is free. Wristbands can be purchased for unlimited rides.

Women’s and Co-ed Soccer Tournament (free for spectators), STAR Soccer Complex, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Fiesta de la Familia, St. Gregory Catholic Church, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Entertainment, food, games, rides, and auctions, all geared toward families.

~~Fur-esta Fashion Show and Festival, Animal Defense League, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.~~
This is the first-ever Fur-esta Fashion Show and it’s pet- and family-friendly! Enjoy music, food trucks, a fiesta costume contest, and activities for the whole family. Prizes will be awarded for Best Fiesta Attire, Best Pet Ensemble, Best “Float,” and “Best of Show” who will be the FUR-esta “ poster pet” for FUR-esta 2017. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the music and a fun afternoon in the ADL dog park!
THIS EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER FORECAST.

Deco District Arts & Music Festival, 1800 Fredericksburg Road, 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Performances by local and national musicians of all ages.

~~Ft. Sam Houston Fiesta Ceremony and Fireworks Extravaganza, 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.~~
Carnival rides, food and drink vendors, live music, games, children’s activities, and fireworks. Enjoy live music, plenty of fun activities for kids, and a military equipment display. The event ends with a fireworks display.
THIS EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER FORECAST.

Monday, April 18

Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 24), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food. Admission is free. Wristbands can be purchased for unlimited rides.

Air Force Day at the Alamo, Alamo Plaza, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Musical performances and military working dog demonstrations.

Pilgrimage to the Alamo, Alamo Plaza, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
This memorial tribute to Alamo heroes begins with a wreath bearing procession from the Vietnam Memorial at the Tobin Center at 3:30 p.m. to the Alamo where a brief memorial service takes place. The ceremony ends with Taps.

Fiesta Flower Show, (runs through April 19) Women’s Club of San Antonio
Take in the beauty of Fiesta flower arrangements at this 100-year+ tradition at the Women’s Club of San Antonio.

Tuesday, April 19

Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 24), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food. Admission is free. Wristbands can be purchased for unlimited rides.

Children’s Texas History Forum, Casa Navarro, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This event, geared to 4th and 7th grade students, is free to attend but does require reservations (make yours: For reservations or additional information contact 210-736-2344 or ta****@ms*.com.). Members of the Alamo Couriers Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas present heroes and heroines of the Alamo Siege.

FIESTA ESPECIÁL Celebration Day, Alamodome, Parking Lot C, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
This alcohol- and tobacco-free event, which offers special accommodations for individuals with disabilities provides rides, games, food, crafts, and more. IMPORTANT NOTE: Free admission but requires advance reservations (no general admission at the gate). Register for free admission: 210.656.6674 | fi************@rm******.org | www.FiestaEspecial.com

Fiesta Flower Show, Women’s Club of San Antonio
Take in the beauty of Fiesta flower arrangements at this 100-year+ tradition at the Women’s Club of San Antonio.

Army Day at the Alamo, Alamo Plaza, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Concert performed by the 323rd Army Band.

Fiesta in Blue, Laurie Auditorium at Trinity University, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
A musical salute to the community performed by the United States Air Force Band of the West.

Ford Mariachi Festival, (runs through April 22) San Antonio River Walk, 6:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m.
On the first night of the event only, April 19 the event will begin at 6pm for a kick-off ceremony at the Rivercenter Lagoon. It will include the premier mariachi band of all time, Campanas de America, under the direction of two-time Grammy Award winner, Juan Ortiz. Additional top Latin entertainers to perform include Grammy Award winning Little Joe Hernandez, and 13-year old sensation Isabelle Marie Sanchez. Participating school mariachi groups will also perform during the kick-off. On the remaining nights, middle and high school mariachi bands perform throughout the night on river barges along the San Antonio River.

Wednesday, April 20

Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 24), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food. Admission is free. Wristbands can be purchased for unlimited rides.

Ford Mariachi Festival, (runs through April 22) San Antonio River Walk, 7:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m.
Middle and high school mariachi bands perform throughout the night on river barges along the San Antonio River.

Marines at the Alamo, Alamo Plaza, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Concert by the Marine Corps field band.

Fiesta San Fernando, San Fernando Cathedral in Main Plaza, 12:00 p.m. (runs through Saturday, April 23)
Music festival featuring alternative, classic rock, country, jazz/blues, Norteño, Conjunto and Tejano bands as well as food and arts and crafts booths.

Thursday, April 21

Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 24), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food. Admission is free. Wristbands can be purchased for unlimited rides.

San Antonio Cactus & Xerophyte Show & Sale, (runs through Saturday, April 23) San Antonio Garden Center, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
For cactus-loving kids and families! Includes educational displays, rare and hard-to-find cactus and succulents, and other plant-related materials for sale.

Senior Fiesta, Wonderland of the Americas Mall, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Free admission for seniors and their families at this event, the only one designed specifically for people 55 and older. Live entertainment, door prizes, guest appearances, dancing, and vendors with free promotional items celebrate seniors in San Antonio.

St. Phillip’s College CultureFest and Rib Cookoff, St. Phillip’s College, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
This Fiesta event kicks off with Fiesta Royalty and dancers. Live music (Gospel, R&B, Tejano, Country and Western), arts and crafts, and some of the best ribs in the city celebrate the diversity of our community.

Navy Day at the Alamo, Alamo Plaza, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Meet members of the Navy who’ll demonstrate some of the work they perform on the ocean while serving aboard ships.

10th Street River Festival, (runs through Saturday, April 23) Post 76, VFW Headquarters, on the stretch of the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River, 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Live music is the focus of this event with Tejano, oldies, blues and C&W bands performing. Lawn chairs welcome but no outside food or drink.

Family Fiesta, Colonial Hills United Methodist Church, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
This alcohol- and tobacco-free family-friendly celebration has food, game booths, and kid-friendly entertainment.

Friday, April 22

Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 24), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food. Admission is free. Wristbands can be purchased for unlimited rides.

Fiesta Parade Supersites (4 locations, along parade routes), 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This year, Fiesta offers four distinct locations near the parade grounds (for both the Battle of Flowers and the Fiesta Flambeau) where you can cool off, grab a bite, and get free items from Fiesta partners:

North Alamo Street (Smoke and Black Tie Catering, Gibson Bus, Chick-fil-A Coral)
Bud Light and Barefoot Wine beer and wine garden at 201 N. Alamo Street
Alamo Plaza (Toyota and HEB – tours of the Tundra and activities for families)
Maverick Park (AARP, Geico, George Gervin, Baseline Bums, skate ramp, pro skaters, karaoke, and music)

Fiesta World Class Jazz Concert, St. Mary’s University, 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Enjoy outstanding jazz performances by musicians from across the U.S.

Dance with the King Fiesta Square Dance, Tripoint YMCA, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
“Square Dancing is Friendship Set to Music.” Join Fiesta Royalty as they enjoy the fun of square dancing at this lively event.

Saturday, April 23

Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 24), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food. Admission is free. Wristbands can be purchased for unlimited rides.

Fiesta Parade Supersites (4 locations, along parade routes), 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
This year, Fiesta offers four distinct locations near the parade grounds (for both the Battle of Flowers and the Fiesta Flambeau) where you can cool off, grab a bite, and get free items from Fiesta partners:

North Alamo Street (Smoke and Black Tie Catering, Gibson Bus, Chick-fil-A Coral)
Bud Light and Barefoot Wine beer and wine garden at 201 N. Alamo Street
Alamo Plaza (Toyota and HEB – tours of the Tundra and activities for families)
Maverick Park (AARP, Geico, George Gervin, Baseline Bums, skate ramp, pro skaters, karaoke, and music)
special hours for Maverick Park are 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Fiesta Jazz Band Festival, St. Mary’s University Campus, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
More than 500 middle school, high school, and college jazz students perform for this free, family-friendly event.

United Way Kids Festival, Lockwood Park, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
This free event for kids and families brings together more than 65 booths featuring nonprofits, school districts, and city services with information, activities, and entertainment for kids.

UTSA Football Fiesta Spring Game, Alamodome, 1:00 p.m.
Attend this free game to see UTSA’s offense and defense during spring training.

Parade Viewing Party at the Villages of Stone Oak, 6:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
For those living on the north side who wish to see the parade a little closer to home, visit the Parade Viewing Party at the Villages of Stone Oak. There will be food and beverages for sale while you watch the parade on the big screen!

Sunday, April 24

Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 24), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food. Admission is free. Wristbands can be purchased for unlimited rides.

Fiesta Nueva, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church across from La Villita, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Mariachi Worship Service at 10:30am followed by a family-friendly festival with Fiesta food, games, rides, and music until 3:30 p.m. There is limited free parking so come early.

San Jose Mission Fest, Mission San Jose Church, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Free for everyone before 5:00 p.m. After 5:00 p.m., admission for adults (18 and over) is $5. Food, live music, and a Children’s Corner with activities and arts and crafts. Festival begins with an Outdoor Mariachi Mass at 9:00 a.m. Entertainment includes Little Joe y La Familia, the “KING OF THE BROWN SOUND.” Close the night with Erick y Su GRUPO MASSORE, who have produced hits like “El Baile de Gorilla” and “Trenecito.” Massore will bring hot music to MissionFest. Other performances by various Tejano, Conjunto and Country Artists. San Jose MissionFest proceeds benefit Mission San Jose Church, a now living World Heritage Site.

All Veteran’s Memorial Service, Veteran’s Square at Auditorium Circle, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Pay your respects to all veterans at this ceremony salute to the dedication and sacrifices of the brave men and women who have served and those who are serving in the U.S. military to protect American freedom.

Family Funday Sunday, Tom C. Clark High School, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fiesta’s shortest parade in addition to food, fun, and music for the whole family.

Fiesta de Cascarones, Texas A&M San Antonio, 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
This event, which benefits TAMU-SA Alumni Relations, offers food trucks, music, dancing and family-friendly activities at the Texas A&M-San Antonio Main Campus. Headlining the event this year will be country music legend Tracy Lawrence. Opening will be Sister C, as seen on Fox’s The X Factor. Families can enjoy the Fiesta Kids Fun Zone with plenty of outdoor and indoor activities. Free admission and free parking.

Healthy Choices Seminar, Robert E. Brown Educational Building, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
This free health conference, created by the members of the San Antonio Metropolitan Chapter of Top Teens of America, brings health professionals before teens to discuss topics including diabetes, sickle cell anemia, birth defects, eating habits and nutrition, drug and alcohol awareness, dental hygiene, and more.

8th Annual Fiesta Symphonic Band Concert, Concordia Lutheran Church, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Performance by the San Antonio Symphonic Band, designated by the San Antonio City Council as the official band of the Alamo City in 1986.

Praise Dance Celebration, Carver Community Cultural Center, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
This 14th annual Praise Dance Celebration showcases groups ranging across age and gender from local schools and organizations.

Music from St. Mark’s, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
This free concert features the music of Benjamin Britten’s ‘Noye’s Fludde,’ the story of Noah’s Ark with the choirs of St. Mark’s joined by orchestra.

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1 Comment

Pam@over50feeling40 on April 8, 2016 at 11:28 am

Such great information…you are the best, Colleen! Pinned it!

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50+ free Fiesta events for families in 2015 - San Antonio Mom Blogs ™ - […] PLEASE NOTE THIS IS LAST YEAR’S LIST OF FREE FIESTA EVENTS (2015). TO SEE THIS YEAR’S FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY FIESTA…
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Our Tips For Surviving Fiesta! | HeartFire Media - […] Antonio Mom Blogs compiled a list of 50+ FREE Family-Friendly Fiesta Events to check out. Skip the usual Fiesta routine and…

50+ Free Fiesta Events for Families (2016)

Sunday, April 10

Thursday, April 14

Friday, April 15

Saturday, April 16

Sunday, April 17

Monday, April 18

Tuesday, April 19

Wednesday, April 20

Thursday, April 21

Friday, April 22

Saturday, April 23

Sunday, April 24

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50+ Free Fiesta Events for Families (2016)

Sunday, April 10

Thursday, April 14

Friday, April 15

Saturday, April 16

Sunday, April 17

Monday, April 18

Tuesday, April 19

Wednesday, April 20

Thursday, April 21

Friday, April 22

Saturday, April 23

Sunday, April 24

About The Author

SATTD Staff

1 Comment

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Find Fun & Save

Thank you!

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