Fiesta is San Antonio’s biggest celebration of the year: The parades! The confetti! The food! The music! The rides! The pageantry! But, with 18 straight days filled with more than 100 Fiesta events, how do you know which ones are best suited for families and also won’t break the bank?
Welcome to San Antonio Mom Blogs’ list of free, family-friendly Fiesta events! 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. Be sure to check out the section at the end of this post which includes a few recommended almost-free Fiesta events for families too.
THURSDAY, APRIL 10
Fiesta Fiesta at the Alamo, April 10, 5:00 – 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!
FRIDAY, APRIL 11
Fiesta UTSA, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Food, games, music, entertainment on the campus of UTSA
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
Fiesta de los Niños, Port San Antonio, Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
A Fiesta celebration geared toward kids in an alcohol-free setting
Earth Day, Woodlawn Lake Park, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
San Antonio’s Earth Day celebration takes place during Fiesta, with entertainment, education sessions, and vegetarian food.
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.
San Jacinto Victory Celebration, The Alamo, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.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.
Piñatas in the Barrio, Plaza Guadalupe, 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
See San Antonio’s record-size piñata and watch Rey Feo crown the Senior Citizen King and Queen of the Barrio
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.
SUNDAY, APRIL 13
Fiesta Nueva, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church across from La Villita
Mariachi Worship Service at 10:45am followed by a family-friendly festival until 4pm
Deco District Arts & Music Festival, 1800 Fredericksburg Road, 12:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Performances by local and national musicians of all ages
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
Healthy Choices Seminar, Robert E. Brown Fellowship Building, West End Baptist Church, 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.
Ft. Sam Houston Fiesta Ceremony and Fireworks Extravaganza (enter through the Harry Wurzbach gate), 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Carnival rides, food and drink vendors, live music, games, children’s activities, and fireworks
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16
Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 27), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food
THURSDAY, APRIL 17
FIESTA ESPECIÁL, 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). Contact to register for free admission: 210.656.6674 | me*****@rm******.org
Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 27), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food
SATURDAY, APRIL 19
Fiesta de los Veteranos, Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 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.
Crown the King! Public crowning of Rey Feo, Arneson River Theater, 5:30-6:30 pm
Fiesta de los Reyes at Market Square (runs through Sunday, April 27), 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 27), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food
SUNDAY, APRIL 20
Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 27), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food
Fiesta de los Reyes at Market Square (runs through Sunday, April 27), 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.
MONDAY, APRIL 21
Air Force at the Alamo, Alamo Plaza, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Musical performances and military working dog demonstrations
Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 27), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food
Fiesta de los Reyes at Market Square (runs through Sunday, April 27), 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.
TUESDAY, April 22
Texas Children’s History Forum, Alamo Hall, 9:30am – 11:30am
Students will learn about the role Buffalo Soldiers had in Texas history. IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a free event but it requires registration ahead of time. Please register as soon as possible to confirm your reservation by contacting ci***@ea*******.net with your name, the number attending, and choice of session.
Ford Mariachi Festival, 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.
Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 27), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food
Fiesta de los Reyes at Market Square (runs through Sunday, April 27), 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.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23
Fiesta San Fernando, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. (runs through Saturday, April 26)
Music festival featuring alternative, classic rock, country, jazz/blues, Norteño, Conjunto and Tejano bands as well as food and arts and crafts booths.
Army at the Alamo, Alamo Plaza, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Concert performed by the 323rd Army Band
Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 27), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food
Fiesta de los Reyes at Market Square (runs through Sunday, April 27), 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.
THURSDAY, APRIL 24
Navy Day at the Alamo, Alamo Plaza, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Entertainment by Navy Band New Orleans
Palo Alto College PACFEST (Southside campus inside Loop 410 and Hwy. 16 South), 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Festivities include music, children’s activities, food, and more.
10th Street River Festival (runs through Saturday, April 26), Post 76, VFW Headquarters, on the stretch of the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River, 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.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.
Army & Air Guard Fiesta
Texas National Guard Armory, 4:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Entertainment, food, military vehicles on display, and a free dance
Marines at the Alamo, Alamo Plaza, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Concert by the Marine Corps field band
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
Fiesta San Fernando, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. (runs through Saturday, April 26)
Music festival featuring alternative, classic rock, country, jazz/blues, Norteño, Conjunto and Tejano bands as well as food and arts and crafts booths.
Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 27), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food
Fiesta de los Reyes at Market Square (runs through Sunday, April 27), 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.
FRIDAY, APRIL 25
Fiesta World Class Jazz Concert and Fiesta University Invitational
St. Mary’s University, 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (the World Class Jazz Concert begins at 6pm)
Fiesta San Fernando, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. (runs through Saturday, April 26)
Music festival featuring alternative, classic rock, country, jazz/blues, Norteño, Conjunto and Tejano bands as well as food and arts and crafts booths.
Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 27), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food
Fiesta de los Reyes at Market Square (runs through Sunday, April 27), 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.
10th Street River Festival (runs through Saturday, April 26), Post 76, VFW Headquarters, on the stretch of the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River, 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.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.
SATURDAY, APRIL 26
UTSA Football Fiesta Spring Game, Alamodome, 2:00 p.m.
In addition to attending this free game with free parking, fans can enjoy the Free Kids Zone in the North Plaza, as well as take pictures with Rowdy throughout the day. An autograph session with the team will be on the field immediately after the game.
Jazz Band Festival, St. Mary’s University, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Texas Corvette Association Car Show (free for spectators), Main Plaza, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Women’s and Co-ed Soccer Tournament (runs through Sunday, April 27 and is free for spectators), STAR Soccer Complex, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Alamo City Fiesta Rugby Tournament, Brooks Field Park, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
United Way Kids Festival, Lockwood Park, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free activities for families and children with a focus on early childhood development
Fiesta San Fernando, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. (runs through Saturday, April 26)
Music festival featuring alternative, classic rock, country, jazz/blues, Norteño, Conjunto and Tejano bands as well as food and arts and crafts booths.
Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 27), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food
Fiesta de los Reyes at Market Square (runs through Sunday, April 27), 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.
10th Street River Festival (runs through Saturday, April 26), Post 76, VFW Headquarters, on the stretch of the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River, 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.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.
SUNDAY, APRIL 27
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
5th Annual Fiesta Symphonic Band Concert, Thiry Auditorium at Our Lady of the Lake University, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 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
Music from St. Mark’s, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 315 E Pecan St., 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Fiesta concert in an historic downtown San Antonio church
Praise Dance Celebration, Carver Community Cultural Center, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
18 dance groups, performing in ornate costumes, dancing stories of triumph through music
Fiesta Carnival, (runs through Sunday, April 27), Alamodome, Parking Lot C
Rides, games, and food
Fiesta de los Reyes at Market Square (runs through Sunday, April 27), 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.
Women’s and Co-ed Soccer Tournament (runs through Sunday, April 27 and is free for spectators), STAR Soccer Complex, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
ALMOST FREE FIESTA EVENTS:
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
10K Walk: Caminada de Fiesta, Army Medical Museum, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Fiesta Volksmarch through historic Ft. Sam Houston
$3 for adults, free for kids under 12
THURSDAY, APRIL 24
Battle of Flowers Band Festival, Jerry Comalander Stadium, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
General admission tickets for bleachers and limited sight lines is just $3 per person.
SATURDAY, APRIL 26
King William Fair, King William, on and around 1032 S. Alamo St. in the King William neighborhood,
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
While admission for adults is $10, children 15 and under get in free
SUNDAY, APRIL 27
San Jose Mission Fest, Mission San Jose Church, 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
While admission for adults is $8, children 17 and under are free
Food, live music, and a Children’s Corner
Wow–didn’t realize tomorrow kicks off Fiesta! Thanks for keeping me in the Fiesta loop and thank you so much for this family friendly list of activities!
You’re welcome, Kelli! Fiesta is even longer this year so I think it starts earlier and it snuck up on me too. 😉
Just had to remind myself it’s Tuesday–Thursday kicks off Fiesta…. two more days. 🙂
I need to narrow it down to at least 3 fiesta events this year… We always do the Market.. that is a must… I wish we were off for two weeks so we could really enjoy all of it. I wonder how crowded the carnival is on a Saturday.
Aimee, we haven’t been to the carnival so I’m not sure. I bet there are lots of people in the SA Bloggers group who would know.
Thank you for including the Deco District Arts and Music Festival in your list!
You’re welcome. It looks like a wonderful event in a beautiful setting!
So I just realized driving into work today that Fiesta starts this weekend…crazy, but thanks for the listing of all the free events – so much to do, so little time 😉 Happy Fiesta San Antonio!!
Fiesta sure did sneak up on us this year, didn’t it? 🙂
What an extensive list! I love your site!
Thanks, Patti! Which events are your favorite?
King William is on the top of my list.
We love the King William Fair!
This is a great guide! I am thinking about going one weekend if I’m not working. 🙂
I hope you can make it out to some of the events, Bonita!
Wow, what a list! Will share this with my friends.
Thanks, Inga! Yes, I was surprised at the number of free Fiesta events out there once I started looking into it. Have fun!
Great list. I sent it to my family who just moved here in August. And, to some friends from Nebraska who are coming to visit and “do” Fiesta.