Top Must Do’s For Fiesta San Antonio

Fiesta San Antonio

Springtime in San Antonio, means Fiesta time! Fiesta San Antonio is celebrating its 125^th anniversary this year so celebrations will be bigger than ever. This year’s party doesn’t official begin until April 9, but planning starts now.

Here is my list of the best Fiesta events that you shouldn’t miss.

1. NIOSA

A Night in old San Antonio is the largest historic preservation festival in the nation and is my personal favorite of Fiesta. This event has over 250 foods and drink booths ranging from Mexican classics like Puffy tacos, margaritas, and tamales to unique dinning offers like Bratwurst, Fried Ravioli, and Frog legs. It also has live music, children games, karaoke, and souvenirs. Tickets sales have already began for Advance Adult tickets $12.00 and Children 12&under free with a paying adult. General Admission tickets at the gate cost Adults $15.00 and Children 12&under free with a paying adult. NIOSA begins Thursday, April 21 and runs until Saturday, April 23 gates open 5:30 and close each night at 10:00 p.m.

2. Oyster Bake

Fiesta Oyster Bake is not only a great time but it is raising money for St. Mary’s University student scholarship. Not only does Fiesta Oyster Bake include over 100,000 Oysters which come bake, fried, and raw but it also offers more than 50 other food and beverage items. The event also is family friendly with a carnival area that includes games and rides as well as fireworks close the event Friday night. The event also offers six stages of continuous music featuring Country, 80s/90s Rock, Tejano/Latin, R&B/ Hip Hop, and Children’s entertainment. Tickets are on sale now for $25 and children 12&U free. You can get tickets at the gate or at all participating Texas HEB stores. Fiesta Oyster Bake begins Friday April 15, and gates open at 5 p.m. with gates closing at 10:30 p.m. The firework show begins at 10:30 p.m. on Friday. The event ends Saturday April 16, and gates open at 11 a.m. and close 10:30 p.m. as well.

3. King Williams Fair

King Williams Fair is known as the “Best Family-Friendly Fiesta Event” according to the San Antonio Current. It makes my list for one of the best Fiesta events because not only does it offer delicious food but a parade through the oldest historic district in Texas, King Williams District. This is an all day event with arts and crafts, live music, dancing, Kid’s play area, and food and beverage vendors. It also has a parade down the King William neighborhood with classic Victorian homes lining the streets. This is event is always on the final Saturday of Fiesta since 1986 and this year the event falls on Saturday, April 23. Admission booths open at 8:00 a.m. and the parade starts at 9:00 a.m. Admission is Adults $10 and Children 12&U free.

4.  Fiesta Fiesta at the Alamo

This firework show starts off the year’s fiesta festivities at Alamo Plaza every year. This event is not only at the heart of the city but it also is a good way to get yourself in the Fiesta sprit. It’s a firework show the goes from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 14. This event is also free to all, which is a huge perk.

5.   Fiesta de los Reyes

This is one of Fiesta San Antonio’s largest free celebration and has something for the entire family to do! It includes daily live music from multiple stages featuring Tejano and Conjunto, Latin Jazz, Country, and hits from the 80s, 90s, and today. It also includes over 30 different food booths with foods like Mexican cuisine, Cajun shrimp, funnel cakes, fresh fruit drinks, and many more options. This free event runs from Friday, April 15 to Sunday, April 24 in the Market Square.

These are some of Fiesta San Antonio’s best events and personally my favorite but Fiesta has over 50 events schedule for Sunday, April 10 through Sunday, April 24. There is something for everyone to enjoy which is why Fiesta is not something you can miss. So go out and celebrate the diverse heritage and culture of this great city you call home.

Enjoy,

Dean Aitken