8 Popular Festivals In San Antonio, Texas

festivals in san antonio
Herine
Herine 
Updated
| 4 min read

San Antonio is a beautiful city in Texas that is rich in history and culture. Get to experience early Spanish colonial life through the authentic architectural designs of the buildings and enjoy various aspects of its diverse cultural heritage. Tourism is a major boost to the city’s economy, and there is an abundance of attractions for you to explore here. The most visited one is Alamo Mission, a fort and history museum. The River Walk is a walking and biking path that stretches along the river from Brackenridge Park, past downtown and all the way to Mission Reach - another popular attraction in the city. This area hosts many seasonal events and also has numerous shops, restaurants, treehouse hotels, and spa resorts. With such a deep cultural heritage, the city hosts several festivals throughout the year. Read on to know more about the most popular festivals in San Antonio, Texas.

1. Moonlight in the Garden of Good and Evil [Last event in 2019]

Mercer House 2017
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user NewTestLeper79 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

If you’re fond of haunted places and spooky experiences, this event is the place to be. Come dressed in your best costume and prepare for a thrilling night out. Be enchanted by the garden fairies, trolls, superheroes, and villains who come out at night and roam around San Antonio Botanical Garden. See “spirits” on the loose at the haunted lake. Relish the live performance, spooky music, and clever games. For those who are daring enough, ask about your future from one of the tarot card readers. Marvel at the David Roger’s Big Bugs exhibit that features 20-inch (51-cm) bug displays. Beer, wine, and food are available for purchase.

Moonlight in the Garden of Good and Evil

Address: San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TX 78209, United States

Takes place: October

Price: 30 - 35 USD

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2. Memorial Day Artisan River Walk Show


A haven for art lovers, this event displays unique and gorgeous handmade arts and crafts. This includes pottery, jewelry, clothing, beautiful decorative pieces, and fine art. Take in the picturesque view as you stroll along the banks of the San Antonio River Walk while shopping. Learn about the works on sale from friendly vendors. You don’t want to miss the chance to find something you want to buy for yourself or as a gift. By the end of the event, you will have developed a newfound appreciation for art.

Memorial Day Artisan River Walk Show

Address: Downtown at Riverwalk, 110 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78205

Takes place: May

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3. Cactus Pear Music Festival

Posted by Cactus Pear Music Festival on Thursday, 28 March 2019

Uplift your soul through music at this festival. It consists of several weeks of chamber music performances by Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio, who is the Artistic Director of this event and a renowned violinist. She is joined on stage by local and international artists. Listen to some classical and contemporary music and let it transport you to a wonderful place with its great harmonies. You will be left feeling relaxed, uplifted, and rejuvenated. As the saying goes - music is the food to your soul.

Cactus Pear Music Festival

Address: 118 Broadway St, Ste 238, San Antonio, Texas

Website: Cactus Pear Music Festival

Takes place: July

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4. El Dia De Los Muertos

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

We are accepting photos of loved ones for our community altar to be featured during our virtual event. Please submit photos at http://muertosfest.com/community-altar-photos/ by 11:59 PM CST TONIGHT (10/15).

Posted by Día de los Muertos Celebration on Thursday, October 15, 2020

Celebrate the day of the dead at this festival that brings together culture, art, and live music. It is aimed at families who want to remember their departed loved ones by sharing their memories. Activities include participating in a drum and puppet procession, and a parade where you can admire colorful, elegant, and traditional costumes. Enjoy live music, dance performances, and live poetry readings. Local artists will also have their artworks on display for you to purchase. Scrumptious food is available from various stalls. The highlight of this festival is the open-altar exhibition. Be a part of this amazing cultural event in San Antonio.

El Dia De Los Muertos

Address: 418 Villita St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States

Website: El Dia De Los Muertos

Takes place: October

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5. Texas Folklife Festival [Last event in 2019]

Posted by Texas Folklife Festival on Sunday, 9 June 2019

Learn about and experience the cultural and traditional heritage of Texas at this festival. It is dedicated to celebrating the different ethnicities that make up the state through music, dance, food, art, and so much more. Music and entertainment are performed on six different stages. Indulge in a wide selection of delectable food, including barbecues and kebabs. To commemorate this event, make sure you purchase a souvenir from one of the artists proudly displaying their amazing works. Experience Texas and meet the locals at this fun festival in San Antonio.

Texas Folklife Festival

Address: UTSA Institute Of Texan Cultures, 801 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78205-3296

Website: Texas Folklife Festival

Takes place: June

Price: 5 - 15 USD

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6. Fiesta Primavera at Market Square

Market square sa 2015
Source: Photo by user Larry D. Moore used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Attend Fiesta Primavera at Market Square and get to experience the first big weekend party in San Antonio. Marvel at a beautiful view of the luminaria (small paper lanterns) as they drift up to the sky. The festival also features the SanAntunes and other local bands who will be performing on the main stage. Dance your heart out on the streets and create wonderful memories. With more than 30 food and drink booths, there are plenty of tasty fiesta foods to enjoy. Head out here and experience the music, dancing, shopping, games, and the delicious foods.

Fiesta Primavera at Market Square

Address: San Antonio Market Square, San Antonio, Texas 78207

Takes place: March

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7. Fiesta San Antonio

Fiesta San Antonio
Source: Photo by user Larry Johnson used under CC BY 2.0

This event began as a way of commemorating the Battle of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, but now it celebrates the diverse culture of San Antonio. Wear your most colorful clothes and a comfortable pair of shoes since there will be a lot of walking. This event is comprised of several different activities. The Battle of Flowers Parade features women dressed in yellow clothes and hats. Relish watching the Fiesta Flambeau Parade that involves lighting up the streets of the downtown area. Be sure you also watch the boat parade at River Walk. Any festival is not complete without food, and here you will find a variety of street food and drinks like fresh fruit cups, margaritas, and a presentation of the six regional flavors of Texas from different chefs. This event is a hub of Texas culture and cuisine.

Fiesta San Antonio

Address: 2611 Broadway St, San Antonio, Texas

Website: Fiesta San Antonio

Takes place: March to April

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8. San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo
Source: Photo by user Mark Bonica used under CC BY 2.0

Be a part of this spectacular event that attracts millions of people every year. Some of the proceeds are used to provide financial support to the youth of Texas. Activities include live music, cook-offs, family entertainment, pony rides, and a carnival. Feel the excitement as you cheer for your favorite animal during swine pig races and rodeo shows. For the animal lovers, enjoy spending time at the petting zoo, Texas wildlife expo, and agriculture exhibits. The event will also have a variety of foods and craft beer on offer. Before leaving, be sure to shop for a souvenir from the various stalls.

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

Address: 723 AT&T Center Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78219, United States

Website: San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

Takes place: February

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San Antonio festivals: where fun, tradition, and history meet

Be schooled in the culture, tradition, and cuisine of Texas in a fun and entertaining way. There will be no reason for you tog et holed up inside your vacation rental or hotel with indoor pool, San Antonio has plenty in store for your itinerary. Enjoy the various performances and delectable foods. Embrace this city’s history and culture by attending one of these popular festivals in San Antonio, Texas.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Herine is from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. As a travel enthusiast, she always takes interest in learning about and visiting new places. She has traveled to many places within the country,...Read more

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