San Antonio's Fiesta season kicks off soon with a slate of bustling mega-events like A Night in Old San Antonio and Fiesta Oyster Bake at St. Mary's University. Still, the annual tradition offers plenty of smaller official and unofficial activities for locals who need a break from the maddening crowds.
From a roaring motorcycle rally to an art-filled evening, these hidden gem events will help locals and visitors make the most of the season. Read on for a full itinerary and helpful hints to make the most of any Fiesta foray.
Fiesta Show and Shine
Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of San Antonio revs up the official Fiesta event calendar with a roaring day party where everyone can show off their sweet rides. The celebration at Texas Pride BBQ and Dance Hall (2980 E. Loop 1604 S.) also includes food vendors, a DJ, and other activities. The local Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club has hosted various unofficial Fiesta events and participated in official Fiesta activities over the last several years.
April 26, noon-8 pm. Free.
Fiesta on French
For the first time this year, this swanky fundraiser for Any Baby Can and the Children's Rehabilitation Institute Teleton USA will be an official Fiesta event. After a few years in the Monte Vista Historic District, the evening will unfold at a private home on West French Place. The Mardi Gras-themed bash offers an all-you-can-eat crawfish boil, Cajun and Creole delicacies, fresh-baked beignets, a jazz band, margaritas, frozen hurricanes, cocktails, and a wide selection of beer.
April 26, 6:30 pm. $150.
Fiesta Frolic
This unofficial Fiesta event highlights the best of Olmos Park at the suburb's pocket park at Alameda Circle. The family-friendly event includes food, drinks, a balloon artist, temporary tattoos, music, kids activities, and a visit from Fiesta royalty.
April 27, 1-3 pm. Free.
Art in the Garden
Enjoy live and silent auctions featuring works from local and national artists at this signature event from The San Antonio Botanical Garden. There will also be live music, food, and drinks. This official Fiesta event benefits San Antonio East Young Life, a nondenominational ministry that serves East Side youths attending St. Philip's College and Healy Murphy High School.
April 29, 6 pm. $150.
Fiesta Clay Shoot
The Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 1836, organizes an annual official Fiesta clay disc shooting contest at the San Antonio Gun Club. There will be a variety of competitions, food, live music, and lots of good-natured competition. Proceeds help support distressed members of the local Purple Heart chapter and assist with funding projects that benefit veterans.
May 1, 10 am. $500.
Fiesta de Los Spurs Run
This fun run takes locals down the same route as the Fiesta Flambeau Parade before all the illuminated floats charge ahead. Runners will follow the course just before the downtown parade, cheered on by parade attendees. A post-run celebration follows at Piazza Italia Park. Proceeds benefit Spurs Give, the San Antonio Spurs' nonprofit community outreach organization.
May 3, 6:30-8:30 pm. $10-$45.
Fiesta East
The second Fiesta East, which focuses on the rich history and heritage of San Antonio's East Side, will take at Dignowity Hill's Lockwood Park. The community event will feature music by local acts, prize drawings, a meet and greet with Fiesta royalty, and food and drinks for purchase.
May 3, 10 am-7 pm. Free.
Helpful Hints
Whether heading to one of Fiesta's massive celebrations or one of the events above, partygoers should be mindful of public transit opportunities and some changes in security measures.
According to San Antonio police officials, the Milam Park/Market Square area will be fenced off between April 24 and May 4. Additionally, there will be six entrance points to this area. Security guards will be present at each entry, checking visitors with bags. Clear bags measuring as much as 12 inches by 6 inches will be permitted, but backpacks or ice chests will not be allowed.
VIA Metropolitan Transit will also offer $1.30 one-way bus trips to seven select major Fiesta events from three VIA Park and Ride transit stations. Free return service will run from select downtown drop-off locations. The transit organization will offer reduced bus fares to students and active duty military members. Locals can find more details on Fiesta bus services online.
