Almost every San Antonian knows the big-name attractions of Fiesta — NIOSA, the night parade, endless rows of vendors selling sausage wraps and chicken-on-a-stick — but sometimes even the most hallowed of traditions need a little shaking up. These seven events may not draw throngs like Market Square, but if you’re looking for a new way to “party with a purpose,” show your boots at these quirky events.

WEBB Party
Combining charity with the glamour of the golden age Sunset Strip, the WEBB Party is an elegant evening of entertainment that pays homage to the venues that have traditionally served as safe havens for the LGBTQIA-plus community. Appropriately, the party serves as a fundraiser for the San Antonio AIDS Foundation, now celebrating its 40th Anniversary of activism and aid in Alamo City. Burlesque performer SALEM will wow the crowd, while card games and drinks will happen in rooms patterned after famous clubs like Whisky a Go Go and Trocadero. Tickets can be purchased here.110 Broadway; Friday, April 17, 6:30 pm; $175 - $250.

El Río Fido Coronation
The San Antonio Humane Society offers a doggone fun take on Fiesta’s court system by honoring man's best friends. Five dogs will be elevated to nobility based on their fundraising totals, with the winner declared El Rey Fido XXIV (all hail/bark). Four runner-ups will fill out the royal court as Prince/Princess of the Food Bowl, Duke/Duchess of the Chew Toy, Duke/Duchess of the Fire Hydrant, and Knight/Maiden of the Royal Court. It’s all the pomp of the festival with 1000 percent more romp. Funds raised go to the Humane Society's mission to find families for homeless pets.
Hops & Hounds, 1123 Avenue B; Friday, April 18, 9:45 am; free.

Say hello to fur majesty at El Río Fido Coronation.San Antonio Humane Society/ Facebook

Chanclas y Cervezas
What is the world's most effective throwing weapon? The spear? The shuriken? In Texas, the answer is the chancla, wielded throughout the state by Latino moms, aunts, and grandmothers with astounding accuracy at their wayward children. And their white neighbor, who thought it was fun to ring the doorbell and run (example not related in any way to the author's childhood). Chanclas y Cervezas is a fun family event that brings together the best flip-flop hurlers for prizes while everyone else enjoys face painting, drinks, food, and live music. proceeds benefit various South Side nonprofits. Tickets available here.
2532 Sidney Brooks; Friday, April 18, 5 pm; $15-$20.

Fiesta Flotilla
Why river walk when you can river ride? It's a lovely time to take a boat out, and thanks to the San Antonio River Foundation, you can do so for free during Fiesta. Enjoy kayaking, canoe painting, a fishing clinic, and a tree giveaway. Folklórico dancers, arts and craft booths, and a selection of food vendors round out the day's offerings.Acequia Park 8500 Mission Pkwy; Saturday, April 19, 11 am; free.

Fredstock
Held in honor of late San Antonio College professor Fred Weiss, this event is both delightful and educational. Weiss taught radio and TV production for two decades, and the festival that bears his name offers attendees a chance to bask in San Antonio's diverse and vibrant music scene while students get real-world experience organizing and running shows. Proceeds from vendor sales go to support the Music Business Program.
San Antonio College, 309 W Dewey Pl (Parking Lot 13); Thursday, April 23, 2 pm; free.

Performers rock the mic at Fredstock.Fredstock/ Facebook

Incognito
There's cosplay, there's masquerade, and then there's Incognito. This costume contest is performance-based, so participants really have to go method. The evening will be a marvel of masks and pageantry alongside a performance by Brave Combo and URBAN-15’s “Carnaval de San Anto” dancers and drummers. Tickets are available here.
Jaime's Place, 1514 W. Commerce; Friday, April 24, 8 pm; $25.

The Starfish Dash 5K Run/Walk & Health Fair
Every major event seems to have a 5k, and Fiesta is no different. The Chromosome 18 Registry & Research Society puts its own spin on it, though, by encouraging participation in cosplay. Ever wonder if The Mandalorian could outrun Spider-Gwen? The real winners, though, are the kids with rare chromosome 18 conditions, as the run raises funds for research. There will be food, face painting, and free wellness checks. It's the perfect way to geek out and do some good.
7431 Merton Minter; Saturday, April 25, 8:30 am; free with online preregistration.