VIVA FIESTA
Civic Park ropes in big headliners for free San Antonio music fest
Chaparral will bring a diverse array of sounds to Civic Park.
The San Antonio Parks Foundation is bringing an eclectic soundtrack to this year's free Chaparral Music and Heritage Festival. The official Fiesta celebration, set to return to Civic Park in Hemisfair on April 26, has announced a rootsy lineup of acts blending country, rock, blues, and jazz.
The 9 am-7 pm performances will kick off with Mariachi Azul de San Antonio before introducing a whirlwind of musical styles. Featured acts include Lacy Brinson, Brandon Padier & Black Gold, Bobby Joe Harlow & Rock Solid, the U.S. Air Force Rock Band, and Paul Farrell & the Bon Vivants.
The Bill Ayers Band will bring the evening to a crescendo with an electric blend of country, rock, and blues. The local favorite is fresh off the release of their debut album, Heartaches & Hangovers.
Although admission to the festival is free, organizers cooked up a pair of ticketed culinary experiences for 21-and-over guests. For $50, music fans can start the day with a Cowboy Brunch spread, including scrambled eggs, artisan chorizo, hash browns, coffee, mimosas, and bloody Marys.
From 4-6 pm, festival-goers can take a break with the $75 Boots, Bourbon, and Bites tasting. The whiskey will be paired with light bites like bacon-bourbon meatballs and street corn dip, and the ticket includes a limited-edition Chapparal western hat.
More than a music festival, Chaparral is also a celebration of community. The United States Postal Service will mark the occasion to dedicate its new Bluegrass Stamp. The U.S. Army Golden Knights will show off their precision parachuting skills, and nonprofits like Bat Conservation International and Gardopia Gardens will also be on hand to share their mission.
The San Antonio Brahmas will also make a special appearance with their new mascot and giveaways. And, of course, no Fiesta party is complete without local food and artisan vendors.
Chaparral is not the only festival set to fill Fiesta with sound. Civic Park will also host the reborn La Semana Alegre May 1-2, bringing acts like Joe King Carrasco and Legs Diamond to the stage.
