Fiesta flavors
Here are the 8 best food and drink events in San Antonio during Fiesta
Fiesta 2018 is finally here! It’s time to break cascarones, collect your medals, and of course enjoy all the diverse tastes and flavors from across Alamo City. Celebrate San Antonio’s biggest annual festival with these exciting food and drink events happening this week.
Friday, April 20
Fiesta Oyster Bake
With more than 60,000 hungry patrons and over 100,000 oysters — served fried, baked, and raw — St. Mary’s University’s 102nd annual Oyster Bake brings the bay to San Antonio. The two-day food fest begins on Friday, with musical performances, 70-plus food and beverage booths, an all-day carnival, and a special fireworks spectacular at night. Proceeds from the event help raise funds for student scholarships at St. Mary’s University, and support for the university’s alumni association. One-day admission is $27, and children 12 and under are free. Tickets for the event, which runs through April 21, are available online or at any local H-E-B.
A Taste of New Orleans
Who says you have to leave Texas to enjoy the tastes and sounds of the Big Easy? The three-day festival features delicious Creole and Cajun dishes from gumbo to red beans and rice, as well as swingin’ rhythm and blues straight from the Crescent City. Hosted by the San Antonio Zulu Foundation, the event also features a second line parade through the grounds led by a big brass band, which attendees can join or just sit back, watch, and take in the New Orleans experience. Admission $15 at the gate, free for children 10 and under. Event goes through April 22.
Alamo Heights Night
The 32nd annual Alamo Heights Night celebrates the unique culture of this historic San Antonio neighborhood. With Texas-style barbecue, classic Tex-Mex dishes, gumbo, gyros, and much more, this neighborhood party highlights an array of the city’s leading restaurants and caterers. The event also features daytime activities for attendees of all ages, including rock climbing, laser tag, and carnival style rides and games. At night, the event closes off with a firework show at 11 pm. Admission for adults is $12 and children ages 12-17 is $5. Veterans and children under 12 are free.
Saturday, April 21
Viva 300 Beer Release & Tricentennial Celebration
Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling is releasing a new specialty ale to honor the city’s 300-year anniversary — and throwing a huge party to celebrate. The event includes gourmet food trucks, live music, and plenty of craft beer, cocktails, and whisky. Admission is $5 for everyone, and will get you a free Viva 300 beer, as well as a raffle ticket for a chance to win a Fiesta medal or limited edition Viva 300 T-shirt. Doors open at 5 pm, and music starts at 6 pm.
Real Ale 22nd Anniversary Party
Real Ale Brewing turns 22 this weekend and is inviting everyone to come out and celebrate. The day-long party, hosted at the brewery’s brand new Hill Country facility, features a ton of specialty and year-round draught beers, as well as cocktails and exclusive surprise tappings throughout the day. That’s not to mention musical entertainment, and fun activities for the whole family, including face painting, balloon artists, and leaf pressings. Food from local vendors will be also be available. The event starts at 11:30 am, and bars open at noon. Tickets are $20 with a Real Ale anniversary glass included with every purchase while supplies last.
Chili Queens Chili Cook-Off
Complete with chili tastings, refreshing cocktails, and an energetic dance floor, this event takes a tasty Texas favorite to the next level. The 10th annual Chili Queens Cook Off brings competitors from around the world to compete for the chili crown. (Perhaps the most noteworthy honor will be given to the winner of the Whoochie Award, awarded to the person with tackiest ensemble.) Hosted at the long-running nightclub’s historic Bonham Street building, this official Fiesta San Antonio event is presented by the Happy Foundation and a portion of the proceeds will go to benefiting local charities. The event is 18 and up, and admission is free.
Wednesday, April 25
Taste of the Northside
Dine at more than 50 of San Antonio’s best restaurants in a single evening during this blowout event benefiting Brighton Center’s work to provide holistic services to children with disabilities or developmental delays. The $85 presale ticket gets you all the bites you can handle; five drink tickets for beer, wine, or cocktails; and access to a shuttle to and from the event.
Fiesta Gartenfest
Say willkommen to Fiesta at this three-day event celebrating German culture. Sample traditional food and brews in the biergarten while enjoying music from several performers. Both El Rey Feo and King Antonio will be helping Beethoven Maennerchor celebrate their 150th birthday, making it the oldest active singing society in all of Texas. Tickets for the event, which runs through April 27, are $3 presale and $5 at the gate. Children 12 and under get in free.