Fiesta San Antonio Planning Guide

Fiesta is San Antonio's 11-day spring party, and it's a party with a purpose. It began in 1891 as a single parade honoring the heroes of the Alamo and San Jacinto. Today it's more than 100 official events run by local nonprofits that raise money for the city year-round. According to the Fiesta San Antonio Commission, more than 2.5 million people attend each year.

The dates for Fiesta 2027 are set: April 15–25, 2027. (Fiesta 2028 is April 20–30, if you're planning ahead.) Here's what to book, what's changed for 2027, and how to do Fiesta like a local.

Fiesta 2027 at a glance

The Fiesta Commission notes that its event calendar is subject to change. Confirm on the official schedule before you book.

The signature parades

Texas Cavaliers River Parade (Monday, April 19)

This is the one you can only see in San Antonio: flower-decked floats gliding down the river, a tradition since 1941. It runs 7–9 p.m. on the first Monday of Fiesta and draws more than 250,000 spectators, according to the Texas Cavaliers. Proceeds go to children's charities. - Only about 18,000 reserved seats, and 2027 tickets go on sale January 1, 2027. - You can bring your own drinks, but no glass. All Texas parades are smoke-free. - A designated accessible section and ramps are available.

Battle of Flowers Parade (Friday, April 23)

Fiesta's founding event and its oldest, dating to 1891. It's the only parade in the U.S. produced entirely by women, all of them volunteers, and it draws crowds of more than 550,000. Watch for "Show me your shoes!", the tradition of royalty showing off wildly decorated comfortable shoes from the floats. - Seating is mostly bleachers in blocks at Crockett Park (N. Main), Madison Square, Brooklyn Avenue, Avenue E, Houston Street and Commerce Street, plus Lexington Avenue street chairs. - Bleachers are hard for anyone with limited mobility. The Battle of Flowers Association suggests contacting the street-chair vendor listed on its ticket page for more accessible seating. - In 2026, seating around the Alamo was very limited because of Alamo Visitor Center and Cenotaph construction. Check the 2027 seating map before you assume an Alamo-side view.

Fiesta Flambeau Parade (Saturday, April 24)

The big illuminated night parade, with the vanguard at 7:15 p.m. and the parade at 7:45 p.m. Bleacher and street-chair tickets are sold through the Flambeau site and the Fiesta Commission.

Food, music and neighborhood events

• Fiesta Fiesta (Thu, Apr 15, 4–10 p.m., free). The official kickoff at Travis Park: the People's Parade, a Military Salute, the opening ceremony, live music, a drone-show finale, and "Pin Pandemonium" for buying medals.
• Fiesta Oyster Bake Music Fest (Apr 16–17). The century-old St. Mary's University Oyster Bake (it started in 1916) is rebranding for 2027 with bigger national acts on two stages. Organizers announced prices of $30 presale, $35 in April and $40 at the gate or online on the day, as of October 2026.
• King William Fair (Sat, Apr 24). Fiesta's big neighborhood block party, with art and craft vendors, live music and a Kids Kingdom in the historic King William District. The 1.5-mile parade (2027 theme: "Pollinator Pachanga") steps off at 9 a.m. and lasts about 90 minutes. Viewing inside the Fair Zone needs admission, but you can watch free on Adams Street (between Pereida and Eagleland) and E. Guenther Street (between S. Alamo and Eagleland).
• Fiesta Carnival (Apr 15–25). Rides, games and food at Alamodome Parking Lot C.
• More to explore: Visit San Antonio highlights Taste of the Republic (21+), the Chili Queens Chili Cook-Off (18+), Fiesta Cornyation (18+), A Day in Old Mexico & Charreada, and the Mission Reach Fiesta Flotilla. Check the official calendar for 2027 dates, and filter by free, family-friendly or pet-friendly.

The medal tradition

Fiesta medals are the heart of the fun. Each year, organizations and businesses release new designs, and people trade them across the city and wear as many as their sashes, hats and jackets can hold. Visit San Antonio jokes that people wear "their weight in medals."

• Where to buy: Monarch Trophy Studio is the official Fiesta medal maker (online, or 16227 San Pedro Ave.). Fiesta at North Star (102 W. Rector Dr.) also sells official merchandise, and official posters and shirts are at VivaFiesta.com.
• Fiesta Fiesta's Pin Pandemonium on opening night is the classic place to buy and trade.
• Bring a sash (or a hat, or a denim jacket). You'll be handed medals at events.

Where to stay

Downtown is the move. The Battle of Flowers and Flambeau routes, the River Parade, Fiesta Fiesta at Travis Park and the Alamo-area events are all within walking distance of River Walk hotels. The Fiesta Commission names The Westin Riverwalk on W. Market St. as its official Fiesta hotel. Book early for parade nights and check cancellation terms. See our where to stay guide for neighborhood picks.

Tips for first-timers

• Get around by VIA. VIA Park & Ride serves many Fiesta events, and routes change year to year. Check viainfo.net closer to April.
• Carry cash. Visit San Antonio notes that many parking lots don't take credit cards.
• Wear color. Guayaberas, embroidered tops and dresses, big hats and a flower crown (corona) are all standard. Historic Market Square is the place to find a crown. Wear comfortable shoes, since you'll walk a lot.
• Eat like a local. Chicken on a stick (a fried chicken strip skewered with a jalapeño) is the signature Fiesta snack.
• Watch the weather and heat. Pack sunscreen and water for daytime parades, and see our packing list.
• Pick your nights. You can't do all 100+ events. Choose one parade, one food event and one neighborhood event, and leave room to wander.

FAQ

When is Fiesta San Antonio 2027?

April 15–25, 2027, according to the Fiesta San Antonio Commission. Fiesta always runs 11 days in April, timed around the anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto (April 21, 1836). Fiesta 2028 is April 20–30.

Is NIOSA happening in 2027?

No. The Conservation Society of San Antonio canceled NIOSA for 2027 to re-evaluate the event. No plans for 2028 had been confirmed as of October 2026.

When do parade tickets go on sale?

Texas Cavaliers River Parade tickets go on sale January 1, 2027. Battle of Flowers and Fiesta Flambeau bleacher and street-chair tickets are linked from the Fiesta Commission's parade page. Check there for current availability.

Are there free Fiesta events?

Yes. Fiesta Fiesta at Travis Park is free, and the King William Parade has free viewing outside the Fair Zone. The official calendar lets you filter events by cost.

What does "Show me your shoes!" mean?

It's a Battle of Flowers tradition. Fiesta royalty swapped heels for comfortable shoes on the floats, and now they show off elaborately decorated sneakers, boots and even bunny slippers when the crowd shouts the line.

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