The Fiesta season is fast approaching whether you are ready or not! This year it runs from March 31 until April 10th. Yes, that’s a lot of partying, so you need to pace yourselves!
I was at a couples shower last weekend and talked to some new residents of San Antonio. They were asking me all about Fiesta. Of course, I had a ton of advice but it was all from my sassy perspective (midlife!). Which means it shouldn’t be too hot, or crowded and has good parking! Which leaves out most of the events!
So if you are like me and a lot of my friends the same age, you want to go to just a little bit of Fiesta, look cute,drink a margarita, eat a gordita and call it a day so you can be home by 9!
I curated some of the events that meet those requirements after years and years of research!
My Sassy Gal Tips for Fiesta:
Fiesta Arts Fair-This is our favorite event because it is on the beautiful grounds of the Southwest School of Art, which means SHADE! We have some wonderful art pieces that were bought over the years at this event that hang on our walls that we treasure. There are all price points so you can support the artists that have set up booths and traveled from all of the US to have a booth at this event. It is kid friendly with art stations set up in the gazebo area by the Riverwalk. There is live music, great food and restrooms that AREN”T a port a potty! You need to go early because it gets crowded. Park in the Central Library parking lot (the big, enchilada red building) and walk right over to the entrance to get tickets or better yet, buy them online here.
10th Street River Fiesta at the VFW-One of the most beautiful buildings on the Museum Reach is the VFW Post 76. This veterans organization has come back in 2022 to host their event from April 7th until April 9th. There is live music, outdoor seating and lots of various booths set up to educate you on veterans and non-profits that support them. It’s just a great time and it’s free to enter. Parking is hot mess down there with construction but if you go early you can park in the garage near the SA Museum of Art.
Pooch Parade-This parade is a one day event so you need to put it on your calendar or you might miss it. If you are a dog lover, it needs to be on your bucket list. Every year, I think the dog costumes are the best until the next year when they are even better! It includes a 4K walk that parades through the SHADED area near the Alamo Heights pool. Tickets include entry for up to a family of 6. There is ample parking along the streets and the parade starts early at 9am. It is pure joy watching the dogs show off and their proud owners share their creative costumes, plus, it benefits Therapy Animals of San Antonio.
River Parade–The Texas Cavaliers River Parade is probably my favorite parade because it floats down the Riverwalk and it’s just beautiful! You can also pick and choose where you want to sit and view it. It is always held the first Monday night of Fiesta beginning at 7pm. The time of day is great because it won’t be as hot! And if you really want to sass it up, you can eat and drink while you watch it at a restaurant that is offering parade dining! You might need to do a little more research to see what restaurants are offering this service post COVID, but it would be worth it to grab a spot! Hurry up and purchase tickets because they go fast. And there’s always watching it on TV because it is televised! Parking will be ridiculous so you might want to carpool, take the VIA bus or a LYFT or UBER.
Taste of the Northside-This event is near and dear to my heart since it benefits the Brighton Center. The tickets are a little pricey but so worth it! It is all about the food and fashion, so bring your stretchy pants that look cute, if that’s even possible! They moved the event this year to the Dominion Country Club and the VIP passes are SOLD OUT! Also, you can’t be dropped off at the gate, you must go to Fiesta Texas to park and shuttle over! It is always on a Thursday night, so it’s for those that can stay up late and still function on a Friday!
King William Parade and Fair-I am not even really sure where to start to tell you about the King William Parade and Fair. It is just one of the things you need to experience for yourself! It is held in the most historic part of San Antonio with beautiful homes as the back drop. There are food vendors, craft vendors (I bought my favorite pair of earrings there) a kid play area and a parade that starts bright and early at 9am. It gets really crowded and people line up starting at 6am! Parking is found along the residential streets and they fill up fast. There will be people walking shoulder to shoulder by the afternoon! Get there EARLY! If you are new to San Antonio, it is a must see experience. It is well worth it. VIVA King William!
Fiesta Oyster Bake-Can you say oysters and music? This is the 106th version of this popular event! The St. Mary’s alumni host this event to raise funds for scholarships for the university. And yes, it is like a religion for them to host it every year. It is one of the kick off events for Fiesta being on the first Friday and Saturday. There are over 35 bands this year and 100,000 oysters being shelled from generation to generation of alumni. It is a rite of passage! It is possible to spread out since it covers the entire campus but go early if you don’t like crowds! You can purchase two day passes, general admission tickets and even VIP tickets right here and you can find the line up and times that the bands will take the stage! Parking is tough too! It is available along the streets and not on campus so taking a ride share might be the best option and much safer and less stressful! FYI-I have found Saturday night to be the most crowded but it will depend on the band’s popularity!
I hope my sassy guide helps you a little bit. It took me a few years to figure out what Fiesta events I liked best but that is what is so fun about living in San Antonio!
There is something for everyone!
#VivaFiesta
#VivaSanAntonio
Stay Sassy Y’all.
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