San Antonio Calendar of Events

College Baseball

UT San Antonio Roadrunners - From the crack of the bat to the slide on into home, NCAA baseball packs a wallop of home run frenzy for what's oft called America's favorite pastime. Diamond action starts in January, continuing through most of June.

Celebrate San Antonio

From fireworks on the evening of Dec. 31 onward through New Year's Day, San Antonio celebrates with multiple live music performances, concessions, and lots of family fun.
Call (210) 207-3000 for more information.

Asian New Year Festival

Mouthwatering Asian taste treats, martial arts, dance and other customs are highlighted at the Institute of Texan Cultures.
Call (210) 458-2330 for more information.

River Walk Mud Festival

To celebrate the annual draining of San Antonio's River Walk, a festival has surfaced with a parade and selection of the Mud King and Queen for the Mud Pie Ball.
Call (210) 227-4262 for more information.

San Antonio Boat Show

Boating enthusiasts gather at the Alamodome to check out the latest in watercraft and accessories.
Call (210) 207-3663 for more information.

San Antonio Wine Festival

To benefit KLRN public television, the AlamoDome hosts the largest wine and cuisine tasting festival in the region, catered by local restaurants and featuring the silver and bronze medal winners from the San Antonio Express-News Wine Competition.
Call (210) 270-9000 for more information.

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

This two-week rodeo extravaganza includes plenty of thrills including a carnival with rides like Cliff Hanger, Fireball, Giant Wheel and Space Loop.
Call (210) 225-0575 for more information.

Mardi Gras River Parade & Fair

The River Walk becomes a watery Bourbon Street with decorated barges, costumed revelers, and free-flowing fun including a crafts fair.
Call (210) 227-4262 for more information.

CineFestival

More than 70 screenings of premiere Mexican, Latino and Chicano films are scheduled at this annual extravaganza in the Guadalupe Theater.
Call (210) 271-3151 for more information.

Dawn at the Alamo

A commemorative weekend-long program, including re-enactments, recognizes sacrifices made on both sides of the Alamo battle.
Call (210) 273-1730 for more information.

SeaWorld San Antonio Season Opener

A splashy season opener takes place each spring at this park with animal attractions and more than 25 shows.
Call (210) 523-3611 for more information.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas Season Opener

Themed rides, roller coasters, attractions and shows await at the 200-acre Six Flags theme park.
Call (210) 697-5050 for more information.

Fiesta San Antonio

Every April, San Antonio has a citywide festival to celebrate the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, as well as the diverse cultures in San Antonio, with more than 100 events. More than 3.5 million people from all over attend the 10-day event, making Fiesta San Antonio a great American festival in every sense. A parade on the San Antonio River and participation of almost 100 nonprofit organizations create a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Call (210) 227-5191 for more information.

Cinco De Mayo

At April's end extending into May, the Battle of Puebla between French and Mexican forces is celebrated at Market Square.
Call (210) 207-8600 for more information.

Annual Feast with the Beasts

The San Antonio Zoo presents a family evening of food and wine tasting.
Call (210) 734-7184 for more information.

Viva Botanica Festival

This outdoor festival celebrates spring with a plant sale, children's gardening activities and gardens, food and music.
Call (210) 829-5100 for more information.

Annual Alkoran Shrine Picnic

For more than a half century, the Alkoran Shrine Temple has hosted an annual Memorial Day weekend picnic.
Call (210) 222-1511 for more information.

Dance Month

From ballet and tap to ethnic and improvisational, the merry month of May is an annual homage to dance, with groups from across Texas gathering in San Antonio to perform at various sites.
Call (210) 222-2787 for more information.

Floating Feast-ival

To benefit the performing arts, the Floating Feast-ival is a gourmet progressive tasting of fine food on the river cruisers circling San Antonio's River Walk.
Call (210) 226-2891 for more information.

Memorial Day Arts & Crafts Fair

Shopping along the River takes on festive arts / crafts appeal during Memorial Day weekend.
Call (210) 227-4262 for more information.

Return of the Chili Queens

Celebrants herald a return to that colorful, historical time in Market Square.
Call (210) 207-8600 for more information.

Soul Food Festival

Families gather each year for a day of soulful taste sensations and other fun.
Call (210) 207-8618 for more information.

Spring Concert

Advent of the spring season is celebrated with young choral voices and guest artists at the Alamo Heights United Methodist Church.
Call (210) 826-3447 for more information.

Tejas Rodeo

Experience genuine Texas rodeo tradition with food, fun, events, and festivities for everyone in the family to enjoy. The rodeo, held every Saturday through the duration of the event, allows locals to get together and visitors to San Antonio to be a part of the community. Events include jaw-dropping bull riding, exciting calf scrambles, rodeo clowns, dining, dancing, and live musical performances. The Tejas Rodeo is a genuine Texas tradition and a must-see for everyone in San Antonio.
Call (210) 227-5191 for more information.

Tejano Conjunto Festival

340 Dartmouth, San Antonio, Texas
For nearly a quarter century, Tejano and Conjunto music have been celebrated at this festival, now featuring more than 20 bands performing over three days at Rosedale Park. Outside dancing, live music and plenty of food and drink make the Tejano Conjunto Festival one of San Antonio's most exciting events. The music festival has all kinds of conjunto bands playing everything from the traditional to a progressive interpretation of the positive musical style. Accordion workshops are also offered at the festival for those that need some help on their conjunto.
Call (210) 271-3151 for more information.

Festival of Flowers

May, Alzafar Shrine Hall, 901 N. Loop 1604 West, San Antonio, Texas
Green-thumbed San Antonians love this all-gardening event where they can see beautiful flowers and plants. The festival allows attendees to shop for plants, products and services while also picking up ideas and advice from other gardeners. An herb cooking demonstration, floral design challenge and rain barrel demonstrations liven things up a bit at the festival along with a Texas wine sampling.

Charreada

A Mexican rodeo with traditional dress, music and events unfolds at San Antonio Charro Ranch.
Call (210) 846-8757 for more information.

Summer Fest

Food, culture, music and art take the stage for a two-day celebration in Market Square.
Call (210) 207-8600 for more information.

Texas Folklife Festival

Texan cultures in cuisine, music, dance and crafts are showcased at the Institute of Texan Cultures in HemisFair Park.
Call (210) 458-2224 for more information.

San Antonio Underground Film Festival

Aztec Theater, 201 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, Texas
Screening movies for a weekend festival, the San Antonio Underground Film Festival shows films at the Aztec Theater on the Riverwalk and at San Antonio College. Many of the films that are submitted from around the world are from up-and-coming filmmakers looking to get their break into the industry. The San Antonio Underground Film Festival is a must for film lovers of all kinds.
Call (210) 977-9004 for more information.

Contemporary Art Month

During an annual, month-long citywide celebration of the contemporary arts, this annual event showcases San Antonio's diverse arts community.
Call (210) 207-6700 or (800) 447-3372 for more information.

Fourth of July

Festivals, concerts and fireworks help celebrate America's freedom. Activities include the Freedom Fest at Market Square, an arts / crafts fair along the river and extravaganzas at local theme parks.
Call (800) 447-3372 for more information.

Cactus Pear Music Festival

This chamber music festival takes place at Laurel Heights United Methodist Church.
Call (210) 824-5377 for more information.

San Antonio Conjunto Shootout

This two-decade old extravaganza revitalizes the old custom of mano-a-mano - competition between two groups to determine supremacy. More than 25 local entertainers are paired during the two-day event featuring food, street dancing and more.
Call (210) 207-8600 for more information.

Charreada

A Mexican rodeo with traditional dress, music and events unfolds at San Antonio Charro Ranch.
Call (210) 846-8757 for more information.

Feria de Agosto

Market Square is the site of a daytime celebration of summer.
Call (210) 207-8600 for more information.

Concert Under the Stars

San Antonio Botanical Gardens presents a concert under the stars with picnic box suppers that must be pre-ordered.
Call (210) 829-5100 for more information.

Pioneer Opry

San Antonio stages its own version of the Grand Ole Opry at Blue Bonnet Palace.
Call (210) 341-8372 for more information.

Diez y Seis Events

September 16 - San Antonio, Texas
The day marks Mexico's independence from Spain. San Antonio celebrates September 16 with special events all over town, including a street parade with floats and marching bands, a gala, Market Square celebrations, festivals, dance presentations and more.

Dyeing O' the River Green and St. Patrick's Day River Parade

A variety of events mark St. Patrick's Day in the Alamo City including a street parade and a river parade on the River Walk which follows the Dyeing O' the River Green. Also take in a more solemn ceremony at the Alamo that honors fallen heroes. This is event is free to the public.
Call (210) 227-4262 for more information.

Annual Guadalupe Festival & Street Parade

Floats, marching bands and more are part of this family-oriented event going strong for nearly a quarter century.
Call (210) 223-3151 for more information.

Fiestas Patrias

Mexico's independence from Spain is commemorated at Diez y Seis de Septiembre.
Call (210) 207-8605 for more information.

Labor Day Fair / El Mercado Anniversary

Festivities hail the debut anniversary of the present-day Market Square.
Call (210) 207-8600 for more information.

Panchanga del Rio

Opportunity to sample fare from 20 River Walk restaurants in a single evening comes with the annual Pachanga del Rio.
Call (210) 227-4262 for more information.

Sept. 11 2001 Remembrance

Events of Sept. 11, 2001 are memorialized during ceremonies at the American Legion's Fred Brock Post.
Call (210) 223-0637 for more information.

Valero Texas Open at LaCantera

This PGA tour event, among the nation's oldest professional golf tournaments, takes place at La Cantera Golf Club.
Call (210) 341-0823 for more information.

Foto-Septiembre USA - International Photography Festival

333 West Olmos Dr. #103, San Antonio, Texas
International artists have the chance to display their photography and attendees of the SAFOTO International Photography Festival can take in art that can be found nowhere else in the world. Exhibits in which artists present and profit from their photographic works take over the whole month of September during the Fotoseptiembre. The festival showcases eclectic works and is an important destination for the photography art community. There's no better place than San Antonio to host such a festival and with Fotoseptiembre running through the entire month, there's plenty of time to see all the art.

International Accordian Festival

Early October - San Antonio, Texas This free event in San Antonio is 3-day festival of music, dancing, food and fun celebrating the versatility of the accordion and accordion-based styles of music.
Call (210) 573-6984 for more information.

Festival of Films

Early October - San Antonio, Texas
Produced by Texas Independent Filmmakers, the San Antonio Festival of Films is a 2-day festival that starts off with a Free Public Kick off Party at Cadillac Bar, located at 212 S. Flores. The second day of the event is held at Santikos Northwest 14 Theatre, 7600 W IH10. Filmmakers' independent movies are shown and workshops are held. Call (210) 736-FILM for more information.

Taste of San Antonio

During the first week in October, San Antonio's culinary diversity is showcased at La Villilta Assembly Hall with more than 80 participating restaurants and clubs, organized by the San Antonio Restaurant Association.
Call (210) 734-7663 for more information.

Oktoberfest San Antonio

Family entertainment accompanies authentic German music, food, drink and dance.
Call (210) 222-1521 for more information.

Gardens by Moonlight

An evening under the stars at the San Antonio Botanical Garden includes live music and gourmet fare.
Call (210) 829-5100 for more information.

Wurstfest

A unique celebration rich in German culture and full of Texas fun. The annual "Salute to Sausage" is held in the German heritage center of Texas - New Braunfels. Enjoy great music, good fun, food and special events that is Oktoberfest, Texas style. See web site www.wurstfest.com>, or call (800) 221-4369 for more information.

National Basketball Association

Toronto, Canada was the site of the National Basketball League's first game on Nov. 1, 1946, with the Huskies hosting the New York Knickerbockers at Maple Leaf Gardens. Thirteen original rules were drafted by Dr. James Naismith, creator of basketball. Pro basketball suffered in popularity in the early 1950's, but one rule change -- that of the 24-second clock -- transformed the sport from a dull, stalling game to an exciting, offensive showcase. Icons along the way, from Bob Cousy and Wilt Chamberlain to Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, have immortalized what's now the National Basketball Association's game, creating long-standing rivalries from coast to coast.
San Antonio Spurs

College Basketball

First devised by James Naismith in 1891, with the first recorded collegiate game in 1893, legions testify there's no sound so soothing as a basketball whooshing through the net after a flick of the wrist. NCAA basketball brings grass roots hoop dreams to an entirely new level each fall, building toward March Madness, the NCAA Division Basketball Championships.
UT San Antonio Roadrunners

El Dia De Los Muertos

San Antonio's Day of the Dead reflects Mexican cultural traditions where families welcome back departed loved ones. Creative altars are set up around town. Cemeteries, where poetry readings are popular, are decorated with marigolds, pan de muerto (dead bread) and sugar skulls.
Call (210) 222-2787 for more information.

El Dia de los Muertos

Early November - San Antonio, Texas
A city-wide event in San Antonio, El Dia de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead) is a historic and important festival in the Mexican cultural tradition. A celebration in which families welcome back departed loved ones, Dia de los Muertos is about sharing the joys of life as the memories of those that have passed live on. Beautiful, creative and respectful altars are set up with ofrendas around town at galleries, cultural centers, restaurants and elsewhere commemorating loved ones. Cemeteries are popular with families decorating graves with some of holiday's staples of marigolds, pan de muerto (Dead Bread), sugar skulls and other traditional items. Poetry readings, and calavera processions (participants dress as skeletons) are typical events as well. Some events will have an admission charge.
For more information, please contact the Office of Cultural Affairs; (210) 432-1896. Call (210) 432-1896 for more information.

Light the Way at the University of the Incarnate Word

Several miles north of downtown San Antonio, the tree-studded campus of the University of the Incarnate Word glitters with a million twinkling lights during its annual Light the Way celebration. This San Antonio-style holiday tradition began in 1985 as a way to unite the community in the spirit of the holiday season, and has become a favorite of visitors, who can take a driving tour of campus; the lights stay on through the first week of the new year.

The lights go on at sunset every night, and are open for the public to view at no cost. Every tree on the campus perimeter is covered with bright twinkling lights which come together to form a whimsical archway for sightseers to pass through. Call (210) 829-6001 for more information.

Texas Wine & Herb Festival

At nearby Cibolo Ranch to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, festival events include herb seminars, hay rides and river barge rides, longhorn feeding, a Kiddie Corral playground and a grape stomp so participants can leave their imprint on festival t-shirts.
Call (210) 829-7267 for more information.

San Antonio New World Wine & Food Festival

November - San Antonio, Texas
More than 30 of the top chefs from Texas and Mexico converge to be a part of the culinary scene in San Antonio. The Wine and Food Festival is a nonprofit organization to promote San Antonio as a fine wine and cuisine destination as well as a cultural gateway to Latin America. New World regions showcased at the festival include Texas, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Chefs highlight the various regions' old world culture and roots in their cuisines that are served alongside wines from the same regions.
Call (210) 822-9555 for more information.

San Antonio Marathon of the Americas

San Antonio's official 26.2 mile marathon starts and finishes at the Alamodome.
Call (210) 246-9652 for more information.

Ford Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony

The annual Ford Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony officially heralds the Paseo del Rio's holiday festivities, transforming the winding river into a glittering ribbon of light and color. Holiday River Parade, dating back to 1981, begins that Friday evening. Be there when the switch is thrown, turning on more than 122,000 twinkling lights strung in the tall cypress trees, outlining hotels and restaurants, and creating a magical canopy over the River Walk. The holiday lights continue to shine through New Year's Day.

An hourlong parade follows the lighting ceremony with beautifully decorated, illuminated floats cruising along the River Walk in one of the country's only nighttime river parades. Celebrities, bands and lavishly-costumed participants entertain the crowd viewing from reserved seats at the Arneson River Theatre.

That same day, a huge Christmas tree is illuminated in historic Alamo Plaza. Families love to snap photographs at the site, where the lights burn bright through New Year's.

Carolling on the River

Music fills the air as Ford Holiday Boat Caroling winds through the River Walk throughout the season. School, church, corporate and civic choral groups sing traditional holiday carols on barges that cruise the river. Bell choirs, folk groups and Latino ensembles add to the eclectic mix, and visitors from all over the world often join in from along the River Walk for a charming impromptu sing-along.

Devine Fall Festival

Thirty or so miles southwest of San Antonio, the Devine Fall Festival, starring Devine avocados, features a parade, car show, bazaar, carnival, two entertainment stages, and more.
Call (830) 663-2739 for more information.

Latin Holiday Music

The annual weeklong Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza runs from the end of November through the first week of December, and ranks as the largest and longest-running Latin music event of its kind in Texas. Student mariachis serenade revelers on the River Walk, a brightly-colored mariachi-inspired art exhibit dazzles the eyes, and mariachi groups and vocalists compete to see who's the best singer, guitar picker or trumpeter.

Ford Fiesta de Las Luminarias

One of San Antonio's most beloved and centuries-old traditions is to line walkways with luminarias. Dating back to a tradition from the 1500s, warmly-glowing candles set in sand-filled bags have been used to symbolically mark the "lighting of the way" for the Holy Family.

The Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias along the River Walk uses more than 6,000 luminarias, creating an unforgettable scene of peace and serenity along the river's banks at dusk on weekends in December.

Santa's Holiday Depot

Moonlit train rides, hayrides and Christmas music performed every night by the San Antonio Ragtime Society are featured at the Texas Transportation Museum during the month of December.
Call (210) 490-3554 for more information.

Kristkindlmarkt

San Antonio's authentic German outdoor holiday market has seasonal music, food, drink, craft and entertainment at the Beethoven Halle and Garten.
Call (210) 222-1521 for more information.

Christmas Along the Corridor

American history, heritage, horses and holiday customs are celebrated at Fort Sam Houston Field.
Call (210) 362-5220 for more information.

Fiestas Navidenas: San Fernando Holiday Lights in Market Square

For Fiestas Navidenas throughout the month of December, the pageantry and traditional celebration of the Christmas spirit pervade Market Square, the nation's largest Mexican market. At San Fernando Cathedral, the nation's oldest cathedral sanctuary, parishioners re-enact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter in an event called La Gran Posada. Bring pets to be blessed, then shop for authentic finds such as indigenous Mexican pottery and jewelry at the mercado.

There are many ways to enjoy San Antonio's holiday lights: take a stroll along the River Walk, a carriage ride or a trip on a river cruiser, or get a bird's-eye perspective from high up with Alamo City Helicopter. Call (210) 207-8600 for more information.

Bazar Sabado

Mexico's finest folk art is displayed for pleasure and purchase at the San Antonio Museum of Art.
Call (210) 978-8100 for more information.

Deutsche Weihnachtsfeier

A Christmas candlelight service takes place each year entirely in German with prayers, poetry, choral and instrumental music at the Christ Chappell Lutheran High School.
Call (210) 341-8372 for more information.

Alamo Bowl

The Alamo Bowl features Big 12 and Big 10 schools at the Alamodome. Call (210) 226-2695 for more information.

Celebrate San Antonio: New Year's Eve in San Antonio and The Fairmount Hotel

Ring in the New Year with San Antonio's biggest New Year's Eve party downtown when fireworks pop, flash, and sparkle at midnight from the 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas (right outside your window, across the street at HemisPark) at Celebrate San Antonio! Musical entertainment, dozens of food and beverage booths, an HEB children's area in La Villita, carnival games and more make a memorable start of another year of fun, San Antonio-style!

Known as the largest free New Year's Eve festival in the state of Texas, Celebrate San Antonio continues to draw a quarter of a million excited revelers downtown for a spectacular fireworks show, great San Antonio cuisine, games and rides, and entertainment for the entire family. The highlight will be the countdown to midnight and the Valero Corner Stores Fireworks Extravaganza showcasing the Tower of the Americas. "The Parks Foundation shares the County's concern for public safety and with the recent ban on fireworks we invite folks to come down for our fireworks show," said Lila Cockrell, president of the San Antonio Parks Foundation. She also added that the Parks Foundation works closely with the Fire Marshall and other city officials to ensure a safe pyrotechnics show.

The huge downtown celebration begins at 6 p.m. on S. Alamo Street between Market and Durango and throughout historic La Villita. Admission is free and festivities continue until 12:30 a.m. Revelers will be treated to live music on four stages.

Located in front of the entrance to HemisFair Park, the Budweiser Main Stage will feature a variety of music from popular local bands Red Sauce Rules, Judi Deleon & The Latin Connection, and 46. For more information call 210-212-8423 or visit www.celebratesa.org.