Schedule of San Antonio
Events
This page contains a few scheduled San Antonio events
and other notices of things of interest for tourist and local alike. It's
a constant battle to stay up to speed on this type of thing and I profess that I
don't do a very good job of it. I mention here some of the either more
important or more to my liking type of events. For a really thorough
listing of events I suggest you check out the Links
page for links to event schedule pages of other web sites which post San
Antonio events.
Recurring San Antonio Events
The Evening of the First Friday of each Month Known locally as "First Friday", this is an evening happening in Southtown (an indeterminately defined area south of downtown, essentially along
South Alamo Street starting from the intersection of South St. Mary's St. down
to Blue Star Arts Complex. There are street vendors selling their wares
and multiple store front art galleries exhibiting mostly local
artists. Unless you want local flavor I suggest you skip this
event. Don't get me wrong, I like to go there every so often, but it's
primarily for locals who have plenty of time to do the Riverwalk anytime they
choose. If you're not pressed for time then take it in. Check this
link for upcoming events in Southtown.
Future Events
2012
February
3rd-20th San Antonio
Stock Show & Rodeo
April
Normally 1st week of monthRound
Top Antique Fair. The big city of Round Top (pop. 81) plays host
to a semi-annual antique fair. Although Round Top is roughly 2 1/2 hours
from San Antonio, I would be ashamed of myself if I didn't at least tell you
about this fair, if only for those dyed in the wool antiquers. This
festival has been going on for almost 30 years. People plan their
vacations around this fair. No one actually knows how big this event is as
it's spread over several surrounding towns and in everyone's front yard that
fronts along the country roads. Their last claim was over 2,500 Vendors,
that's with a capital "V", participate. If they don't have it,
you don't want it.
7th-17th Fiesta Of course, this is the granddaddy of events.
Brings 'em in from miles around. The Fiesta holiday, which has now turned into a 10 day bash, originally began
with the Battle of
Flowers Parade, which is always the Friday of Fiesta week. This parade
is meant to celebrate the victory of the Battle of San Jacinto, the battle of
the Texas Revolution where Santa Anna's Mexican forces were defeated and assured
Texas of independence. The Battle of Flowers Parade has taken place every
year, except for the war years of WW I and II, since 1891! The Battle of
San Jacinto occurred April 21st and as a consequence, Fiesta is always
celebrated [except for 2011 which moved it up a week] during the week that includes the date of April 21. (Stick that into
your little bit of trivia you'll never need to know.)
You will want to check out:
Cavalier River Parade,
Always Monday evening of Fiesta week. The original river parade!
Battle of Flowers
Parade, Always last Friday noon of Fiesta week.
Fiesta Flambeau Night
Parade, Last Saturday night of Fiesta week.
NIOSA (Night
in Old San Antonio) Last Tuesday-Friday of
Fiesta week.
Suggestion: Get there at opening, otherwise it will literally be elbow to elbow
by 7pm.
11th-17th Valero
Texas Open at TPC San Antonio. One of the oldest professional golf
tournaments takes place at TPC San Antonio.
June
8-10thTexas
Folklife Festival. The annual four-day celebration of the diverse ethnic
and cultural groups that settled our state. Some 45 groups bring their stories,
crafts, music, dances, and foods to share with visitors in a vibrant blend of
education and entertainment. Institute of Texan Cultures.
After the Folklife Festival there's really not too much
going on in town for the rest of the summer. It's just too hot for any
major event. The Folklife Festival itself used to be in August for most of
its existence but we finally got smart and moved it into June.
September
12-13th Dos
XX Taste of the Riverwalk A Riverwalk gorge fest. As in eating.
Sample the fare at most of the Riverwalk restaurants.
20-23rd
Jazz’SAlive.
Two days of performances from the nation’s top jazz entertainers, along with
regional and local talent. Travis Park. City of San Antonio Parks &
Recreation Department and San Antonio Parks Foundation. Free.
October
Normally first week of the month Round
Top Antique Fair. The big city of Round Top (pop. 81) plays host
to a semi-annual antique fair. Although Round Top is roughly 2 1/2 hours
from San Antonio, I would be ashamed of myself if I didn't at least tell you
about this fair, if only for those dyed in the wool antiquers. This
festival has been going on for almost 30 years. People plan their
vacations around this fair. No one actually knows how big this event is as
it's spread over several surrounding towns and in everyone's front yard that
fronts along the country roads. Their last claim was over 2,500 Vendors,
that's with a capital "V", participate. If they don't have it,
you don't want it.
November
11th San Antonio
Rock 'n' Roll Marathon The City's official marathon.
23rd
Holiday Lighting of the Riverwalk and River Parade The River Walk
stays lighted by Christmas lighting through New Year's Eve.
