SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio's Fiesta is here, and we've got everything you need to know to make your 2026 Fiesta plans.
The 11-day festival runs from April 16-26, with more than 100 events across the city. The economic impact of Fiesta is estimated at more than $340 million. Funds raised by official Fiesta events benefit nonprofit organizations and provide services to San Antonio citizens throughout the year.
Take a look at what you need to know about this year's biggest party!
Fiesta history
San Antonio residents decided to honor the heroes of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto by creating the first Battle of Flowers event in 1891.
The Battle of Flowers, the largest parade in Fiesta, used horse-drawn carriages and bicycles decorated with flowers in the first parade. There was also floats carrying children dressed as flowers with participants throwing blossoms at one another.
Fiesta royalty
After the success of Battle of the Flowers more events were added each year to include a carnival, balls and coronations of "royalty."
Fiesta San Antonio has nine Official Fiesta Royalty members. Each member is supported by her/his respective Participating Member Organization to support charitable activities benefitting the San Antonio community.
- Queen of the Order of the Alamo
- King San Antonio
- El Rey Feo
- Miss Fiesta San Antonio
- La Reina de la Feria de las Flores
- First Teenage Queen
- Charro Queen
- Queen of Soul
- Miss San Antonio
Parades
The Battle of Flowers parade has been around for more than 100 years. It began in 1891 as a celebration to honor the heroes of the Alamo, Goliad and the Battle of San Jacinto, according to the parade's website. The organization is an all-women volunteer organization with 400 members.
Fiesta Flambeau Parade got its start in 1948 after Fiesta entrepreneur Reynolds Andricks recommended a new parade take place, thus Fiesta Flambeau was born. The parade is inspired by the night parades of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, according to the parade's website.
It is free to watch the parade from anywhere along the route, but more comfortable seating is available at a cost, with proceeds going to charities. If you would like to buy tickets to the Battle of Flowers parade, click here. If you would like to buy Fiesta Flambeau tickets, click here.
The Texas Cavaliers River Parade is Fiesta's only floating boat parade. It's located on the San Antonio River Walk through the downtown area on Monday, April 24, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. All proceeds and donations benefit over 70 children’s charities every year.
Fan Favorite events
Fiesta Carnival (Alamodome parking lot): Traditional carnival with tickets options and ride wristband options as well as classic Fiesta food booths. The carnival runs every day of Fiesta.
Fiesta Fiesta (Travis Park): This event celebrates the Official Opening Ceremony to Fiesta and includes food and beverage favorites, live entertainment, a People’s Parade, Military Salute and a Fireworks Finale. Thursday, April 16, 4-11 p.m.
Oyster Bake (St. Mary's University): This music festival utilizes 7,000 plus volunteers and attracts more then 60,000 patrons to raise money for St. Mary’s University student scholarships and university and alumni programs. Friday, April 17, 5-11 p.m., and Saturday, April 18, Noon-11 p.m. Click here for tickets.
Fiesta De Los Reyes (Historic Market Square): This is one of the largest Fiesta Events. The celebration features daily and nightly live performances, a wide variety of delicious cuisine and exciting family-friendly events. Click here for a full schedule.
Taste of New Orleans (Sunken Garden Theater): This three-day festival includes New Orleans-style food and music. The “Taste” menu includes assorted gumbos, red beans and rice, shrimp creole, etouffee, shrimp kabob, jambalaya, cajun catfish, soft shell crab, crab au gratin, crab rolls, fresh crawfish boil, boudin, alligator, beignets and a host of other tasty treats. Friday, April 17, 5 – 11 p.m., Saturday, April 18, Noon – 11 p.m., Sunday, April 19, Noon – 11 p.m. Click here for tickets.
A Night in Old San Antonio or NIOSA (La Villita):This four-day event pays homage to the city’s diverse culture with food, music and décor that transforms the village into 14 distinct areas. April 23-26.
VIA Park and Ride
VIA Metropolitan Transit is offering Park & Ride service to help residents and visitors travel to and from major Fiesta events without the hassle of downtown traffic and parking.
Riders can park at designated locations and take a bus directly to the festivities for just $1.30 each way. Discounts are available for students, seniors and active-duty military, while children under 5 and VIAtrans customers ride free.
