Since the first parade in 1891, Fiesta has grown into an 11-day annual celebration, involving multiple organizations and events across San Antonio.

Originally created as a way to honor the heroes of the Alamo, Goliad and the Battle of San Jacinto, Fiesta started with the Battle Flowers Parade on April 24, 1891, according to the event website. The first parade, which was originally created as a way to honor the heroes of the Alamo, Goliad and the Battle of San Jacinto, featured floats decorated with fresh flowers. Participants tossed those flowers to the crowd, coining the parade’s name.

Today, events include celebrations honoring cultural touchstones, such as the Pilgrimage to the Alamo, a Night in Old San Antonio, the Fiesta carnival, appointed Fiesta royalty and neighborhood celebrations throughout the city.

To get into the spirit, here are 12 upcoming Fiesta events for April 24-May 4.

Fiesta Makes a Splash: The Annual Witte Museum Fiesta Exhibition


The Witte Museum is one of the only locations in San Antonio to learn about Fiesta’s history from its 1891 origins with the Battle of the Flowers Parade to today’s Fiesta San Antonio Commission events. The museum is also home to the Fiesta San Antonio Commission’s poster collection from the past decade. Admission to the museum grants access to the exhibition.
  • April 24-Nov. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • $16 (general admissions), $15 (seniors and teens age 13-18), $11 (children age 4-11)
  • 3801 Broadway, San Antonio
  • www.wittemuseum.org
San Antonio Cactus and Xerophyte Society Show and Sale

The San Antonio Cactus and Xerophyte Society will host its Fiesta show and sale event at the San Antonio Garden Center. The event will feature cactus and succulent vendors, artisan pot vendors, landscape vendors that specialize in using xerophytes, a silent auction, Fiesta medals, a kids zone and educational displays. Proceeds will be used to support various scholarships extended to high school and college students.
  • April 24-25, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Free
  • San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio
  • www.sacxs.org
Fiesta Fiesta presented by Toyota

Fiesta Fiesta is the official opening ceremony event for Fiesta. The event features carnival rides and games, food and merchandise vendors, live entertainment, and a gathering of 2025’s Fiesta royalty.Taste of the Republic

Held at Jack Guenther Pavilion at the Briscoe Western Art Museum, the Taste of the Republic explores the six culinary regions of Texas, such as South Texas TexMex, East Texas Southern Comfort and Coastal Bend-Gulf Seafood. Every ticket is a VIP, all-inclusive pass that provides access to food, wine, beer and cocktails. The event features 13 food stations and one dessert station, wine pairings at every station, and a performance by DJ Donnie.Fiesta Carnival


Held in the Alamodome parking lot, the carnival is free and open to the public, with ride tickets varying in price per day. The event features classic carnival rides, games and food.Fiesta De Los Reyes

Fiesta De Los Reyes is one of the largest free celebrations during the Fiesta season. Held in the Historic Market Square over a 10-day period, the event features food vendors; live music from a variety of genres, such as Tejano, Latin jazz and cover bands; and family friendly entertainment.Taste of New Orleans

Held by The San Antonio Zulu Association, the Taste of New Orleans features New Orleans-style food vendors and music, such as jazz, zydeco, Dixieland, blues and brass bands. Tickets can be purchased at H-E-B and Joint-Base San Antonio ITT locations. All of the proceeds support youth and citizens of the San Antonio community.
  • April 25, 5-10 p.m., April 26-27, noon-10 p.m.
  • $22 (general admission), free (children age 12 and younger)
  • Sunken Garden Theater, 3875 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio
  • www.saza.org
Fiesta Oyster Bake

The Fiesta Oyster Bake, held at St. Mary’s University, is celebrating its 109th anniversary in 2025. The two-day event serves over 100,000 oysters and 32,000 chickens on a stick with jalapeno. The Oyster Bake features three stages, with one dedicated to rock 'n’ roll music, the second to country music and the third to Tejano music. On April 26, attendees can enjoy a battle of the bands competition. Featured artists include Hoobastank, Sugar Ray, Eddie Gonzalez, Braxton Keith, Josh Abbott Band and David Lee Garza.
  • April 25, 5-11 p.m., April 26, noon-11 p.m.
  • $30 (single-day pass at the gate), $25 (presale), $40 (two-day admission), $175 (single-day VIP pass)
  • St. Mary’s University, 1 Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio
  • www.oysterbake.com
80th Texas Cavaliers River Parade


First started in 1941 after a group of Cavaliers witnessed boats and barges decorated with flowers in the “floating gardens” of Mexico City, the Texas Cavaliers River Parade features San Antonio River boats decorated to celebrate the season, the Texas Cavaliers and King Antonio. The parade travels along the San Antonio River, with paradegoers able to rent seats along the river or enjoy the view from restaurants along the River Walk.77th Night in Old San Antonio

A four-night celebration, a Night in Old San Antonio is held in the oldest neighborhood in San Antonio. The event features food stalls and live music in 14 different sections, including the French Quarter, Froggy Bottom, Sauerkraut Bend and Mission Trail.
  • April 29-May 2, 5:30-10:30 p.m.
  • $20
  • La Villita, 418 Villita St., San Antonio
  • www.niosa.org
134th Battle of Flowers Parade

Started in 1891, the Battle of Flowers is the founding event of Fiesta. The parade features vibrant floats with Fiesta royalty members, equestrian units, marching bands and a variety of participants in colorful costumes celebrating Texas history and culture.
  • May 2, 9:55 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • $20
  • Begins at East Locust Street and North Main Avenue, finishes at West Martin Street and North Santa Rosa Street
  • www.battleofflowers.org
Fiesta Flambeau Parade

Known as the largest illuminated night parade in the county, the Fiesta Flambeau Parade is a parade featuring vibrant floats, costumed participants and marching bands. Each year, a specific theme is chosen, which guides the designs of floats in performances. This year’s theme of Deep in the Arts of Texas offers participants a chance to highlight Texas’ landmarks, cultural arts or culinary arts.
  • May 3, 7:45-11 p.m.
  • $30-$40
  • Begins on North Main Street near San Antonio College, ends near Santa Rosa Street and West Martin Street
  • www.flambeau.org