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San Antonio Events
January
Mid January: River Walk Mud Festival. This festival celebrates the annual draining of the San Antonio River. Festivities include a parade, an arts-and-crafts show, a ball, pub crawl and the crowning of the Mud King and Queen. For information, call 210-227-4262.
Mid January: Martin Luther King Jr. March. The largest march of its kind in the country begins at the Boys and Girls Club Eastside branch, 3503 Martin Luther King Drive, and ends at Martin Luther King Plaza at Houston and New Braunfels. For information, call the city government at 210-207-2098 or 210-207-7235.
Late January: Asian New Year Festival. Pageantlike celebration of the cultures of Asia and Polynesia, with authentic ethnic cuisine, traditional dance and music, martial-arts demonstrations, arts and crafts, cultural displays, fortune-telling and children's activities. Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 S. Bowie St. For information, call 210-485-2300.
February
Mid-Late February: San Antonio CineFestival. The oldest Hispanic film festival in the U.S. screens more than 70 independent Mexican, Latino and Chicano films and documentaries by emerging and contemporary filmmakers. Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 1300 Guadalupe. For information, call 210-271-3151. Continues through early March
Early February: San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. Includes livestock judging, bull riding, barrel racing, a horse show and live concerts. SBC Center, 3201 Houston St. For information and tickets, call 210-225-5851, toll-free 877-637-6336, or Ticketmaster at 210-224-9600.
Late February: River Walk Mardi Gras Arts and Crafts Fair and Parade. Decorated river barges, krewes of costumed revelers and live entertainment transform the San Antonio River Walk. An arts-and-crafts fair featuring all handmade items takes place on the River Walk extension. For information, call 210-227-4262.
March
Early-Mid March: Tejano Music Awards and Fan Fair. More than 40,000 people annually attend this three-day event in Market Square featuring live music and autograph booths where fans meet the stars. The actual awards show takes place at Graham Central Station, 4902 Fredricksburg Road. For information, call 210-222-8862.
Mid March: Alamo Irish Festival. Three-day celebration with food, live music, arts and crafts, Irish dancing and music from traditional Irish to country and jazz to rock and tejano. Organized by the Harp and Shamrock Society of Texas. Arneson River Theater on the River Walk and the La Villita area. For information, call 210-497-8435.
Early March: San Antonio CineFestival. The oldest Hispanic film festival in the U.S. screens more than 70 independent Mexican, Latino and Chicano films and documentaries by emerging and contemporary filmmakers. Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 1300 Guadalupe. For information, call 210-271-3151.
Early March: Remembering the Alamo Weekend. Dramatization of the final two days of the Alamo conflict in 1836. A predawn re-enactment pays homage to the fall of the Alamo and the sacrifices made by both armies. Alamo Plaza. For information, call 210-273-1730.
April
Early April: NCAA® Final Four®. Division I men's collegiate basketball championship, one of the nation's premier sporting events. Alamodome. San Antonio Sports Foundation, UTSA, City of San Antonio. Admission. 210/820-2100.
Mid April: Fiesta San Antonio. The city's lavish annual celebration with more than 100 events, including parades, sports meets, house tours, an art fair, carnival, exhibits, flower show, concerts and lots of mariachi music. Along the River Walk and at other venues throughout the city. For information, call 210-227-5191, or toll-free 877-723-4378. For tickets, call 210-224-0358.
Early April: Viva Botanica! Annual fair at the height of spring with a leading plant sale, advice from gardening experts, live animal shows, garden craftmaking, dance, music, children's gardening activities and food booths. San Antonio Botanical Gardens, 555 Funston Place. For information, call 207-3250 or 210-829-5100.
May
Early May: Cinco de Mayo Events. Celebrations commemorate the Mexican Army's defeat of the invading French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Events include a festival with music and food at historic Market Square, concerts and other commemorations. 800/447-3372.
Throughout May: San Antonio Dance! The San Antonio Dance Umbrella kicks off this month-long celebration of dance with a judged show of local dance companies. Dancers and troupes from across the state and country perform in numerous styles from ballet, tap and jazz to modern, ethnic and even wheelchair dancing. Various venues. For information, call 210-212-7775, or the City Office of Cultural Affairs at 210-222-2787
Early May: Tejano Conjunto Festival. Live performances by more than 20 top tejano, conjunto and norteno musical groups, as well as dancing, a national poster-contest exhibit, inductions into the Conjunto Music Hall of Fame, an accordion students recital, food and games. Rosedale Park, 340 Dartmouth. For information, call 210-271-3151.
Late May: The Return Of the Chili Queens. A return to that historical and colorful time in Market Square when the Chili Queens set out their tables in the open plazas and served their traditional foods and chili con carne. Sponsored by the El Mercado Merchants Association. Free. 210/207-8600
June
9-12 June: Texas Folklife Festival. Annual celebration of the numerous ethnic and cultural groups in Texas. Features more than 150 ethnic dishes, 50 arts-and-crafts vendors and 10 outdoor stages presenting the state's best musicians, ethnic dancers and storytellers. Also carnival rides and children's activities. Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 S. Bowie St. For information, call 210-458-2390. For tickets, call 210-458-2259.
Mid June: Juneteenth. Observances throughout the city, including a picnic, festival, Freedom Fair, and cultural celebrations honoring the date, June 19, 1865, that Texas slaves received word of the Emancipation Proclamation. 800/447-3372.
July
Early-Mid July: Art in the Hood. Annual festival showcasing emerging local visual artists, photographers, performers, poets and musicians, held in the arts district of the Southtown neighborhood. For information, call 210-226-0888.
Mid July: Latina Letters. An academic conference and literary festival featuring world-renowned authors, artists and scholars from throughout the Americas in lectures, seminars, panels, musical concerts, dramatic performances, multimedia presentations and art exhibits. St. Mary's University, 1 Camino Santa Maria. For information, call the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center at 210-271-3151.
1-24 July: Contemporary Art Month. This citywide celebration of San Antonio's creative community has become the nation's longest contemporary-arts festival. More than 400 exhibits are displayed in approximately 60 museums, galleries, studios and other venues throughout the city. For information, call 210-222-2787.
September
Throughout September: Fotoseptiembre USA. One of the largest photography festivals in the U.S. features approximately 70 exhibits of images by more than 250 established and emerging regional photographers. More than 60 venues throughout the San Antonio area. For information, call the City Office of Cultural Affairs at 210-222-2787.
Early September: Fiestas Patrias. Diez y Seis de Septiembre celebrates Mexico's independence from Spain. The festivities are highlighted by the Guadalupe Street Parade, with floats and marching bands along South Brazos and Guadalupe streets, and the family-oriented Calle Guadalupe Festival in Plaza Guadalupe. For information, call 210-223-3151.
Mid September: Valero Texas Open at La Cantera. One of the oldest professional golf tournaments takes place at La Cantera Golf Club. 72-hole, four-day PGA TOUR EVENT. Admission. 210/341-0823.
Mid September: Jazz'Salive. Local and regional jazz musicians perform alongside the nation's top talent. Special events include a champagne brunch and nighttime auction with dining and dancing. There are also arts and crafts and food. Travis Park, 301 E. Travis. For information, call 210-212-8423.
October
Early October: Oktoberfest San Antonio
210-222-1521 or 210-408-0004
Entertainment direct from Germany, also a band concert and authentic German song, dance, food and drink. Beethoven Home and Garden & Beethoven Männerchor.
Early October: Annual River Art Group Show and Competition.
210-226-8752. Over 100 Texas artists display their fine art along the River Walk and in La Villita. Along the River Walk and in La Villita.
Late October: Halloween Spooktacular
210-523-3611 Special Halloween-themed show and entertainment to include a haunted forest. SeaWorld San Antonio.
Late October: Midtown on Blanco " Classic Days" Festival
Free admission 210-738-9900
Come have some fun at the street festival in the historic Midtown Business district. There will be food booths, music, and much more for the entire family.
Late October: The San Antonio New World Wine and Food Festival
210-518-1000. San Antonio will sizzle with gourmet food, wine, and celebratory spirits. The festival will include a Gala, a Silent Wine Auction, Tapas and Wine Tasting at La Mansion del Rio Hotel, cooking schools and a Charity Costume Ball.
Late October: Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos
Free. 210-207-8600. Celebrating two events, American and Mexican. Market Square.
Late October: Fall at The Alamo
Free. 210-225-1391 ext. 27. Interpretation of life during the Republic period of Texas in 1836-1846 by various living history groups featuring demonstrations, period entertainment and children's games. Held at The Alamo. Daughters of the Republic of Texas.
Late October: Rivercenter Spooky Lagoon.
210-225-0000. Free. Tricks and treats for the kids and shopping for the parents. Rivercenter Mall from 12-6 p.m.
Dia De Los Muertos
Oct. 30 - Nov. 5. 210-212-4453.Learn about Day of the Dead traditions through hands-on activities. Dias De los Muertos takes place at the San Antonio Children's Museum.
Buffalo Soldiers Veterans Day Ceremony
Nov.11. San Antonio National Cemetery.Free.210-675-1799.
To honor the forgotten Black U.S. 9th and 10th Cavalry who served strictly in the West during the Indian wars 1866-1891.
Mid November: Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza
Municipal Auditorium. Admission. 210-225-3353. Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan performs in concert. Mariachi workshops, competitions and more offered to Mariachi aficionados around the world.
Late November: Lone Star Holiday River Parade and River Walk Lighting
Along the River Walk.Free and ticketed viewing available.210-227-4262
A one-hour parade with decorated, illuminated floats with celebrities, bands and lavishly costumed participants. The switch is thrown and around 122,000 twinkling lights form a magical canopy over the River Walk. Sponsored by the Paseo del Rio Association.
Early December: Pepsi Holiday Boat Caroling
Along the River Walk. Free 210-227-4262. Over 175 joyous caroling groups fill the River Walk with holiday tunes. Sponsored by the Paseo del Rio Association.
Early December: Kristkindlmarkt
Free. 210-222-1521 or 210-408-0004. Authentic German outdoor holiday market with seasonal music, food, drink and crafts. Beethoven Home and Garden, Beethoven Männerchor.
Early December: Christmas Along the Corridor Grande Finale
Fort Sam Houston.Free. 210-362-5200. Over 100 Pony Express Christmas couriers ride over 90 miles and gallop up the parade field with Governor's Christmas greeting.
Early December: Rivercenter Christmas Pageant
Rivercenter Mall Lagoon. Admission.210-225-0000
A 40-minute San Antonio-style production of the living nativity unfolds on river barges and the Rivercenter Island stage first three weekends in December.
Las Posadas
Mid December. San Antonio Conservation Society. Free. 210-224-6163
Reenactment of Joseph and Mary's search for shelter. Candle-lit procession sings traditional Posada songs. River Walk level of La Mansion del Rio to Arneson River Theatre. Followed by a piñata party and hot chocolate in La Villita.
La Gran Posada
Mid December. Free. 210-227-1297. Procession begins at Milam Park and winds its way through the historic center of the city ending at San Fernando Cathedral.
Late December: Alamo Bowl Team Fiesta
At Arneson River Theatre. 210/226-2695. River pep rally with the teams, coaches, bands and cheerleaders. Sponsored by Sylvania Alamo Bowl.
Dec. 31: Celebrate San Antonio.
On S. Alamo between Durango and Market streets. San Antonio Parks Foundation
210-207-3075. Ring in the New Year with revelers, San Antonio style! Enjoy spectacular fireworks, live music, food booths, family activities and more.
Early December: Fiesta de las Luminarias
Along the River Walk. 210-227-4262. More than 2,500 luminarias, warm glowing candles in sand filled bags, line the walkways to symbolically mark the "lighting of the way" for the Holy Family. Sponsored by the Paseo del Rio Association.
Toy Take Over Christmas
Dec. 1- Dec. 23. 210-227-2751. Please call for times Delightful tale of toys coming to life and a wonderful lesson for all. Shows on Friday and Saturday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
San Antonio Dickens Carolers
Annually in December. River Walk and citywide, Pierrot Theater. Free
210-534-5765. Carolers in full Charles Dickens costume stroll and sing favorite Christmas carols
December 24: Lone Star Holiday River Parade and River Walk Lighting
210-227-4262. A one-hour parade with decorated, illuminated floats with celebrities, bands and lavishly costumed participants. The switch is thrown and around 122,000 twinkling lights form a magical canopy over the River Walk. Sponsored by the Paseo del Rio Association. Along the River Walk. Free and ticketed viewing available.
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