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Annual River Parades, Festivals, and More
Iconic Events on the San Antonio River Walk
If you have never been to the vibrant and festive world of the San Antonio River Walk, you’re in luck! We love to celebrate, and we celebrate often here. We may have incredible restaurants, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and endless outdoor adventures, but did you know we’re also home to a treasure trove of parades, events, and festivals happening year-round?
Let this rundown of events be your passport to discovering the magic that awaits you on the San Antonio River Walk. Join us as we dive into the enchanting world of parades, events, and festivals that make this city a truly unique gem in the Lone Star State!
Discover Events by Month
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
DiwaliSA
Look for this: November 2, 2024
Diwali, also commonly known as the Festival of Lights, is a unique Indian celebration celebrating the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. At DiwaliSA, authentic Indian traditions, food, and celebrations can be found as you’re sure to see true Indian attire and dances and ceremonial lighting of candles on the River Walk. This incredible evening culminates in a grand fireworks display in the heart of San Antonio!
Ford Holiday River Parade
Look for this: November 29, 2024
San Antonio’s official kick-off into the Holiday Season, the Ford Holiday River Parade, is a must-see. Always held the day after Thanksgiving, the Ford Holiday River Parade is a festive celebration of holly jolly floats, entertainment, and music, complete with Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves. If you’ve never been a part of the Official River Walk Holiday Light Countdown at this event – it needs to be on your bucket list! Light up the San Antonio Night with thousands of holiday lights and ring in the season in the Alamo City!
Ford Holiday Boat Caroling on the River Walk
Look for this: December 4-23, 2024
If holiday caroling is your thing, then you’ll want to experience it floating down the gorgeous San Antonio River Walk! Ford Holiday Boat Caroling is available from the end of November through just before Christmas. Are you not a caroler yourself, but would you still like to see carolers? Sit at your favorite River Walk restaurant and catch carolers drifting along the riverbank throughout the holiday season.
Holiday Lights on the River Walk
Look for this: The day after Thanksgiving through early January
Catch the magic of the holiday season at the San Antonio River Walk. Holiday lights are turned on, casting a mesmerizing glow and illuminating the night with over 100,000 lights intertwined among the cypress trees each year at the Ford Holiday River Parade at the end of November.
They remain lit nightly through the beginning of January.
Ford Fiesta de Luminarias
Look for this: Select Weekends in December
At the Ford Fiesta de Luminarias held select weekends in December, see over 2,000 luminarias light the river's pathway, adding to the River Walk’s festive atmosphere. A single candle is set in sand, sitting inside small bags. The luminarias are traditional Mexican lanterns.
Shop Local with River Walk Artisan ShowsSelect Weekends Throughout the Year
San Antonio’s local artists come together to showcase their incredible works of jewelry, textiles, pottery, paintings, woodworking, and more at River Walk Artisan Shows. Check our event calendar for the next River Walk Artisan Show!
River Walk Artisan Show
Look for this: January 17-19, 2025
Support local and shop authentic San Antonio at the River Walk Artisan Show! The downtown portion of the River Walk becomes lined with booths featuring handmade jewelry, artwork, textiles, woodwork and more. Artisan Shows are held throughout the year and are always free to attend!
River Walk Mardi Gras Artisan Show
Look for this: February 28-March 2, 2025
Support local and shop authentic San Antonio at the River Walk Mardi Gras Artisan Show! The downtown portion of the River Walk becomes lined with booths featuring handmade jewelry, artwork, textiles, woodwork and more. Artisan Shows are held throughout the year and are always free to attend!
Bud Light Mardi Gras River Parade & Celebrations
Look for this: March 1, 2025
Catch beads, bling, and fun at the River Walk’s family-friendly Mardi Gras River Parade and Festival. Expect the best in jazz music at JazzFest and then be sure to check out the Mardi Gras River Parade as we celebrate Mardi Gras Alamo City style!
Plus, don't miss our Mardi Gras Artisan Show!
Bud Light St. Patrick's River Parade & Celebration
Look for This: March 15-16, 2025
The San Antonio River Walk becomes the River Shannon during St. Patrick’s Festivities at the St. Patrick's River Dyeing sponsored by Mad Dogs British Pub. Not only do we dye our river green – with eco-friendly dye, of course, but you can catch live entertainment at Arneson River Theatre, a festival at La Villita, and our spectacular St. Patrick’s River Parade, complete with bagpipes, entertainment, and more!
Plus, don't miss our River Walk St. Patrick's Artisan Show!
River Walk St. Patrick's Artisan Show
Look for this: March 14-16, 2025
Support local and shop authentic San Antonio at the River Walk St. Patrick's Artisan Show! The downtown portion of the River Walk becomes lined with booths featuring handmade jewelry, artwork, textiles, woodwork and more. Artisan Shows are held throughout the year and are always free to attend!
Texas Cavaliers River Parade
Look for this: April 28, 2025
Always held the first Monday of Fiesta San Antonio, the Texas Cavaliers River Parade began in 1941 when the Texas Cavaliers took note of river barges adorned with flowers in Mexico City. It continues today with river barges decked out in the vibrant colors of fiesta, music, entertainment, and more!
Ford Mariachi Festival
Look for this: April 29 - May 1, 2025
Stay for the Ford Mariachi Festival, held later during Fiesta, and watch local Mariachi and Folklorico performers drift down the San Antonio River Walk for three evenings. It’s the perfect entertainment to complement your relaxing Fiesta evening along the River Walk!
Plus, don't miss our River Walk Fiesta Artisan Show!
Stella Artois Drift & Dine
Look for this: May 20-22, 2025
How would you like to float through the heart of San Antonio while stopping at your favorite River Walk restaurants to sample their offerings and enjoy an evening of great company?
That’s just what you can expect at Stella Artois Drift & Dine! Savor the flavors of the San Antonio River Walk and float through a journey of culinary flavors and fusions.
Pride River Parade & Celebration
Look for this: June 7, 2025
Let’s get loud and proud at the Pride River Parade and Celebration! Created by Visit San Antonio to celebrate the Alamo City’s LGBTQ+ community, you can expect live entertainment, performances, and a lot of fun at the Pride River Parade. The fun doesn’t stop at the River Parade; celebrations and festivities continue throughout the day at La Villita Historic Arts Village!
River Walk Live!
Look for this: June 19, 2025
You don't want to miss this FREE concert series on the 3rd Thursday of each month!* Up-and-coming artists from all musical genres take the stage at Arneson River Theatre at River Walk Live! Join us for an evening of music under the stars!
*No concert series held in April or November.
Salute at Sunset, Sponsored by Budweiser
Look for this: July 4-6, 2024
San Antonio pays homage to the brave men and women in all branches of the United States Armed Forces at Salute at Sunset sponsored by Budweiser. Festive floats celebrating both active and retired members of all branches of our country’s military float through the heart of San Antonio – join us!
River Walk Live!
Look for this: July 17, 2025
You don't want to miss this FREE concert series on the 3rd Thursday of each month!* Up-and-coming artists from all musical genres take the stage at Arneson River Theatre at River Walk Live! Join us for an evening of music under the stars!
*No concert series held in April or November.
Ford Parade of Lights
Look for this: August and September 2025
You haven’t seen the River Walk lit up like this before! River barges adorned with unique lighting displays light the Alamo City night during the Ford Parade of Lights. See ten 26-foot-long river barges drift through the River Walk with extraordinary exhibitions on an unforgettable evening.
River Walk Live!
Look for this: September 2025
You don't want to miss this FREE concert series on the 3rd Thursday of each month!* Up-and-coming artists from all musical genres take the stage at Arneson River Theatre at River Walk Live! Join us for an evening of music under the stars!
*No concert series held in April or November.
Rey Feo Superhero River Parade
Look for this: September 2025
Each year, the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation puts on the annual Rey Feo Superhero River Parade, inviting young and old to meet their favorite superheroes in an evening of live entertainment, food, drinks, and, of course – a river parade! Rey Feo, translated to “Ugly King” in English, is a Fiesta thing – trust us- a non-political, non-profit that dates to 1947. Proceeds from this event go toward scholarships for high school seniors to pursue college and university education regardless of race, color, religion, or gender.
River Walk Live!
Look for this: October 2025
You don't want to miss this FREE concert series on the 3rd Thursday of each month!* Up-and-coming artists from all musical genres take the stage at Arneson River Theatre at River Walk Live! Join us for an evening of music under the stars!
*No concert series held in April or November.
Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade
Look for this: October 2025
San Antonio is the premier location to celebrate Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, with its many festivals, commemorations, and celebrations. Join us for the Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade, where you’ll see festive barges decorated with altars, catrinos, and catrinas, and costumed characters paying homage to the occasion and celebrating the life and memories of loved ones past. The festivities continue all weekend long at La Villita Historic Arts Village!
Dia de los Muertos (MuertosFest) at Hemisfair
Look for This: October 2025
Separately, at Hemisfair District, the Dia de los Muertos (Muertos Fest) celebrations invite you to live music celebrations, a procession, altars, and more. Find more information at muertosfest.com.