San Antonio Festival & Events

Festival & Events: September - December

Thorough effort has been made to provide accurate information. However, to avoid inconveniences, please reconfirm dates, ticket information, and other details. Changes and cancellations, though infrequent, do occur. While in town, visitors are invited to stop by the Visitor Information Center at 317 Alamo Plaza, or the visitor information kiosks at the San Antonio International Airport. Here is a sampling of some of our city's wonderful events and festivals:

September:

FotoSeptiembre USA
One of the three largest photography festivals in the country, this month-long celebration of photography includes innovative photographic techniques, multi-media presentations and traditional photographic images. For a full listing of events and sites visit the Office of Cultural Affairs website at Various venues around town.
Diez y Seis Events
Marking Mexico's independence from Spain, San Antonio celebrates with special events all over town. Events include a street parade with floats and marching bands, a gala, Market Square celebrations, festivals, dance presentations, and other special activities.
Jazz'SAlive
Two days of performances from the nation's top jazz entertainers, along with regional and local talent. Travis Park. Free.
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.

October:

International Accordion Festival
A two-day festival of music, dancing, food and fun which celebrates the versatility of the accordion and accordion-based international styles of music. Arneson River Theatre and La Villita. Free.
San Antonio New World Wine & Food Festival
A multi-cultural culinary festival focusing on the wines and foods of all the Americas with special emphasis on Texas and Mexico and dates coinciding with the celebration of el Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Various locations.

November:
El Dia de los Muertos. Translated literally as "the Day of the Dead," this important and ancient celebration in the Mexican cultural tradition is a celebration in which the family welcomes back departed loved ones, sharing the joys of life with them as their memories live on. Creative and respectful altars are set up with ofrendas around town at galleries, cultural centers, restaurants and elsewhere commemorating loved ones who have passed on. Cemeteries are popular with families decorating the graves, especially with some of holiday's staples of marigolds, pan de muerto (Dead Bread), sugar skulls and other traditional items. Poetry readings, and calavera processions (participants dress as skeletons) are typical events as well. Citywide. Some events have an admission charge.
Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony
Presented by the Paseo del Rio Association and the City of San Antonio. Held the day following Thanksgiving, the switch is pulled to turn on over 122,000 lights illuminating the River Walk until New Year's Day. Decorated floats wind through the river in one of the country's only nighttime river parades.

December:

Bazar Sabado
Just in time for the holidays, the best in folk art from Mexico is displayed for your enjoyment and acquisition (on a Saturday, of course). San Antonio Museum of Art.
Hecho a Mano: Made by Hand
A three-day art and craft sale where visitors can find unique jewelry, ceramics, textiles, sculpture and other items all "made by hand." Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center.
Alamo Bowl
Major college football comes to the Alamodome in San Antonio. It features fourth choices from teams that make up the Big 12 and Big Ten conferences.
Celebrate San Antonio
Ring in the New Year San Antonio style! Enjoy spectacular fireworks, live music on seven stages, food booths, family activities and more. On S. Alamo between Durango and Market streets; La Villita and HemisFair Park. Free.

WebLinks:
Valero Texas Open
International Accordion Festival
New World & Wine festival
Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony