UPDATE: The Wishing Lantern event will be held on August 24 rather than during the winter for more…read morefavorable weather conditions. The launch will begin at 8PM. 5 lantern selling areas will be available and lanterns are $5 each (cash encouraged) from 5-10:30 p.m. or until sold out. Only one credit card station will be available. You can pre-order lanterns online. Pre-orders can be picked up at the will-call station located at 368 E. Market Street. ******************************************************** The Riverwalk at night is beautiful. But imagine the splendor of viewing it filled with thousands of lanterns in multicolored hues floating downstream. This year's Wishing Lantern event was truly a sight to behold. It only happens once a year, but this is one event you should try to experience if you're visiting the Alamo City or just a local who has not had a chance to take part in the Confucious Wishing Lanterns ceremony held annually in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year. The 2nd Annual CWL event took place February 9 of this year (2019). Eco-friendly rice paper lanterns and lotus flowers of all colors were placed into the waters of the San Antonio River at dusk. The tone of the evening was reverent and reflective as masses gathered along the riverbanks. Messages were written on many of the lanterns to honor and memorialize loved ones who have passed on, and many of them had wishes and dreams scrolled along the sides. The experience was quite magical. The Parade of Lanterns is also taking place each evening from 7-9PM now through February 23. Riverboats carrying life-sized lanterns will be floating through the downtown portion of the Riverwalk; so if you're dining at a restaurant with the view of the river, request a window seat! Updated info for the event can be found at thesanantonioriverwalk.com webpage for event details, launch points, weather delays, and lantern sales. Admission is free and the event is perfect for all ages. I highly recommend attending if you haven't yet had the opportunity.

This is a really cool venue for summertime jazz, but it does get packed early. The event runs for…read morefour *sweltering* Fridays each July and starts at 7:30pm sharp (jazz musicians are prompt, it's a fact - look it up if you don't believe me). Tips for your first visit: It takes place in the amphitheater right outside of the food court and movie theater. The audience is in the shade by 6:30pm but it's still HAWT - bring water folks! They usually have two or three performers, with the headliner going on at 9:00pm. No coolers allowed since they sell beer and wine at the event. People set up chairs 5 days before the event. If you have a small group of 5 or 6 peeps you can roll in around 630pm and get a decent spot. Not the best view, but still a good spot to chill out and listen to the tunes. VIP area available too - PM me for tips on sneaking into that - I only share it with select people LOL. ;-) Not sure if they have port-a-potties or not, but I recommend using the indoor facilities located in the food court, right behind Goomba's Pizza Food trucks and beer booths on the premises. If the lines are too long at those, mosey on inside to the food court and get something pretty quick (and enjoy the air conditioning). Look for the Balcones Heights Fire Department ladder truck - they give FREE rides in the bucket and you get to view the entire venue! Do it early, because they shut down before the concert is over. Final and MOST important tip: Stay out of the fountain - the po-po will shut your party down! :)

Wonderland of Americas (aka Wonderland Mall or Crossroads Mall) lagoon area amphitheater is a great…read morevenue for the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival. It really is beautiful out there. The only complaint I have... it's July... and it's HOT!!! I attended the first event of the year 07/07/17 with local bluesman Ruben V (featuring Melina) opening for Rick Braun. I love Ruben V as I have been a fan for many years. The headliner Rick Braun was amazing!!! So much energy! and I love watched him switch up his trumpets. Balcones Heights Jazz Festival is FREE!!! I'm all about free events!!! Outdoor seating on the amphitheater lawn is on a first-come, first-served basis. You many start sitting your chair out on Mon... but after the show on Fri night, you must take it with you. Then come back on Mon to set it up again. (I know, crazy right?! Other events that I know of will let you do it like earlier same day but having chairs sit out there all week is just asking for trouble! I'm sure they blow all over the place or could be stolen. It really just looks tacky. Sorry being honest here.) Food and beverages are available for purchase from local vendors at a variety of booths, as well as the food court just inside the doors of Wonderland of the Americas. BHJF is family friendly but probably not pet friendly so leave the fur babies at home. Just remember it's hot so come prepared for the heat and stay hydrated. The mall has plenty of parking but get there early for best parking. On my way out, I took a pic of the CPS electric plug in stations. NO cars were plugged in... and ALL cars were not electric. To me, that is not only rude but should be illegal. If I had an electric car and need a plug, I would have been pissed! Well, I'm still mad, and that is why I took a pic and bringing it up. I feel mall security needs to be on alert about that. (pic was not uploaded here but it's on the mall page https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=e9OYmJlKyoC2MakLnAPJog&userid=Upa-u-26_RVnjoFsIimjaw) A big shout out to the Balcones Heights and Wonderland of Americas for hosting this annual event for over 20 years. Balcones Heights Jazz Festival is such a great community event!

As of late I have noticed our city is quickly becoming the "It" place. This has been a result of…read moreboth elbow grease and love. With each new day brings a new bar, restaurant, shopping spot, coffee house etc. It's no wonder tourists and locals are discovering and rediscovering what our town truly has to offer. However, I have noticed as far as musical venues as well as events are concerned they have been slow in coming. But with the 2nd Annual Maverick Festival of 2014 I think that that might change. Like Austin's SXSW and ACL which makes that city relevant, last years festival was a success. It was interesting to see how a two day event versus a one day one would fair. And it appeared to work. I like how they mixed relatively new acts with cult followings and paired them with already established ones. For example Friday's lineup had trip~hop artist, SZA opening for Roky Erickson, who plays psychedelic era music from the 60's. Or better yet having grunge darlings, Candlebox on the same bill as Twin Shadow on Saturday seemed a bit odd. And yet it seamlessly worked out. The choice of La Villita Square as the musical venue to host the event was a pretty bold move and yet it paid off. I would have liked to have seen a festival of this magnitude at the Sunken Gardens, which is more spacious, but downtown was a good location as well. The staff and the sound (p.a) were immaculate. Lines for will call and to enter were never more than a few people deep. I think the first day I went there seemed to be some issues with entering and leaving, even with a wristband but by the next day those minor details had been ironed out. The festival's overall presentation of the show itself and stage setup were all top notch. Another thing that helped bolster it was adding a second and third stage respectfully on The Arneson Theatre and Juarez Plaza with local acts. Seeing bands like Carlton Zeus and Sunday, who were rocking out to barges of tourists on the Riverwalk, was certainly not lost on me. The ampitheatre was filled to the brim with punk rockers, metal-heads, skaters, families, unabashed selfies, etc. It seemed to be a celebration where every race, age, gender and socioeconomic one could imagine was welcomed. Since you were given a wristband on admission you could go and come as you pleased. This gave participants free rein to eat from the various food trucks there or have a drink elsewhere, which I'm sure people did. Or have one inside the show itself, as they were selling margaritas, mixed drinks of all sorts and Lite beers. There seemed to be this overwhelming laissez faire vibe and containment coexisting at the same time. While I did have a good time and the overabundance of acts meant there was something for everyone, I did leave with some concerns. 1.) The pricing for one day compared to two seemed a bit steep. And on the second day of the festival having the other stages for free probably had participants opting for the latter and keeping them away from the main acts. 2.) Sound checks bled into other artists set times and created that dreaded dead space. I would have doubled or tripled the back line for gear. And had volunteers help bands put and take stuff off the stage, which cuts down on time. 3.) With some artists thrown off schedule instead of having a stage for local acts elsewhere why not have it by the main stage instead. Pick select bands with a local draw and let them play while the sound on the main stage is situated. I really enjoyed myself at the Maverick Festival. Both days offered unique artists and I was exposed to new music I might not encounter otherwise. I found myself speculating which artist would blow up nationally, like Gary Clark Jr. did last year. I'm sure people will debate its success or ineffectiveness in the coming months, year. But in the bigger scheme of things this lifts our profile. Soon, you won't have to leave your city to see your favorite band. Very soon...

This year was my second time going to the Maverick Music Festival and I had so much fun at both. I…read morereally love what San Antonio has turned into without losing its San Antonio-ness. Both Public Enemy and The Flaming Lips put on a great show. I loved the stage with all the lights, colors, and confetti. La Villita is such a cool place with so much potential and it's nice to have it used for an event like this. I heard a rumor that this was the last Maverick Fest and I'm really hoping that's not true. I love the location because once it was over I easily walked my way over to Azuca and continued my night dancing salsa. I like that the wristbands are for both days for the festival and you can come in and out, that was really great.

The Day of the Dead Festival in downtown San Antonio keeps getting better every year!…read more This year the festival took place all over Hemisfair park (included the new section) as well as La Villita. The festival had numerous food and beverage vendors, as well as other activations from big brands. The festival also included live music happening all across the park with the main stage at the new section of the Hemisfair. My favorite part about the festival were the giant alebrijes they had across the festival. I've always been fascinated with alebrijes so to see them in a large is really espectacular. The reason why I am giving the festival four stars instead of five is because of the altares. I was born and raised in Mexico, and grew up with altares all my life. With that being said, altares have RULES and there are things that MUST be included in order for them count as one. For example, all altares must be three levels, must have water, salt, a path with marigolds, pan de muertos, etc etc. NONE of the "altares" around the festival were even slightly close to representing a real altar that you would find in Mexico. If they are going to make a contest out of it, they should at least require for them to have the minimum requirements. Day of the Dead is a very important day for many of us, and to see it represented with such a lack of care is very disappointing. With that being said, I would still come back to the festival and would take advantage of all the free activations they have throughout the day.

A great family & pet friendly free event. A lot of walking…read moreand creative alters to see. Do face painting first. Bring something to sit on (towel, sheet) to sit and watch entertainment.

My first and last Wassailfest. They tried to duplicate the Christmas Market atmosphere in Europe…read more Very difficult to do for one 3 hour (6-9PM) block of time on a single evening. Instead it was just a mass of people milling around downtown New Braunfels. Very long lines for mini sized paper cups of wassail. Just a mess.

Wonderful time! Great feeling of community and small town warmth. New to this beautiful town and…read moreso happy we made the move!

Helotes Cornyval is a 61 year old celebration honoring the agricultural roots of Helotes . This…read moreevent also celebrates the local corn harvest and is filled with 4 days of carnival, food, crafts rides and deals. My favorite was the lemonade and the Choctaw hoop dances. Parking is free in the field adjacent to the school but you'll have to walk just a little bit to get to the gate. A generous man on a golf cart was gracious enough to offer us a ride to the gate. Admission was $20 for adults and immediately to the right of admissions was the beautiful pony rides and petting station! After getting my lemonade and smelling the corn dogs and candy apples I walked around the many vendor booths and finally enjoyed the hoop dance by the Choctaw nation. There was something there for everyone including live music under the shaded band stage. Until next year, Helotes. Cornyval!!

We haven't been to the cornyval yet but we very much enjoyed the tamed down bull run rodeo in…read moreOctober. It was less crowded. Entertaining and friendly for all ages. The highlight was the huge cotton candy for $5, the Grand Entry was impressive and it is a great introduction to anyone who hasn't seen a rodeo before, the funny clown, music and of course the edge of your seat bull riding.

First of all, where in the heck are the restrooms??? This event was held in Hemisfair Park and…read morethere were NO restrooms, porta potties, or otherwise. I asked someone where the restrooms were and they told me across the street at La Villita. I ran across the street, only to find the place deserted and the restrooms locked up. I ran to the nearest hotel and relieved myself there (inside the hotel restroom of course, not outside the hotel). Now that I've relieved myself, I'm back at the event in Hemisfair Park. Here are the things I liked: The entertainment on the main stage. I got to experience the dancing, the culture, and traditions of the Indian people. Lots of different dance performances happening all night on the main stage. They were all very well choreographed and fun to watch. There were plenty of Indian food booths and beer available. All of them took cash and credit cards - you don't have to stand in line to buy tickets and then stand in line again to buy food or drinks. Ya' gotta appreciate that folks. Then there's the dance floor in the middle of the park with an awesome DJ playing a mix of American and Indian tunes. This part was really fun, everyone was dancing and having a great time. Make sure you stay for the fireworks. Here are the things I didn't like: The crowds. It wasn't as bad as NIOSA, but it was still pretty crowded. The lines for the food booths weren't long, but it was difficult trying to determine who was in line, who was standing around, and who was just walking through. But pretty much any festival is this way I guess. And I think I mentioned this before... where in the heck are the restrooms???

Namaste! This San Antonio celebration is such a great way…read moreto take in San Antonio's Indian and Hindu heritage! Diwali is a huge celebration in India, and this evening-time celebration is a fantastic scene. Expect lots of beautiful colors, where local Indians bring out their brightest saris and coolest jewelry. They do some music, and dancing, so kick off them shoes and participate in some Bollywood dance numbers while you take in the lights and music of the subcontinent. They always have food trucks and local Indian community members serving up copious quantities of Briyani, curries and chutneys. Be sure to get some Lhassi, a yogurt drink. They've moved this festival around downtown a bunch since San Antonio started doing it- so check the Current if you're looking for the when and where. My favorite Diwali moment was when they had the celebration at the Hemisfair, and they sold cheap little boats with candles that celebrants launched into the fountains, and they did a laser light show to some Asha Bhosle music! Hare Krishna! Hare Krishna! Hare Krishna! Be sure to check out this annual celebration. It'll take you straight from San Antonio to Mumbai!

The music and the good food is a great reason to go. However it does get hot in San Antonio so wear…read morea cap or hat or take a small umbrella. Oh dont forget your hand held fan.

What started for me as a volunteer event ended with loads of fun, laughter and fantastic food and…read moremusic! This is a three -day event takes place yearly during Fiesta at the Sunken Garden Theatre. Parking is difficult because SO MANY people attend but the VIA buses offer low-rate rides to and from all Fiesta events. This is a cashless event so you'll have to purchase entry and food/ride credits either online or at one of the booths at the event. I can't detail enough how good the food was....i just can't! You can find almost every New Orleans food and drink at this event and you'll want to go back for more, as I did. Be prepared to dance all day and night to the live jazz music by the various bands. I will be going again next year to try more of the foods and drinks that I missed out on! This event is for everyone, they even have small rides and bounce houses for the kids!

Most of this food is cheap carnival food, but there is one African American team with a 50 foot…read moresmoker cooking wood smoked whole turkey legs. They are not with the other barbecue competitors but in the festival area. The Schertz Park Commission always puts on good festivals, but they need to offer more upscale food trucks. The bands were great as always. My big complaint was the parking area was about 3 football fields away. They kept the closest spots for the bbq competitors. We are the paying customers.

I think if you want to see the basic mechanics and setup of how this event works, you can refer to…read morethe other reviews. This is the most expensive of all Fiesta Events, as far as admission. The $100 dollar per ticket price tag includes four drink tickets, an unlimited sampling of all food items. There is no on-site parking, ride share options are relegated to certain areas. Three pick up and drop off locations throughout the event transport you by charter bus to the event. I'm probably stating the obvious at this point. I can only explain why my experience was underwhelming. Firstly heeding the advice of other Yelpers I got here early. Initially all the lines were at a minimal. I made a beeline for The Orginal Donut Shop only to find a health inspector, who (in)conveniently decided to check foods right at opening time. Whilst waiting people began filing in, adding to the already growing manicotti moshpit. By seven o' clock most lines wrapped around walkways. The result were patrons pushing, grinding and bumping their way through. A huge factor was the spacing of booths. This created traffic and you couldn't tell where one line began and another one ended. It was a huge clusterFUDGE! The thinking by fiesta goers is that the exorbitant price will filter out people, the elements that make the other events unpleasant; ie. overcrowding. This could not be further from the truth. On the contrary quarters were very tight. Anywhere you stand is to be in someone's way. In addition performance stages were brilliantly placed nearby food and drink booths. For example The Spazzmatics were performing right next to a barbecue and an Italian food vendor. It's like you could get a slider and rock out to Devo's" Whip it" at the same time. This made absolutely no logistical sense. I read another review that said that this is a classy affair. To me that is very subjective. It has more to do with selection than presentation. At that capacity most of the businesses were not out of the ordinary. In addition some vendors offered healthy sized samplings, like the Snooze Eatery A.M. But for the most part samples were bite size. I saw people wait an eternity in line just for a meatball. I'm wondering in the VIP area, which I never saw, if the selection was much better? Krispy Kreme did offer a donut shish kabob. And on the drink end I must confess I'm not into wine. Nor the spirits for that matter. I fancy myself a beer drinker and the selection would shock even Howard Stern. Mind you HEB was giving away free wine samples. But on the beer front they only had Stella Artois, Bud light and Karbach, which is basically Budweiser. For future reference they should at least raise their beer profile. Otherwise just serve me a Mickey's Bigmouth in a brown paper bag. Factoring in everything the vibe was very frat house meets a food sampling at HEB Central Marketplace. I understand that this event is for a good cause. I definitely would not take that away from them. However this event made me miss the grit, the campiness of all other fiesta events. The irony of fiesta is that it embraces royalty then mocks it. At this event fiesta-goers bask in class, status and super cool Stella Artois glasses, courtesy of the VIP section. Will I ever attend this again? Let's say as a San Antonian I have a Fiesta Check Off list. "Taste of the Northside." I did it. Now scratch it off.

Why haven't I ever been to this event?? It's awesome!! $85 presage, $100 at the door for general…read moreadmission. I'm told VIP status is $250, but that is unconfirmed at this time. I'm happy with general admission: 5 drink tickets and all you can eat from 50 or so restaurants. Fast food types all the way to Mimosa and Tejas de Brazil, Texas Roadhouse, sushi zushi, too many to name. Some are true sample size, others are fill-you-up size. You can go back as many times as you wants. So if you just have a few favorites, knock yourself out. Me, I eat it all. Ha, ha. Alcohol: Deep Eddy vodka, Avon tequila, serving full size margaritas for 2 tickets. By the way, more drink tickets can be bought 2 for $15, after you blow your free five tickets. Yeah, baby. Go there next year. By the way, all proceeds benefit the Brighton Center, doing good for children with various disabilities. 04/24/19 We like the way they opened it up in the back. How does Sonterra really feel about all of us tromping on their golf course? Anyway, it was the usual great event. Beer, wine and cocktail stations abound! They were everywhere. Each cocktail station prepared a different drink. The standouts: watermelon margarita, creamitini and the como la flor (yes, for Selena). They topped it with a small flower. Among the food: the Rustic, Kirby's, Pesto, So Hill Cafe, the Hollow, Cover 3, Maggiano's, Whiskey Cake, so, so many others. Music on at least 3 stages. Photo booths. What we really like is that you can park at various locations and be shuttled in. A bit of an adventure last night, though. Our bus driver wasn't too sure about how to get to some of the parking venues. One of the riders moved up by the driver to guide him. It is pretty dark out there. All in all, another great experience. If I may state however, more trash cans are needed as well as a more frequent emptying of them. Go there.