Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    King William Fair

    3.8 (32 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated a few days ago

    King William Fair Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - King William Fair

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Marisa P.

    King William Fair is definitely the best family friendly fiesta event. The most beautiful neighborhood in San Antonio, art vendors, yummy food, and a parade that offers surprises on each float. This is an early one, and I would recommend heading down by 8 AM. This year the blast pass was a miss, hopefully they will either rectify the process or go back to tickets. Even with the hiccups this is still my favorite parade and I love seeing all of the artisans that come out every year.

    Jesus C.

    This fair is amazing. I thought I was walking into a small fiesta event but to my surprise the event is huge! There are so many booths with food and drinks. We had some chicken on a stick and chicken and waffles. There was a kids play area for smaller kids. Take lots of money because it goes fast. We didn't even get through half the fair because of how huge it is. I can't wait to go back next year.

    Fernanda F.

    This was my first year at King William Fair, and I can definitely say that "I can't wait for next year"! The King William district is honestly one of the most beautiful and historic places of our city and the state of Texas. I love that King William Fair allows you to appreciate the beauty of this district, and also let's local artists and vendors showcase some of their work at this official Fiesta event. The King William Fair is an eclectic mix of family-friendly, food-loving, artsy-fartsy, puro-San Antonio event...it honestly has a little bit for everyone! They even have a whole area just for kids, where they can jump around in different games, and have food catered specially for the little ones. They also have the more "grown up" area where you can find a bier garten with live music, and some of the Fiesta classics like Chicken on a stick, tacos, gorditas and my new favorite Pork Chop on a Stick (yaaas!). My recommendation for everyone would be: GET HERE EARLY! I made the huge mistake of arriving around noon, right when the sun was going to hit that max point of the day, and I was melting! There's nothing worst than walking in the Texas heat, with a warm beer in your hand.

    Mason A.

    The King William Fair takes you back to the hey-day of San Antonio with a modern twist! You have many booths to visit ranging from artists, food, eclectic items, and I'm sure this is an ever changing event based on vendors and sponsors each year. You won't be disappointed! Walking around the historically conserved homes in the King William District is awesome and provides much more shade than the other Fiesta events. So, if you ever find yourself bored on the last weekend of Fiesta, the King William Fair is a nice way to spend a day from 9am-8pm! Treat yourself, check it out like a

    Michelle K.

    I love the King William Fair we've been going for years. It's a party with a purpose. Even though I don't live there, I participate in many of their programs. It's the first time I've been back since 2018. They introduced something called BlastPass Credit. It's very convenient except that you don't know how much you have unless the merchant tells you or you keep close track of it. I bought a mangonada from one of the vendors and when I asked how much I had left instead of checking the balance they deducted the price of another mangonada which was $10. I didn't discover this until later when I bought something else. So please be very careful about your balance and potentially losing your credit because there's no refund. Other than that, it was a good time and a beautiful parade. There's still shopping if that's what you want to do plus live music and assortment of food vendors. I didn't take any pictures of the fair itself which is unlike me, I guess I was too busy enjoying it.

    Parade flair
    Jacqui M.

    This is my second year attending the event and I must say, there is something very unique about it. The flare of it all makes going entertaining. Vibrant colored Fiesta hats with out landish designs really inspire. The artists that line the streets of King William are absolutely amazing. One of a kind finds for the art lover in you. The food vendors well, what can I say. Not calorie conscious. Chicken on-a-stick, corn in-a-cup, and any street fare embibe you can think of. Parking is always costly but if you don't mind walking you can park for free and walk to the district. Admission and ticket purchase is required to partake in this amazing Fiesta tradition.

    My favorite Fiesta event! Poco de todo!
    Daniel C.

    I remember many years back I had a friend who lived on Guenther Street, who invited me to the King William Fair and parade. Back then it was free. It seemed like some alternative to the Fiesta, which at that point had become a bit stale and redundant. There were a few vendors, all artists with food and drink dispersed evenly. I still think of the parade that was half satire the other half, a jab at some of the residents there. The impression of college students wearing a costume of Sandra Cisnero's Purple House, at that time a big headache for the neighborhood association, is still etched in my mind. But now it has grown and morphed like one of the big, crazy hats you might see there. And yet of all of the Fiesta Events, it seems like the most mature(seemingly)of the lot. It is an amalgamation of the Oyster Bake and NIOSA. The last big event before Fiesta puts away its party hat for the year. That's what draws everybody to it in all honesty. I have noticed in recent years that it has become more family oriented and pet friendly. For example there is a section of the fair dedicated to children with rides and entertainment geared towards them. As I alluded to patrons walk their pooches with bright outfits, some as colorful as their owners; a pet sporting a Guayabera shirt. Throughout the streets there is ample opportunity to see the city's most beautiful historic homes. This is also an occasion where ladies and gentlemen come dressed to the nines. Women wearing mile-high wedge shoes.(I don't get that!) Men dressed in full Don Johnson mode ala Miami Vice fashions. In addition the smells and scents can be quite intoxicating, grills cooking fish to be made into tacos. Batter being whipped that will eventually become funnel cakes. The famous chicken on the stick, with jalapeño resides here. The King William Fair is definitely not for the diet conscious. As you weave your way through the huge crowds, every nook and corner is cohabited by drink, food or art. On the art front you will find booths from local and national artists. I saw huge paintings of cats, Dia De Los Muertos prints, purses, jewelry, candles, t-shirts, fancy mirrors, folk art etc. It is almost like where 1st Friday had left off before the fun was sucked away from it. Pieces ranged from inexpensive to Sotheby's prices. And certainly not to be outdone food and drink options have grown exponentially over the years as well. This year I saw a more local presence of items in full force. Such eateries as the Cove, Alamo Street Cafe, Stout's Pizza and Luke were selling their unique cuisines, unheard of in years past. There even seemed to be a greater sharing of wealth, as far as drink options were concerned, some vendors sold wines and craft beers. The Blue Star, Firestone Walker and local brewery Busted Sandal had brews on tap. One criticism of the King William Fair is that everything here is overpriced. And I agree to some extent. However, you have to factor in the cost vendors must put in to make it all happen each year. Divide, multiply, subtract supplies and the high price to actually rent a booth and it all adds up. Most of the revenue generated at this event goes to preserve this historic area and also to various charities throughout the city. Another critique is that it is overcrowded, again I do agree. But I think it reflects how Fiestas' popularity intensifies with each year. Locals and the growing trend of tourists who attend events, like the King William Fair should not be discounted. In each case it is best to factor in what your budget is, as far as how much you will spend, to include time and act accordingly. Yes, it is 10 dollars to get in. Yes, you will have to inevitably pay for parking somewhere. But even some investments, which in reality all Fiesta events truly are, are paid back in good memories with friends and family. ps A band did a cover of The Smiths, "There is a light that never goes out," to me, well worth the admission to get in.

    Angela F. W.

    4.5 star. It's only fitting to review King Williams fair when Fiesta is winding down. It's another favorite Fiesta events of mine besides Oyster Bake. The King William historic area is awesome to begin with. It's so beautiful and full of history. Hosting a fair/celebration in this lovely neighborhood is even better. I enjoyed walking around looking at all the houses decorated in fiesta themes, browsing and chatting with all the wonderful art and craft vendors, sampling fair food, and just having some random fun. I love art and the King Williams fair draws me to it because of that. I bought several small arts and crafts from local artists that were deff one of a kind. Those could make terrific gifts also. Two years ago, this artist guy had an open house during the King Williams fair. He had paintings on display and food and drinks in his house. The public was invited to come in to enjoy everything. That was a cool experience for sure. One downside though is the cost. It's a bit high I have to admit. For example, the same chicken on a stick is almost twice the price here than Oyster Bake. Plus all the arts and crafts I want to buy, I usually spent lots of money. For that reason, I've only been once so far.

    Lots of great shade that's much appreciated.
    Ron M.

    It's the last weekend of Fiesta and my favorite event comes along. King William Fair. Set in the historic King William neighborhood, these old, and many times historic homes, set a wonderful backdrop for the vendors and music acts. With a parade to start the day and dog's welcome throughout the day, it's a great start to the event. With a myriad of food and drink vendors. . . from many booths to food trucks, there is something for everyone. Throw in individual craft booths and you have yourself an all-in-one visitor experience. One thing I really like about the area are all the mature trees that line the streets. Much appreciated on a sunny, or even semi-sunny day. Nature's shade is the best. If you haven't been to this celebration, get to it next year! You won't be disappointed. See you in 2018!

    King William Fair (2018).
    John H.

    This was my second Fiesta event for 2018 and was such a nice way to spend the earlier part of my afternoon. I had only passed by this area a few times in my life, so to actually take the time to walk around and see some of the historic buildings of our city was a real pleasure. But what I really liked about this event was the people. It was crowded but everyone was having themselves a good time, from the various sellers on the side of the street, to the randoms you passed by. I saw a lady dressed up in some fun Fiesta garb and carrying around a picture of my boy, Coach Popovich. I had to get a picture with her! And she was all smiles about it! And if you have any friends who live in the area and decide to throw a private party, you'll have the best seats in the house.

    Patty T.

    Hands down THE BEST fiesta event to attend other than the Pooch Parade. I've been a Fiesta goer for years growing up and this year I was able to attend 11 events and this one is by far the best. I have to be honest ... it has the best layout for flow, the most beautifully dressed people, the most hospitable vendors, festival attendees, and volunteers. It's laid out so well, and there's maps and signs everywhere. The bathrooms are plentiful and the lines aren't bad at all. The vendor beer/wine lines are easy to get through because they have them fully staffed and that's the same for the food vendors and the lines for that too. I don't know what else to say but that it's a fantastic event in all aspects. You will need to purchase tickets/coupons to eat and drink. Pretty much every vendor for product goods accepted credit cards. We were able to buy ticket/coupons with our card too but cash is probably best. Parking is always an issue but sometimes it's not, that goes for every Fiesta event, you just get used to it. You are allowed to bring your lawn chair and blankets to the event but no ice chests. Dogs are welcome too. It's always so nice to see the beautiful homes, and the house parties they throw. It's just so nice and again, hands down the best dressed fiesta people are at this event. If you were saving a special fiesta outfit to wear for fiesta, this would be where you would want to wear it.

    See all

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jai C.
    544
    1528
    2530

    12 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Ron M.
    361
    468
    2779

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of G J.
    40
    50
    36

    13 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Curt C.
    2559
    4229
    1494

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kay T.
    1257
    644
    677

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - King William Fair

    Review Highlights - King William Fair

    Parking is always an issue but sometimes it's not, that goes for every Fiesta event, you just get used to it.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Local Flavor 462 times last month within 5 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Confucious Wishing Lanterns

    Confucious Wishing Lanterns

    5.0(1 review)
    0.5 miDowntown

    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.

    Photos
    Confucious Wishing Lanterns
    Confucious Wishing Lanterns
    Confucious Wishing Lanterns

    See all

    Balcones Heights Jazz Festival - Free to enjoy!

    Balcones Heights Jazz Festival

    4.3(12 reviews)
    6.5 mi
    $

    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!

    Photos
    Balcones Heights Jazz Festival - Jazz

    Jazz

    Balcones Heights Jazz Festival
    Balcones Heights Jazz Festival

    See all

    Fiesta Fiesta - Apr 2026 at Travis Park.

    Fiesta Fiesta

    4.3(20 reviews)
    0.3 miDowntown

    18 Apr 2024 There…read morewas lots of room at the HEB Plaza at the Alamodome. We got there a bit early thinking the people parade would start soon after the opening at 4pm. No, it would be about 6:30pm. Anyway, all the usual organizations were there hawking their wares and medals. KSAT was prominent with local celebrities mingling with the crowd. One food booth was selling mini tacos and a small cup of corn for $3.67 plus tax. The best food deal there. Beer was $10 for a 24-oz can. Not terrible. It was the weather that was miserable. Hot and muggy. No real shade to speak of. A few of those beer garden-type tall round can tables with an umbrella. Sweat was dripping off of me. The saving grace was we could use the indoor Alamodome restrooms. Many people were just staying inside, cooling down. So did I for a while. Despite all this, it's a nice event.

    I enjoy Fiesta Fiesta because it is a great, friendly environment that is a perfect kick off to…read moreFiesta. I am a medal collector so I enjoy all of the choices of medals to add to my collection. I like the entertainment and all of the festive hats and outfits! They even do a little parade of people so all of the hats and costumes can be seen. This event is nice because it is free and it is all around Hemisphere Park so it is spread out. The entertainment can keep you going until the fireworks display to top off the evening.

    Photos
    Fiesta Fiesta - Apr 2024 crowd shot

    Apr 2024 crowd shot

    Fiesta Fiesta - Fiesta Fiesta 2023.

    Fiesta Fiesta 2023.

    Fiesta Fiesta - Apr 2024 the yellow teletubby

    See all

    Apr 2024 the yellow teletubby

    Maverick Music Festival

    Maverick Music Festival

    4.6(7 reviews)
    0.4 miDowntown

    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.

    Photos
    Maverick Music Festival
    Maverick Music Festival
    Maverick Music Festival

    See all

    Dia de Los Muertos

    Dia de Los Muertos

    4.2(14 reviews)
    0.4 miDowntown

    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.

    Photos
    Dia de Los Muertos - Alter 10/23

    Alter 10/23

    Dia de Los Muertos
    Dia de Los Muertos

    See all

    Diwali Festival Of Lights

    Diwali Festival Of Lights

    4.8(4 reviews)
    0.3 miDowntown

    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!

    Photos
    Diwali Festival Of Lights
    Diwali Festival Of Lights
    Diwali Festival Of Lights - Our wishes

    See all

    Our wishes

    King William Fair - localflavor - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...