Whether Trinity University brought you to San Antonio for the very first time or you’re a San Antonio native, we can all agree that San Antonio during Fiesta is like nowhere else. The lively mix of parades, music, food and dancing, all infused with a sense of community spirit and historical significance bring the city to life with vibrant decorations, from the iconic papel picado (paper banners) to elaborate floats adorned with flowers. However, if you are anything like me, you may be hesitant to dive head first into all the Fiesta fun once you see the cost of attending so many of these events. Ranging from about $10 to $30 per event, plus the cost of transportation and parking downtown, this hefty price tag can deter students from going at all. So, I’ve tasked myself with piecing together a guide to Fiesta 2024, highlighting free and inexpensive events, as well as those close to campus, to help students get involved in these celebrations that are so entrenched in the city’s culture.
In terms of free events, one of the largest and most popular is Fiesta de Los Reyes. Held at Historic Market Square (514 W. Commerce St.) daily from April 19 through April 28, this event features daily and nightly live performances, local food vendors and one of the largest mercados outside of Mexico. The full talent lineup can be found online, but be sure to stop by and partake in an unforgettable experience that celebrates the cultural heritage and spirit of San Antonio.
Another free event is the Fiesta Jazz Band Festival hosted by St. Mary’s University Department of Music that will take place April 26 through April 27. The Fiesta Jazz Festival offers a unique educational and musical performance experience for over 500 middle school, high school and college jazz student performers from across the state. The full schedule of events can be found on the St. Mary’s website, but be sure to stop by at 3 p.m. on the 26th to catch the Trinity University Jazz Ensemble perform.
If you’re willing to shell out the cost of admissions fees but are having trouble finding transportation to Fiesta celebrations across the city, you’re in luck. A handful of Fiesta events take place right near Trinitiy’s campus, just a short walk away for students hoping to attend. If you’re looking for a fair-like atmosphere but can’t make it all the way to Market Square, check out Alamo Heights Night at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). The event takes place on April 19, 5:30-11:30 p.m., on UIW’s campus, and features an outdoor block party with more than 80 booths offering delicious food, refreshing drinks, live entertainment, games and rides. Tickets are available for purchase both online and at the door, and general admission is $20, but a student discount is available, only $5 with a valid student ID.
Another nearby neighborhood favorite is the Fiesta Pooch Parade on April 27. Kicking off at the Alamo Heights Swimming Pool (250 Viesca St, San Antonio, TX 78209) at 9:30 a.m., this parade showcases dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds dressed up in creative and colorful costumes accompanied by their enthusiastic owners. If you’d like to join in with a furry friend of your own, registration is $30, but you can, of course, spectate free of charge, and the route can be found on the Therapy Animals of San Antonio website.
Perhaps the most iconic Fiesta event of all is the Battle of Flowers Parade, which will kick off at 10:30 a.m. and follow a 2.6-mile parade route through downtown San Antonio on April 26. As announced on the Trinity University website, Trinity will again take part in the parade after a several-year hiatus. Students are invited to join the celebration, with a Trinity team including faculty, staff, students and alumni, all coming together to celebrate and embark on the 2.6-mile trek through downtown San Antonio. The team is still looking for volunteers, which would be a wonderful way to take part in this historic celebration. Moreover, the announcement includes a reassurance to fans of LeeRoy, remarking that “YES, our iconic tiger-shaped helium balloon will be there with us!”
Finally, Trinity is further encouraging students’ participation in Fiesta with the Student Programing Board (SPB) offering a limited number of free tickets to “A Night In Old San Antonio” (NIOSA). This multi-day festival takes place in the historic La Villita neighborhood and is renowned for its festive atmosphere, delicious food and cultural showcases. Students with tickets will be provided with free transportation to the festival, as well as disposable cameras to capture the fun. While signups have already gone out, students are encouraged to fill out the sign-up form if they are interested, as there will be an in-person waitlist if any attendees fail to show up. More information about this event can be found on the SPB Instagram page.
Fiesta 2024 offers a myriad of opportunities for Trinity University students to immerse themselves in San Antonio’s vibrant cultural celebration. From free events like Fiesta de Los Reyes and the Fiesta Jazz Band Festival to nearby festivities such as Alamo Heights Night and the Fiesta Pooch Parade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.