Updated Dec. 2024 for 2025: I love updating posts because it gives me a chance to reflect on a past trip and also to keep my readers ‘in the know.’ In conversation with Visit San Antonio, there are a few new additions to this year’s San Antonio Festivals and Events: The World Heritage Center will be opened in 2025, and the San Pedro Creek Culture Park.
Recognized as a City of the Year in 2024, the United Kingdom’s celebrated JRNY America Awards 2024 recognized San Antonio with three accolades, including naming it the U.S. City of the Year and Best Food City. Another meaningful honor for Visit San Antonio was the Bronze Award for Accessible Destination of the Year. San Antonio was the only city to take home the top award for two categories.
The city is poised to make this year equally remarkable with a lineup of significant openings and events scheduled throughout. This year, there are a variety of exhibitions, and old favorite San Antonio festivals are making a comeback. From lively festivals to cultural happenings, San Antonio promises an unforgettable experience you won’t want to overlook.
In addition to being the seventh-largest city in the nation, San Antonio is also one of the fastest growing in the U.S. with approximately 66 people moving to town each day. To keep up with this rapid growth, improvements are constantly being made to appeal to the ever-changing demographic and to always stay current.
San Antonio has experienced a renaissance on the culinary, hospitality, and cultural fronts as well as gained notable recognitions, such as being named one of only two UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in the U.S. San Antonio continued to evolve to make the next 300 years even better and paving the way for 2025 to be an incredible year.
Here is a preview of some of San Antonio’s newest offerings slated this year, as well as a round-up of some key annual events of particular note to keep in mind:
Seasonal Festivals
Ford Holiday Boat Caroling
November 28 to December 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 Christmas. Not a caroler yourself but still like to see carolers? Sit at your favorite River Walk restaurant and catch carolers drifting along the riverbank throughout the holiday season.
Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias
December 6 – December 22, 2024 – Experience the holiday serenity of the River Walk as you stroll along the lush banks of the San Antonio River guided by more than 2,000 Luminarias. This century’s old tradition begins at dusk on Friday, Saturday & Sunday only for three weekends in December ember. Luminarias are a traditional Mexican Christmas lantern originally consisting of a candle set in sand inside a small bag. View the Luminarias and listen to Ford Holiday Boat Caroling from a River Walk restaurant or bar while dining or sipping on a drink.
Illuminate at the San Antonio Botanical Garden
November 29, 2024 – January 12, 2025 One of the most beautiful Botanical Gardens that I have ever visited, I would encourage you to go to Illuminate at the San Antonio Botanical Garden to experience a breathtaking display of light and art. Produced by the internationally acclaimed Tianyu Arts & Culture, the luminous spectacle promises to dazzle visitors with hundreds of handcrafted lanterns that will transform the Garden into a mesmerizing wonderland of light and color.
Arts & Culture in San Antonio:
From classic attractions like the Riverwalk, the Alamo, and the city’s historic missions (which are collectively, with the Alamo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site), to a city-wide arts scene including contemporary art spaces.
World Heritage Festival
5 Days in Early September – The event will celebrate San Antonio’s cultural history, highlighting its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The missions are the only such UNESCO site in Texas.
The festival — put on by the City of San Antonio’s World Heritage Office — coincides with the Organization of World Heritage Cities Solidarity Day on Sept. 8. The day will be celebrated by other UNESCO cities around the globe.
NEW World Heritage Center
Estimated to be completed in February 2025, the new World Heritage Center will serve as a gateway to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Texas’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. It will provide educational opportunities and information on the history, art, and culture of the community around the missions.
Hopscotch Gallery
Hopscotch is an immersive and experiential brand that brings together artists in collaborative environments to create unique, impactful, and distinct shared experiences. It is an adventure in sight, sound, and sensory experiences with large-scale contemporary art pieces. Not to be missed,d this was one of my favorite stops during my recent visit to San Antonio.
San Antonio Museum of Art
A beautifully designed and curated collection, the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA), will transport you around the world and through five thousand years of art in a complex of buildings that once housed the Lone Star Brewery. From the Pop Culture collection of Latin America to the comprehensive Asian wing and the stunning Ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian Collection, there is something for everyone.
This museum is not to be missed. SAMA, the Witte, and DoSeum museums are all included in the official San Antonio CityPASS®)
Current Exhibition – Lovers & Fighters: Prints by Latino Artists in the SAMA Collection
April 2024 – April 2025 – Lovers & Fighters: Prints by Latino Artists in the SAMA Collection highlight works featuring imagery and subjects related to concepts of love, power, and struggle. The exhibition will be divided into four rounds, the last two of which will run from late 2024 to April 2025.
The leading exhibition in 2025 is Envisioning the Hindu Divine: Expanding Darshan and Manjari Sharma, which will be held from March 7 to July 6. This exhibit features forty historical objects from India and Southeast Asia and nine photographs by global contemporary artist Manjari Sharma.
Pearl Historic District
Historic Pearl District has been redeveloped and re-invented but it has been around since 1883. Located just north of downtown San Antonio, Pearl provides a unique experience as a top residential, culinary and cultural destination. With popular farmers markets on Saturdays and Artisinal market on Sundays, you can also enjoy live music.
The mixed-use space features retail, dining, picturesque green spaces, paseos riverside amphitheater, and the third campus of The Culinary Institute of America. As a former brewery operating from 1883 to 2001, Pearl reflects a vivid past while embracing the future. A fan favorite, Pearl is bursting with food and drink options, boutique shopping, festive seasonal events, and loads of local flavor.
Insider tip: stop by Bakery Lorraine for brunch or Southerleigh’s for dinner. There was also a great Taco Food Tour with Pearl Taco Tour with MOV Tour that I really enjoyed. Great history, a walk around this massive area and great food too!
San Pedro Creek Culture Park
Like what was successfully accomplished with the San Antonio River decades ago, another city’s major water source, San Pedro Creek Culture Park, will re-open in 2025. The first phase was completed in May 2018, and the first segment of the Creek is now open to the public.
It features public art installments, giant commissioned murals, and various other attractions. In total, the revitalization will add more than 60,000 linear feet of new walls (including the creek’s original, historic 1900s vintage walls), replace eight street bridges and add four miles of walking trails and 11 acres of landscaping.
During the restoration of the creek, archeologists have uncovered the cornerstone of the post-Civil War-era Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church, the first AME Church in San Antonio where Blacks worshiped autonomously and without restriction.
Notable Festivals in San Antonio FOR 2025:
San Antonio’s many festivals provide a renewed reason to visit the Alamo City each year. Here is a selection of some of the key celebrations taking place for 2025 that particularly contribute to the overall festive spirit of the city:
Cowboy Culture & Rodeos
San Antonio is the birthplace of the American cowboy. Yes, you read that right. Rope steering, bull riding, and busting broncos date back to the city’s earliest days with vaqueros on the Mission ranches.
In the past, when Spain ruled Texas, vaqueros (cowboys) filled Mission ranches to rope and round up cattle. Today, this vital culture still thrives throughout the dude ranches and old-time dance halls that dot the Texas Hill Country, providing plenty of opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in a truly authentic Western experience.
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, occurring from February 6 to 23, 2025, is San Antonio’s second-largest event, trailing only behind Fiesta. During the day, the fairgrounds come alive with family-friendly activities. You’ll find everything from an exciting expo hall and carnival rides to a wide selection of food stalls and shopping options. The highlight for many is the junior livestock show and other livestock competitions.
As evening falls, the action shifts to the arena, where guests are treated to high-energy pro-rodeo thrills. The excitement doesn’t stop there—each night concludes with a concert from an internationally renowned artist or band, offering a perfect ending to an unforgettable day.
Valero Texas Open
March 31 – April 6, 2025 – The Valero Texas Open returns in 2025bringing the best of the PGA tour to San Antonio. With 156 players and $9.3 million purse, this proves to be a popular golf tour stop. Sergio Garcia lent his unique perspective in assisting celebrated golfer and renowned golf course architect Greg Norman with the design of the par-72, 7,522-yard The Oaks course at TPC San Antonio; a part of the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa.
Fiesta
April 24 – May 5, 2025 – While New Orleans has Mardi Gras, the Alamo City has Fiesta, and if one celebration sums up San Antonio’s upbeat, welcoming and lively spirit, this is it. The 11-day celebration
Culinaria
Early in 2025 – Founded in 2000, Culinaria is one of San Antonio’s biggest and most impressive food festivals. The week-long event hosts a variety of happenings showcasing dishes from the city’s top restaurants and chefs, from casual to gourmet.
Mariachi Festival
April 29 – May 1, 2025 – This free, official Fiesta event features Mariachi bands and Folklorico dancers from local schools and colleges. This is the perfect time to sit outside, sip a margarita (as if you needed an excuse) and enjoy the music as it floats by. Barges randomly stop and play music. Each group wears a traditional mariachi costume or Folklorico dress. Free viewing along the entire 2 ½ mile downtown portion of the River Walk.
Mardi Gras River Parade & Other Celebrations
Falling in 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!
Bud Light St. Patrick’s River Parade & Celebration
March 15-16, 2025 Each year since 1968, the River Walk is magically transformed into the River Shannon through 25 gallons of eco-friendly green dye. This is a popular event on social media, and the transformation is fun to watch while sitting outdoors along a cafe or bar patio. A bagpiper plays on the dye boat as the river transforms into an emerald green color. Free viewing along the entire 2 ½ mile downtown portion of the River Walk.
Parade of Lights
August 29 – September 1 and September 5 – 7, 2025 – Celebrated over two weekends, the Ford Parade of Lights is held. Ten to 12 magically illuminated boats will float throughout the downtown River Walk. Floats depict different light themes and will have illuminated props. Enjoy the magically illuminated floats from anywhere along the downtown portion of the River Walk. This is a free event.
San Antonio Beer Festival
September, 2025– San Antonio’s thriving brewery culture may be best experienced at the annual San Antonio Beer Festival, which pours more than 400 beers from 125+ breweries throughout the world. In addition to casks of all kinds, the festival also features live music, food trucks and booths, local vendors and games.
Dia de los Muertos
Late Oct./Early Nov. – When it comes to Día de Los
Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade
October 24-26, 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!
Events for the Family:
San Antonio is one of the leading cities in the U.S. when it comes to attractions and accommodations for families, and for 2025 there are some exciting developments underway:
SEA LIFE Aquarium & LEGOLAND Discovery Center|
SEA LIFE is the world’s biggest aquarium brand and highlights impressive displays of diverse marine life. LEGOLAND Discovery Center will be the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground and will offers a range of themed LEGO play areas, creative workshops with LEGO Master Model Builders, LEGO-themed rides, party rooms for birthdays and other celebrations, as well as the popular MINILAND exhibit which will reflect the buildings and skyline of San Antonio. Check out this event in San Antonio
SeaWorld & Aquatica San Antonio
Visit SeaWorld and Aquatica San Antonio to see the Turtle Reef™, a turtle habitat that enables guests to get an up-close look at threatened and endangered sea turtles.
April 24 – May 18, 2025 – You are invited to the Fiesta Del Mar at SeaWorld San Antonio. Celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of South Texas meets the sea at Fiesta Del Mar.
Margarita Ibbott is a travel and lifestyle blogger. She blogs about travel in Canada, the United States and Europe giving practical advice through restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and other online media outlets.