10 can’t-miss San Antonio festivals happening in 2026
These San Antonio festivals provide great entertainment. Check out classic cars, support local nonprofits, embrace cultural traditions, and so much more.
It’s hard to believe a new year is almost upon us. As the calendar turns and we bid adieu to 2025, it’s never too early to start planning for 2026. That means saving the date for San Antonio festivals happening throughout the year.
From a haven for coffee aficionados to the largest Day of the Dead celebration in the U.S., these ten San Antonio festivals are absolutely worth attending.
San Antonio Coffee Festival
Feb. 7
Civic Park at Hemisfair: 210 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205
If you can’t start the day without a cup of joe—I’m drinking some out of a Yoshi mug as I write this—the San Antonio Coffee Festival is for you. Sporting the cutest mascot of any San Antonio festival, this event has multiple VIP tiers for the most devoted coffee drinkers. With coffee workshops, over 30 roasters, and more than 80 varieties of coffee on tap, you can sample to your heart’s delight (and likely leave highly caffeinated).
Should you need more, the San Antonio Coffee Festival welcomes food vendors to pair tasty snacks with your java. You can also purchase items from local art vendors, and you’ll likely add a new coffee mug or two to your collection at home. Live entertainment keeps the vibes going strong all throughout the event.
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
Feb. 12-Mar. 1
723 Frost Bank Center Dr, San Antonio, TX 78219
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is nearly three weeks of steer-ific entertainment. Watch riders from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association compete in events such as bareback riding, team roping, saddle bronc riding, and barrel racing. Specialty acts like the Charreada performance, mutton bustin’, and the calf scramble are must-see events.
In between rodeo performances, cruise around the fairgrounds for carnival rides, good eats, and cool souvenirs. The livestock show is also a nice chance to see animals up close. Hank Williams Jr., Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, and Ludacris lead a strong lineup of musicians rocking the fairgrounds stage.
San Antonio Folklife and Dance Festival
March 20-22
Multicultural Activities and Recreation Center on the Our Lady of the Lake University Campus: 411 S.W. 24th St, San Antonio, Texas 78207
The San Antonio Folklife and Dance Festival (SAFDF) has hosted workshops for nearly 70 years, exploring the city’s tradition of international folk dance, music, and a lovely sense of togetherness. The festival is a three-day celebration of the best aspects of dance, led by a trio of impressive instructors: Tineke Van Geel (American dances), Maurits Van Geel (Dutch, Romani, and Caucasus dances), and Andy Taylor-Blenis (international dances and stretches).
It’s a jam-packed schedule that combines teaching and performing. The whole event feels like a party as you get into the rhythm and lose yourself in the music. Thankfully, there are also ample breaks for stretching and recovering from putting in the work. It’s important to stay limber, after all.
Highland Games & Celtic Music Festival 2026
March 28-29
12210 Leslie Rd, Helotes, TX 78023
The San Antonio Highland Games & Celtic Music Festival has brought the Scottish Highlands to the Lone Star State for 25 years. There are over 30 clans in attendance, and you can find out if your family name is Scottish and learn more about your clan. The Highland Games features athletes from around the world competing in traditional feats of strength, including the caber toss, sheaf toss, hammer throw, and stone put. Previous games have witnessed world records being set, so you may just see history being made.
The other forms of entertainment outside of the games are also marvelous. Interact with highland coos (cows with the most stylish hair), Scottish dogs, a Viking encampment with live fight demonstrations, and a variety of local music. You’ll leave with a feeling as satisfying as a hearty serving of haggis.
CarFest SA
April 10–12
Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall: 3201 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78219
I recently got a new car, but I should have waited until CarFest SA in April. That’s because the auto show is giving away 10 cars over the weekend. Even if you’re not in the market for a new ride, it’s fun to admire the more than 100 vehicles on display, from classic cars to custom builds. And if you attend on Friday, you can enjoy an evening cruise-in and MMA fights that keep the entertainment going.
Perhaps the best part of all? It’s absolutely free to attend, with local retailers and food trucks offering items for purchase. Join the community and check out one of the coolest shows on the road. Who knows? You could drive out of there in a new set of wheels.
Poteet Strawberry Festival
April 10-12
9199 TX Hwy 16, Poteet, TX 78065
Poteet is the Strawberry Capital of Texas, and the Poteet Strawberry Festival proudly proclaims itself “where strawberries grow & good times flow.” And you will certainly get your fill of strawberries, with sampling and purchasing opportunities from local growers. The event also features the Poteet Strawberry Festival Court, offering a glimpse of hometown royalty.
Beyond the strawberries, there’s a lively atmosphere throughout the weekend thanks to a nonstop lineup of music and performers. Whether you indulge in bull riding and rodeo demonstrations, auctions and food shows, or dance along with big, vibrant bands, you’ll have a berry good time everywhere you turn.
Síclovía
April 12
Broadway St between Parland Pl and McCullough Ave
While CarFest is an ode to cars, Síclovía is a celebration of walking, biking, and exercise. The YMCA of Greater San Antonio hosts this annual event, and 2026 marks the 24th installment of Síclovía and the organization’s 150th anniversary. It’s among the most active San Antonio festivals you can partake in throughout the year.
Broadway Street gets shut down as people (and their pets) walk, run, cycle, skateboard, and do just about any other activity besides driving. There are no cars to worry about, and guests can enter and exit at any time. The route connects city parks that feature Reclovía areas hosting group exercise classes, live music, and spots to eat and grab water.
Fiesta San Antonio
April 16-26
Multiple locations across San Antonio
Fiesta San Antonio got its start in 1891 as a way to honor the participants of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. That element is still part of the ceremonies, but Fiesta has evolved into a city-wide gala that features more than 100 San Antonio non-profit organizations putting on over 100 events across a week and a half. Fiesta is huge for the city’s economy, too, supporting nearly 3,500 jobs and contributing north of $340 million in sales. Additionally, there’s a collectible element, with various organizations offering medals for sale.
The Battle of San Jacinto took place on April 21, 1836, so Fiesta celebrations typically occur around that date. This year will once again feature the Miss Fiesta competition, and there are activities for any interest you can imagine. A few highlights include the Fiesta Pooch Parade presented by Therapy Animals of San Antonio; the Fiesta Jazz Festival and Oyster Bake from St Mary’s University; and the Fiesta Women & Co-Ed Soccer Tournament, hosted by the Women’s Soccer Association.
Pumpkin Fest
TBD (typically the last weekend of September through the first weekend of November)
Rockberry Ranch, 995 W Gates Valley Rd, Poteet, TX 78065
Rockberry Ranch sits about 30 minutes south of downtown San Antonio, but it hosts one of the most fantastic fall festivals in the area. Pumpkin Fest is a month-plus of family-friendly pumpkin activities that would make Linus from “Peanuts” ditch his search for The Great Pumpkin. Unlike that mythical creature, we know Pumpkin Fest exists, and it’s always a good time.
Pumpkin Town offers endless opportunities for gourdgeous photos, and the U-pick pumpkin patch has a bounty of options to bring back home. If you’re not as much of a pumpkin fan, Rockberry Ranch has dazzling fields of sunflowers and marigolds to pick, as well. And when your feet get tired, take a break with a tractor wagon ride or mingle with llamas, goats, sheep, chickens, and ducks at the barnyard petting zoo.
Day of the Dead Parade
Oct. 23, other activities throughout October and into November
Multiple locations across San Antonio
There are many impressive Day of the Dead celebrations throughout Texas, but San Antonio takes the cake … er, the pan de muerto. The city has the most extensive festivities in the state and embraces the fact that nearly two-thirds of its population identifies as Hispanic. The River Walk hosts an annual parade showcasing creative themes brought to life, and there are altars, face-painting, and treats everywhere you look. It all adds up to a fantastic celebration of life that feels like one big party where everyone is welcome.
You can already buy tickets for the parade, though it’s worth planning a couple of days to fully enjoy everything going on, from Muertos Fest to special eats and drinks at restaurants. And be sure to enjoy the various vendors and artwork around La Villita. Last year’s festivities included several calaveras painted by local artists, plus the tallest Catrin and Catrina in the United States.
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