Fiesta San Antonio returns April 16–26 for its 135th year, bringing 11 days of parades, food, music and cultural events to the Alamo City. 

What began in 1891 as a single parade honoring those lost at the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto has grown into one of Texas’ most beloved festivals and a citywide celebration of San Antonio’s cultural heritage. This year, Fiesta San Antonio includes more than 100 official events held across the city, with festivities unfolding at locations such as Travis Park, the River Walk, La Villita, St. Mary’s University and the King William Historic District. 

With more than 2.5 million attendees each year, the celebration draws visitors from near and far. For travelers, having a comfortable stay near the festivities will elevate the overall Fiesta experience. Several San Antonio properties are embracing the Fiesta spirit with parade-viewing packages, festive cocktails and special spa treatments.

The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio

For travelers wanting a comfortable stay with direct River Walk access, The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio offers a convenient option near Fiesta festivities. The property features 473 rooms and suites, with select accommodations offering private balconies and River Walk views. Guests can dine at Zocca Cuisine D’Italia, stop by Cafecito for coffee and grab-and-go bites, or unwind at the seasonal Pool Bar and outdoor heated pool after a day in the city. With its riverside setting and range of on-site amenities, the hotel offers a relaxing place to recharge between Fiesta events.

InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk

For travelers looking to balance Fiesta energy with a more refined stay, InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk offers an upscale retreat near the heart of the action. Opened in 2024, the AAA Four-Diamond hotel sits steps from the River Walk and features 390 guestrooms, including 20 suites, along with a rooftop heated pool overlooking the city. 

The hotel is also home to Cavalier, a bold American brasserie, High Praise, the stylish rooftop bar and lounge, Deco, a sleek and intimate lobby bar and Rosebelly, an artisanal coffee shop.

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk

For visitors wanting to experience one of Fiesta’s most iconic nights in style, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk offers a front-row seat to the Fiesta Flambeau Parade. Known as one of the country’s premier nighttime parades, the illuminated downtown spectacle draws thousands each year along its 2.6-mile route. The hotel is offering a special package at $199 that includes front-row parade seating, a high-top table for two, two specialty cocktails, and access to its Fiesta Block Party with a live DJ and full bar. 

San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter and San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk

For travelers wanting to stay in the middle of the Fiesta action, San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter and San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk offer central locations along the River Walk and within walking distance of downtown events. At the Riverwalk property, Current & Craft will host a Fiesta River Parade viewing experience on April 20, with reserved riverside tables and patio access just steps from the water. Food and drink offerings will include street tacos, churros, frozen margaritas, spiked shaved ice, beer specials and Sun Cruiser offerings.

At the Rivercenter property, Tributary will serve a limited-time Colada Caliente from April 16–26, blending Herradura Blanco tequila, coconut purée, fresh lime juice, and muddled jalapeño for a tropical-meets-spicy twist.

Omni La Mansión del Río and Mokara Hotel & Spa

Located just across the River Walk from one another, Omni La Mansión del Río and Mokara Hotel & Spa offer two distinct ways to experience Fiesta while staying close to the heart of downtown San Antonio. Throughout April, both properties are rolling out special Fiesta programming that blends festive food and drinks with opportunities to relax between events.

At Omni La Mansión del Río, guests can step into the Viva Fiesta pop-up bar at El Colegio, where colorful décor, specialty cocktails, and themed bites bring the spirit of the season indoors. The hotel is also offering Fiesta-inspired menu items at Four Brothers Southern Provisions and Ostra, including dishes like the Golden Duck Gorditas and a dressed-up San Antonio Chili Frito Pie, alongside other playful takes on local favorites.

At Mokara Hotel & Spa, the focus turns to unwinding after the crowds. Limited-time offerings at the hotel’s spa include the heated stone Massage on the Rocks and the floral-inspired Como la Flor Facial, a tribute to Selena Quintanilla-Pérez and her April birthday. The seasonal treatments are designed as a more tranquil counterpoint to the energy of Fiesta while keeping guests in the center of the celebration.

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Cover photo courtesy San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter and San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk

Sara Aguinaga is a dedicated massage therapist and editorial contributor at Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She loves indulging in spa treatments, exploring diverse cuisines and traveling.