City of San Antonio Fiesta “Know Before You Go”

Published on April 23, 2025

SAN ANTONIO (April 23, 2025) – It’s time to Fiesta San Antonio! As we prepare to celebrate, the City of San Antonio wants to help make the event enjoyable and safe. Before you go, here are a few tips and reminders.

Safety

Safety is the top priority of the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), and community cooperation plays a vital role – if you see something, say something. SAPD officers will be at every corner.

To enhance safety and improve the event experience, several changes have been made to the Fiesta De Los Reyes event. 

• Fencing will surround Milam Park and Market Square with six designated entrances
• Security personnel will be stationed at each entrance to conduct bag checks
• All guests will be required to walk through metal detectors
• Clear bags are strongly encouraged, but all bags are subject to search
• All bags must be no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches (about the size of a sheet of paper folded in half)

• Ice chests and non-clear backpacks are not permitted

Plan ahead to avoid returning items to your vehicle. For full event guidelines and updates, visit the Fiesta De Los Reyes website and see attached graphics. 

Remember, alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time and affects coordination, raising the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. If you plan to drink, plan to get home safely. Designate a sober driver, use a ride-share service, or call a taxi. 

The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) encourages you to have a plan to stay hydrated and cool. SAFD will be present at all Fiesta events with its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Bike Teams and First Responder vehicles to ensure all residents and visitors have quick access to medical care should they need it. 

Stay Hydrated & Cool

Be safe by staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, using air conditioning, and checking on vulnerable individuals. Children, older adults, or pets should never be left unattended in a vehicle, even for a short period of time.

Ways to Stay Hydrated

• Drink plenty of water.
• Don’t wait until you are thirsty.
• Avoid alcohol and large amounts of sugar or caffeine.

Ways to Stay Cool

• Take breaks in air-conditioned places as much as possible.
• Use a spray bottle to mist yourself with cool water.
• Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen help prevent sunburn.

Travel & Parking

Plan ahead and arrive early to avoid traffic delays, street closures, and limited parking near Fiesta events. 

Use a ride share service, taxi, VIA or bike, rental bike or scooters . VIA Metropolitan Transit will provide Park & Ride to many Fiesta events. VIA Link also provides its ride-sharing service for $1.30 a ride within its downtown service area. 

Street Closures

Downtown construction projects, including the Zona Cultural project near Historic Market Square, will have Fiesta-related street closures. Commerce Street at Santa Rosa will be closed through Sunday, May 4, to accommodate the parades and the Fiesta De Los Reyes event at Historic Market Square and Milam Park. Event attendees and those who visit the west side of downtown should plan accordingly. A complete list of lane closures can be found on the City’s Public Works website.

Parade Street Closures

Streets will close early for the Fiesta Battle of Flowers Parade on Friday, May 2 (streets close at 6 a.m. and reopen by 3 p.m.) and for the Fiesta Flambeau Parade on Saturday, May 3 (streets close at 2:30 p.m. and reopen by 12 a.m.). The parades will follow the same route as last year. 

Please do not place chairs for parade viewing until after 7:30 a.m. on Friday, May 2, for the Battle of Flowers Parade, and after 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, for the Fiesta Flambeau Parade. Chairs placed before these times will be removed.

Parking

The City offers convenient and affordable downtown parking, learn more at SAPark.SanAntonio.gov. The St. Mary’s Garage (205 E. Travis St.) and the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.) are just steps from the River Walk, Houston Street, and Main Plaza. There is no parking at Market Square for Fiesta (except for staff). Parking event rates will apply and the Downtown Tuesday free parking program will be temporarily suspended during Fiesta.

Fiesta Sustainably

The City’s Office of Sustainability and Solid Waste Department remind residents and visitors to celebrate sustainably by going green.

Go Paperless
Many Fiesta events now offer e-ticketing. Skip the printer and use your phone when possible.

Reuse and Recycle

Choose biodegradable cascarones filled with paper instead of plastic. Bring reusable containers for your snacks and drinks and look for souvenir cups to take home.

During the Battle of Flowers and Fiesta Flambeau parades, visit one of five recycling stations to collect bottles and cans—fill a bag and trade it in for a limited-edition Fiesta medal. Recycling stations will be located at Crockett Park, Providence High School, City Hall, Madison Square Park, and the Torch of Friendship.

Don’t Be Trashy

Dispose of waste properly and help keep the San Antonio River clean. Let’s protect one of our city’s most cherished natural resources.