Enjoy Fun, Free Events in Downtown San Antonio
Published on August 29, 2025
SAN ANTONIO (August 29, 2025) — The City of San Antonio invites the community to visit Historic Market Square, La Villita Historic Arts Village, Travis Park and Houston Street this September for fun summer events and to celebrate Labor Day.
While enjoying La Villita and Market Square events, don't forget to stop inside their stores to shop for one-of-a-kind treasures.
Market Square Events (514 W. Commerce Street)
Market Square Labor Day Celebration
August 30 – September 1, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; free
Celebrate Labor Day weekend at Historic Market Square with our exciting three-day event, packed with activities for the whole family. Enjoy live entertainment featuring local bands and performers, indulge in delicious offerings from a variety of food vendors, and support our community by shopping local. For more information, visit the Market Square event page.
El Grito Cultural Program and Civic Ceremony
Friday, September 12, 6-9:30 p.m.; free
Held by the Consulate General of Mexico, the annual celebration of the Independence of Mexico takes place in the streets of San Antonio outside Historic Market Square. The highlight of this musical, gastronomic and civic celebration is the historical re-enactment of Mexico’s call for independence from Spain. Activities include live Mexican music, folklorico dancers, as well as food and craft vendors. For more information, visit the event website.
Diez y Seis Fiestas Patrias at Market Square
Saturday September 13,12 p.m. – 10 p.m. & Sunday, September 14, 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.; free
Join us as we come together for a fun-filled weekend of the Diez y Seis Fiestas Patrias Celebration at Historic Market Square. Fiestas Patrias will include international and local entertainment as well as great mariachi and ballet folklorico groups. Delicious antojitos will be available with various food vendors as well as cultural artisans selling handmade products. For more information, visit the event website.
Market Square Weekends: Live Performances, Local Eats & Art in Action
Every weekend, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; free
Enjoy music, working artists, and food booths at Market Square every weekend in September. For more information and the entertainment lineup, visit the Market Square website.
La Villita Events (418 Villita Street)
Painting in the Plaza
Sunday, September 7, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; free
Painting in the Plaza is a free, family-friendly event that takes place every first Sunday of the month from September 2025 to May 2026 in the Cos House at La Villita Historic Arts Village. Acrylic artist Chantia “Tia” Bailey will lead a nine-part series of painting classes focusing on the theme of music. The first class begins on September 7. Registration is required; sign up online. All supplies are provided. City Tower Sundays offers free parking on Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight at the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.). For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Craft Tuesday
Tuesday, September 9, 6-8 p.m.; free
You’re invited to paint your own bird feeder at our free, family-friendly Craft Tuesday event! All supplies provided – just bring yourself, your friends, and family. Come early to grab dinner in the Village, or you can purchase light bites and beverages from Prost Haus. Registration is required; sign up online. Downtown Tuesday free parking begins at 5 p.m. in City-owned lots and garages.For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Oktoberfest at La Villita
September 19-21; free
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of family-friendly festivities in the heart of San Antonio as La Villita once again transforms into a celebration of culture, community and fun! The second-annual Oktoberfest brings together the sights, sounds, and flavors of Europe in a joyful South Texas setting. For more information and a schedule of events, visit the event website.
Dancing in the Dark: Bye Bye Summer Bachata
Tuesday, September 23, 6-8 p.m.; free
Looking for a fun, free date night? Join us for La Villita’s Dancing in the Dark series with free dance lessons! Come a little early with your partner, friends, or by yourself to grab dinner in the Village, or you can purchase light bites and beverages from Prost Haus. Downtown Tuesday free parking begins at 5 p.m. in City-owned lots and garages. For more information, visit the La Villita website.
Rey Feo Superhero River Parade
Saturday, September 27, 6:30-10 p.m.; ticketed event
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, enjoy the day with superheroes on San Antonio’s iconic River Walk as it transforms into a vibrant, action-packed river parade. This exciting event at La Villita’s Arneson River Theatre draws locals and visitors to celebrate heroism, creativity, and community spirit. For more information, visit the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation website.
Travis Park Events (301 E. Travis St.)
Eat & Play in Travis Park
Friday, September 10, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; free
Every second Friday of the month, enjoy a variety of food trucks, music, and activities during lunchtime at Travis Park. For more information, follow @satxfoodtrucks on Instagram.
Downtown Events
Lunch Break on Houston Street (in front of the Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston Street)
Thursday, September 4 & 18, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Make your way to Houston Street for food trucks and music in front of the Majestic Theatre. For more information, follow @satxfoodtrucks on Instagram.
Make a Plan
Downtown can get busy, so make a plan. Take public transportation, rideshare, taxis, bike, walk, or consult Google Maps or Waze before you leave. Visit the City's Know Before You Go Downtown website for helpful resources and parking information. VIA Metropolitan Transit offers its Link ride-sharing service for $1.30 a ride within its downtown service area zone.
Visitor Parking
For easy, convenient, and affordable parking, visit the City's SAPark website.The parking map provides a full list of City-owned garages and lots.TheSt. Mary's Garage (205 E. Travis St.) and the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.) are located just steps from the River Walk, Houston Street and Travis Park and they generally have many parking spots.Downtown Tuesday offers free parking on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. in City-owned parking facilities, and City Tower Sundays offers free parking on Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight at the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.).