Enjoy Fun, Free Events This May in Downtown San Antonio
Published on May 19, 2024
SAN ANTONIO (May 19, 2025) — The City of San Antonio invites the community to visit Historic Market Square and La Villita Historic Arts Village this May for a wide variety of events, including a special Memorial Day Celebration at Historic Market Square.
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)
Memorial Day Celebration
May 24-26, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; free
Memorial Day weekend will be a family-friendly celebration filled with fun, music, and community spirit. This three-day event will feature an exciting lineup of activities, delicious food, and unique artisan vendors. For more information, visit the Market Square website.
Market Square Weekend Programming
Every weekend, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; free
Enjoy music, working artists, and food booths at Market Square every weekend. For more information, visit the Market Square website.
La Villita Events (418 Villita Street)
Dancing in the Dark: Swing Into Summer
Tuesday, May 27, 6-8 p.m.; free
Looking for a fun, free date night? La Villita’s Dancing in the Dark series features free dance lessons taught by professional instructor Jeremy Zipagan, known for choreographing La Villita’s annual Fiesta Noche del Rio summer performances. Come a little early to dine on light bites and beverages for purchase from onsite restaurants or purchase at the venue from Maverick Coffee Bar or Guadalajara Grill. Downtown Tuesday free parking begins at 5 p.m. in City-owned lots and garages. For more information, visit the La Villita website.
Pride River Parades and Celebration
Saturday, May 31; free
Celebration: 4-9 p.m., La Villita’s Arneson River Theatre; Museum Reach River Parade: 5-6 p.m.; Downtown River Parade: 8-9 p.m.
Visit San Antonio created the Pride River Parade to promote the city's inclusion, encouragement, and support of the LGBTQ+ community to live openly with equal rights. The event features an afternoon of live on-stage entertainment at La Villita's Arneson River Theatre, along with two river parades. For more information, visit the event website.
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’sSAPark website.Theparking mapprovides a full list of City-owned garages and lots.TheSt. Mary’s Garage (205 E. Travis St.)and theCity 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 Tuesdayoffers free parking on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. in City-owned parking facilities, andCity Tower Sundaysoffers free parking on Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight at theCity Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.).