Free May Events in Downtown San Antonio
Published on May 06, 2026
SAN ANTONIO (May 6, 2026) — The City of San Antonio invites the community to visit downtown — including Historic Market Square, La Villita Historic Arts Village, and Houston Street — this May for a wide variety of events.
While enjoying La Villita and Market Square events, don’t forget to stop inside their stores to shop for one-of-a-kind treasures.
La Villita Events
Location: 418 Villita Street
Sana Sunday: Zumba to Zen
Date: Sunday, May 10, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Start your Mother’s Day Sunday with a free Zumba class in Plaza Juarez led by certified instructor Suzie Saylor. Make plans after for a bite or a browse to La Villita’s onsite restaurants, galleries, and shops, many offering Mother’s Day specials. For more information, visit the La Villita website.
Craft Tuesday: Tie Dye DIY
Date: Tuesday, May 12, 6-8 p.m.
Enjoy a free, family-friendly DIY evening in the Cos House at La Villita Historic Arts Village. This month’s Craft Tuesday features "Tie Dye DIY" in preparation for summer fun, taught by local artist Ida De La Rosa Ellis, owner of De La Rosa Designs. Arrive early to enjoy dinner or drinks from onsite restaurants. Registration is required; sign up online. All supplies are provided. Downtown Tuesday free parking begins at 5 p.m. in City-owned lots and garages. For more information, visit the La Villita website.
Dancing in the Dark: Hello Summer Salsa
Date: Tuesday, May 26, 6-8 p.m.
Looking for a fun, free date night? Join us for La Villita’s Dancing in the Dark series with free dance lessons in Maverick Plaza. Come a little early to grab a bite or a beverage from onsite restaurants. 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
Date: Saturday, May 30
- Celebration: 6 - 10 p.m., La Villita’s Arneson River Theatre
- Museum Reach River Parade: 5 - 6 p.m.
- Downtown River Parade: 7:30 - 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 fifth annual 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.
Market Square Events
Location: 514 W. Commerce Street
Memorial Day Celebration
Date: May 23 - 25, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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 Weekends: Live Performances, Local Eats & Art in Action
Date: Every weekend in May, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Enjoy music, working artists, and food booths at Market Square every weekend. For more information and the entertainment lineup, visit the Market Square website.
Downtown Events
Lunch Break on Houston Street
Location: in front of the Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston Street
Date: Thursday, May 7 & 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Enjoy food trucks and live music along Houston Street 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. Find nearby VIA Metropolitan Transit routes by visiting Google Maps and selecting the public transport option. VIA also offers its Link ride-sharing service for $1.30 a ride within its downtown service area zone and Park & Ride for certain large events. For more details, visit VIA’s website.
Visitor Parking
For easy, convenient, and affordable parking, visit the City’sSAPark website.Theparking mapprovides a full list of City-owned garages and lots. Note that event parking rates (up to $15 at City parking facilities) may be in effect at some parking facilities during busy event weekends.
The St. 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 generally, there are 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.).