World Heritage Festival on September 3 – 7
Published on August 29, 2025
The 10th annual event celebrates the five San Antonio Missions as Texas’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site.
SAN ANTONIO (August 29, 2025) — San Antonio will celebrate 10 years of the city's World Heritage Site designation with the 10th Annual World Heritage Festival on September 3 – 7, 2025. The festival will feature events that honor the unique history and culture of San Antonio’s vibrant community. Family-friendly activities, educational offerings, and entertainment for all ages are part of the experience.
Information about the World Heritage Festival — including dates, times, and locations for all scheduled events — can be found at WorldHeritageFestival.org.
The festivities coincide with the globally recognized “OWHC Day”, formerly “Organization of World Heritage Cities Solidarity Day,” on September 8. This global observance brings cities from around the world together in their commitment to celebrate, protect, and promote cultural heritage.
The World Heritage Festival is an annual celebration presented by the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office in collaboration with Bexar County, San Antonio River Authority, The Alamo, Las Misiones, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and several City departments which contribute to the festival’s success. Collectively, the World Heritage Festival events shine a spotlight on the five San Antonio Missions and celebrate their recognition as Texas’ only UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“Celebrating the World Heritage Festival is a milestone for our city,” said District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran. “This year is especially significant as we mark the 10th anniversary of the World Heritage Site designation. It is a time to come together as a community to honor our rich heritage and recognize its lasting impact on our city.”
The five-day festival, along with encore events, includes several National Park Service events, Mission Day at the Alamo, and the popular Tour de Las Misiones — a bike ride, walk, and run on Saturday, September 6, at Mission County Park. This unique event features a leisurely bike ride with stops at one or all of the missions, while runners and walkers enjoy 5K and 10K walks through the scenic Mission River Reach and Mission San José. The post-ride celebration includes food, music, and family-friendly activities.
As part of the 10th anniversary celebrations this year, the festivities are extended to include the Care for Creation Mass and Walk from Mission Espada to Mission San Juan Capistrano at 8 a.m. on September 14. The return of Restored by Light takes place at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 7, at Mission San José, featuring a stunning light show on the mission and live performances.
"We are thrilled to be celebrating 10 years of the San Antonio Missions as a UNESCO World Heritage Site," said Colleen Swain, Director of the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office. "For a decade, the World Heritage Festival has brought our community together to honor the missions, highlight our culture, and share San Antonio’s World Heritage story with the world."
The World Heritage Festival fosters community engagement and emphasizes the significance of these historic sites, while encouraging residents and visitors to support the organizations that care for these priceless treasures.