2026 Fiesta Events Across the Alamo Colleges District
March 16, 2026
Ready to Fiesta across the Alamo Colleges District?
Get your cascarones and festive spirit ready, because the Alamo Colleges District is proud to host four officially sanctioned Fiesta events and one beloved unofficial celebration that bring our community together in true San Antonio style.
Across our five colleges, you’ll find family-friendly events filled with tradition, culture, and community pride. From a sizzling rib cook-off and lively music to delicious food, vibrant mariachis, and festive fun for all ages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
This year’s celebration is even more special as one of our own students helps represent Fiesta for the entire city.
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Eva Davidson is a student at Northeast Lakeview College and the 2026 Fiesta® Commission Poster Artist. Eva will complete her Associate of Science degree in Geology in May and created the winning poster design for this year’s Fiesta theme, “Fiesta Together.” Selected from entries representing each of the five Alamo Colleges, Eva’s design received the most votes from Fiesta Commission members and will appear on official Fiesta merchandise and promotional materials across the city. Curious about what’s happening across our colleges? We’ve made it easy to join the celebration with a roundup of events happening throughout the district. Come celebrate with us as we Fiesta together across the Alamo Colleges District! |
College Events
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PACFestThursday, April 23 Noon – 11:30 p.m. Palo Alto College, 1400 W. Villaret Blvd. PACfest at Palo Alto College is an official Fiesta® San Antonio event, the largest south of Highway 90, held the Thursday before Fiesta’s Battle of Flowers Parade. This family-friendly event features a main stage with artistic and musical performers throughout the day, food booths, children’s activities, Social Media Alley, and more! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets; this year will be a blast! The PACFest 2026 entertainment schedule will also include live music from Cesar K-Osi, Tropa Estrella, Los Palominos, Grupo Control, and Lost Tigrillos. $15 per person, free for children ages 12 and under Free with current Alamo Colleges District ID Free parking |
Northwest Vista College’s Shortest Fiesta ParadeWednesday, April 15, 2026 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Northwest Vista College, (parade route - Mountain Laurel Hall to Desert Willow Welcome Center) 3535 N. Ellison Drive To commemorate Fiesta, Northwest Vista College faculty, staff, and students will wear their best Fiesta colors and outfits and have their own “Battle of Flowers” parade on May 1. For well over 20 years, Northwest Vista College has been celebrating Viva La Vista with its Shortest Fiesta Parade. Several organizations and several departments will participate in the parade from Student Success, the President’s Office and College Services. The event is coordinated by NVC Staff Senate along with many volunteers. At the end of the parade, NVC will have games, food, music and prizes for the best "float." Free Event |
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Fredstock Music FestThursday, April 23, 2026 2 p.m. – 11 p.m. San Antonio College Parking Lot 13 (Corner of Main Avenue and W. Dewey), 1819 N. Main Ave. Fredstock, now in its 17th year, is an annual block party and music festival organized and presented by the students of the Music Business Program at San Antonio College. This year’s event will feature all your Fiesta food favorites and live music. Proceeds from Fredstock Music Fest will fund music business program scholarships. Bring the kids out, grab a lawn chair, and enjoy family fun while contributing to education all at the same time. Free Event |
St. Philip's College CultureFest and Rib Cook-OffThursday, April 23, 2026 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. St. Philip’s College, 1801 Martin Luther King Drive The St. Philip's College CultureFest and Rib Cook-Off is an official Fiesta® San Antonio event held on the St. Philip's College MLK campus. It is a high-energy and kid-friendly festival featuring a rib cook-off, LIVE music, a car show, food and non-food vendors, and several grill raffles, all in one location! Do you have the best ribs in town? Sign up for our Rib Cook-off contest today. Proceeds from CultureFest help fund student scholarships. Free Event |
Bonus Events
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The Texas Cavaliers River ParadeMonday, April 20, 2026 7 p.m. San Antonio River Walk The Alamo Colleges will be represented at The Texas Cavaliers River Parade. Watch the vibrant floats along the beautiful banks of the San Antonio River Walk. Proceeds of the parade benefit over 70 children’s charities every year. Over 1,200 service men and women, 1,200 first responders and 800 children are invited to attend for free. This year, the Alamo Colleges float will be Arcade themed! Make sure to stake out your spot along the River Walk to watch our float, or catch the parade on KSAT. Tickets prices vary and are available for purchase online. |
Battle of Flowers ParadeFriday, April 24 10:30 a.m. Downtown San Antonio The Alamo Colleges District and San Antonio College will be represented in the Battle of Flowers Parade, one of the few parades in the United States produced entirely by women, all of whom are volunteers. The purpose of the parade is to honor the defenders of the Alamo and Goliad and to commemorate the victory at the Battle of San Jacinto that gained Texas its independence. Ticket prices vary and are available for purchase online. |
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Fiesta Flambeau Night ParadeSaturday, April 25, 2026 7:15 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. Downtown San Antonio The Alamo Colleges, Palo Alto College, and San Antonio College will be represented in the largest illuminated night parade and what’s known as the highlight of Fiesta. The annual parade attracts over 750,000 street spectators and has a 1.5 million television audience. Catch our students take part in the parade by purchasing tickets in advance or watch the parade live on KSAT. Ticket prices vary and are available for purchase online |
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