Enjoy Fun, Free Events in Downtown San Antonio
Published on September 01, 2026
SAN ANTONIO (September 1, 2026) — The City of San Antonio invites the community to visit Historic Market Square, La Villita Historic Arts Village and Houston Street this September to celebrate Labor Day, Hispanic Heritage Month, and more.
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
Location: 514 W. Commerce Street
El Mercado 50th Anniversary
- Date: Saturday, September 5
- Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Price: free
Market Square’s El Mercado turns 50 this year, and we're celebrating right where it started. Hosted by the El Mercado Tenant’s Association, this celebration kicks off Labor Day Weekend and honors five decades of the small businesses, entrepreneurs, families, and community members who built El Mercado into a San Antonio institution. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Labor Day Weekend Celebration
- Date: September 5-7
- Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Price: free
Continue the celebration with festivities for the whole family. Enjoy live entertainment from local bands and performers, browse food vendors, and shop unique finds that capture the essence of Market Square. The Kids Zone returns with activities and entertainment for the little ones. For more information, visit the Market Square event page.
El Grito / Fiestas Patrias Weekend
- Date: September 12 & 13
- Price: free
Join Historic Market Square for San Antonio's annual El Grito celebration, featuring live Mexican music, folkloric dancers, and food and craft vendor booths. The weekend culminates in the official San Antonio El Grito civic ceremony, hosted by the Consulate General of Mexico in San Antonio. For more information, visit the event website.
Market Square Weekends: Live Performances, Local Eats & Art in Action
- Date: Every weekend in September
- Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Price: free
Enjoy music, working artists, and food booths at Market Square every weekend. For more information and the entertainment lineup, visit the Market Square website.
La Villita Events
Location: 418 Villita Street
Painting in the Plaza
- Date: Sunday, September 6 & 20
- Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Price: free with registration
The community is invited to Painting in the Plaza, a free, family-friendly art experience held on the first and third Sundays from September through May at La Villita Historic Arts Village. This month’s sessions feature local artist Tia Bailey, who will guide participants through a series exploring Black achievement, drawing on both historical figures and contemporary influences. The program welcomes all skill levels, though space is limited and advanced registration is required. Registration opens one week before each event date. For more information, visit the La Villita website.
Craft Thursday
- Date: Thursday, September 17
- Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
- Price: free with registration
The community is invited to Craft Thursday, a free, family-friendly DIY series held at La Villita Historic Arts Village. This month’s session will focus on “Glass in Mosaic Art” and will be led by local mosaic artist Dolores Jarvis. All materials will be provided, offering participants an opportunity to enjoy an evening of hands-on crafting. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy dinner or a beverage at onsite restaurants. Seating is limited, and advance registration is required; registration opens one week before the event. Downtown Thursday free parking begins at 5 p.m. in City-owned lots and garages. For more information, visit the La Villita website.
Oktoberfest
- Date: September 25 - 27
- Price: 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 third 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.
Rey Feo Superhero River Parade
- Date: Saturday, September 26
- Time: 4 - 10 p.m.
- Price: ticketed
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.
Downtown Events
Lunch Break on Houston Street
- Location: in front of the Majestic Theatre, 224 East Houston St.
- Date: Thursday, September 3 & 17
- Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Enjoy food trucks and live music along Houston Street in front of the Majestic Theatre.
Downtown Thursday
Date: Every Thursday after 5 p.m. through the end of 2026
Discover something new every Thursday night with Downtown Thursday, a weekly lineup of arts, culture, music, food, and family‑friendly experiences presented by the City of San Antonio through the end of 2026. Visitors can explore specials offered by more than 30 local businesses, including restaurants, bars, coffee shops, retailers, tour operators, and arts venues. Free parking is available after 5 p.m. in City‑owned facilities, making it easy for guests to enjoy a Thursday night downtown. An online parking map lists all facilities offering free Thursday parking, and the Downtown Thursday website includes details on partner events and special offers.
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. Event parking rates may apply at some locations during busy weekends.
The St. Mary’s Garage (205 East Travis St.) and the City Tower Garage (60 North Flores St.) are located just steps from the River Walk and Houston Street and generally, there are many parking spots. Downtown Thursday offers free parking on Thursday 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. Note that free Downtown Thursday parking will not be available in the Convention Center Garage (41 S. Bowie St.) on Thursday, September 3.