Enjoy fun, free downtown events this November!
Published on November 01, 2024
SAN ANTONIO (November 1, 2024) — The City of San Antonio invites the community to visit downtown, including Historic Market Square, La Villita Historic Arts Village, Travis Park, and Houston Street this November for a wide variety of events.
While you enjoy La Villita and Market Square events, don’t forget to stop inside their stores to shop for one-of-a-kind treasures.
La Villita Historic Arts Village Events
Location: 418 Villita St,
San Antonio, TX 78205
Directions
La Villita Market Days
When: Every Saturday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; free
La Villita Market Days transforms Maverick Plaza into a vibrant, open-air marketplace featuring local artisans, craftspeople, and food vendors. Visitors to this free event will enjoy unique arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations, guest artists at work on their craft, live music, and performing dance troupes. For more information, visit the La Villita website.
Diwali SA
When: Saturday, November 2, 4:30 p.m. – midnight; free
The sights, sounds, flavor and traditions of India will illuminate Hemisfair and Arneson Theatre at the 16th Annual Diwali San Antonio Festival of India hosted by AnjuaSA and the City of San Antonio. This cultural attraction honors the diversity of India with an unforgettable evening experience of a beautiful river parade and performance at the Arneson River Theatre. For more information, visit the event website.
Craft Tuesday: Painting in the Plaza
When: Tuesday, November 12, 5-7 p.m.; free
This family-friendly DIY event will be led by acrylic artist Chantia “Tia” Bailey, who will lead a series of four events where she will be creating images that align with the theme of community and belonging. This first painting session will explore the concept of support, showcasing how communities thrive when members uplift one another. All supplies are provided. Arrive early to dine on light bites and beverages for purchase 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. Seating is limited; sign up online.
Dancing in the Dark: '80s Night DJ Dance Party
When: Saturday, November 23, 5-8 p.m.; free
Join us for a family-friendly '80s Night DJ Dance Party with music provided by DJ AM PROJECT for our Dancing in the Dark series in Maverick Plaza. Bring your partner, friends, or just yourself. Arrive early to dine on light bites and beverages for purchase from onsite restaurants. For more information, visit the La Villita website.
Ford Holiday River Parade
When: Friday, November 29, 6 p.m.; ticketed event
The 43rd Annual Ford Holiday River Parade is a San Antonio tradition that offers a spectacular one-hour parade along the San Antonio River Walk. This year’s theme,Toy Box Adventures, promises a whimsical and magical experience for all ages. This ticketed parade begins at 6 p.m. at the Tobin Center and arrives later in other areas (check map). It is broadcast live at 7:05 p.m. at the Arneson River Theatre. For more information, visit the event website.
Historic Market Square Events
Location: 514 W. Commerce Street
San Antonio, TX 78207
Directions
Market Square Weekend Programming
Every weekend in November, 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 event page.
Calaveras de Azucar Festival and Día de los Muertos Costume Contest
Festival: Saturday, November 2, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. & Sunday, November 3, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; free
Costume Contest: Sunday, November 3, 4 p.m. (check-in at 3 p.m.).; free
The Market Square Farmers Market Association invites all to attend their vibrant Calaveras de Azucar Festival to celebrate Día de los Muertos with family, friends, and the community. The colorful and memorable festival features altars, live music, and local vendors. Show off your best Día de los Muertos look in the exciting costume contest on Sunday. With categories for both individuals and couples, you’ll have the chance to win prizes and capture stunning photos! For more information, visit the Market Square website.
Noche de los Truvadores
When: Friday, November 29, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; free
On the eve of Fería de Santa Cecilia, visit Historic Market Square for a special celebration in honor of the patron saint of musicians. Enjoy Black Friday special promotions, live music, working artists, and food booths. For more information, visit the Market Square website.
Celebración Musical
When: Saturday, November 30, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; free
Visit Historic Market Square for Fería de Santa Cecilia, a special celebration in honor of the patron saint of musicians. Enjoy live entertainment, mariachi music, ballet folklorico, working artists, food booths, and holiday shopping specials!For more information, visit the Market Square website.
Travis Park Events
Location: 301 E. Travis St.,
San Antonio, TX 78205
Directions
Ballet in the Park
Saturday, November 2, 7 p.m.; free
Enjoy a preview of the upcoming season by Ballet San Antonio in Travis Park. Chairs and blankets welcome. Food truck on site. For more information, visit the Travis Park website.
Eat & Play in Travis Park
Friday, November 8, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; free
Every second Friday of the month, enjoy a variety of food trucks, music, and activities during lunchtime at Travis Park. For more information, follow @satxfoodtrucks on Instagram.
Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park Grand Opening News Conference
Friday, November 22, 9:30-10:30 a.m.; free
Grand opening news conference of the Rotary Ice Rink, presented by Valero at Travis Park. Enjoy complimentary cocoa, festive entertainment, and a 100 percent chance of intermittent flurries, courtesy of Centro San Antonio, as we kick off the holiday season with special guests. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park
November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025; rink is ticketed
The Rotary Ice Rink, presented by Valero, returns to Travis Park in downtown San Antonio. For more information, including hours of operation, pricing, and specials, visit RotaryIceRink.com.
H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, November 29, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.; free
Kick off the holiday festivities at the Annual H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Travis Park! Festivities begin at 4 p.m. and include live entertainment, food trucks, letters to Santa, giveaways, holiday crafts, a special visit from Santa, and a movie screening of “Home Alone 2”! The tree lighting ceremony begins at 6 p.m. followed by the movie screening at 7 p.m. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Downtown Veterans Day Events
SA Veterans Day Celebration
Hemisfair (434 S. Alamo St.)
Saturday, November 9, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.; free
The official Veterans Day celebration of Military City, USA®! SA Veterans Day at Hemisfair will honor our veterans of today and tomorrow with live entertainment and fun, interactive activities for the whole family. Veteran-embracing organizations and businesses will offer resources and services, and attendees will enjoy activities for people of all ages and abilities. Live entertainment from Nick Lawrence Band, Sunny Sauceda and San Antonio Transit-A Tribute to the Music of Chicago. For more information, visit the event website.
San Antonio Veterans Day Parade
Saturday, November 9, noon; free
The United States Military Veterans Parade Association invites the community to attend the 2024 Veterans Day Parade. The Veterans Day Parade will start at Milam Park and travel down historic Houston Street. For more information and the parade route, visit the event website.
Houston Street Events
Lunch Break on Houston Street
Location: in front of the Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston Street
Thursday, November 7 and 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Make your way to Houston Street for food trucks and music in front of the Majestic Theatre. For more information, follow @satxfoodtrucks on Instagram.
Plan Ahead
Downtown can get busy, so make a plan. There are numerous street closures in the downtown area as well as the potential for heavy traffic with many large events taking place throughout the month. Take public transportation, ride-share, 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.
Visitor Parking
Check out the City's SAPark website for easy, convenient, and affordable parking. A map shows a full list of City-owned garages and lots.
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 and Houston Street, and they generally have many public parking spaces. 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.).