World Heritage Festival September 4 – 8, 2024!
Published on August 28, 2024
SAN ANTONIO (August 28, 2024) — The 9th Annual World Heritage Festival will occur from September 4 through September 8, 2024. This five-day festival features an exciting schedule of events each day and honors the unique history and culture of San Antonio’s vibrant community. The event coincides with the globally recognized Organization of World Heritage Cities Solidarity Day on September 8. This global observance brings cities worldwide together in their commitment to celebrate, protect, and promote cultural heritage.
The World Heritage Festival is an annual collaborative celebration presented by the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office in partnership with Bexar County, San Antonio River Authority, The Alamo, Las Misiones, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and the City of San Antonio Military and Veteran Affairs Department, who all contribute to the success of the festival.
The World Heritage Festival events collectively promote the five San Antonio Missions and raise awareness of the designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the only World Heritage site in Texas.
“The World Heritage Festival is a wonderful celebration of San Antonio’s shared history, culture, and unique legacy,” District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran said. “It is a time to come together as a community and honor the rich heritage of San Antonio, recognizing its significant impact on our city.”
Schedule of Events:
10 a.m. Thursday, September 5
National Park Service – We’re Still Here Tour
Location: Mission San Juan, 9101 Graf Rd, 78214
1 p.m. Thursday, September 5
National Park Service – Nopal y Tu: The Tour
Location: Mission San Juan, 69101 Graf Rd, 78214
6 p.m. Thursday, September 5
The Alamo – A Vision of History
Location: The Alamo, 300 Alamo Plaza, 78205
10 a.m. Friday, September 6
National Park Service – We’re Still Here Tour
Location: Mission San Jose, 6701 San José Drive, 78214
11 a.m. Friday, September 6
National Park Service - We’re Still Here Tour
Location: Mission Espada, 10040 Espada Rd, 78214
3 p.m. Friday, September 6
National Park Service – Gold Star Family and Veterans Appreciation
Location: Mission San Jose, 6701 San José Drive, 78214
6:30 p.m. Friday, September 6
World Heritage Office and Military and Veteran Affairs - Music & Movie Under the Stars
Location: Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave., 78214
7 a.m. Saturday, September 7
World Heritage Office - Tour de las Misiones
Location: Mission Park Pavilion, 6030 Padre Drive, 78214
10 a.m. Saturday, September 7
National Park Service - Junior Ranger Day
Location: Mission San Juan, 9101 Graf Road, 78214
10 a.m. Saturday, September 7
National Park Service – We’re Still Here Tour
Location: Mission San Jose, 6701 San José Drive, 78214
8 a.m. Sunday, September 8
Las Misiones - El Camino de San Antonio: Caring for Creation Mass and Walk
Location: Mission Espada, 10040 Espada Road, 78214
10 a.m. Sunday, September 8
National Park Service – It’s Still Here Tour
Location: Rancho de las Cabras, 375 Country Rd. 144, 78114
"With the World Heritage Festival entering its ninth year, we are thrilled to celebrate our city by highlighting the significance of the five San Antonio Missions and the UNESCO World Heritage designation," said Colleen Swain, Director of the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office. "This one-of-kind festival continues to link us to San Antonio's past and reminds us of our responsibility to support the preservation of our heritage for future generations to enjoy."
The World Heritage Festival aims to foster community engagement, highlight the importance of these sites, and inspire residents and visitors to support the organizations that maintain these priceless treasures. The festival offers various family-friendly activities, educational experiences, and entertainment for all ages.
Information about the World Heritage Festival and scheduled events can be found at WorldHeritageFestival.org.