Fiesta San Antonio & Texas SandFest 2026: Two Must-See Texas Spring Events

Spring in the Texas Hill Country brings wildflowers, warm evenings, and two of the most beloved festivals in the region — one 30 minutes from Boerne and one on the beautiful Texas Gulf Coast. If you're looking for springtime adventures, April delivers in a big way.

Fiesta 2026 in San Antonio is scheduled for April 16–26, 2026.

This 11-day "Party with a Purpose" features over 100 events, including massive parades, live music, and diverse food offerings. 

Key Event Dates

If you're planning your schedule, here are the dates for the biggest "Big Three" parades and the official kickoff:

• Fiesta® Fiesta (Official Kickoff): Thursday, April 16 (Travis Park)
  
  
• Texas Cavaliers River Parade: Monday, April 20
  
  
• Battle of Flowers Parade: Friday, April 24
  
  
• Fiesta Flambeau Night Parade: Saturday, April 25

Fiesta San Antonio — A Celebration Worth Every Bit of the Traffic

Fiesta San Antonio draws over 3.5 million visitors over its 11-day run and it's just 30 minutes down I-10 from Boerne — completely worth the trip. The variety is what makes Fiesta so special:

• NIOSA (Night in Old San Antonio) — four nights of food, music, and culture in La Villita
  
  
• Battle of Flowers Parade — one of the largest military parades in the U.S.
  
  
• Fiesta Flambeau Night Parade — illuminated floats, bands, and high energy
  
  
• Fiesta medals — a beloved San Antonio tradition of collecting and trading commemorative pins
  
  

Buy your tickets online in advance, especially for NIOSA. The atmosphere is completely worth it.

Quick Tips for Newcomers

• The Medals: You'll see everyone wearing colorful sashes or vests covered in "Fiesta Medals." It’s a huge local tradition to collect and trade them.
  
  
• NIOSA: "Night in Old San Antonio" (April 21–24) is a must-visit for foodies, but it gets very crowded—wear comfortable shoes!
  
  
• Transportation: Parking downtown during Fiesta can be a nightmare. Using the VIA Park & Ride service is the "pro move" to get to the parades and NIOSA without the stress

Texas SandFest — A Gulf Coast Wonder

If you haven't been to Texas SandFest in Port Aransas, put it on your list. This nationally acclaimed sand sculpture competition draws master artists from around the world to create gravity-defying works directly on the beach. SandFest typically features world-class competitive sculptures up to 10 feet tall, amateur competitions for all ages, live music, and beachside vendors. Port Aransas is about a 3-hour drive — perfect for a spring family weekend.

Spring in the Hill Country: More Than Just Events

April in the Texas Hill Country is a reminder of why so many families from Houston, Austin, and beyond are making the move to Boerne TX. The pace of life here makes room for what matters — family, community, and celebrations that don't feel rushed. If you're considering relocating, spring is a beautiful time to visit and imagine what a life here could look like.


Ready to make your next move in Boerne, TX? Our team at Rise Property Group is here for you. www.therisepropertygroup.com  |  linktr.ee/Risepropertygroup