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Upcoming Fun, Free Events in Downtown San Antonio

People shopping at La Villita stores and looking at artwork

The City of San Antonio invites the community to visit Historic Market Square, La Villita Historic Arts Village and Houston Street this November for a wide variety of events.

While enjoying La Villita and Market Square events, don’t forget to stop inside their stores to shop for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts!

La Villita Historic Arts Village Events

La Villita ad featuring products sold at La Villita shops

Give the Gift of Local Artistry This Holiday Season at La Villita Historic Arts Village!

Located in the heart of downtown, La Villita offers over 15 unique boutiques, art galleries, and dining experiences. Give local this holiday season! Shop handcrafted gifts and festive finds at La Villita, where every purchase supports San Antonio’s small, independent businesses.

La Villita Website

Sana Sunday Taekwondo Self-Defense Class
Sunday, November 9, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.; FREE
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, Plaza Juarez, 418 Villita St.

Start your week off in a healthy way with a Taekwondo self-defense class led by Chris Navarro of Navarro's Taekwondo Academy in the beautiful tree-shaded Plaza Juarez at La Villita Historic Arts Village. Registration is required; sign up online. All supplies are provided. City Tower Sundays offers free parking on Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight at the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.).

More Information

Craft Tuesday: 'Leaf Lanterns'
Tuesday, November 11, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.; FREE
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, Cos House, 418 Villita St.

Create a beautiful fall upcycled DIY ‘leaf lantern’ during this month’s Craft Tuesday. All are invited to the free, family-friendly craft party. Come early to grab a bite or beverage from onsite restaurants.Registration is required; sign up online.

More Information

F.R.I.DA./Frida Fest 2025
Saturday, November 15 & Sunday, November 16, 12-6 p.m.; FREE
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, Maverick Plaza, 418 Villita St.

Que Retro Arts and Curious Twins hosts F.R.I.D.A./Frida Fest 2025, a 2-day family-friendly event celebrating the life and legacy of artist Frida Kahlo. The community gathering features a handcrafted artisan mercado (over 60 vendors), art galleries, photo opportunities, fashion show, music, cultural performances, culinary demonstrations, artist panels, and authentic Mexican cuisine.

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Marisol Deluna Foundation 2025 Community Fashion Show
Saturday, November 15, gates open at 1 p.m., fashion show at 3 p.m.; FREE
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, Arneson River Theatre, 418 Villita St.

Celebrate an afternoon of fashion in honor of the Linda Luna Duffy Creative Hope Initiative with the Marisol Deluna Foundation’s 2025 Community Fashion Show at the Arneson River Theatre. The event will also feature a fashion pop-up shop and refreshments.

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Dancing in the Dark: 80s Neon Dance Party
Saturday, November 22, 5-8 p.m.; FREE
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, Maverick Plaza, 418 Villita St.

Looking for a fun, free way to kick-off the Thanksgiving holiday week? Join us for an 80s themed neon dance party with music provided by DJ AM Project. Come a little early to grab a bite or a beverage from onsite restaurants.

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Ford Holiday River Parade
Friday, November 28, 6 p.m.; ticketed event
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, Arneson River Theatre, 418 Villita St.

The 44th 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, Merry Movie Magic, features floats dedicated to the holiday season’s most iconic films. 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.

More Information

Historic Market Square Events

Market Square ad featuring products sold at Market Square shops

Unwrap Culture & Creativity At Historic Market Square This Holiday Season!

Step into the heart of San Antonio’s culture and community with over 100 locally owned shops. From handcrafted leather goods and traditional apparel to unique cultural treasures, Historic Market Square is your one-stop destination for unique holiday gifts that support local small businesses.

Market Square Website

Celebración Musical
Saturday, November 29, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.

Visit Historic Market Square for a special celebration dedicated to musicians and music lovers alike. Enjoy live entertainment, mariachi music, ballet folklorico, working artists, food booths, and holiday shopping specials! The day will feature a special Musician’s Blessing from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., where musicians are invited to receive a blessing to honor their craft and creativity.

 

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Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, November 30, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.

Celebrate the love and joy our furry friends bring to our lives at the Blessing of the Animals. This special event is all about cats, dogs, and other furry companions, featuring a day filled with blessings, fun, and festivities. Bring your pet to enjoy a memorable experience. The animal blessing ceremony will take place at 1 p.m.

 

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Market Square Weekends: Live Performances, Local Eats & Art in Action
Every weekend in November, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.

Enjoy music, working artists, and food booths at Market Square every weekend!

 

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The Pass at Market Square
Open daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: 612 W. Commerce St.

The Pass at Market Square is a recreation area located at the IH-35 elevated highway underpass between Dolorosa and Commerce streets. It features a family-friendly recreation area that includes a basketball court, ping pong tables, swing chairs and tables, murals, and more.

 

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Downtown Events

SA Veterans Day at Hemisfair
Saturday, November 8, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St.

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.

 

More Information

San Antonio Veteran's Day Parade
Saturday, November 8, noon; FREE
Location: Begins at Milam Park & travels down Houston Street

The United States Military Veterans Parade Association invites the community to attend the 2025 Veterans Day Parade. The Veterans Day Parade will start at Milam Park and travel down historic Houston Street.

 

More Information

Houston Street Events

Lunch Break on Houston Street
Thursday, November 20, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: In front of the Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St.

Make your way to Houston Street for food trucks and music in front of the Majestic Theatre!

 

More Information

Plan Ahead Information

Downtown can get busy, so make a plan! Friday, November 28 will be especially busy. Visitors are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and arrive early to downtown events to avoid expected disruptions related to traffic and construction projects. 

  • Leave Early and Plan Ahead – Expect heavy traffic on busy event weekends. Plan to leave early and be sure to consult a navigation app, such as Google Maps or Waze, to find the best route to your destination.

  • Take Public Transportation – Find nearby VIA Metropolitan Transit routes by visiting Google Maps and selecting the public transport option. VIA also offers its Link ride-sharing service for $1.30 a ride within its downtown service area zone and Park & Ride for certain large events. For more details, visit VIA’s website.

  • Use Ride Share or Taxis – Using these services avoids traffic congestion and keeps you and those around you safe from traffic accidents. 

Know Before You Go Downtown Website

Downtown Street Closure Website

Downtown Parking

We've got your spot!

The City of San Antonio offers convenient and affordable parking at its parking 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, Houston Street and Travis Park, and they generally have many public parking spaces available. Note that event parking rates (up to $15 at City parking facilities) may be in effect at some parking facilities during busy event weekends.

  • A map showing a full list of City-owned garages and lots can be found on the City’s SAPark website.

  • Downtown Tuesday offers free parking at city-operated parking garages, parking lots and parking meters every Tuesday evening from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

  • City Tower Sundays offers free parking on Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight in the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.).

Parking Map

City of San Antonio Downtown Parking Map

Click map to enlarge.

Downtown Partner Events

Visit our downtown partner websites to view a list of their upcoming events.

Visit San Antonio Logo
Visit San Antonio

Centro Logo
Centro San Antonio

Hemisfair Logo
Hemisfair

Main Plaza Logo
Main Plaza

Visit San Antonio River Walk Logo
The San Antonio River Walk

The Alamo Logo
The Alamo

 

More Updates

VIA Link Van

VIA Link Downtown
Getting around downtown is now easier with VIA Link! VIA Downtown Link is an on-demand ride-sharing service that's only $1.30 per trip. VIA Downtown Link is your affordable, convenient way to explore all of downtown!

More Information

Centro de Artes

Centro de Artes Gallery
Centro de Artes Gallery, located at Historic Market Square, is an institution dedicated to telling the story of the Latino experience in the U.S. with a focus on South Texas through local and regional art, history and culture, and a commitment to showcase the transnational experience of Latinos in the U.S. Learn more about current exhibitions.

More Information

Visit San Antonio app - person holding phone by River Walk

Visit San Antonio App
Plan your perfect San Antonio getaway (or stay-cation!) with the Visit San Antonio App! Download the app now to check the best the Alamo city has to offer. Explore top attractions, events and things to do. 

More Information

 

Downtown in the News

1

KSAT

Things to do in November: Wurstfest, SA Veterans Day, 44th annual Ford Holiday River Parade

2

San Antonio Things to Do

Veterans Day Parades and Ceremonies Across Greater San Antonio 2025

3

San Antonio Magazine

15 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio This Weekend: Nov. 6-9

4

KSAT

Frida Fest, honoring artist Frida Kahlo, to take place this month in downtown San Antonio

5

San Antonio Express-News

Holidays on Houston Street will light up downtown for a third year

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100 W. Houston Street, San Antonio TX, 78205

 

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