Celebrate Fiesta 2026 with Purpose, Because Litter Is Ugly!
Get ready for Fiesta San Antonio, returning April 16–26, 2026, with music, medals, parades, and city-wide celebrations. From river floats to neighborhood fairs, Fiesta is a time to show pride in our traditions, and in the river that runs through the heart of it all. While we celebrate big, one message remains front and center: Litter is Ugly.
During Fiesta, the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) is reminding everyone that enjoying the celebration and respecting the river can go hand in hand. More crowds mean more trash, and even small items can quickly make their way into the water. The “Litter is Ugly” campaign, visible on digital signs, at events, and through outreach, delivers a straightforward reminder: party smart, toss trash properly, and help keep the river Fiesta-ready.
See if you can spot these signs during Fiesta!
Something’s Coming Downstream…
Keep an eye on the current. The river is more than water; it is habitat, history, and heart. And soon, it will have three new friendly faces helping tell its story!
You may have seen the hints.
A splash here. A step there. Something afoot. Something winging in.
Not all river creatures stay hidden. Some are ready for their close-up.
The current is shifting, and during Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta, the river’s newest trio will be introduced for the very first time. Bold new energy is surfacing, and it starts on the water. Stay tuned, cute surprises are coming downstream!
Paddle, Party, and Protect the River
Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta—Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 11 AM–3 PM
Fiesta makes a splash at Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta 2026, the official kayaking event of Fiesta, hosted by the River Authority and San Antonio River Foundation at Acequia Park. This FREE, family-friendly event features kayaking on the river, live music, Folklorico dancers, arts and crafts, disc golf, animal encounters, a Fiesta Medal Market, and much more.
New This Year! Don’t miss the 1st Annual Flotilla Fiesta High School Cookoff, featuring a street taco and salsa competition, plus Flotilla Lotería and plenty of Fiesta favorites throughout the afternoon.
Fiesta medal fans, take note: Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta is the ONLY event where you can get the official 2026 San Antonio River Authority Fiesta medal, and this year’s design tells a powerful story. These medals will be given out throughout the event, while supplies last!
The medal features a River Warrior in action, using a picker to collect trash because Litter is Ugly. The design was hand drawn by River Authority Digital Content Coordinator Jennifer Pecina, inspired by Minna Paul, the River Authority’s Education & Engagement Officer. Minna has spent more than a decade building the River Warrior program into what it is today, leading with heart, grit, and a deep love and care for the river.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the medal, Minna shared:
“I couldn’t do any of this important work without my amazing team. The River Warrior program is truly a group effort, and I’m so proud of the work we do together.”
This medal isn’t just a collectible, it’s a tribute to the people who show up, pitch in, and prove that protecting the river is always worth celebrating.
As paddlers take to the river and music fills the park, playful reminders encourage everyone to party responsibly. Clean rivers make better celebrations, and Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta proves that Fiesta fun and river care go hand in hand. So, decorate your bike, bring the family, and celebrate nature, culture, and community. Just remember to toss trash in the bin, not the river.
Lights, Floats, Fiesta!
Texas Cavaliers River Parade—Monday, April 20 | 7 PM–9 PM
Fiesta history lights up the Downtown River Walk Loop on Monday, April 20, during the Texas Cavaliers River Parade. As a Forming Sponsor, the San Antonio River Authority is proud to be part of this iconic nighttime event, themed “Through the Decades: A Centennial Celebration of the Texas Cavaliers.”
Look for the River Authority on the river, proudly showcasing its commitment to a clean and healthy waterway during one of Fiesta’s most beloved traditions. The River Authority and River Foundation also sponsor the Texas Cavaliers Children’s Art Contest, celebrating elementary student artists. Winning artwork is displayed on VIA buses and at San Pedro Creek Culture Park near the Alameda Theater during Fiesta.
Less Bling, More Bubbles: Fiesta in King William
King William Fair & Parade—Saturday, April 25 | 9 AM–6 PM
The King William Fair & Parade returns on Saturday, April 25, bringing classic Fiesta fun to this historic neighborhood. Expect colorful entries, lively music, and plenty of celebration along the route.
River Authority staff, volunteers, River Warriors, and the popular Litter Bugs will be out collecting trash to help keep the party moving. Quick Fiesta tips: paper confetti is great, metallic confetti is not, and bubbles are always welcome. Small choices help keep the neighborhood, and nearby river, looking its best.
Celebrate Smart. Celebrate Together.
Fiesta is louder, brighter, and better when everyone does their part. As you enjoy the music, parades, and parties, remember: Litter is Ugly, but Fiesta done right is a beautiful thing. Let’s keep the river clean, the celebration strong, and the memories flowing long after the medals come off.
