Welcome back to the Happy Trails Blog Series! We hope you have had a chance to get outside and enjoy some fresh air at the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) parks and trails this summer! We have enjoyed seeing everyone out at our programs as well as enjoying the parks with friends and family.
To keep the fun going, the River Authority invites you to the Southern Basin to explore our beautiful nature parks, and as the weather cools, enjoy a full calendar of programs along the river—read on to see what’s in store!
Free Camping Weekend at Helton Nature Park
Pack your tent, grab your gear, and get ready for a FREE outdoor escape at Helton Nature Park!
Friday, September 5 – Sunday, September 7 @ 3PM (Campsite Check-In)
2025 Race the River SASPAMCO
Saturday, September 6 – 8:00 AM-3:00 PM
The River Authority, together with the San Antonio River Foundation, is excited to welcome you to the SASPAMCO reach of the San Antonio River for an amazing adventure race!
Canoeists and kayakers from all over are invited to join us to compete in the Pro Class alongside experienced paddlers, who compete in endurance adventure races throughout Texas, or in the Amateur Class with beginner and intermediate paddlers who are ready for a challenge.
In addition to racers, we also encourage the community to support our racers as spectators and cheer them on as they paddle their way to victory!
Rain Barrel Workshop at Branch River Park and Escondido Creek Parkway 2025
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Escondido Creek Parkway 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at Branch River Park 10:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
Join San Antonio River Authority staff for a Nature Workshop where you can dive into the world of water conservation as you are guided through building your very own rain barrel to take home. Learn how to turn rain into a valuable resource for your garden and make a splash in environmental sustainability! Sign up today at:
***Registration is required***
Friday Night Hikes at Helton Nature Park
Join San Antonio River Authority staff on a nature hike to explore the nocturnal flora and fauna that call John William Helton San Antonio Nature Park home.
Learn about native plants and wildlife in a fun and exciting way. You never know what you’ll find—so join us for these wild-card night hikes through this amazing nature park!
*Hike will be approximately 1–2 miles
Friday, September 19 – 7:30PM-9:00PM
Tickets on Sale Starting August 20th
Wild & Scenic Film Festival
Mark your calendars for an inspiring night under the stars!
The River Authority and San Antonio River Foundation are bringing the Wild & Scenic Film Festival to Escondido Creek Parkway on Saturday, September 20th.
Escondido Creek Parkway, 208 N. Sunset Strip, Kenedy, TX, 78119
Saturday, September 20, 2025
6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Enjoy live music before the show
Savor delicious bites from local food vendors
Watch a curated selection of short films that inspire action and celebrate our planet’s natural wonders
This FREE community event is all about connection to nature, to one another, and to the movement for a healthier planet!
RSVP NOW!
Fall 2025 Discovery Hunt
When: Friday, October 10, 2025, through Sunday, October 19, 2025
Where: All Across the River Basin!
Discover the San Antonio River beyond the downtown river walk! Find hidden gems of art, nature, and engineering as you complete missions and experience San Antonio’s great outdoor spaces. Join guided programs for extra points. Prizes will be awarded to the top 5 teams!
Download the Goosechase App and join our challenge using the code: MXD8BJ
2025 Fall Fest at Helton Nature Park
Mark your calendars! On Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11 AM to 4 PM, Helton Nature Park will transform into a hub of autumn magic, music, and community fun. Located at 15662 FM 775 in Floresville, TX, this FREE, family-friendly event is an annual tradition along the beautiful San Antonio River.
Live Music & Main Stage Entertainment
From nature shows to toe-tapping tunes, the main stage will keep the energy going all afternoon:
- 11:00 AM – Birds of Prey Flight Demonstration – Watch majestic raptors soar just overhead!
- 12:00 PM – Fall Acoustic Jam – Country storytelling and song swapping.
- 1:00 PM – Bidi Bidi Banda – A lively Selena tribute performance.
- 2:30 PM – Costume Walk, Awards & Car Parade – Show off your creative side!
- 3:00 PM – Fall Acoustic Jam (Encore Session) – One more round of music before the day wraps up.
Fun for All Ages
Beyond the music, festival-goers can enjoy a wide range of activities throughout the park:
- Hayrides through the scenic park.
- Fishing Clinic – Learn tips and tricks from local experts.
- Disc Golf Games for a bit of friendly competition.
- Costume Walk (2:30 PM at the main stage).
- Food & Retail Vendors – Shop local goods and grab tasty festival treats.
- Car Show – Click the Link to Register Your Ride!
- Baking Contest – Bring your best pie, cake, or cookies! (Click to Register!)
Why You Won’t Want to Miss It
Whether you’re here for the music, the games, the food, or just the fall vibes, this festival delivers! Enjoy hayrides, fishing, and friendly competitions while soaking up the beauty of the San Antonio River. It’s an afternoon packed with entertainment, and best of all—it won’t cost you a thing.
Save the Date:
Fall Festival at Helton Nature Park
Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 11 AM – 4 PM
15662 FM 775, Floresville, TX
FREE Admission | Family-Friendly | Outdoor Fun
More Upcoming Events:
- Friday November 14 Free Movie Night
- Friday, November 14 to Sunday, November 16 Free Camping Weekend
- Tuesday, October 21 Texas All Stars Class: Mexican free-tailed bat
- Tuesday, November 18 Texas All Stars Class: Northern Mockingbird
- Wednesday, October 22 Texas All Stars Class: Mexican free-tailed bat
- Wednesday, November 19 Texas All Stars Class: Northern Mockingbird
- Friday, October 10 Friday Night Hikes
Stay updated on all free programs and events taking place at River Authority Parks and Trails by visiting our event page.
We truly appreciate those of you who were able to attend River Authority programs and events! Your support allows us to keep providing free activities throughout the San Antonio River Basin.
Until next time, Happy Trails!
