San Pedro Creek Culture Park’s Annual Holiday Event

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San Pedro Creek Culture Park's Illume logo

Last Updated on March 31, 2023

As part of our commitment to safe, clean, enjoyable creeks and rivers, the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) maintains more than 500 acres of parks along the San Antonio River’s 240-mile course. The San Pedro Creek Culture Park, located on the western edge of downtown San Antonio not far from The Alamo, exemplifies beauty with purpose, as it serves as vital infrastructure for a growing downtown.

The River Authority is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the new park, which includes creating park programming and events for community engagement. Due to precautions related to COVID-19, we are not hosting our annual holiday event, Illume: Making Spirits Bright, in-person this year; however, we are producing a special virtual video presentation featuring culinary demonstrations and musical performances that highlight our community’s diverse culture. Learn more about this year’s holiday virtual event and how you can tune in to take part in this cultural celebration!

***In accordance to CDC guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, mask wearing and social distancing are strongly encouraged while on our facilities, parks, and trails.***

3rd Annual Illume: Making Spirits Bright 

It’s that time again to celebrate the holidays with Illume: Making Spirits Bright, a one-night event highlighting the food, dance, music, and art of our diverse and festive community. 2020 has impacted everyone’s lives, but this annual event will still go on – virtually. On Dec. 12, 2020, San Pedro Creek Culture Park will hold the 3rd annual event which will be available on the park’s Facebook page and will feature holiday-favorite cooking demonstrations and performances from around the world. Although this year’s event is virtual, the park remains open and accessible to everyone during the holiday season. Visit by Jan. 3, 2021 to see the festive light displays.  Free parking is available at the Christopher Columbus Italian Society at 201 Piazza Italia.

2020 Virtual Event Lineup 

  1. Samba Vida – Brazilian dance performance
  2. Eklectic Eats – Puerto Rican holiday recipe: Pernil and Arroz con Gandules
  3. A look at artwork at San Pedro Creek in partnership with Luminaria
  4. Compañía Folklórica del Álamo – Mexican folkloric dance performance
  5. Timeless Sweets – Buñuelo “chips” and Mexican chocolate ganache recipe
  6. Texas Bhangra – Indian dance performance
  7. Mr. A Ok’s Kitchen – Black-eyed peas recipe

For more information regarding San Pedro Creek Culture Park, don’t forget to download the San Pedro Creek Culture Park mobile app and follow San Pedro Creek on Facebook and Instagram.

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Alerts

Stay Weather‑Aware This Weekend

Stay Weather‑Aware This Weekend

Rain is expected across the region this weekend, which may result in high water on roads and temporary closures at low water crossings.

Before heading out, residents are encouraged to check SARiverFlood.org or their local county flood website for real‑time roadway conditions:

These sites provide up‑to‑date information from flood‑monitoring sensors across the region. Real‑time updates are available 24/7 to help you stay informed as conditions change.

Please use caution when traveling and plan routes accordingly.

Restroom Closure Notice – Camino Coahuilteca (Acequia Park Trail)

 

Restroom Closure Notice – Camino Coahuilteca (Acequia Park Trail)

The restrooms at Camino Coahuilteca along the Acequia Park Trail will be temporarily closed on Thursday, April 16 due to parking lot improvements in the area.

We encourage visitors to plan accordingly and utilize nearby facilities during this time.

We appreciate your patience as we complete this work to enhance the park experience.

 

Museum Reach – Oxbow Trail Closure Notice

The Oxbow Trail along the Museum Reach will be temporarily closed beginning Monday, April 13 through May 1 to accommodate project-related work in the area.

For public safety, access to this section of the trail will be restricted during this time. Visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly and use alternate routes.

Wayfinding signage and trail closure notices will be posted at designated locations to help guide trail users around the closure.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete this work to help maintain safe and enjoyable trail conditions.

San Pedro Creek Culture Park

The east bank trail along San Pedro Creek will be temporarily closed between the upper trail at Cameron St. and the lower trail at two access points.

Closure details:

  • The first closure will impact the connector from the upper trail near West Houston St. to the south lower San Pedro Creek trail.
  • Once work at this location is complete and the trail reopens, construction will shift to the second closure area between the upper and lower trails on the opposite side of the green space.

Please follow posted signage and plan alternate routes. We appreciate your patience as this work is completed.

Closed areas around San Pedro Creek Culture Park

The Brackenridge Trail

Trail Lighting Notice – Brackenridge Park Trail

Due to an electrical issue, lighting is currently out along the north portion of the trail, from the Josephine Street inlet to just past Highway 281 within the Brackenridge Park Trail. Our team is actively working to correct the issue and expects repairs to be completed by the end of business tomorrow.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience as we work to restore lighting. Please use caution when traveling through this area, especially during evening hours.

Trail Closure Alert – Calder Alley, San Pedro Creek

Maintenance work will be done in Calder Alley starting Wednesday, September 18, 2025.

  • Trails will remain open during this work.
  • One bench at a time will be temporarily barricaded while improvements are completed.
  • There may be occasional contractor pickups in the area.

We appreciate your patience as we continue to maintain and improve San Pedro Creek for all to enjoy!

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park.
*Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

Goliad Paddling Trail Alert

NOTICE: HWY 59 Landing Site Closed

Due to TxDOT construction on the HWY 59 Bridge, the HWY 59 landing site is closed until further notice. However, the Goliad Paddling Trail remains open, and paddlers can still access the river at the Riverdale, Ferry Street, and Goliad State Park landings.

Please plan accordingly and check back for updates.

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