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San Antonio River Authority

Spring Into Adventure with the River Authority: Explore, Paddle, and Discover!

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Last Updated on April 21, 2025

River Clicks 2024 Winner -Trueheart Ranch Nature Park—Steve Steger

Spring is here, bringing fresh stories to share!
Explore creeks and rivers, with wonders everywhere.
Join us for events, both big and small—
There’s something for everyone, fun for all!

How many of these must-do events can you check off your list this spring?

  • 📖 Story time along San Pedro Creek

Story time at Mustard Seed Plaza

🌿📚 Bring the little ones for a magical morning of nature-themed storytelling! Our engaging tales will spark curiosity and inspire a deeper connection with the great outdoors.

Story Time happens on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of March, April, and May. Each session features delightful stories about 🦉 wildlife, 🌻 plants, and the wonders of nature—perfect for young explorers!

🚶‍♂️ No registration required—just walk up and join the fun!

  • 🌙🥾Take a hike in the moonlight!

Friday Night Hikes promotional image

🌿🌙 Join San Antonio River Authority staff on a nature hike to explore the nocturnal flora and fauna that San Antonio River Authority’s nature-based parks call 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 wildcard night hikes through these amazing nature parks.

👉Sign Up for the Hike

  • Reel in the fun—no license needed!

Fin Addict Fishing Clinic promotional graphic

🎣 If you would like to learn how to fish or you just enjoy fishing, come out to Acequia Park and join Fin Addict staff and their amazing volunteers for an Angler Education Clinic. 🐟 These are free events and open to the public, and NO FISHING LICENSE is needed for these events!

👉 Register Here

  • 🎬 Watch a movie under the stars!

Creekside Cinema - Escondido Creek Parkway

🐸🎬 FREE Event!

Enjoy an evening under the stars with a free screening of a family-friendly movie (to be announced soon!). Get your blankets and chairs ready for a fun night with family and friends.

🍿 Get there early to make sure you get free popcorn provided by the River Authority! 🚶‍♂️ No registration required—just walk up and join the fun!

  • 🛶🌊Paddle a Kayak down the San Antonio River

Race the River Mission Reach - April 12, 2025

Race the River is back! This 3-part racing series will give new and pro racers a paddling experience of the Mission Reach, SASPAMCO and Downtown River Walk.

👉 Register by following this link!

  • 🎉Join the Fiesta Fun!

Fiesta Flotilla

🎉🛶 The official kayaking event of Fiesta is back! Enjoy a day of FREE outdoor fun, live music, and Fiesta excitement!

🎨 Immerse yourself in arts and crafts, 💃 folk dancers, 🐍 an animal exhibit, and a vibrant Fiesta Medal Market. Try kayaking for FREE and join the excitement of our 🎣 fishing clinic, 🎨 kayak decorating contest, and 🚴 new bike decorating contest.

Free activities include:

🎣 Fin Addict Fishing Clinic
🚣 Free Kayaking: Walk-ins only, no reservations
🎨 Free Art Activity
🐾 Animal Exhibition
🎶 Live Music
🌮 Food Vendors
🛍️ Fiesta Metal Market
🚴 Bicycle Decoration Contest
🛶 Kayak Decoration Contest

📅 Schedule of Performances (these may change!)

  • 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Puro Pito Power – A high-energy band that mixes jazz, funk, cumbias and more!
  • 12:30 PM–1:00 PM: Ballet Folklorico Performance
  • 1:00 PM–1:30 PM: Mariachi Performance
  • 1:30 PM–3:00 PM: Stefani Montiel–A Tejano music powerhouse!
  • 📸Capture an award-winning photo!
People’s Choice – James Casino

River Clicks 2024 Winner -People’s Choice–James Casiano

Experience the beauty of the San Antonio River Basin! As spring awakens, native plants bloom in vibrant colors, pollinators buzz with energy, and wildlife thrives in action. Capture these magical moments and showcase the natural wonders around you by entering the 8th Annual River Clicks Photo Contest!

This year’s special category celebrates the Goliad Paddling Trail and Branch River Park in honor of the 25th Anniversary of Canoe Trail Goliad, a local nonprofit that has partnered with the River Authority to promote river recreation and nature-based tourism in Goliad. The River Authority invites you to explore the rich history and natural beauty of Goliad, along with the entire San Antonio River Basin, and share your photos with us!

👉 Submit Your Photo Now!

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.

Decorative Banner saying Thank you.

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Alerts

Mission Reach Area Maintenance

March 2, 2026

Mission Reach Area Maintenance

*MARCH 2026 UPDATE*

Ongoing stem-density maintenance is currently taking place in this area. Crews will be working Monday through Friday during daytime hours. We appreciate your patience as we complete this important work to maintain and enhance the park for everyone to enjoy.

When: Beginning October 20, 2025 through Spring 2026
What: Crews will be performing stem-density removal and related vegetation maintenance along sections of the Mission Reach to help manage flood risk and protect surrounding infrastructure. Some trails or segments may be closed temporarily while work is underway.
Why: Removing excess stems that naturally establish along the river helps maintain stormwater conveyance, reduces flood risk, and protects public infrastructure while allowing grassland and native vegetation to recover and thrive.
What to expect:

  • Limited trail closures and intermittent work zones.
  • Crews and equipment working near the riverbanks during daytime hours.
  • Parking areas remain open, but visitors may see signage and temporary barriers.

Questions? Call the San Antonio River Authority at (210) 227-1373 or visit https://www.sariverauthority.org/services/river-health/ecosystems/.

Thank you for your patience while we keep the Mission Reach safe, clean, and enjoyable.

San Pedro Creek Culture Park

February 26, 2026

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

February 10, 2026

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

September 12, 2025

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

June 30, 2025

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

June 30, 2025

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

June 30, 2025

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.

Current Conditions

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