VIVA Fiesta! Join the San Antonio River Authority for a Week of Celebration and Conservation

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A couple poses next to the Fiesta Flotilla Sign

Fiesta San Antonio 2025 is just around the corner, and the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) is gearing up for an exciting and impactful week from April 26—May 3, 2025! This cherished annual celebration is all about culture, community, and tradition—but it’s also an opportunity to reinforce the importance of keeping Our River Safe, Clean, and Enjoyable. Through parades, festivals, and public outreach, the River Authority will be front and center, engaging with the community while promoting environmental stewardship.

Fiesta Flotilla: A Celebration of River Stewardship

Two people kayaking in a tandem kayak

Kick off your Fiesta celebrations with a splash at the Fiesta Flotilla on Sunday, April 27, from 11 AM to 3 PM at Acequia Park! Hosted by the San Antonio River Foundation and the River Authority, this free, family-friendly extravaganza is packed with excitement! Enjoy delicious food, vibrant live performances, unique vendors, and thrilling kayaking adventures. Get creative with our decorating contest and show off your Fiesta spirit!

But that’s not all—this is the ONLY event where you can score FREE San Antonio River Authority and San Pedro Creek Culture Park Fiesta medals (while supplies last). Don’t miss this chance to celebrate, have fun, and learn how we can all protect and preserve the beautiful San Antonio River!

Grab the free medals for the San Antonio River Authority and San Pedro Creek! (Pictured Above)

 

A Dazzling Night on the River: The Texas Cavaliers River Parade

Texas Cavaliers River Parade

Photo Credit: The Texas Cavaliers

Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the Texas Cavaliers River Parade on Monday, April 28, as vibrant floats glide along the scenic Downtown River Walk Loop, lighting up the night with Fiesta spirit! As a Forming Sponsor, the River Authority is thrilled to be part of this beloved tradition, featuring a float with board members and staff proudly championing a clean and healthy river. Thousands of spectators line the banks each year for this dazzling display, and we invite you to be part of the excitement! Find a spot anywhere along the downtown loop to watch the parade or swing by the Arneson River Theatre to visit the River Authority’s table for some FREE giveaways and fun surprises! Let’s celebrate Fiesta while keeping our river beautiful!

King William Fair & Parade: Fiesta Fun with a Green Twist!

King William Fair

Photo Credit: King William Fair and Parade

Get ready for a colorful, vibrant, and eco-friendly Fiesta experience at the King William Fair & Parade on Saturday, May 3 in the charming historic King William neighborhood! As a proud sponsor, the River Authority is bringing its passion for sustainability to the celebration. Expect to see an energetic lineup of parade participants, including the River Warriors, staff, board members, Litter Bugs, and the Mission Reach Bike Club, all dedicated to spreading the message: Fiesta fun and river conservation go hand in hand!

A woman dressed as a litter bug

Look out for the River Authority’s “litter bugs” during the parade!

As the lively parade winds through the neighborhood, keep an eye out for these eco-advocates making sustainability exciting, interactive, and inspiring. From fun trash messaging initiatives to pedal-powered enthusiasm from the Mission Reach Bike Club, the River Authority is showing that protecting our river can be just as fun as celebrating Fiesta! Join us in making a difference—let’s party with a purpose and keep our beautiful river clean!

Celebrate Fiesta with Purpose: Keep Our River Clean!

Litter is Ugly

Litter is Ugly—and during Fiesta, it really stands out. Fiesta is a time for fun, music, and community spirit, but it’s also the perfect moment to reflect on how we can protect the environment while enjoying all the festivities! The San Antonio River Authority is stepping up efforts to tackle littering with an exciting outreach campaign. From digital signage across Downtown San Antonio to social media buzz, our message is clear: Let’s enjoy Fiesta to the fullest, but let’s also keep our beautiful river clean for everyone to enjoy. 

Fiesta 2025 is more than just a party—it’s a call to action! By combining our festive spirit with a strong conservation message, the River Authority is ensuring this incredible tradition leaves a lasting positive impact on both our community and the environment. So, as you sport your Fiesta medals and dive into the celebrations, remember: Litter is Ugly—have a blast, be mindful, and let’s work together to keep our river pristine for future generations!

Stay Connected

For all the event details, volunteer opportunities, and more ways to help support river conservation, be sure to follow the San Antonio River Authority on social media @SanAntonioRiver and visit our website www.sariverauthority.org See you at Fiesta—VIVA FIESTA!

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Alerts

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.

Mission Reach Area Maintenance

*FEBRUARY 2026 UPDATE*

Acequia Park Trailhead will be temporarily closed due to ongoing Stem Density work. The closure area includes the section south of Theo Avenue and Probandt Street, extending south to Mission Road. Currently, work is taking place only on the west bank. The east bank portion of the project has been completed. Trails will be reopened Thursday (02/05) through the weekend and will close again early Monday (02/09) morning. Ongoing work will take place from Monday mornings through late Thursday afternoons. We appreciate your patience as we complete this important work to maintain and improve the park area.

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.

Mission Reach Trail Closure 2.3.2026

 

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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