One of the greatest benefits of living in San Antonio is the variety of “things” to see and do. Each month, we will handpick 25 fun things to do in San Antonio...just to make planning your next Friday celebration, date night, or family outing a little easier. Take time to read and explore the many options for the month of April!
1. Celebrate Fiesta!
A longstanding tradition in San Antonio, Fiesta began in 1891 as a way to remember and recognize the heroes of the Battle of San Jacinto and the Alamo. Today, we celebrate through many different festivals and events, shedding light on the diverse cultures and people of this great city. You can celebrate all month long (we’re highlighting several of our favorite events) or hit up Hemisfair Park for the ultimate Fiesta celebration on April 20th. It’s time to put on your bright colors for this fantastic month of fun here in San Antonio.
When: April 20th,5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Where: Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St.
2. Tee Off for the Valero Texas Open
The Valero Texas Open is a weeklong golf tournament right here in San Antonio at the JW Marriott. This tournament features several different events, including the children’s golf clinic, executive women’s day, and of course the Pro’s tournament. You can attend as an audience member or serve as a volunteer to help the tournament run smoothly.
When: April 17th-23rd
Where: TPC JW Marriott (23808 Resort Pkwy)
3. Go Into the Woods
Music from the fantastic musical “Into the Woods” is being performed by the UTSA Lyric Theatre, giving you a chance to relive some of your favorite magical songs! This sophisticated show has a comedic element (that may lean towards the dark side). Don’t miss out on this exciting performance!
When: April 2nd, 3:00 PM
Where: Arts Recital Hall, UTSA
4. Experience Old San Antonio
NIOSA has been going on for years and recognizes itself as an event to celebrate San Antonio’s unique heritage, and relay the history of our great city. This year’s theme, “A Night in Old San Antonio,” will feature over 250 decorated booths with food, drinks, and entertainment. You’ll enjoy themed areas focusing on the unique heritage of the city. All of the proceeds raised during this event will go to the SA Conservation Society to preserve historic landmarks, objects, and places.
When: April 28th, 5:30 PM
Where: La Villita (418 Villita St.)
5. Say Bingo!
This isn’t your average bingo…part bingo, part game show, and wholly hilarious, this event is even entitled “ Not Your Granny’s Bingo.” You and your friends can compete for crazy prizes through multiple rounds. Note: This event contains subject content that may be inappropriate for children. Snag a babysitter and head to bingo!
When: Tuesday Nights
Where: Hooligan’s (13920 I-35 N)
6. Drive Over to Car Fest
The second annual Car Fest is happening at the Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall this month! This amazing event will feature plenty of cars, interactive activities, auto repairs, how-to lessons, car shows, and the chance to win a free vehicle. Best news yet? This event is free and open to the public! All ages are welcome because there’s something for everyone. You’ll find that you could easily spend hours perusing the aisles of the Coliseum and taking in all of the new cars (and old). Drive on over for a memorable experience!
When: April 1-2, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Where: 8411 Speedway Drive
7. Take the Kids to SeaWorld San Antonio!
Sea World is kicking off its season in high gear! During the month of April, the park has special sessions that are “Just for Kids.” Recess Monkey, Choo Choo Soul, and Aaron Nigel Smith will be there during various days to entertain your kids with music and shows that they will love. Additionally, there’s a Sesame Street Breakfast that is free for all children! You can learn more about these days and events here, and pick up a ticket while you’re at it!
Where: Sea World (10500 Sea World Drive)
8. Have a Family Fiestaval
There are so many opportunities to celebrate Fiesta; however, not all of those are guaranteed to be family friendly. That’s where Family Fiestaval comes into play. This event has games and activities, food, live entertainment, face painting, and special appearances by the Fiesta Royalty! Rain or shine, this event is happening at Aggie Park! Come for the entire day or just stay for an hour to see all of the exciting thing happening.
When: April 1, 4:00 PM-8:00PM
Where: Aggie Park (6205 West Ave)
9. See Your Dreams
The DoSeum is proud to announce a brand new exhibit featuring a local artist Richard Armendariz. This UTSA professor has created an oversized childhood bedroom tent, leading children into a makeshift forest with art and hand-crafted items. Children can participate in numerous activities that go towards the Dream Keeper theme of the exhibit. On April 8th and April 22, your child has the opportunity to actually work with an artist during a workshop. This is a brand new opportunity and a brand new exhibit that you won’t want to miss!
Where: The DoSeum (2800 Broadway St.)
10. Experience Shakespeare
Experience Shakespeare on the San Antonio River Walk! The Company Theatre is celebrating the birthday of William Shakespeare with a production of ALL of his works. Obviously, this 90-minute production will be abridged and gives a comical look at each work in a small moment. Known as a high-speed roller coaster, you’ll get to see all of the famous playwright’s works condensed into a mini-production. It’s a guaranteed laugh out loud performance, and you’ll love the comedic aspects of this April Fool’s show.
When: April 1st, 7:30 PM
Where: Arneson River Theater (418 Villita St.)
11. Feel Dangerous
Pop sensation Ariana Grande is on her Dangerous Woman tour across the nation. Known for her catchy songs, like “Bang Bang” and “Side to Side”, the 23-year-old has captivated the world of pop culture with her dynamic voice. She’s coming to San Antonio on her tour, giving you the ultimate chance to see this superstar in concert while singing along to all of her famous songs. You can get your ticket here, but we recommend hurrying! She’s bound to sell out quickly.
When: April 6th, 7:00 PM
Where: AT&T Center (1 AT&T Center Parkway)
12. Sing with Sister Act
Sister Act is the story of a woman placed in the witness protection program...in this case, within a convent! The musical recounts her days disguised as a nun and how she inspires other nuns through song and dance. Based off the hit movie with Whoopi Goldberg, this show is sure to give you the warm fuzzies inside and make you happy. Get ready to clap and sing along during this exciting performance!
When: April 7th-May 7th, 7:30 PM
Where: Woodlawn Theatre (1920 Fredericksburg Road)
13. Pick A Strawberry
Image Courtesy of StrawberryFestival.com
An annual occurrence, the Poteet Strawberry Festival is definitely something to look forward to! The festival runs April 7-9, giving you a weekend to explore all that it has to offer. The event will feature live music, an auction, the Strawberry Festival Royal Court, a carnival, contests, and even rodeo performances. Of course, you can buy beautiful world-famous strawberries and get delicious treats like strawberry shortcake as well. Don’t miss out on this memorable weekend in the strawberry capital of Texas!
When: April 7-9
Where: Poteet Strawberry Festival Grounds (9199 N State Hwy 16, Poteet, TX)
14. Hop in for Breakfast
Easter is just around the corner! Whether you celebrate the holiday or not, it’s always cute to have a springtime picture of your kids with the Easter bunny! On April 15th, you can get that picture and some breakfast with the bunny! This free event is happening at Ingram Park Mall, and there will be music, games, prizes, and photos for everyone who wishes to participate. Get the adorable picture that you’re waiting for!
When: April 15th, 9:00 AM
Where: 6301 NW Loop 410
15. Enter a World of Books
The San Antonio Book Festival is a free literary event that’s perfect for every bookworm out there. Exhibits will be available, authors will be speaking and signing books, and workshops will be held for aspiring writers. This truly is a literary event meant to involve everyone in the community. All in all, the day will feature over 90 writers and welcomes 18,000 visitors.
When: April 8th, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Where: Central Library (600 Soledad Street) and the Southwest School of Art (1201 Navarro Street)
16. See Fiesta Fashion
One unique event happening during Fiesta month is the Fiesta Fashion Show at Incarnate Word. Models will be showcasing bright and colorful fashions that work well with Fiesta here in San Antonio. The gorgeous clothes will be on display for every fashion-lover to see. The event serves as great inspiration in what you could wear to Fiesta events. And, it’s happening before all of the major Fiesta parities, so you’d have time to gain inspiration for your own Fiesta outfit!
When: April 19th, 6:00 PM
Where: University of Incarnate Word (4301 Broadway St.)
17. Experience the Parade
Image Courtesy of fiesta-sa.org
Get ready for the Battle of Flowers Parade! Honoring the heroic acts of patriots of the Alamo, the Battle of Flowers Parade is the second largest day parade in the United States. It’s also the only parade in the nation to be produced by volunteer efforts only. This year’s theme is “Blazing Trails” and honors anyone who could be seen as a “trailblazer” in our city, state, or country. The parade is a memorable experience and will leave you speechless at the amazing floats and the effort that goes into each and every one.
When: April 28th, 12:20-4:00 PM
Where: E. Grayson St. & Broadway
18. Celebrate Health!
Fiesta can be a time where you lose track of your eating choices…all those carnivals have temptations that may get you off track. Viva La Salud is the first fiesta event to celebrate health and wellness with the community. The mayor’s fitness council has endorsed this event and encourages you to put your health first. You’ll have the chance to win exciting door prizes, listen to live music, and interact in fun activities as a family or community. Celebrate wellness and nutrition at this fun event!
When: April 21st, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
Where: Wayland Baptist University (11550 IH 35 N)
19. Get Food from the Seven Seas
SeaWorld San Antonio is hosting its third annual Seven Seas Food & Wine Festival! The event will run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from April 21st all the way until May 29. You can sample exotic seafood from around the world and taste delicious wines to pair with them. Your taste buds will thank you for this delicious event, and you can even learn more about the exotic foods with chefs on site to help answer your questions!
When: Friday-Sunday, April 21-May 29
Where: Sea World (10500 Sea World Drive)
20. See A Classic
San Antonio College is producing an adaptation of the classic novel Grapes of Wrath (the classic novel by John Steinbeck) This theatrical adaptation will tell the story of the Joad family during the Great Depression as they search for work and land in an attempt to live out the American Dream. The story is a representation of 1930’s America and will leave you feeling awestruck by the end of the production. Get your ticket ahead of time!
When: April 1, April 6-8 (7:30 PM)
Where: McAllister Auditorium (1300 San Pedro Ave.)
21. Bring on the Bats
Ever wondered how to build a habitat for bats? Experts at the Eco Centro will teach you and demonstrate how to design and build a bat house. You’ll learn tips and tricks to ensure that your bat house is safe and secure for these fascinating creatures. Best news yet? This community workshop is free! Perfect for bringing young, curious children, you’ll find that this workshop is a great Saturday activity.
When: April 1st, 9:00 AM
Where: William R. Sinkin Eco Centro (1802 N Main Ave)
22. Get Active
Image Courtesy of AlamoRunFest.com
The HEB Alamo Run Fest is a half-marathon that will get you active and exercising this weekend! In addition to the half-marathon, there’s also a 5K (and a 1K for little ones). This community event encourages healthy lifestyles and runs through Fort Sam Houston, giving you a truly unique experience. It’s a scenic route and goes past many important landmarks for San Antonio. Show up bright and early with your running shoes on!
When: April 2nd, 7:30 AM
Where: Alamodome
23. Speak Like A Poet
In honor of National Poetry Month, the San Antonio Public Library and the Alamo Area Poets of Texas are holding an open mic session for all who would like to try their skill at poetry. If you’re looking to share a poem, hear from others, or maybe receive some audience feedback, this event is for you! Be brave and share your words for a change. It’s an opportunity to get creative and share some poetry.
When: April 1st, 2:00 PM
Where: Landa Branch Library (233 Bushnell)
24. Explore the World of Dance
Dance Kaleidoscope is a phenomenal presentation by the San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet Company that explores classical and contemporary dance. This year’s motif is “The Firebird”, a Russian fairy tale about a magic bird captured by a prince. Explore the world of dance and learn something new through this amazing show. You’ll be speechless at the beautiful dance moves and choreography, as well as the inspiring music by Mozart and other artists. It’s a memorable dance experience that you won’t want to miss.
When: April 2nd, 2:30 pm
Where: Majestic Theatre (224 E Houston St.)
25. Attend a Masquerade
Image Courtesy of Fiesta-SA.org
Grab a mask and a brightly colored outfit for the 16th Annual Fiesta Masquerade Party. This event is a celebration of San Antonio spirit, and guests are encouraged to don a mysterious mask. It’s a great kickoff to Fiesta season and will feature door prizes, food, music, and dancing. You could even win the $100 cash prize for best costume. Either way, get festive and geared up for Fiesta season with this cultural event!
When: April 21, 8:00 PM
Where: Hilton Garden Inn (8101 Pat Booker Road)
