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Focus on Downtown
November 2026
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The City of San Antonio invites the community to visit Historic Market Square, La Villita Historic Arts Village and Houston Street this November for fun fall events and to celebrate Día de los Muertos. While enjoying La Villita and Market Square events, don’t forget to stop inside their stores to shop for one-of-a-kind treasures.
Downtown will be very busy the weekend after Thanksgiving, November 27–29. Before heading downtown, attendees are encouraged to check event details, road closures, and parking information at SA.gov/GoDowntown
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La Villita Historic Arts Village Events
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Discover, shop and spark your creativity at La Villita Historic Arts Village!
Located in the heart of downtown, La Villita offers over 15 unique boutiques, art galleries, and dining experiences. Shop handcrafted gifts and festive finds at La Villita, where every purchase supports San Antonio’s small, independent businesses.
La Villita Website
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| Painting in the Plaza
Sunday, November 1 & 15, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.; FREE with registration
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, 418 Villita St.
The community is invited to Painting in the Plaza, a free, family-friendly art experience held on the first and third Sundays through May at La Villita Historic Arts Village. Local artist Tia Bailey will guide participants in a step-by-step painting class. The program welcomes all skill levels, though space is limited and advanced registration is required. Registration opens one week before each event date.
More Information
November 1 Class Registration
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| Diwali SA
Saturday, November 7, 4:30 p.m. - midnight; FREE
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, Arneson River Theatre, 418 Villita St.; and Hemisfair Civic Park, 210 S. Alamo St.
The sights, sounds, flavor and traditions of India will illuminate Hemisfair Civic Park and the Arneson River Theatre at the annual Diwali San Antonio Festival of Lights, hosted by Anuja SA and the City of San Antonio. This cultural attraction honors the diversity of India with an unforgettable evening experience of a beautiful river parade and performance at the Arneson River Theatre.
More Information
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| Marisol Deluna Foundation 2026 Community Fashion Show
Sunday, November 15, gates open at 12 p.m., fashion show at 2 p.m.; FREE
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, Arneson River Theatre, 418 Villita St.
Celebrate an afternoon of fashion in honor of the Linda Luna Duffy Creative Hope Initiative with the Marisol Deluna Foundation’s 2026 Community Fashion Show at the Arneson River Theatre. The event will also feature a fashion pop-up shop and refreshments.
More Information
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| Craft Thursday
Thursday, November 19, 6-8 p.m.; FREE with registration
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, 418 Villita St.
The community is invited to Craft Thursday, a free, family-friendly DIY series held at La Villita Historic Arts Village Local artist Nadia Ramon will guide participants through an in-depth polymer clay class. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy dinner or a beverage at onsite restaurants. Seating is limited, and advance registration is required; registration opens one week before the event. Downtown Thursday free parking begins at 5 p.m. in City-owned lots and garages.
More Information
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| Ford Holiday River Parade
Friday, November 27, 6 p.m.; purchase tickets
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, Arneson River Theatre, 418 Villita St.
The 45th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade is a San Antonio tradition that offers a spectacular one-hour parade along the San Antonio River Walk. This year’s theme, Holiday Wishes Come True, features beautifully illuminated floats and the official river lighting ceremony. This ticketed parade begins at 6 p.m. at the Tobin Center Tobin Center, with a live broadcast at 7:05 PM from the Arneson River Theatre.
More Information
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Historic Market Square Events
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Shop, dine and celebrate at Historic Market Square
Step into the heart of San Antonio’s culture and community with over 100 locally owned shops. From handcrafted leather goods and traditional apparel to unique cultural treasures, Historic Market Square is your one-stop destination for memorable gifts that support local small businesses.
Market Square Website
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| Celebración Musical
Saturday, November 28, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.
Visit Historic Market Square for a special celebration dedicated to musicians and music lovers alike. Enjoy live entertainment, mariachi music, ballet folklorico, working artists, food booths, and holiday shopping specials! The day will feature a special Musician’s Blessing from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., where musicians are invited to receive a blessing to honor their craft and creativity.
More Information
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| Market Square Weekends: Live Performances, Local Eats & Art in Action
Every weekend in November, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.
Enjoy music, working artists, and food booths at Market Square every weekend!
More Information
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| The Pass at Market Square
Open daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: 612 W. Commerce St.
The Pass at Market Square is a recreation area located at the IH-35 elevated highway underpass between Dolorosa and Commerce streets. It features a family-friendly recreation area that includes a basketball court, ping pong tables, swing chairs and tables, murals, and more.
More Information
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| H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, November 27, 4-7 p.m., tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St.
Kick off the holiday festivities at the Annual H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Travis Park. Festivities include live entertainment, food trucks, letters to Santa, giveaways, holiday crafts, and a special visit from Santa. Stay tuned for more updates!
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| Lunch Break on Houston Street
Thursday, November 5 & 19, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: In front of the Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St.
Enjoy food trucks and live music along Houston Street in front of the Majestic Theatre.
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| SA Veterans Day at Hemisfair
Saturday, November 14, 12-6 p.m.; FREE
Location: Civic Park at Hemisfair, 210 S. Alamo St.
The official Veterans Day celebration of Military City, USA®! SA Veterans Day at Hemisfair will honor our veterans of today and tomorrow with live entertainment and fun, interactive activities for the whole family. Veteran-embracing organizations and businesses will offer resources and services, and attendees will enjoy activities for people of all ages and abilities.
More Information
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More Thursday Night Fun Ahead as Downtown Thursday Program Extended
Get ready to plan your next Thursday night downtown!
The City of San Antonio extended its Downtown Thursday program through the end of the year, giving everyone even more chances to enjoy Thursday nights downtown.
What to expect every Thursday night:
- Specials from 30+ restaurants, shops, wellness businesses, tour operators, and arts groups
- FREE parking!
- Food and drink specials, including free appetizers, desserts and more!
- Arts, culture, and live entertainment
- Family-friendly cultural experiences and partner-hosted events
Check out weekly events and partner specials on the Downtown Thursday website.
Are you a downtown business?
If you’d like to join the program, you can sign up on our website for free.
Free Parking After 5 p.m.
City-owned parking facilities offer free parking every Thursday night (some exclusions apply). An online map shows all participating locations.
More Information
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We've got your spot!
The St. Mary’s Garage (205 E. Travis St.) and City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.) are located near the River Walk, Houston Street, and Travis Park and typically have available spaces. Event parking rates may be in effect on busy event days.
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A map showing a full list of City-owned garages and lots can be found on the City’s SAPark website.
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Downtown Thursday offers free parking at city-operated parking garages, parking lots and parking meters every Thursday evening from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
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City Tower Sundays offers free parking on Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight in the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.).
Parking Map
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Visit our downtown partner websites to view a list of their upcoming events.
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Know Before You Go Downtown
Downtown will be very busy the weekend after Thanksgiving, November 27-29. Consider using public transportation, rideshare, or taxi services to skip congestion and simplify your trip. If you choose to drive, plan your parking in advance and enter the garage or lot address directly into your navigation app.
More Information
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Holidays on Houston Street Vendor Opportunities
Join us in the heart of downtown San Antonio for Holidays on Houston, a free and family-friendly holiday experience featuring local makers, food and beverage vendors, live entertainment, cultural programming, and seasonal activities at La Villita Historic Arts Village, hosted by the City of San Antonio and Centro San Antonio. The 2026 Vendor Market will take place over two three-day weekends in December, and vendors may apply for one or both weekends.
More Information
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SATX Marathon Updates
San Antonio Sports, in partnership with the City of San Antonio, will host the second annual San Antonio Marathon, Half Marathon, and SATX 5K this December. Events include the SATX 5K on Friday, December 4 at 8 p.m. and the Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday, December 6 at 7:15 a.m. Organizers are available for questions at marathoncr@sanantoniosports.org.
The Community Access webpage shows street closures, community access, and maps.
More Information
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Downtown Newsletter Survey
We’re updating our newsletters and would appreciate your quick feedback. This survey takes about 2 minutes and will help us improve what we send and how often you receive it.
Take the Survey
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Civic Park at Hemisfair Earns Award
Hemisfair continues its award-winning streak with a new recognition from Centro San Antonio for Civic Park as Downtown's Best Sustainability & Community Impact Project. This award recognizes Civic Park for its community impact and sustainability as well as the people, projects, businesses and organizations shaping the future of downtown San Antonio. Congratulations to our partners at Hemisfair!
More Information
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Centro de Artes Gallery Celebrates 10 Years
It has been a decade since the City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture started overseeing the iconic pink-and-blue building that welcomes visitors to Historic Market Square. Over the last 10 years, Centro de Artes Gallery has presented nearly two dozen exhibitions featuring more than 600 artists from throughout the U.S., Mexico, Central and South America. Learn more about current exhibitions and special celebration events.
More Information
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