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Focus on Downtown
September 2026
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Market Square's El Mercado Celebrates 50 Years!
Market Square’s El Mercado turns 50 this year, and we're celebrating right where it started. Hosted by the El Mercado Tenant’s Association, this celebration kicks off Labor Day Weekend and honors five decades of the small businesses, entrepreneurs, families, and community members who built El Mercado into a San Antonio institution. Learn more.
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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 September to celebrate Labor Day, Hispanic Heritage Month, and more.
While enjoying La Villita and Market Square events, don’t forget to stop inside their stores to shop for one-of-a-kind treasures.
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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 is extending 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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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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| El Mercado 50th Anniversary
Saturday, September 5, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; FREE
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.
Market Square’s El Mercado turns 50 this year, and we're celebrating right where it started! Hosted by the El Mercado Tenant's Association, this celebration kicks off Labor Day Weekend and honors five decades of the small businesses, entrepreneurs, families, and community members who built El Mercado into a San Antonio institution.
More Information
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| Labor Day Weekend Celebration
September 5-7 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; FREE
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.
Continue the celebration with festivities for the whole family. Enjoy live entertainment from local bands and performers, browse food vendors, and shop unique finds that capture the essence of Market Square. The Kids Zone returns with activities and entertainment for the little ones.
More Information
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| El Grito / Fiestas Patrias Weekend
September 12 & 13, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; FREE
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.
Join Historic Market Square for San Antonio's annual El Grito celebration, featuring live Mexican music, folkloric dancers, and food and craft vendor booths. The weekend culminates in the official San Antonio "El Grito" civic ceremony, hosted by the Consulate General of Mexico in San Antonio.
More Information
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| Market Square Weekends: Live Performances, Local Eats & Art in Action
Every weekend in September, Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sundays: 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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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, September 6 & 20, 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 from September through May at La Villita Historic Arts Village. This month’s sessions feature local artist Tia Bailey, who will guide participants through a series exploring Black achievement, drawing on both historical figures and contemporary influences. The program welcomes all skill levels, though space is limited and advanced registration is required. Registration opens one week before each event date.
Sign Up
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| Craft Thursday
Thursday, September 17, 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. This month’s session will focus on “Glass in Mosaic Art” and will be led by local mosaic artist Dolores Jarvis. All materials will be provided, offering participants an opportunity to enjoy an evening of hands-on crafting. 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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| Oktoberfest
September 25-27; FREE
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, 418 Villita St.
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of family-friendly festivities in the heart of San Antonio as La Villita once again transforms into a celebration of culture, community and fun! The third annual Oktoberfest brings together the sights, sounds, and flavors of Europe in a joyful South Texas setting.
More Information
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| Rey Feo Superhero River Parade
Saturday, September 26, 4-10 p.m.; ticketed
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, 418 Villita St.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, enjoy the day with superheroes on San Antonio’s iconic River Walk as it transforms into a vibrant, action-packed river parade. This exciting event at La Villita’s Arneson River Theatre draws locals and visitors to celebrate heroism, creativity, and community spirit.
More Information
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| Lunch Break on Houston Street
Thursday, September 3 & 17, 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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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.).
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Note: Free Downtown Thursday parking will not be available in the Convention Center Garage (41 S. Bowie St.) on Thursday, September 3.
Parking Map
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Visit our downtown partner websites to view a list of their upcoming events.
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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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Know Before You Go Downtown
Downtown can get busy, so visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and arrive early to avoid traffic and construction delays. Consider using public transportation, ride share, or VIA Park & Ride 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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SATX Marathon Updates
The San Antonio Marathon has opened applications for On‑Course Entertainment during the 2026 San Antonio Marathon Weekend and is seeking local musicians, bands, DJs, dance groups, and other performers to bring live entertainment along the course. Applications are due by September 4, 2026. On-Course entertainment application
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.
More Information
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VIA Link Downtown
Getting around downtown is now easier with VIA Link! VIA Downtown Link is an on-demand ride-sharing service that's only $1.30 per trip. VIA Downtown Link is your affordable, convenient way to explore all of downtown!
More Information
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Centro de Artes Gallery
Centro de Artes Gallery, located at Historic Market Square, is an institution dedicated to telling the story of the Latino experience in the U.S. with a focus on South Texas through local and regional art, history and culture, and a commitment to showcase the transnational experience of Latinos in the U.S. Learn more about current exhibitions.
More Information
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