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CCDO newsletter header with CCDO logo and and image of downtown San Antonio
Focus on Downtown
July 2026

Stars & Stripes July 4 Parade going down Houston Street with people marching and dancing

Downtown San Antonio kicks off July with vibrant Fourth of July festivities, followed by a full month of family‑friendly events and cultural happenings at Market Square, La Villita, and on Houston Street.

July 4th Events

Market Square July 4th Weekend Celebration
July 3-5, Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. & Sunday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.

Celebrate Independence Day all weekend at Market Square with three days of live music, local shopping, great food, festive games and plenty of family fun. Entertainment starts at noon each day, and visitors can browse artisan vendors, enjoy holiday treats and check out the Kids Zone for classic activities throughout the weekend.

More Information

Stars & Stripes Downtown 5K
Saturday, July 4, 8:30 a.m.
Location: Route travels from Milam Park to Hemisfair

Start your Fourth of July in motion at the inaugural Stars & Stripes Downtown 5K! This high-energy morning run invites participants to race through the heart of downtown San Antonio, kicking off a full day of celebration. The route begins at Milam Park and finishes at Civic Park at Hemisfair, where runners can keep the celebration going with post-race activities.

Register

Stars & Stripes Independence Day Parade
Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.; FREE
Location: Houston Street, see parade route

The Stars & Stripes on Houston Street Independence Day Parade returns this year with floats, performers and community groups filling downtown with patriotic spirit. Produced in partnership with local parade organizers, the event kicks off a full day of Independence Day activities in the heart of Military City, USA®.

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Stars & Stripes Food & Music Festival
Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.; FREE
Location: Civic Park at Hemisfair, 210 S. Alamo St.

Keep the Fourth of July celebration going at the inaugural Stars & Stripes Music & Food Festival at Civic Park at Hemisfair. This free, family-friendly festival brings together live music, local and regional performers, food vendors, community activations, and plenty of patriotic energy in one of downtown San Antonio’s most iconic public spaces. Spend the afternoon enjoying great food, live entertainment, and the full Stars & Stripes experience as downtown comes alive for America’s 250th birthday.

More Information

Stars & Stripes Downtown Spectacular Fireworks Show
Saturday, July 4, 9 p.m.; FREE
Location: Civic Park at Hemisfair, 210 S. Alamo St.

End the Fourth of July with a show-stopping finale as Stars & Stripes Downtown Spectacular lights up the San Antonio skyline from Civic Park at Hemisfair. This inaugural fireworks display marks a major new moment for Downtown San Antonio, bringing families, visitors, and the community together for an unforgettable close to a full day of Independence Day celebration. Set against the heart of the city, the Downtown Spectacular is designed to become a signature Fourth of July tradition for San Antonio’s urban core. Bring your family, find your spot, and get ready to watch downtown shine.

More Information

July 4th Weekend Plan Ahead Information

Downtown San Antonio will be very busy this weekend as more than 75,000 residents and visitors are expected to enjoy a full lineup of patriotic celebrations, family-friendly festivals, live music, fireworks, and more.

  • Leave Early and Plan Ahead – Expect heavy traffic and allow extra time for travel. Review road closures before leaving home, and reserve or plan parking in advance whenever possible.

  • Take VIA Park & Ride – Skip the traffic and parking hassles by using VIA Metropolitan Transit. Beginning at 5 p.m. on July 4, VIA will offer Park & Ride service from:

    • Stone Oak Park & Ride, 22139 U.S. 281 S, 78264
    • Crossroads Park & Ride, 151 N Crossroads Blvd, Balcones Heights, 78201
    • Frost Bank Center, 1 Frost Bank Center Drive, 78219
    • Walmart at Brooks, 3302 SE Military Drive, 78223

Riders may also use Route 100 Prímo, which provides convenient connections between downtown parking garages, hotels, and event venues. Beginning at 5 p.m., the Robert Thompson Transit Station will be added as a stop on Route 100.

Round-trip fares are $2.60, with discounted fares available for children, seniors, students, and military personnel.

For schedules and additional information, visit VIAInfo.net/park-ride-events

Know Before You Go Downtown Website

Historic Market Square Events

Three images of Market Square products and shopping, the first image shows leather sandals, the second image shows a smiling man holding an agua fresca while walking in the Market Square plaza decorated with colorful papel picado, and the third image shows a woven basket

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

Market Square Weekends: Live Performances, Local Eats & Art in Action
Every weekend in July, 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

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

La Villita Historic Arts Village Events

Three images of La Villita products and shopping, the first image is a colorful necklace, the second image shows a woman walking in front of a store, and the third image shows a decorative vase

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

Fiesta Noche del Rio
Every Friday and Saturday through August 1; 8:30 p.m.; ticketed event
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, Arneson River Theatre, 418 Villita St.

The Alamo Kiwanis presents its annual Fiesta Noche del Rio featuring a cultural performance of artists at La Villita’s Arneson River Theatre.

More Information

Downtown Events

Lunch Break on Houston Street
Thursday, July 2 & 16, 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.

Downtown Thursday

Downtown Thursday Logo

Downtown Thursday

Discover a new way to enjoy San Antonio’s vibrant downtown! The City has launched Downtown Thursday, a pilot program offering a weekly lineup of arts, culture, music, food and family‑friendly experiences every Thursday night through August 27, 2026. It’s the perfect way for locals and visitors to explore Downtown San Antonio all summer long.

With free parking after 5 p.m. and a complimentary downtown circulator, it’s easy to enjoy a night downtown. From live entertainment and outdoor activities to exclusive partner specials and hosted events, Downtown Thursday gives guests plenty of reasons to explore. Be sure to check out the full list of specials and events to plan your next Thursday evening!

More Information

Downtown Parking

City of San Antonio parking garage with sign that says park

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 (up to $15 at City facilities) may be in effect on busy event days.

  • A map showing a full list of City-owned garages and lots can be found on the City’s SAPark website.

  • 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.

  • 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

Downtown Partner Events

Visit our downtown partner websites to view a list of their upcoming events.

Visit San Antonio

Centro San Antonio

Hemisfair

Main Plaza

The San Antonio River Walk

The Alamo

 

More Updates

City Center Circulator

City Center Circulator - Free Rides Every Thursday!
The City of San Antonio is bringing free parking to Downtown Thursday nights and The Local is your ride. Hop on our circulator shuttle and loop the whole scene for zero fare, every Downtown Thursday, all summer.

More Information

Movies by Moonlight

Movies by Moonlight
Catch Movies by Moonlight at Civic Park at Hemisfair for a summer lineup of movie favorites, complete with pre-show activities before the film begins at sunset. Guests are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

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VIA Link Van

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

Graphic showing painter's palette and checklist

Prequalified Public Art List
Are you a visual artist, engineer, architect, photographer, designer, metalsmith, or art installer interested in working on public art projects? Apply today to join the Department of Arts & Culture’s (@getcreativesa) Prequalified Public Art List—a roster that connects qualified visual artists and support-service providers with municipal public art projects. Selected applicants will remain on the roster for six years. Applications close July 24.

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Centro de Artes Museum

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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