Southside San Antonio has a rich cultural history with a diverse population that takes great pride in its heritage. For generations, residents of the area from different walks of life have come together to celebrate their cultures and traditions through a wide range of festivals and events. As the VIDA residential community continues to grow and welcome new and returning residents to the Southside, there is a renewed sense of community spirit and excitement around these celebrations.
Festival de Cascarones, a Fiesta event at Texas A&M-San Antonio and VIDA San Antonio.
San Antonio Festivals and Events
From the big annual festivals in San Antonio such as Fiesta San Antonio, Culinaria Festival Week, and Día de Los Muertos, to under-the-radar San Antonio events, there is no shortage of opportunities to come together and embrace the unique culture and impressive diversity that can be found on the Southside.
Here are just a few of the many San Antonio festivals and events that residents of Southside San Antonio can look forward to every year:
- Fiesta San Antonio: One of the largest festivals in the entire city, Fiesta San Antonio is a 10-day celebration featuring parades, music, food, and a variety of cultural events. With over 100 individual events taking place across the city, there’s sure to be something for every visitor to enjoy.
- Diez y Seis de Septiembre: Also known as Mexican Independence Day, Diez y Seis de Septiembre is a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. The San Antonio version of the festival features traditional music, dance, and food, along with cultural exhibits and an array of family-friendly activities.
- San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: For those looking to take a big bite of that vintage Texas culture, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo are not to be missed. The event includes live music, carnival rides, and—of course—world-class rodeo competitions.
- Culinaria Festival Week: A celebration of food and wine, Culinaria Festival Week features tastings, dinners, classes, restaurant specials, and events highlighting some of the best culinary offerings in San Antonio.
- Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta: A unique annual event held along the San Antonio River, the Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta celebrates the river’s history and importance to the community. Residents can participate in the flotilla or stay dry and enjoy live music, food, and learning about the local ecosystems.
From neighborhood block parties to farmers markets, there are endless opportunities for Southside residents to get involved, have a great time, experience new things, and build relationships with their neighbors.
Image: Community First Health Plans/Facebook
VIDA San Antonio – Vibrant Southside Community
For years, it seemed like Southside San Antonio was a place where most of the people who grew up in the neighborhood moved away when it was time to find work. Now we’re seeing many of these displaced Southsiders flock back to the area as the neighborhood thrives and grows into a place where people of any generation can build a life and a future for themselves.
VIDA aims to foster this sense of belonging by providing a welcoming and inclusive space for families to put down roots and build personal relationships that, in turn, grow into full-fledged communities. By participating in San Antonio events and festivals, residents aren’t just having a great weekend. These events can strengthen someone’s connections to their local community and help them understand and celebrate the unique diversity that makes Southside San Antonio such a special place to call home.
Image: NPS photo
Fun Facts about Southside San Antonio
- Southside San Antonio is known for its rich history and cultural diversity. It is home to a sizable Mexican-American population, which has played a significant role in shaping the city’s identity and cultural traditions for many generations.
- Today, the area is known for its unique aesthetic, where modern facilities exist side by side with historic landmarks, such as the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
- Southside San Antonio is home to a very exciting culinary scene that is modern and ambitious while also being approachable—and filling for those with Texas-sized appetites. Diners on the Southside can choose from a range of restaurants offering iconic Tex-Mex cuisines like puffy tacos and barbacoa.
- The Southside is known for a strong emphasis on family and community values, with many of the events and festivals above focusing on these values and family-friendly fun.
- Southside San Antonio is also home to a thriving arts community, with several galleries, museums, and performance spaces showcasing the best and most provocative local and regional talents.
- The area is home to several parks and outdoor spaces, including the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River Walk, which provides a scenic place to walk, run, or bike.
VIDA – The Perfect Home Base for San Antonio Event-Goers
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to live in a modern and comfortable community with easy access to all of San Antonio’s greatest events, as well as all the fun and food of the South Side.