The weather is perfect and the weekend is here. Yesterday may have been the first official day of Fiesta (see photos from the “Fiesta Fiesta” opening ceremony above), today is the day that it really feels like it is cranking up. Here are some events that you won’t want to miss today.
Lackland Fiesta Military Parade
Rise and shine with a parade that coincides with a Basic Military Training graduation with music provided by the 323rd Training Squadron Drum and Bugle Corps. Stay a little longer after you cheer on our newly minted servicemen and women to checkout some of the historic aircraft near the parade ground. Open to the public with the parade starting at 9 a.m., you should enter through the Gateway East Gate on Luke Avenue, just off SW Military Drive.
Oyster Bake
This is the unofficial start to Fiesta in my book. The campus of St. Mary’s University turns into an outdoor music festival and fair ground. The two-day festival kicks off tonight with the gates opening at 5:00 p.m. (don’t forget to buy your tickets early). With five stages of music spanning country to hip-hop, there is something for everyone. If you are looking to do a little time travel, stop by Stage 4 to see Young MC, Rob Base and Tone Loc hit the stage throughout the day.
But for my money, I’d stop and see San Antonio’s own Girl in a Coma on Stage 2 at 5:30 p.m. The female trio’s star continues to rise behind Nina Diaz’s sultry voice. Pick up a fruit cup (with lime juice and chili powder of course), grab some oysters and enjoy the music. Bringing a blanket and/or chairs will make the evening more comfortable.
WEBB Party
Looking to go a little wild with your Fiesta attire? Check out the WEBB Party where this year’s theme is A Grand Menagerie. Be sure to come dressed up as a “human-like animal” to the party. Arrive at 7:30 p.m. sharp to enjoy some tasty treats from restaurants from around town that include Deco Pizzeria, Cured, La Hacienda and Tuk Tuk Taproom. The WEBB Party is one of the biggest benefits for the San Antonio AIDS Foundation with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the charity. You can purchase your tickets before noon today to save $15 on the entry price.
SAMA Art Party
While not an official event, the San Antonio Museum of Art’s party looks to be hot. There will be music by Blackbird Sing and the good people from The Esquire Tavern will be slinging some Fiesta inspired drinks. If the weather is a little hot, midtown’s SA Pops will be on hand with paletas to cool you off. Special bonus: SAMA’s Fiesta medals will be available for free to members at the party. If you’re not a member you can purchase one for $5.
Alamo Heights Night
If you are looking for party time in the ’09, head down to the 28th annual Alamo Heights Night at the University of the Incarnate Word campus. This family friendly event starts at 5:30 p.m. and has live music featuring The Rick Cavendar Band. There are plenty of games for the kids, including giant hamster balls, an obstacle course and archery hover ball. The event is the Alamo Heights Rotary Club’s largest fundraiser, having raised over $2,000,000 in support of nonprofit organizations and the community since its inception.
The full Fiesta 2014 schedule can be found here.
Let Garrett know about your favorite Fiesta event, awesome unofficial party or where he can find medals by emailing him at fiesta@saflavor.com.
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