The streets of Tobin Hill, the Strip, and around downtown will be closing again for Síclovía, as the YMCA of Greater San Antonio’s biannual event returns April 7, encouraging San Antonians to get outside and participate in safe exercise and play.
Síclovía, San Antonio’s largest free community event, dates back to 2011, when 15,000 people took the over car-free streets of Broadway. Over the years, thousands of San Antonio have attended, mostly to get some physical activity.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is expected to draw between 20,000 and 65,000 participants.
This year’s route will close North St. Mary’s Street from D.R. Semmes Family YMCA at TriPoint to Madison Square Park, with closures starting two hours before the event. Roads will open about 90 minutes after the event has ended.
Whether you’re walking, jogging, running, biking, or skateboarding, Síclovía serves to make certain streets available to the public for recreation and encourages leisure activities outdoors. The event isn’t a race and registration isn’t necessary.
Participants will have access to water, snacks, rest areas, live music and scheduled exercise activities throughout the route. Pets are welcome, and bathrooms will be available along the route once you start.
According to the Y, the event helps people get active instead of being sedentary and staying indoors, with 39% of past participants surveyed saying they are more physically active since attending a Síclovía event.
To see the exercise demo schedule, click here.
Before you go
Síclovía takes place on a Sunday, meaning some city meters will be free downtown during the event. If you want to avoid traffic and street closures, VIA bus routes serve the event area.
For a downtown parking map, click here.
Volunteers for the event are still needed. Children under 14 can join along with a volunteering parent or guardian. Sign up to volunteer before March 31 here.
This article has been updated to reflect that Maverick Park and Crockett Park are not included in this year’s route.
