San Antonio’s Fiesta Flambeau Parade is set to flip the switch on downtown this Saturday, April 25, flooding the streets with lights, marching bands and costumed floats. The illuminated night parade, the capstone of the city’s 11‑day Fiesta celebration, covers roughly 3.1 miles and draws more than 750,000 spectators along Main Street, Alamo Plaza and Commerce as floats roll toward West Martin and North Santa Rosa late into the evening.
When, where and how to watch
The vanguard steps off at 7:15 p.m., with the main parade rolling from about 7:45 p.m. to 11 p.m., forming on North Main Street near San Antonio College, according to KSAT. From there, the route heads along Lexington Avenue, North St. Mary’s Street, Brooklyn Avenue, Avenue E, Houston Street, Alamo Plaza and Commerce, finishing near West Martin and North Santa Rosa. KSAT will livestream the Flambeau Parade on KSAT.com, KSAT Plus and YouTube, with Spanish-language coverage on the same platforms.
Theme, marshals and the lineup
This year’s theme is "Adventures in Toyland," and SeaWorld’s Shamu and crew are slated to serve as grand marshals, as reported by the San Antonio Express-News. The parade association posts the full lineup and participant maps on its website, featuring marching bands, community floats and the mascot Torchy. The 78th edition keeps the long-running tradition of illuminated floats winding past the Alamo and through downtown firmly in place.
Tickets and where to sit
Reserved seating and bleacher tickets are sold through the parade association, and the official site shares ticket links and VIP package details via the organizer at Fiesta Flambeau Parade Association. San Antonio College again serves as the forming ground and launch point for both the daytime Battle of Flowers and the Flambeau night parade, according to San Antonio College. If you want a guaranteed sightline, plan on buying tickets and getting downtown well before the vanguard, since curb and chair spots fill up fast.
Street closures, traffic and safety
The City of San Antonio has published downtown street-closure maps and traffic guidance for Fiesta weekend, and the city’s events PDF lists closures and park-and-ride options for parade nights, according to the City of San Antonio. City filings also note that municipal crews coordinate traffic control and security for parade routes in partnership with the Fiesta Commission, so expect official detours and plenty of posted signage. Plan on public transit or off-site parking and build in extra time getting in and out of downtown.
Can’t make it?
If you cannot attend in person, KSAT will stream the Flambeau Parade live on KSAT.com, KSAT Plus and YouTube, including Spanish-language coverage. Many River Walk restaurants and local bars typically have parade broadcasts on, and local outlets rebroadcast highlights during Fiesta weekend. ¡Viva Fiesta!
