Kick of the start of a new month under the sunny San Antonio sky this weekend with Mardi Gras celebrations and more.
SAN ANTONIO — Spring-like weather awaits us this weekend just in time to ring in the month of March and kick off all the Mardi Gras celebrations in San Antonio.
Check out all the family-friendly festivities in store and plan your weekend outing.
Mardi Gras Farmers Market
Gardopia Gardens will kick off Mardi Gras in style on Friday with a themed evening market.
Immerse yourself in the Mardi Gras spirit and enjoy live music and entertainment. There will also be a free produce giveaway and some delicious treats to sample while supplies last.
Attendees are invited to come dressed in their best masks. Get your free tickets here.
When: Friday, February 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Gardopia Gardens (619 North New Braunfels Avenue)
Cost: Free
Mardi Gras River Parade
The party continues Saturday with the return of the Bud Light Mardi Gras River Parade & Festival. The River Walk comes to life with a procession of decorated floats carrying costumed performers. There will be two opportunities to catch the floating celebration: Museum Reach from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and in the downtown area from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Visit the Arneson River Theatre for a festival of beads, bling and fun. There will be live music, entertainment and souvenirs and food trucks.
Partygoers are encouraged to come dressed in masks, costumes and beads.
When: Saturday, March 1 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Arneson River Theatre (418 Villita Street)
Cost: Free
Mardi Gras Artisan Show
Through the weekend, shop from over 40 handmade artisan booths along the River Walk. The Mardi Gras Artisan Show includes some beautiful displays of pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, paintings, beadwork and more.
The recurring River Walk artisan markets are always free to attend.
When: All weekend 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: San Antonio River Walk (near the Chamber of Commerce and the Shops at Rivercenter)
Cost: Free
Big Bounce America Tour
It’s been dubbed the “Taj Mahal of bounce houses.” A 24,000 square foot bouncy castle known as the “World’s Largest Bounce House,” will stop in the Alamo City as part of the biggest touring inflatable event on the planet.
The Big Bounce America Tour will be an action-packed weekend suitable for all ages. You won’t want to miss some of the most unique custom-built inflatable attractions ever made.
This event is expected to sell out so organizers encourage booking your session online now.
When: Friday, February 28 – Sunday, March 2
Where: South Texas Area Regional Soccer Complex (5103 David Edwards Drive)
Cost: Tickets start at $22 per person and can be purchased here.
Vinyl Record Show
Calling all vinyl enthusiasts! Shop from over 50 Texas vendors and add to your collection with the return of the Vinyl Record Show of San Antonio this Saturday.
Connect with fellow collectors and music-lovers and step into a world of nostalgia. Dig through an incredible selection of budget-friendly finds and rare collectibles. There will be exciting door prizes and a food truck onsite.
When: Saturday, March 1 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Schertz Civic Center (1400 Schertz Parkway)
Cost: Ticket prices range from $8 to $15 and can be purchased here. Children under 13 get in free.
Plus…
“Funny Girl,” the Tony-nominated play based on the career of comedian Fanny Brice, graces the Majestic Theatre stage this weekend. Tickets can be purchased here.
Looking to enjoy the nice weather while perusing your latest purchase? The Farmers & Artisans Market returns to Mission Marquee Plaza from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, where locally produced crafts and products will be on sale, and where families can participate in fitness classes.
Finally, if you’ve missed the San Antonio Spurs while they’ve been out on their annual Rodeo Road Trip, the team returns to the Frost Bank Center on Sunday for its first truly at home game (this month’s Austin games notwithstanding) since Feb. 1. They’ll be taking on their conference rival Oklahoma City Thunder, with tipoff set for 6 p.m. Buy tickets here.