Kick off Pride Month with a celebration along the River Walk and more summertime fun this weekend in SA

SAN ANTONIO — As a stiflingly hot May comes to an end, Pride Month officially kicks off this weekend!

With the storms starting to clear and summer officially creeping up around the corner, a blooming lineup of events awaits at the end of another work week. Here’s what to expect.

Down on the River Walk, Visit San Antonio will host the 3rd Annual Pride River Parade & Celebrations.

The river parade kicks off a month-long lineup of events across the city celebrating love, inclusion and allyship. This year’s theme is “Rainbow Rodeo,” blending San Antonio’s Texas roots and the full, bold color of LGBTQ+ pride.

The party starts at La Villita for live on-stage entertainment featuring DJs, bands, impersonators, dancers and more. Then, take a seat down at the Arneson River Theatre where more than 17 colorful barges will float down the River Walk.

When: Saturday, May 31 from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Where: Arneson River Theatre (418 Villita St.)

Cost: Free

Calling all plant lovers! SAWS presents the Festival of Flowers as the event celebrates its 25th anniversary. The “largest gardening festival in the region” attracts more than 3,000 people each year.

At the festival, attendees will be able to chat with water experts offering gardening insights or enjoy an indoor garden mall and outdoor farmers market. Plus, you’ll be able to connect and trade with fellow plant enthusiasts, cultivate a passion for gardening and take part in hands-on interactive learning activities.

The first 1,000 guests will get a free plant, courtesy of SAWS.

When: Saturday, May 31 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: San Antonio Shrine Auditorium (901 N. Loop 1604 West)

Cost: Admission is $10 for adults. Children 10 and under get in free.

Sample some of the best tacos and margaritas that the Alamo City has to offer featuring premium tequilas.

The San Antonio Taco & Margarita Festival features 10-plus taco and margarita vendors, jumbo frozen margs, a beer garden, street food, vendors, live music, and a DJ. Plus, you’ll be entered in a giveaway for a chance to win a trip to Mexico.

Some of the proceeds will benefit Children’s Charities, so you can rest easy knowing you’re supporting a great cause while living your best festival life.

When: Saturday, May 31 from noon – 6 p.m.

Where: Kung Fu Saloon (5535 North Loop 1604)

Cost: Tickets start at $7.15 and can be purchased here.

Magic and mystery come alive at Rolling Oaks Mall as it transforms into an enchanting, mythical realm of witches.

Dress in your finest witchy attire for Witches Fest, happening on Saturday. There will be a variety of activities including spell-casting workshops, tarot readings, aura photography, live performances, special guests and more.

When: Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Where: Rolling Oaks Mall (6909 N Loop 1604 East)

Cost: Free

Mexican-born singer Alejandro Fernandez, aka “El Potrillo,” will serenade fans at Frost Bank Center on his “De Rey a Rey” Tour—a tribute to his late father, none other than legendary ranchero singer Vicente Fernandez.

When: Saturday, May 31 at 8:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30 p.m.)

Where: Frost Bank Center (1 Frost Bank Center Dr)

Cost: Tickets start at $54 and can be purchased here.

Over at Trader Joe’s, the Sunflower Field is now open for the season. Explore 10 acres of beautiful sunflowers and snap an Instagram-worthy photo. On Saturday, bring the whole family out for Kid’s Fest, a free event featuring interactive activities, live entertainment, arts and crafts and more.

Don’t miss the Tony Award-winning production of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” at the Majestic Theatre. Baz Luhrman’s revolutionary film comes to life on stage in a “theatrical celebration of truth, beauty, freedom and love.” 

Finally, the San Antonio Brahmas will close out their season on Sunday at the Alamodome, where they’ll take on the Arlington Renegades.