February 3, 2019

Texas Cavalier River Parade – Fiesta San Antonio

Marriott

What is Texas Cavalier River Parade?

Where does it take place? Is it kid-friendly? Do I need to buy tickets in advance? These are just a few of the questions I have received, and I wanted to provide some answers.

When is the Texas Cavalier River Parade in 2025:

Monday, April 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Texas Cavalier River Parade Cost in 2025:

Free but You can buy tickets in advance for $18-$31 to have a seat near the river or you can arrive early to save your own spot for free (the city reserves 1 whole side of the Riverwalk for corporations which makes public seating very limited) (Prices subject to change)

Where to Park for the Texas Cavalier River Parade:

The average lot is $25, but you can find a cheaper one.

Texas Cavalier River Parade Starting Location

It starts around Navaro St and goes down to the Henry B Gonzalez Center on the Riverwalk. Check out the map and the official website to see what time the parade passes your location here: Official Parade Route

What time does it start?

7pm at the location above, so if you are running late, just park and sit towards the end near the Westin Hotel or the Marriott Riverwalk.

Here is the Texas Cavalier River Parade Route?

What is the Texas Cavalier River Parade

This river parade goes down the Riverwalk hosted by the Texas Cavaliers. Bands, Organizations, Entertainers, and more float by on the river boats singing, dancing, tossing beads, and more! We decided not to go down to the river but instead packed a picnic, sat in the back of our car in one of the local parking lots, and looked down upon the parade. We paid a few bucks for parking and a killer view. Although being this high meant we didn’t get to catch beads. It did mean we beat traffic and were not crowded. We also only had to arrive slightly early to get our spot.

Fiesta San Antonio's Texas Cavalier Parade

Texas Cavalier River Parade Highlights:

Theme: “Shine Bright: A Celebration of Light and Illumination for All”
Floats: Over 50 illuminated floats featuring vibrant designs and live entertainment
Attendance: Attracts over 250,000 spectators annually
Broadcast: The parade will be televised live on local stations and streamed online for broader accessibility

Is Texas Cavalier River Parade Kid Friendly: Yes

Texas Cavalier River Parade Activities:

Watch the riverboats filled with entertainment
People watching
Shop the carts that come by
Trade Medals and take photos

Texas Cavalier River Parade Parent Tips:

Wear closed toe comfy shoes if you go down to the river’s edge.
Arrive early if you haven’t purchased seats because the city reserves 1 whole side of the Riverwalk for corporations, which limits seating if you haven’t bought seats.
Be creative with seating (read my story above).
Pack a picnic.
Open carry of alcohol is allowed within this area during Fiesta.
Bring hand wipes and antibacterial.
Wagons and Strollers are allowed, but will be impossible to move around with.

Texas Cavalier Parade at Fiest San Antonio

And my overall is FOR Fiesta’s Texas Cavalier River Parade!!!! We will definitely go back.

Texas Cavalier River Parade History

From the Texas Cavalier River Parade Organization: Each year hundreds of thousands of people line the banks of the San Antonio River to view the most unusual parade in America…the Texas Cavaliers River Parade! This year’s parade, entitled “Magnificent Missions” promises an evening of family fun with live music, celebrities and lights. More than 45 festively decorated floats sponsored by local community organizations and military installations drift down the river. King Antonio XCVI reigns over the evening’s festivities and gives a Texas-sized welcome to the enthusiastic spectators along the winding route. The money raised through the parade is donated to children’s charities in our community through the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation.

Founded in 1926, the Texas Cavaliers consist of over 600 business, civic and community leaders seeking to give back to the community and support those in need. Texas Cavaliers and their generous supporters have raised over $3 million. In 2016, they raised over $1 million and helped over 900 children through monetary donations and supporting programs all across San Antonio through the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation.