May Festivals in San Antonio

Cinco de Mayo

Known for: Cinco de Mayo Battle

Events: This event celebrates the battle of Puebla which won Mexico's independence from France. The battle was waged on the fifth of May, or "Cinco de Mayo." The city celebrates with a Cinco de Mayo Battle.

Admission: free

Location: Market Square

Classic Cruise Along the Corridor

Known for: car procession

Events: Sponsored by the Alamo Area Council of Governments, this event is a favorite with classic car buffs. Over 18 classic car clubs participate in this annual drive from San Antonio down the Alamo-La Bahia corridor. Cars depart from the San Antonio Botanical Gardens after a performance by the San Antonio College Brass Ensemble. Passing through towns including Seguin, Floresville, Goliad, Poth, Sutherland Springs, Helena, Karnes City, Panna Maria, and others, the drive features special events in each city and community. Now in its second decade, showcases vintage cars as well as motorcycles.

Admission: free

Location: San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place

Return of the Chili Queens

Known for: chili tasting

Events: This is the time to indulge your taste for chili, the spicy concoction started at San Antonio’s Market Square by women known as "chili queens." To celebrate the state dish, booths are set up every Memorial Day for a three-day tasting sponsored by the El Mercado Merchants Association. The festivities include a chili cookoff sanctioned by the Chili Appreciation Society. The public can enjoy a sampling of this tasty concoction; the fun includes live music as well.

Admission:free

Location: Market Square

Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio

Known for: music concerts

Events: This festival celebrates the best of the conjunto musicians as well as Tejano and Norteño musicians, and it is considered the largest festival of its kind in the world. (Conjunto combines the liveliness of Mexican music with a mix of the accordion beat of German music, a unique sound born in South Texas. Tejano music is a newer beat on this old favorite.)

The five-day event features over 35 hours of live music with over 25 performers. Special events include inductions into the Conjunto Music Hall of Fame. Previous performers have included five time Grammy award winner Flaco Jimenez, Esteban Jordan, The Hometown Boys, Los Dos Gilbertos, Mingo Saldivar, Grup Vida, Los Desperados, Jay Perez, Dee, The Garcia Brothers, and Michael Salgado.

Location: Rosedale Park at Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 1301 Guadalupe St.

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