Spring along the River Walk is a sight to see! With new museum exhibitions, parades, and events, there’s no shortage of fun for the entire family.
Here are four unique ways to explore the wonders of the River Walk this season:
CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Every year the Visit San Antonio’s River Walk Operations and The Harp & Shamrock Society of Texas host the Bud Light St. Patrick’s Festival, River Parade, and River Dyeing.
This two-day extravaganza starts with pouring 25 gallons of eco-friendly green dye into the River Walk (which typically lasts until Sunday). Visitors and locals will also have the opportunity to see the parade twice and enjoy 12 Irish-themed boats floating down the Museum Reach portion and downtown River Walk. There will also be live entertainment at the Arneson Theater from March 17-18. The best part is that the entire event is FREE.
For more information visit our event page here.
VISIT OUR MUSEUMS
Did you know that the River Walk includes two museums along its path? The Briscoe Western Art Museum and the San Antonio Museum of Art both have new exhibitions this spring and events for all ages to attend.
The Briscoe Western Art Museum is located at 210 W. Market Street with access points to the downtown River Walk. Locals can experience its monthly “Locals Day” event, which gives FREE museum admission to experience the art and culture of the west. Visitors can also view the upcoming “Night of Artists Exhibition and Art Sale” beginning March 24 through May 7. Night of Artists includes the viewing and sale of over 270 new works of painting, sculpture, and mixed media by more than 75 of today’s leading contemporary Western artists.
Located on the Museum Reach portion of the River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art currently has its new exhibition on display now through May 21st — “Roman Landscapes: Visions of Nature and Myth from Rome and Pompeii.” This exhibition is the first in the country to explore landscape scenes as a striking new genre of ancient Roman art and features various artwork from Roman Italy between 100 BC and AD 250.
ADMIRE THE TREES, FLORAL, AND FAUNA
Just a few miles south of the Downtown River Walk you can explore 400 acres of restored ecosystem thanks to our friends at the San Antonio River Authority. Here are a few fun facts about the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation project:
- Since 2015 there have been 207 species recorded along the 15+ miles of Mission Reach trail including a rare Blue Bunting (Cyanocompsa parellina). INSIDER TIP: Download this Birds of the San Antonio River Walk checklist on your next visit.
- When you explore Mission Reach you’ll find 8 different types of restored habitats including riffle, backwater, reedy marsh, bankside screening vegetation, bankside willow vegetation, prairie, grassland/prairie, and brushland/woodland.
- Confluence Park is not only a place to host an event, but it’s also an outdoor educational tool that showcases the Texas ecotypes and watershed dynamics.
INSIDER TIP: If you want the perfect photo op with our Texas State Flower — Bluebonnets — you’ll spot many of them in March along the trails.
UPCOMING EVENTS ALONG THE RIVER WALK
Alora Farm Pop-Up Series: Twilight at Confluence | March 3 | 6-10 p.m. | Experience a sound bath and a tour of Confluence Park ground with the entire family.
Black History River Tour | March 11 | 1-3 p.m. | Join us on the beautiful San Antonio River for a 100-minute cruise exploring San Antonio‘s Black History and the holiday lights that adorn the Riverwalk.
St. Patrick’s Day Artisan Show | March 17-19 | Shop from 40+ local vendors and artisans selling pottery, textiles, woodwork and so much more.
Community Yoga | Sundays in March | 10-11 a.m. | Wake up your body and mind with an all-level community yoga practice at the iconic Confluence Park in San Antonio.
Creative Confluence | March 11 | 3-6 p.m. | All ages and abilities are encouraged to experience the inspiration of nature intertwined with music, poetry, dance, drumming, yoga, and hands-on art activities, in the midst of the natural wonderland of the San Antonio River at Confluence Park in celebration of World Water Day 2023.
SAMA Spring Break Family Day | March 14 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Explore art-making experiences, story times, food vendors, performances, and SAMA’s new exhibition “Roman Landscapes: Visions of Nature and Myth from Rome and Pompeii.”
Birdie Big Year: Elevating Women Birders | March 17 | 6-8 p.m. | Learn about avid birder Tiffany Kersten and her journey of recording 726 birds nationwide.
Picture your World: Youth Photography Workshop | March 19 | 1-4 p.m. | Picture Your World workshops are for youth ages 8-18. The program will provide: Cameras to borrow for those participants needing one, professional instruction, and a guided hike with a Master Naturalist.
Landscapes by Boat with San Antonio River Foundation’s Frates Seelingson | March 26 | 1-4 p.m. | San Antonio River Foundation Executive Director Frates Seeligson will lead an hourlong excursion focusing on the San Antonio River and how the natural landscape has shaped our community.
Don’t Tell Pop-Up Comedy at Confluence Park | TBD | More details to come!
Race the River | March 18 | 7 a.m. | The San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) and the San Antonio River Foundation are excited to launch the 2023 Race the River competitive paddling race series.
Hybrid CNC Naturalist Training | March 23 | 12-2 p.m.
Walking on the Wild Side With Nature | March 25 | 10-11:30 a.m.
Community Paint Day with the Art of Four | March 25 | 1-3 p.m.
Beaver DAM Workday | March 30 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m
Live Naranja Latin Jazz Band at Hotel Valencia | Thursday-Saturday | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Listen to live music at the only tequila bar on the River Walk — Naranja patrons enjoy complimentary valet parking at Hotel Valencia Riverwalk.