Here are the events, plus the first-ever parade on the River Walk.
Vibrantly coloredpapel picadoflutters in the zephyr richly above many a street in San Antonio , often accompanied by a soundtrack of gleeful mariachi classics . But in June , the traditional Mexican decorations get a little ocular challenger as rainbow flags pop out up all over the city in celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month , and instead of “ Guantanamera , ” you ’ll likely hear Lady Gaga , Taylor Swift , and Lil Nas X hits at nearby clientele .
As the seventh - largest urban center in the United States , San Antonio continues to evolve as both a tourist destination and place that receive divers occupant . The puff scene here is blamed fun and the metropolis ’s collection of pop gay bars and nightclubs cater to a multicultural mix of both LGBTQ+ people and our allies looking for a fun time in a safe outer space .
Yet queer San Antonio did n’t happen overnight .
Pride San Antonio
If you do n’t remember “ The Pansy Craze , ” that ’s probably because you likely were n’t in San Antonio in the 1930s . These pull show performances were some of the earliest illustration of LGBTQ+ acceptance in the urban center , agree toVisit San Antonio . By the forties and ‘ 50s , mainstream bars and eating house start out catering to this business via particular theme nights designed to make safe oasis in a time when homoeroticism was a offense and certainly not as welcome in Texas as in the west coast or New York City . During this period of time , Kline ’s became a best-loved gather place for lesbians , while Paul ’s Grove catered to gay men .
Of course , the1969 Stonewall riotsriled up many cities across the state . In San Antonio , rum people started to require the rightfield to meet openly . One nightspot , The San Antonio Country , became the de facto birthplace of the civil rights movement for LGBTQ+ people . Three years later , the city had its first Pride parade — a minor affair , but the authoritative starting line of something bigger .
Today , Pride San Antoniohas grown intoa full week of eventsproduced by Gay Pride SA . This year , however , the Pride party gets begin a full week forrader of the majority of other event with the metropolis ’s first - ever parade on the famous River Walk , formally called theBud Light Pride River Parade & Celebration . By bring a major LGBTQ+ event to the metropolis ’s chief tourist destination , San Antonio is boldly making a declaration that everyone is welcome here , a noteworthy move in a state that proceed to give and propose legislation rove back the adequate right we ’ve fought so heavily over the ten to reach .
“ [ Pride ] highlights the vital function that the LGBTQ culture plays in San Antonio , both from a occupation and individual point of view , ” says Jeff Ivey , President of theSan Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce . “ The metropolis has been very supportive of the LGBTQ community of interests and a lot of work has been done in creating a positive smell . The LGBTQ business residential district plays a key function in the overall economical success of San Antonio . ”
So if you ’ve never been to the Alamo ’s house city — or you ’ve been several times but never in June — know that Pride Month is one of the most festive time to see . And San Antonio is a position that loves to host a party .
Here ’s how to participate in this year ’s two - week - foresightful fete ( not to be obscure with San Antonio’sactualFiesta ) , plus home to stay on , feed , drink , shop , and otherwise support the LGBTQ+ residential area and its allies .
Pride San Antonio
Pride San Antonio events
Get savage with the LGBTQ+ residential district at the San Antonio ZooFriday , June 17Purchase ticketsfor the official Pride Week open party at the menagerie after it close to the public . There will be a kick - off solemnisation , a nighttime Pride parade through the zoo grounds , a fashion show , and a dancing party — all while the brute watch from their home ground .
Head to the San Antonio River Walk for the first Pride Parade on the waterSaturday , June 18Theday - long eventstarts at the historicLa Villitaand its Arneson River Theatre , the domicile base for hour of resilient entertainment , include music , drag , and terpsichore . It ’s also the good vantage point for the parade ’s first route along the downtown division of the River Walk . More than 17 barges will glide past spectators decked out in merry attire and waving rainbow flag . Later in the evening , the parade wee a second journeying along a unlike section of the River Walk , traveling between theLock & Damand theHistoric Pearl .
put up money for Pride San Antonio at a soccer matchSaturday , June 18Cheer on the San Antonio FC during the prescribed Pride Night matchup against the Oakland Roots . A luck of take from ticket sales event profit Pride San Antonio .
Pride San Antonio
Party with aRuPaul ’s Drag RacewinnerSaturday , June 18The first achiever ofRuPaul ’s Drag Race All Starsand Cher impersonator extraordinaire , Chad Michaels , host a bevy of pull performers during a fundraising event forWoodlawn Pointe Center for Community .
Show off your golf game skill at a entry Pride tournamentFriday , June 24Grab a putter and hit the links for an inaugural golf game tournament , Pride on the Green Texas Scramble . For $ 125 per mortal or $ 500 for a quartet , roleplay a daily round of golf with a golf game pushcart letting , a commemorative shirt , tiffin , and a donation to Pride San Antonio . It all choke down at Cedar Creek Golf Course .
Cheer on the floats and participant at one of the magnanimous Pride paradesSaturday , June 25The Pride “ heavy Than ” Texas Parade , the official Pride San Antonio event , kicks off near Crockett Park at the intersection of West Dewey Plaza and Main Avenue , continuing several blocks south to Lexington Avenue . Make spirit easy bypurchasing your $ 10 ticket in advance . And check that to get in the perfect Pride frame of judgement ahead of the parade with alive entertainment , food , beverages , a hot wedding , and a wellness fair among the dozens of attractiveness and vendor .
Pride San Antonio
Get your adrenaline pump at the final case of PrideSunday , June 26Officially sanctioned by Six Flags Fiesta Texas , Pride Day bring everyone together for one net celebration with thrill ride galore , live music , a midway dancing party featuringThe Perry Twins , Pride - themed cocktail and dainty , and brand Six Flags Pride merch . For each implausibly ignore $ 34.99 just the ticket purchased , Six Flags Fiesta Texas will donate $ 5 to Pride San Antonio .
Where to stay, eat, drink, and shop
Celebrate upright times ( come on ! ) at an LGBTQ+ bar or clubSan Antonio is home to several LGBTQ+ bars and dark spots , with many located onThe Strip SA , marked by rainbow crosswalk to get you know you ’re not in Kansas anymore . Among the pop resort arePegasus , a well-disposed neighborhood barroom by mean solar day and saltation club by night;Purgatory , a prevention know for its manful peeler dancers;Sparky ’s Pub , an English - style watering hole;Luther ’s Cafe(a eating place and bar with burgers and all - daytime breakfast ) that hosts drop back shows every Friday and Saturday night;Knockout , a sports streak with pool mesa and other games ; andHeat , a terpsichore stripe with after hour . One of the oldest and well - screw LGBTQ+ bars in San Antonio is theBonham Exchange , a three - storey bar and dance club in a historical building downtown .
Satisfy your thirst at an LGBTQ - possess eateryWhen you feel that growling in your tummy , make it a point to patronize one of the city ’s LGBTQ - owned culinary business . Can’t - miss choice includeCake Thieves Bakery & Eatery , a vegetarian / vegan Restaurant;Cafecito , a charcuterie takeaway and delivery service;Lick Honest Ice Creams , a cute shop that incorporates local constituent when potential — and they even have a Pride Month flavor featuring an orange / vanilla ice cream loaded with all - raw rainbow sprinkles ; andLaBotanica , a vegan restaurant , saloon , and biotic community quad . Meanwhile , friend businessBakery Lorrainehas create a rainbow cooky in jubilation of Pride Month , with payoff benefitingThrive Youth Center .
drop your money at an LGBTQ+ shopBy support queer entrepreneurs in San Antonio , you help these businesses expand and make a difference on the local scene . Shop for woman ’s and sex - neutral fashion fromProject Runwaywinner Anthony Ryan at his boutique on Broadway , COULEUR + BLINDÉ . In addition to source great merchandise , Karolina ’s Antiqueshas become a safe space for the biotic community . No . 9 and Statue of Designwas inspired by a trip to New Orleans and features top - quality floral arrangements along with gift items made locally . Very Thatis quintessentially San Antonio with metric ton - shirts featuring pop phrases often overheard around town , as well as candy and gift items , all with a flash and a distorted sense of humor .
Thank ally businesses by back their bottom lineSan Antonio boast one C of occupation that endure the LGBTQ+ community , but those that ponied up to patronise the River Walk Pide Parade deserve recognition . They include restaurants and barsBistr09,Elsewhere Garden , Smoke BBQ + Skybar , The Dakota East Side Ice House , as well asMOV ToursandNext Day Custom Tees .
For more information on the local LGBTQ+ residential area , check out theVisit San Antonio LGBTQ page .
