SAN ANTONIO – La Villita may be going through some changes, but NIOSA is back at the historic venue for Fiesta 2022.
The popular Fiesta event, known as A Night In Old San Antonio, kicks off on Tuesday and runs nightly through Friday. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 10:30 p.m. each day.
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While plenty of the food, music, drinks and atmosphere will be the same as in years past, there are some things to know before you head out.
For instance, cashless wristbands will be required to purchase food and drinks on the grounds, and the layout will change due to construction. Here are seven things to know about NIOSA 2022:
How is construction changing the layout?
Due to ongoing construction in La Villita, NIOSA will stretch to Alamo Street and the southwest side of Hemisfair.
This will put a few booths and areas, like Frontier Town and Clown Alley, in new locations, according to NIOSA.
“The move allows more space for the crowd at the popular event,” organizers said.
All 14 cultural areas will still be available across four acres. Here’s the most up-to-date map from NIOSA organizers:
Do I need to buy my ticket before going?
You don’t have to, but it might save you some time.
Organizers said E-tickets can be purchased beforehand at the NIOSA website. Tickets will also be sold at the entrance gates.
Either route you take, tickets are $20 for adults, excluding purchasing fees. Children ages 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.
If you purchase an E-ticket, you must show the purchase code by phone or print-out at the entrance gate so it can be scanned.
BlastPasses are making a return in 2022
Unlike previous years when booths would take tickets, all NIOSA attendees will need to have a BlastPass for purchases.
People can use their BlastPass, a cashless and touchless wristband, to buy everything on-site at NIOSA, including food, beverages and non-food items.
“BlastPass stores credits on the wristband for an easy payment process that is a convenient, cleaner way to pay for items, with no need for paper coupons that can easily get lost,” organizers said.
People can purchase their BlastPass online or at the NIOSA grounds. There will be BlastPass stations on the grounds so people can load more money on their wristbands. For more information about this process, click here.
Who are the performers?
- Arneson Theatre: Groove Doctors
- French Quarter: Chris Lopez Band (Tuesday and Wednesday), Passing Strangers (Thursday and Friday)
- Froggy Botton: The Celsius Band
- Frontier Town: Will Carter Band
- Haymarket: Culture Jam (Tuesday and Wednesday), Jesse D and Southwest Band
- Main Street: The San Antunes
- Mexican Market: Karizma
- Sauerkraut Bend: Eurofest
- Villa Espana: Dukes of Cool
Are masks or vaccines required due to COVID-19?
Guests and volunteers will not be required to wear masks this year, and organizers will not ask for COVID-19 vaccination status, according to the organization.
Additional hand sanitizing and hand washing stations will be placed throughout the grounds.
Ways to get there
A bicycle valet will be offered outside the NIOSA gate at the corner of Alamo and Nueva Streets from 5:30-10 p.m.
In this supervised area, bicycles (not motorcycles) can be locked up with the owner’s personal lock and chain.
Also, VIA Metropolitan Transit is offering Park and Ride services between Crossroads and downtown for NIOSA.
The NIOSA Park and Ride will be available from 4-11 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The service is $2.50 each way.
For a list of all Fiesta Park and Ride options, click here. Note that face masks are required in all VIA vehicles and facilities.
Remember to stay hydrated
On Tuesday, the first day of NIOSA, clear skies and dry air will allow temps to soar into the mid-90s. A cold front on Wednesday will drop highs back into the upper 70s and low 80s.
When you’re out in the sun, remember to stay cool and hydrated, and wear comfortable and light clothing.
If you need medical attention, there will be first aid stations in the areas of Chinatown, Frontier Town, South of the Border, French Quarter, Villa Espana and Haymarket.
See a look at this week’s forecast here.
Want to know what’s going on each day? KSAT has you covered. Find more news on KSAT’s Fiesta page. Sign up for our free Things To Do newsletter or Fiesta newsletter.
Watch Fiesta coverage on KSAT
We are airing live Fiesta coverage on KSAT 12 TV, the KSAT OTT app and on KSAT.com for the following events:
- Texas Cavaliers River Parade - 7-9 p.m. on April 4 — KSAT 12 and all digital platforms
- “SA Live” River Parade Afterparty - 9-10 p.m. on April 4 — KSAT 12 and all digital platforms
- Battle of Flowers Band Festival at Alamo Stadium — livestreamed on KSAT.com and KSAT Plus at 7 p.m. on April 7
- Battle of Flowers Parade - 9 a.m.-noon on April 8 — KSAT 12 and all digital platforms
- King William Fair Parade - 9 a.m. on April 9 — livestreamed on KSAT.com and KSAT Plus
- Battle of Flowers Band Festival - 2 p.m. on April 9 — KSAT 12 and all digital platforms
- Fiesta Flambeau Night Parade pre-party - 6 p.m. on April 9 — KSAT 12 and all digital platforms
- Fiesta Flambeau Night Parade - 7-10 p.m. on April 9 — KSAT 12 and all digital platforms