A Night In Old San Antonio (NIOSA) Returns April 2026: Beloved Fiesta Fundraiser Celebrates 78 Years of Culture, Cuisine, and Preservation
As Fiesta San Antonio approaches, the city’s cultural heart beats strongest in the cobbled courtyards of La Villita Historic Arts Village. That’s where A Night In Old San Antonio® (NIOSA®), the cherished four-night festival, will once again take over the historic grounds from April 21–24, 2026, from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. nightly.
Now in its 78th year, NIOSA is more than a party—it’s a purpose-driven preservation powerhouse. Entirely produced by The Conservation Society of San Antonio, NIOSA remains the top fundraising event for historic preservation in the United States, with all proceeds directly supporting restoration efforts, educational programs, and cultural outreach initiatives across San Antonio and beyond.
Celebrating San Antonio’s Cultural Mosaic
NIOSA transforms La Villita’s five acres into a sensory feast with over 150 food, drink, and cultural booths, live music stages, and 14 themed areas, each honoring the city’s rich multicultural heritage. From Maria’s handmade tortillas in Haymarket to beignets in French Quarter, and German sausages in Sauerkraut Bend to Pollo Rancho in South of the Border, there’s a taste—and a rhythm—for every corner of the globe.
Families can dance along to Tejano tunes, savor Chicken on a Stick at Froggy Bottom, or take a nostalgic stroll through Main Street USA, which celebrates the spirit of Americana year-round. And with returning fan-favorite areas like Mission Trail, Clown Alley, Villa España, and Frontier Town, the atmosphere is sure to delight new guests and longtime NIOSA-goers alike.
What’s New and What’s Staying the Same
While some areas may shuffle within the venue’s layout, NIOSA 2026 will remain faithful to its roots. All signature dishes—from Shypoke Eggs and Yak-i-Tori to Bongo-K-Bobs and Gorditas—will be served by an all-volunteer force of 10,000 strong, many of whom are second- or third-generation participants. Every booth, every plate, and every pour is made possible by volunteers who come from across the country to support this beloved San Antonio tradition.
NIOSA 2026 Chair Julie Terrill, along with vice chairs Monica Reyes, Anita Gonzalez, Lisa Pierce, and Abbi Power, and treasurer DeAnna Keesee, lead this impressive effort—ensuring that the event continues to operate smoothly while maintaining its unique charm.
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Visitors can also shop collectible souvenirs, including the coveted 2026 NIOSA medal, which will be unveiled in a private media event in late January, and the ever-popular signature beer cups.
Tickets, Memberships, and How to Save
Discount tickets for any night of NIOSA 2026 are available online now through January 4, 2026, for $17 per personat niosa2023.ticketspice.com. Kids 12 and under are free with a paying adult.
Want to save even more? Join The Conservation Society of San Antonio by March 31, 2026, and gain access to member tickets at just $15 each, while also supporting preservation of the city’s historic gems and natural resources.
Why NIOSA Matters
Behind the lights, flavors, and laughter lies a powerful cause. On average, NIOSA contributes over $1 million annuallyto fund restoration projects, educational programs, and preservation grants throughout the city and neighboring counties.
Thanks to NIOSA, The Conservation Society has invested millions in:
- Renovations and improvements to La Villita
- $2.5 million in building grants for public and private historic properties
- Reviving Heritage Education Tours, which returned in 2025 after a five-year hiatus, offering over 800 fourth-grade students guided experiences at Mission San Juan and Yturri-Edmunds Historic Site
- Hosting private “NIOSITAs” for convention groups to raise additional funds year-round
Since its origins in 1936, evolving into “A Night In Old San Antonio” in 1948, and expanding to four nights in 1958, NIOSA has stood as a pillar of community pride and cultural preservation.
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Make Plans to Attend
Whether you’re a first-timer or a Fiesta regular, NIOSA is a must-do San Antonio experience. With live entertainment every night, iconic local cuisine, and a historic setting pulsing with heritage, this is more than a festival—it’s a heartfelt tribute to what makes San Antonio one of the most culturally rich cities in the country.
Mark your calendars, grab your medals, and get ready for a night (or four) in old San Antonio. It’s a celebration not just of the past—but of a future that values and protects it.
For tickets, volunteer opportunities, or more information, visit niosa.org, call 210-226-5188, or email niosa@niosa.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.