As the official opening ceremony, Fiesta Fiesta transforms the Hemisfair into a giant party complete with live entertainment, a fireworks show, and festival fare from vendors like San Antonio Gorditas, Palenque Grill, and Dolce Kupcakes. The event takes place on Thursday, March 31 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and is free to attend.

The multi-day Fiesta Carnival is full of bright lights, amusement rides, and, of course, food. From funnel cakes to roasted corn, there’s always plenty to eat between carnival games. The event runs throughout the duration of Fiesta from Friday, March 31 through Sunday, April 10, and hours of operation vary by day. Admission to the carnival is free, and an unlimited ride pass are available online for $25. Prices vary for individual attractions, food, and beverages.

It feels like a fiesta in Market Square all year round, but the cultural hub ups the ante during Fiesta. This 10-day event features huge lineups of live performances across multiple stages and more than 30 food and drink booths serving up San Antonio classics, including Mexican cuisine, chicken on a stick, and aguas frescas. Fiesta De Los Reyes runs from Friday, April 1 to Sunday, April 10, and is free to attend. Food and beverages are individually priced.

Fittingly enough, classic rock band Blue Oyster Cult is the headlining band at the annual music and food festival put on by the St. Mary’s University Alumni Association, which serves up more than 100,000 oysters every year. Oyster Bake takes place on Friday, April 1 from 5 to 11 p.m. and then again on Saturday, April 2 from noon to 11 p.m. Tickets are available online for $25, and food and beverages are individually priced.

The Chili Queens Chili Cook-Off is a nod to the women who sold hot foods like chili in downtown plazas as early as the 1800s. Tacky costumes are encouraged. A previous winner will give out chili samples throughout the event, which serves as a fundraiser for San Antonio Aids Foundation and Thrive Youth. The cook-off is on Sunday, April 3 from 3 to 8 p.m., and admission is free for attendees ages 18 and older.

Representing the German heritage of San Antonio, Fiesta Gartenfest is a three-day celebration of music, food, and culture. Bratwurst, sauerkraut, Bavarian pretzels, and 15 German brews will be served, among other specialty offerings from host site Beethoven Männerchor. The event runs from Wednesday, April 6 through Friday, April 8, 4 p.m. to midnight each day, and tickets are available online for $8. Food and beverages are individually priced.

Most San Antonio-area colleges and universities host some kind of a Fiesta-oriented party, and St. Philips College is no exception. The eastside college’s Culturefest’s lineup includes entertainment, games, raffles, a rib cook-off, and loads of other food options, such as nachos, funnel cakes, and tacos. The event takes place on Thursday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free. Food and beverages are individually priced.

More than 65 food and beverage vendors, including Elotes Locos, Plantaqueria, and Rosa’s Cocina, are scheduled to set up around the King William District in Southtown for the annual King William Fair. The fair takes place on Saturday, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and tickets can be purchased online for $20 or at the gate. Food and beverages are individually priced.