Get ready for a year of celebrations to honor the people, traditions, and nature experiences that Brackenridge Park has brought to San Antonio for the past 125 years.
History of Brackenridge Park
Often referred to as the most culturally significant park in the United States, this 400-acre park is an important natural area in the heart of San Antonio. With two miles of the San Antonio River running through it, Brackenridge has a legacy of Indigenous roots, Spanish colonial dams and irrigation, Civil War industry, and infrastructure shaped by the Works Progress Administration.
The land that is now Brackenridge Park has been a gathering place since prehistoric times with evidence of human habitation dating back 12,000 years. Native American artifacts date as early as 9200 B.C. making the park one of the most significant archeological sites in Texas. This has contributed to the park's listing on the National Register of Historic Places and designation as a National Antiquities Landmark.
The park itself was founded in 1899 when George W. Brackenridge (president of the former San Antonio Water Works Company) donated 199 acres. Additional bequests enlarged the park to just below the headwaters of the San Antonio River and north of downtown. Since then, Brackenridge’s legacy of nature, culture, history, education, and recreation has only grown.
More about the History of Brackenridge Park.
Historic sites within Brackenridge Park.
125th Celebration Events:
We’re celebrating all year long! We have a full calendar of new and annual events to bring people together during this special year.
Easter – March 31st, 2024 - Free
Get ready for an amped-up Easter celebration with free photographs from a professional photographer. A QR code will be distributed and displayed throughout the park linked to where people can view and download photos.
Fitness in the Park – Thursdays from 6:30 - 7:30 - Free
Join us for yoga sessions on Thursdays in the Park. Weekly classes are being brought to you in partnership with the City of San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department.
Every Thursday through June
6:30PM - 7:30PM
531 Brackenridge Way - Meet at the open field to the right of Lambert Beach Softball Field
FIESTA Battle of Flowers Parade - April 26th
BPC is excited to participate in the parade this year - be on the lookout for us!
FIESTA King William Fair Parade – April 27th
BPC is excited to participate in the parade this year - be on the lookout for us!
Brackenridge Storytime – Date TBD - Free
In partnership with the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, this monthly programming will focus on preschoolers. There will be reading sessions, stories about the park, and free resources about the San Antonio Public Library System will be available.
Polo Homecoming – May 19th - Ticket Sales and Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
In honor of Brackenridge’s polo history, the conservancy is partnering with First Tee - Greater San Antonio and San Antonio Polo Club to host an exhibition polo match. This day will complete with special guests, memorabilia, a festive hat contest, and more.
First Tee of Greater San Antonio, 915 E Mulberry Ave
2:00PM - 7:00PM
Click to Buy Tickets and Tables
Click to view Sponsorship Opportunities
Parkour - June - July
We know you're all on the lookout for awesome activities to keep your kids entertained this summer, so for the first time,
Brackenridge Park Conservancy has teamed up with Parkour Generations San Antonio (PKGSA) to bring some serious energy to the park in celebration of its 125th year.
We’re offering four-day weeks of parkour action, nature exploration, making new friends, and having an absolute blast. This Parkour Summer Adventure is designed for all skill levels. Whether your little ones are advanced, intermediate, or total beginners, this is their chance to show off those ninja moves.!
PKGSA's experienced instructors will be there every step of the way to ensure that everyone has a safe, supportive, and totally rad experience.
Who: Kids Age 7 - 14
What: 4-Day Parkour Summer Adventures, running M-Th from 9 am - 12 pm
When: June 3-6, June 10-13, July 8-11, July 15-18, July 22-25
Where: Brackenridge Park, Meet at Joske Pavilion to start each day
Urban Wild Launch Event - September 18 - Free
The launch of Urban Wild will create a group for young leaders and stewards of Brackenridge Park. This program is for the next generation of community leaders who will help build a constituency advocating for the park, and most importantly, further activating the park to preserve and enhance its rich history.
This will be a free, fun evening of camaraderie, a train ride, light bites and refreshments, and learning about the exciting happenings in Brackenridge Park and how you can be part of the future.
For more information, please email Audrey at asmedina@brackenridgepark.org.
Koehler Pavilion, on the decked area overlooking the river
5:30PM - 8PM
13th Annual Parktoberfest - September 29th - Free
Return to the days of the German biergarten along the San Antonio River! The Brackenridge Park Conservancy hosts Parktoberfest to celebrate San Antonio's German heritage with a free event at Koehler Pavilion along the banks of the San Antonio River. Parktoberfest honors Emma and Otto Koehler of the Pearl Brewing family. In memory of her late husband, Otto, Miss Emma donated 11 acres to the city adjacent to Brackenridge Park where alcohol could be served. This event includes German music, jazz, art exhibitions, free craft beer samples from local breweries and food and drinks available for purchase.
Koehler Pavilion
4:00PM - 7:00PM
3rd Annual Family Fishing Day – November 2nd - Free
We’re partnering with Texas Parks & Wildlife, Fin Addict Angler Foundation, COSA Parks & Recreation and the San Antonio River Authority to bring free fishing to Brackenridge park. The river will be stocked with catfish. Poles and lessons will be provided. No licenses needed.
Brackenridge Park Conservancy Office
531 Brackenridge Way, Adjacent to Joske Pavilion
10:00AM – 2:00PM (Final times TBD)
The Big Brack Bash! 125th Celebration - November 16th - Free
This is the pinnacle event for Brackenridge Park’s 125th year! All of San Antonio is invited for a day of fun that captures the decades and generations of Brackenridge Park’s history. Get ready for vintage cars, paddle boats, pony rides, pet donkeys, enjoy riding through the low-water crossing, live music from Santiago Jimenez, Jr., and much more! Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Location: All over the park: Joske Pavilion, Koehler and Cypress Pavilions, Pecan Grove, etc.
10:00AM – 5:30PM (Final times TBD)
There will be entertainment and food & drinks available for purchase.
Free event / Purchase tickets for activities
125th Celebration – Party in the Park – December 4th
Party in the Park is BPC’s annual major fundraiser. This year we are celebrating on December 4th, the date when George W. Brackenridge donated 199 acres of land to the City of San Antonio in 1899.
More details to come!
Donate to Brackenridge Park!
Donations go towards park preservation and creating free community events.
Donate to Brackenridge Park in celebration of its 125th year.
Want to learn more about Brackenridge Park Conservancy, why we raise funds for the park, and how those funds are used? Learn more here.