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 – Weekly starting on April 13th - Free
Starting on April 13th, Councilwoman Dr. Sukh Kaur will lead our first session of Fitness in the Park. Weekly classes are being brought to you in partnership with the City of San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department.
Saturday, April 13th
10:00AM - 11:00AM
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 – Monthly starting in May - 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.
Urban Wild Launch Event – May 30th - Free
We’re excited to launch Urban Wild, a group for young leaders in the community. This will build a constituency who will advocate for the park, and most importantly, further activate the park. For more information, please email Audrey Schneider Medina at asmedina@brackenridgepark.org.
Koehler Pavilion
5:30PM - 8:00PM
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
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
Where the Wild Things Are, KIDS Party in the Park – October 11th - Ticket and Sponsorship Opportunities Available Soon!
We're kicking off our Inaugural KID-friendly Party in the Park, geared toward park patrons age 3-17. There will be a fun dance party, to include park activities, complete with food and beverages for all ages.
Koehler & Cypress Pavilion
6:00PM - 9:00PM
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
9:00AM – 1:00PM
The Big Brack Bash! 125th Celebration - November 16th - Free
This is the pinnacle event of the park’s 125th anniversary. 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, and much more!
10:00AM – 5:00PM
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.