River Parade | Texas Cavaliers

2026 Texas Cavaliers River Parade

Through the Decades: A Centennial Celebration

There’s nothing quite like the Texas Cavaliers River Parade. Festive music echoes along the river as vibrant floats glide by, cheered on by thousands gathered on the banks of the San Antonio River.

This one-of-a-kind tradition began in 1941, when members of the Texas Cavaliers were inspired by the flower-adorned boats they saw in Mexico City’s “floating gardens.” At the same time, San Antonio was restoring its own river bend — sparking the idea to bring that same beauty and celebration home. The result is a cherished Fiesta event that has delighted generations and continues to give back to our community’s children.

Photo Gallery

A Fiesta of Color, Music, and Tradition

The very first Texas Cavaliers River Parade featured boats representing schools, local businesses, civic organizations, and the U.S. Army. Cavaliers and sponsors transformed each float with bright flowers and vivid colors, launching what would become one of San Antonio’s most beloved Fiesta traditions.

More than 80 years later, the Texas Cavaliers still fill the river with the bold hues and festive spirit of Fiesta. Today, the River Parade draws over 250,000 spectators each year, with every dollar raised benefiting children’s charities through the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation.

King Antonio CIII

2026 Texas Cavalier River Parade

Gardner M. Peavy

King Antonio CIII - 2026

A member of the Texas Cavaliers since 2008, Gardner has served on the board of directors for six years and served in key roles including Commander in 2024-2025. As Parade Marshal in 2021-2022, he raised over $2 million for children’s charities in San Antonio, including a $1.2 million grant to Haven for Hope. Gardner is also a member of the Mounted Platoon and the King’s Navy, and he serves as a trustee for the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation.

Gardner is a Partner at SageView Partners, and he and his wife Jill are the proud parents of three sons, Kyle (22), Keller (19) and Caleb (16). In the community, Gardner serves on the board of directors for Haven for Hope as well as the Fiesta San Antonio Commission Board. Learn more about this year’s King Antonio CIII.

Charitable Honoree

2026 Texas Cavaliers River Parade

Brackenridge Park Conservancy

Brackenridge Park is more than just green space; it’s a living, breathing part of San Antonio’s story. It’s where generations have gathered to play, explore, and connect. Where school field trips turn into adventures, and simple afternoons become lasting memories.

Every year, the park welcomes thousands of children, offering spaces that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a sense of wonder. It’s the place where a kid with muddy shoes and a big imagination can discover the world around them and find their place in it.

Now, the Brackenridge Park Conservancy is bringing a new chapter to life: a nature-based, inclusive playscape designed for kids of all abilities to learn, grow, and play side by side. The new space will feature sustainable, durable equipment, imaginative designs, and universally accessible play areas — a reflection of the community it serves and the future it’s building.

This new addition is about giving every child meaningful opportunities to grow and explore.

Come Experience the Colors of Fiesta

The Texas Cavaliers River Parade comes to life from 7 to 9 p.m. on the first Monday of Fiesta each April. With only 18,000 reserved seats available, it’s your chance to experience the magic up close — a one-of-a-kind celebration you won’t want to miss.

Buy Your Tickets to the Parade Now

View the Parade Program

Band playing on a float in the River Parade.

Grand Marshal

2026 Texas Cavalier River Parade

Leon McNeil

Founder, City Kids Adventures

Leon and his wife, Leticia, founded City Kids Adventures in 1995. Their mission is simple, yet powerful: to educate, mentor, and actively engage inner-city youth, giving them the opportunity to experience the outdoors. These experiences are what help these city kids grow into ethical, responsible, and confident future leaders.

Leon knows firsthand the transformative power of mentorship. As a high school student, his football coach introduced him to the outdoors and all it had to offer, shaping his own journey and inspiring him to give back to the next generation.

The Texas Cavaliers are proud to support this mission to open doors for inner-city youth to explore the outdoors, build character, and develop leadership skills that will carry them into a bright future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I stand or sit?

When you purchase tickets through the Texas Cavaliers, you're guaranteed reserved seating. You'll choose your seats at checkout, so when you arrive, look for signs directing you to your seat number. You can find additional seating information through local news sources, or use the parade seat locator on the Fiesta San Antonio page.

Are there any rules or regulations for the parade?

All parades in Texas are smoke-free, so you are not permitted to smoke during the River Parade. Stay up-to-date on all the rules and regulations on the Fiesta Commission website.

Am I allowed to drink alcohol at the parade?

Yes, many spectators walk around with drinks in-hand. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase during Fiesta, but you're also welcome to bring your own. Just no glass containers please.

Do you accommodate those in wheelchairs?

It's our goal to make the River Parade accessible to all, so we do have a designated handicapped section available as well as ramps present at the parade.