Free music festivals, tailgates, fan events, watch parties, and more are all part of the NCAA Men’s Final Four festivities. | Photo by the NCAA
It’s here folks. After months of anticipation and hype, the NCAA Men’s Final Four is taking place in the 210 from Friday, April 4 through Monday, April 7.
We’re here to help you get game-day ready.
Where to watch (party)
Hard Rock Cafe, 111 W. Crockett St. Already downtown? Perfect. It’s Hoopsmania at the Cafe — expect live coverage, a basketball-themed pop-up bar, beer buckets, and reverse happy hour specials.
Clementine, 2195 NW Military Hwy.
This local staple is opening its doors on Sunday, April 6, 5-9 p.m. for upscale Final Four viewing. Secure your reservation.
Traffic + road closures
There will be a plethora of road closures, detours, and congestion during the Final Four weekend. The San Antonio Express-News put together this informative piece about all of the closures ahead of the events. Give it a read if you’re making the trek downtown — or want to avoid it altogether.
What Men’s Final Four festivities are you participating in?
A. Heading downtown for free fan events (music festival, tailgates, etc.) B. Posting up at a local bar for a watch party C. Staying home and watching the games with family D. I’ll be doing something else entirely
Bexarfest 9 | 7 p.m. | Tobin Center for the Performing Arts | Free | Local high school media production students were paired with local nonprofits to create marketing materials — here are their film presentations.
Thursday, April 3
College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships | Thursday, April 3, Thursday, April 3 | Times vary | Frost Bank Center | $20+ | You’re invited to see 24 of the country’s top men + women basketball talent compete in a slam dunk and three-point contest.
Friday, April 4
San Antonio Dance Festival | Friday, April 4-Saturday, April 5 | Times vary | The Jo Long Theatre | $14+ | Dance schools from across the region will perform their routines that’ll dazzle audiences.
Saturday, April 5
San Antonio Highland Games & Celtic Music Festival | 9 a.m.-7 p.m. | Helotes Festival Grounds | $16+ | Find your clan, shop a vendor market, learn about Scottish dog breeds, participate in festival demonstrations + more Celtic festivities.
Sunday, April 6
Farmers & Artisan Market | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Make Ready Market | Cost of purchase | Fill your tote bag with farm fresh produce and pick up a handmade trinket or two from local artisans.
The city’s Pothole Patrol is kicking off its 9th annual Pothole Blitz. The department has a goal of filling 10,000 potholes this month. Plus, it’s giving away free 2025 Fiesta medals for the first 100 residents today at 9:30 a.m. at the San Pedro Playhouse parking lot.
Real Estate
A new apartment complex is coming to the far north side of town between Stone Oak and The Rim. The Elle Apartment Homes is expected to come online in 2027. No other details have been released. (SA Business Journal)
Giveaway
HGTV is giving away a renovated + furnished smart home, a Mercedes SUV, and $100,000 to one lucky winner. The HGTV Smart Home Giveaway has selected San Antonio for its annual renovation campaign. Check out the photos + enter for a chance to win.
Opening
The Woodlawn Theatre has been reborn as Woodlawn Comedy. Its renovations feature wider seats, extra leg room, and a smaller stage for stand-up acts. It’s hosting an open house comedy showcase this Friday, April 4 at 7 p.m. with tickets being free for the first 500 attendees. (SA Current)
Mailbag
Nicholas here. I wanted to take a moment and shout out some lovely readers who emailed me expressing interest in free Fiesta medal giveaways. Thank you to Mitzi M., Valerie V., Matthew D., Albert L., Rae L., and Sheena S. I hope you enjoy the read below.
Sports
The Dallas Stars secured a 3-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken, with goaltender Casey DeSmith putting on a stellar performance, making 35 saves. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Dallas Stars with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Try This
Picture your next event being promoted to our thousands of subscribers in this text ad. Our self-service ad portal can get your ad live in just two days.
Category
Fiesta
You asked, we answered
How do you show off your Fiesta flair? | Photo by SATXtoday
Whether you’re a veteran Fiesta participant or are wanting to start your medal collection, we’ve compiled a list of free giveaway events to keep on your radar.
Free Fiesta medal giveaways
Viva Hope | Thursday, April 3 | 9-11 a.m. | Rise Recovery | Free | The first 20 guests will receive a free RCC Fiesta 2025 medal as well as Bill Miller breakfast tacos.
Cabañas Law Firm Giveaway | Friday, April 4 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Cabañas Law Firm | Free | This medal features soccer legend Lionel Messi holding the iconic chicken-on-a-stick.
Bexar County Pachanga | Friday, April 11 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Bexar County Courthouse | Free | Get in on the Fiesta action with medals, free food, live music, and themed hats.
Food Drive & Medal Giveaway | Tuesday, April 15 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Bexar County Precinct 1 | Donation | Make sure to bring a nonperishable food item to donate and receive the Bexar County Precinct 1 Commissioner’s medal.
Last year I went to the Pothole Patrol event and was able to snag its 2024 Fiesta medal and it is one of my favorites. If you’re able to get out to the San Pedro Springs Park to grab one, I highly recommend it. Check out last year’s below.
}})
