A Night in Old San Antonio® / NIOSA®

NIOSA was «A-​Ok.» As much as I want to rave about it (Sorry Walter!), I could not have left the event feeling underwhelmed and extremely happy to be able to have my space again.
You had little enclaves of different parts of the world with unique foods of different regions. There were some areas of entertainment like dancers and singers, as well as another spot to actually dance. The actual content of the festival was pretty good.
However, THIS EVENT IS SO PACKED. You’re literally floating in a sea of humans, and maybe because I’m shorter it felt like I was having to pay extra attention not to have my eyes poked out since so much of the food options being sold were served on sticks. I literally haven’t been so squished between people since I was a teenager taking the Korea subway system during work rush hour, you were literally like sardines in a can.
If you’re in a group, I highly recommend forming a cha-​cha line of some sort to keep y’all together as you snake from location to location. One lady had a giant flower for her group to find her within the crowd. I was so jealous. Drinking also helps.
It’s a little difficult finding a spot to be able to stand and eat /​talk without having to move out of the way every other second. I HIGHLY DON’T RECOMMEND this event for people how are legit claustrophobic and don’t do well with too much stimulus.
Unless my future hot rich husband in the future of next year takes me to NIOSA, I’m really not sure if I’ll go back.

My very first NIOSA, despite living in San Antonio for all of my existence (I know, I know, I have been hiding under a rock…) I can say that I had quite a great time!
Being convinced by a co-​worker to check it out, I was hesitant of the crowded, and drunken Fiesta scene. But we went right when it opened and left an hour before it closed. (5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.). Parking lots Downtown are expensive to begin with, but with the popularity of Fiesta, it is even more. $ 20 to park in a private lot and walk about 2 blocks. Not too shabby, but that is about one of the few options available unless you are taking public transportation or being dropped off.
NIOSA is located inside of La Villita which holds decades worth of history. Seems like this event has been around since the 30’s. Pretty cool to be part of a classic tradition. As you walk in, there are many different sections which resemble little towns or cultures (China Town, Clown Alley, Irish Flat, Froggy Bottom, French Quarter, Mexican Market, etc). Each section consist of several booths with different types of food. They also had live bands playing music that corresponded with the theme.
My goal was to try some of the popular classics:
–Chicken on a Stick (Mr. Chicken).
–Fried Oreo (Clown Alley)
–Wrangler Margaritas (Frontier Town)
–Preparada Alcoholic beverage (South of the Border)
— Grilled chicken on a Stick (Main Street)
— Sopapillas (Frontier Town)
If I had two stomachs, I would of tried everything! They have quite a variety of foods from frog legs, to fried mushrooms, to steer on a stick, and much, much, more! There were also small vendors selling Fiesta items such as clothing, hats, souvenirs, etc.
I had gone on a Wednesday, and there was a crowd, especially as it got later. But it wasn’t as bad as I thought. Now I hear that it can get packed on ‘College Night’ or on the weekends. I felt I had went at a perfect time. I recommend buying your ticket before hand at HEB since it is a few bucks cheaper than buying it at the door.
Overall I had a wonderful and fun-​filled experience. I will be back next year to try different items and take part in the Fiesta celebration!

I had my first visit to NIOSA this past Thursday and I’m happy to have checked this off my Fiesta bucket list. First, it was incredibly festive from the decorations to the fun music. And, I was really impressed by the diverse food offerings! It’s nice that they had other things besides typical «fair» type food. However, the food is kind of expensive for the portion size you get. I sampled the shrimp po-​boy (small portion but good flavor), beignets (chewy and definitely not fresh), the potato pancake (basically three tiny reheated hashbrowns), and belgian waffle (meh and you only get a 4^th of the waffle). My boyfriend tried the turkey leg and said it was okay and kind of chewy. The standouts were definitely the chicken on a stick from Mr. Chicken and the Smirnoff Preparada with fresh fruit. In my opinion, Oyster Bake definitely has better fiesta food.
We arrived shortly after 6pm and before we knew it, it was so crowded! There are areas where you feel like a sardine, especially the Irish section. My favorite section is definitely the indoor area where they serve German food and play polka music. The band played the chicken dance and it was so exciting to see strangers young, and old come together on the dance floor. My advice would be to come early and leave early. We left right before 9pm and unfortunately saw two fights break out as we were leaving. P. S. We parked at the Convention Center parking garage across from the Hyatt and it was only $ 11!

I ‘retired’ last year from being directly involved with NIOSA, where we had chaired a booth for over 20 years. So this was our first year attending as civilians. I’m still a member of the Conservation Society, so I can still get member tickets which are a little cheaper than the gate or pre-​sale price. Well, we had a pretty good time. We didn’t have to choke down food and run back to the booth. We had chicken fajita tacos, puffy tacos, pizza, mushrooms, Smirnoff prepareada (a drink made with mango Smirnoff, chopped fruit, chamoy and some spice). It bites you a little. Delicious. $ 7.
I sang four songs — karaōke booth in Clown Alley. $ 6 each, a little steep, but when you’re an addict…
Went to the French Quarter and had escargot. Never could get there before. The one lowlight was that at 6:30 pm after being open one lousy hour, shy pokes in Frontier Town were on back order. Come on! Then, we Actually made the whole circuit of NIOSA and we liked it.

I love NIOSA and I have worked there as a volunteer for thirty years. It would have been awarded 5 stars but last year I had to go to the bathroom (I take diuretics) and after finally making my way across the river of crowds to Beethoven Hall the cops said I could NOT use those rest rooms downstairs because I wasnt working at the ‘correct’ booth. I had my workers arm band on too. I was pissed off because I had been using these all this time. I barely made it to Frontier land to use the workers rest rooms behind the sausage grills. If you are volunteering your time for this event as a booth worker ALL rest rooms should be available to us. There arent enough rest rooms as it is. They used to have portapotties behind the house in the Italian section for workers only they are gone too. WTF???
Live music is a big plus. Take cash because you have to buy coupons for all items.
Beer– the only good beer is in the German section in Beethoven Hall unless you like the crappy tasting light beers. The food. I strongly recommend Bongo Bobs beef ka bobs in the Spanish section. My wife loves Mr Chicken in the spanish section. They should put in some tapas somewhere in that section. Anticuchos are also good behind Beethoven in the Mexican Market. I think Maria’s tortillas a waste of time. They are good but not worth the wait even for workers. German sausage is really good. irish potato skins are yummy. Aquacates we love. In the French section go for the crawfish etouffe and beignets doughnuts. You have to try the Japanese yak-​i-​tori chicken ka-​bobs in the southern end of Chinatown. Frontiertown has lots good food like steak on a stick and other items but I really REALLY miss the Calf fries. The southern section has fried oreos and cheesecake and they have southern staples.. International section has greek gyros, frog legs and fried mushrooms. There are some malt drinks that are good but not cheap. It isnt cheap but it is a great time. Best block party in the USA. Dont drink and drive take VIA instead.

It’s NIOSA. One of the, if not, the best event at Fiesta in my opinion. It’s four days of awesomeness it runs 5:30 — 10:30 PM. You’re coming here to try some good food, drink beer, and mingle with the best peeps in SA. Dress casual because it gets crowded and you will probably get some beer spilled on you. The thing here is so off your Fiesta medals you collected or sport a custom made hat. People get crazy with their hats at this event. Grab a sombrero and go to work. Put some lights and streamers on it or just make into the city skyline. It’s a great event and yes it can get expensive. You need food/​drink coupons. Expect to about $ 2 – 5 a pop for food items. Beer and wine is $ 4 – 5. It’s all for non profit of course. Get there early wink: wink when they open. Head to Mr. Chicken (chicken on a stick) and get it with a jalapeño. It’s located in the Froggy Bottoms area. Then make your way to get some Anticuchos (beef kabobs) behind the German building. Now you’ve just made 2 of the best food choices of your life. Then go and indulge on everything else. What makes this event unique is you have many different cultural areas that influenced San Antonio. You can get Mexican, German, French, Country, Cajon, American, Asian, Irish food. The Irish potato skins are also pretty good. There is plenty of live music and beer. The German area will have some German beer and peppered throughout you will find the Mexican import beers you just have to look. Don’t get the sangria or margaritas unless you like them made with wine. Eat some food, drink some beer, walk around for a bit, then find a spot and enjoy the night. You’re bound to run into some people you know especially if live here.
Get tickets in advance. It’s usually $ 2 – 3 cheaper. As far as travel. That’s up to you. The park-​n-​ride is cool it’s $ 5 round trip taking the bus. That’s per person. You will stuck be stuck in the same traffic as everyone else just minus the parking. In my opinion it works out the same. It’s $ 5 per person and it’s $ 10 – 30 to park depending on the spot. If you roll with 4 people that’s $ 20. You could find some parking and control when you want to leave if you decide to stay downtown for a bit because NIOSA ends at 10:30.
This event isn’t great for small children and I can’t understand why I continue to see this year after year. It gets crowded, no strollers, it’s loud, and this time of year it’s hot and humid. Bring the teens but skip out on the elementary age or lower. The first night, Tuesday, is the most mellow night you could take a chance there. It’s not as crowded and all the locals have dubbed it the «family night». Wednesday is also a good night. Friday and Thursday are crowded. Thursday is crowded because most business and all schools/​colleges are closed on Friday.
It’s a popular festival event. It’s gets crowded and it’s expensive like any other big city festival. Don’t go to this event thinking $ 20 (after admission) will get you far and don’t go to this event thinking you’re the only person there.

NIOSA falls in my top three Fiesta events easily, hell, it can contend for the top spot on occasion. Allow me to give you the tips of the NIOSA trade so you too can make the most out of your time here.
First things first: how do you describe NIOSA to first timers or out of towners? Simple: NIOSA is basically San Antonio’s version of EPCOT (World Showcase). NIOSA is divided into 15 different areas.
Park N Ride: DO IT! Don’t argue with me, suck it up, play it safe, pay the $ 5 round trip each and take advantage of it. You’ll not fight with traffic, you’ll be dropped off and picked up at the front gates, it’s just much better than the alternatives.
Tickets: get them IN ADVANCE. It’s faster. It’s cheaper. You’re gonna thank me in the long run. They’re available at HEB, the Fiesta Store, and other places. Tickets at the gate go for $ 15 while advance tickets are around $ 12. If you have your ticket (s) already, just go directly to the entrance gate. Don’t get in line because everyone else is, don’t fall for that, they’re buying their admission. Just go to the gate and get in the event. You will also be tempted to wait in the line at the main gate to purchase your food and drink tickets, RESIST THIS TEMPTATION. I promise you there will be plenty of places to get them inside the event with a way shorter line.
The Food: oh my stars and garters, I could write a novel on this, but I’ll do my best (no promises) to keep this brief… ish. That being said, I’ll highlight my favorite items and where they’re located.
Haymarket: home to Maria’s Tortillas. My nipples get hard just thinking about this one. True story, my first time I was like «you’re joking, we are not waiting in a line for a damn half hour for a tortilla.» This was when I was a member of the church of the non-​believers. I don’t know what they do but they make something as simple as a hand made, corn tortilla, filled with butter, cheese, and salsa into an art form. We go through the line at least twice per trip to NOISA.
South of the Border: the Aguacates are out of this world. A fresh halved avocado, filled with sour cream and salsa. This thing is melt in your mouth goodness. Check it out.
Mission Trail: this locale will treat you to Armadillo Eggs. No, don’t worry, they’re not actual armadillo eggs, nor are the akin to calf fries. They are jalapenos stuffed with your choice of either cream cheese or cheddar cheese, then they’re covered in a biscuit batter type coating and baked. Warm, bubbly, gooey goodness.
International Walkway: this mix n match area is where every food type that doesn’t warrant its own area is allowed to coexist in deep fried goodness. Don’t pass up the gravy slathered deep fried mushrooms or the deep fried ravioli.
China Town: their cheese wontons make me do a happy dance, and after a few beers, that is quite a sight to behold.

The Beer: oh oh oh the beer. I have enough NIOSA cups to play a game of beer pong with them and I am in no way saddened by that statement. Throughout the event you’ll find plenty of beer booths, and depending on where you are, the selection varies. Do yourself a favor and be sure to visit Sauerkraut Bend for some of the best beer selections in the event. Also do the chicken dance and get your picture with the chicken.
When Do I Go? Friday is the final night and it’s after the Battle of Flowers Parade, so you can bet your sweet bippy it’ll be the most packed then. Thursday is apparently college night so use your best judgment. We prefer to go on Tuesday as we find that is the least crowded of the days and Wednesday isn’t too much more packed.
Keep in mind: Cash is KING. Do not expect anywhere to accept credit cards and you must use tickets to purchase any and everything within the event. Yes, it’s going to be hot and crowded and busy and sweaty and expensive, know that going into this. Don’t be surprised by any of that-​this is a super popular event and tons of folks love it. Expect it, prepare for it, deal with it.
So there you have it. My guide to all things NIOSA. Follow these simple tips and be ready to have a great time. Thank you for entertaining my NIOSA version of «War and Peace» and see Ya Tuesday Night!

Viva Fiesta!!!
Although you’re supposed to call it «knee-​oh-​sah,» but I’ll always call it «Nye-​oh-​sah.» This is such a fun Fiesta event! It goes on four nights during Fiesta. Each night has its own kind of vibe.
Tuesday is sorta family night. It’s the tamest night out of the four.
Wednesday is better to go and get a lil’ rowdy, since there’s a bit larger crowds.
Thursday night is college night, which is crazy wild.
Friday is just so packed, it’s a mob scene.
They’ve recently started expanding NIOSA to S Alamo to try to reduce some of that congestion. But that hardly worked.
NIOSA works on a premise that’s sort of like Disney Land, where you have Irish Town, and Beer Alley, and Chinese Land and French, etc. The different ethnicities are arranged throughout La Vallita. You can go from Japanese to Italian back to Thai within a few booths. It’s fun!
Yea, it is a bit on the expensive side. But I recommend volunteering for one of the groups that sets up a booth here. You’ll do a little work, and then get to spend the rest of the evening at your leisure! Viva!
I always recommend doing some pre-​partying beforehand down the street. Beers are expensive here.
The food is amazing though! That’s where the best part is. Bring cash, because you have to buy tickets. This is probably the best place in all of Fiesta to get food on a stick, which is always a SA favorite!
Viva Niosa!

Oh my gosh, NIOSA (Night In Old San Antonio) is the Fiesta event of all events! No where else can you go to get fajita tacos, bratwurst, fried mushrooms, and pizza all in one place! I will say, if crowds aren’t your thing, then this is not the place for you. Although there’s a section called, clown alley, I would really leave the kids at home.

NIOSA was definitely a must-​do on my San Antonio bucket list, but now that it’s been conquered, I don’t think I’ll double-​dip — here’s why:
1) PRICEY! $ 15 for entry when food and drinks are over-​priced is odd. Considering the fact that I didn’t once see a soul without a purchased item, I don’t think $ 15 is fair. However, I do think the riff-​raff (not to be rude) doesn’t attend because of this entry fee.
2) Lines — lines were tough, but for the most part, even drunk people kept their cool. Good on you, San Antonians.
3) Crowds — At the end of the day, this is a festival of sorts, and you have to be okay with crowds, people potentially spilling a beer on you, or getting in contact with the bare, sweaty skin of another human. I’ve seen worse at concerts and such. I’m pretty intolerant of other sweaty people, but I could handle NIOSA.
4) Beer & Food Options — this is really the reason I wouldn’t return. Sangria was okay, but for $ 5 it wasn’t enough in volume. The beer ($ 4) wasn’t a great selection for the most part. Lots of low-​end beer was available, and I found one spot with hard cider and blue moon. However, the food wasn’t really exciting except the mexican area, but we’re in SATX, so I’d expect tex-​mex to be amazing, anyway.
Overall, my fiancé and I spent about $ 100 on NIOSA, and we won’t again. The company we kept was much more exciting than the event itself.

Niosa is an annual 4 day Fiesta event held at La Villita in downtown San Antonio. It’s nothing but pure fun, meet up with friends, drink, people watch, drink, listen to music and more drinking. Each area has it’s own unique foods and music is every where.

I love this event during Fiesta in April! It is so fun! Of course you will pay an arm and a leg just to eat and drink but it is so worth it. It does get crazy so if you don’t like crowds this isn’t for you.

I just can’t imagine giving any Fiesta-​related event less than four stars. In my opinion, it’s the most wonderful time of year!
I’ll admit, my first NIOSA I swore off the event and promised myself I would never go again. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I’m pretty sure my ass was grabbed at least thrice, my feet were sticky and dirty by the end of it, and I was extremely frustrated with my lack of skills when it came to balancing roasted corn and a beer cup. Alas, somehow I got talked into a second time (c’mon, food, booze, and sweat… all things I love) and my eyes were opened to a world of possibility.
So, my advice, which is actually in line with my life’s motto, try it twice. The first time, you will undoubtedly be less than thrilled. But the second time around, you’ll know what to expect, you’ll know your way around, and you’ll enjoy the event much more.
NIOSA takes place at La Villita which is then divided into little «hoods» all showcasing various genres of food and drink. For example, the Main Street Area has deep fried All-​American stuff, Clown Alley has typical carnival food like cotton candy and corn dogs, China town has egg rolls, etc. I most look forward to visiting the assembly hall which is the German-​influenced area. You CANNOT MISS the cloggers! They are the highlight of NIOSA in my opinion and man can those Senior Citizens clog. They take it super seriously, wear coordinated outfits, and really get the crowd in there crunk. Also, you should take a peek at the karaōke in Clown Alley. It gets particularly interesting towards the end of the night…
Worried about parking? Consider taking the VIA down there which will drop you off literally across the street from La Villita. If you prefer to drive yourself, just venture a few blocks down on South Alamo and find some street parking in Southtown/​Lavaca. It’s FREE. If you pay for parking during Fiesta, either you’re lazy (I’m sometimes guilty of this) or just don’t know any other way.

For most people this event might not rate so high. But for all the reasons that others would give Night In Old San Antonio a low score, I rate it highest. First off this event draws a very large crowd, in a not so large space. I am a people watcher so i love the crowd. Then there is the price. For that you have to visit the web site, because this is the party for a cause. www​.sacon​ser​va​tion​.org/. There are many Great Fiesta events but this is the one that has my name on it. It has over 2 hundred different Food booths, with 15 different ethnic areas. I know this year at hit up at least half of them, so next year i will catch the ones i missed. I know i didn’t give alot of insight to this event, but its a must be present to win type experience. See you all there next year. I’m officially making this a UYE for next year.