FAQs
ADMISSION
Pre-purchase General Admission is $20 for ages 12 and up. Admission is FREE for children 11 and under. Your admission fee and purchases help support local non-profits and community improvement projects.
DAY OF FAIR: Admission can be purchased at any of our 6 prominently marked Admission Gates on the day of the Fair for $25.
ONLINE: General Admission (12 & up; children 11 & under are FREE) can be purchased in advance here on our website for $20. Your online purchase receipt will be redeemed at any of our 6 prominently marked Admission Gates on the day of the Fair.
The Fair accepts cash and all major credit cards for purchase of Admission Wristbands and BlastPass credits.
ALL SALES ARE FINAL. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES.
WHAT IS BLASTPASS?
BlastPass is a cashless option for food, beverages, and activities that uses RFID technology that stores your credits for an easy payment process on a wristband. BlastPass saves you time and stress with no need for cash at the fair!
Your BlastPass wristband can be loaded with as many credits as you want. If you run out of credits, you can purchase more credits at any of the BlastPass Booths, or go online to the Customer Portal.
There is a one-time activation fee of $2 per BlastPass wristband.
HOW MUCH ARE BLASTPASS CREDITS AND WHAT ARE THEY FOR?
BlastPass Credits are $1.00 each (cash or credit card). All Food and Beverages can ONLY be purchased with our official BlastPass Credits. BlastPass Credits will also be needed for some activities at Kid's Kingdom. Art & Craft vendors accept cash and some may also accept checks or credit cards. Multiple ATM machines are located inside the Fair Zone for your cash needs. Please consult your Fair Program or our website for exact locations.
DAY OF FAIR: BlastPass Credits can be purchased on the day of the Fair at any of our 7 BlastPass Booths or self-serve kiosks located in the Fair Zone. You may also go online to the BlastPass Customer Portal to purchase credits and avoid the line at the BlastPass Booth. The BlastPass Booths will be prominently marked and will be indicated on your Fair Program, which you will receive when you arrive at the Fair. BlastPass Booths will be open by 8:00 a.m. on Fair Day.
ADVANCE ONLINE PURCHASE: BlastPass Credits can be purchased in advance in packs of 10, 20, or 50 credits here on our website. Your online purchase receipt will be redeemed for your BlastPass at any of our 7 prominently marked BlastPass Booths on the day of the Fair.
ARE BLASTPASS CREDITS OR ADMISSION AVAILABLE IN ADVANCE?
Yes, BlastPass Credits and Admission are available to purchase in advance.
ADVANCE BLASTPASS CREDITS – ONLINE ONLY: BlastPass Credits can be purchased in advance in 25, 50, or 100 credit amounts here on our website. Your online purchase receipt will be redeemed for your BlastPass Credits at any of our 7 prominently marked BlastPass Booths on the day of the Fair.
ADVANCE GENERAL ADMISSION – ONLINE ONLY: General Admission (12 & up; children 11 & under are FREE) can be purchased in advance here on our website. Your online purchase receipt will be redeemed at any of our 6 prominently marked Admission Gates on the day of the Fair.
ARE STROLLERS OR WAGONS ALLOWED?
Both strollers and wagons are allowed in the Fair Zone. However, please be aware that with over 35,000 people at the Fair, the streets become very congested. We encourage you to leave large strollers and wagons at home.
WHAT ARE YOUR BAG SIZE RESTRICTIONS?
We do not currently have any bag size or type restrictions, but all King William Fair patrons/participants and their belongings are subject to search. Confiscated items will not be returned. We do not allow coolers, tents, canopies, large umbrellas, outside food or beverages, or weapons inside the Fair Zone.
ARE DOCKLESS VEHICLES ALLOWED IN THE FAIR ZONE?
No. In order to maintain a safe environment for pedestrian and wheelchair access, all dockless vehicles (electric scooters and bicycles) are prohibited from entering the Fair Zone. Dockless vehicles must be left in places that do not impede pedestrian or wheelchair access outside of our Fair Zone perimeter, i.e. they may not block streets or sidewalks.
IS SMOKING ALLOWED IN THE FAIR ZONE?
No. The King William Fair creates a healthier and more pleasant environment for our patrons and participants by serving as a smoke-free event. Smoking is prohibited in all public areas within the Fair Zone.
ARE DOGS ALLOWED IN THE FAIR ZONE?
The King William Fair is a fun and positive environment and we wish to ensure the safety of all our guests, human and canine. Dogs are allowed in the Fair Zone, but please keep in mind that we expect approximately 35,000 people, and your dog will likely be more comfortable at home.
We reserve the right to refuse entrance, or ask to leave, anyone whose pet is exhibiting inappropriate or dangerous behavior.
+ All dogs must be on a leash and handled by a responsible adult.
+ A dog needs to wear a collar or identification (tags or embroidered collar) to assist in finding the owner if the animal becomes lost.
+ We highly recommend that dogs be at least 6 months of age or older, as younger animals have immature immune systems, leaving them vulnerable to infection.
+ Dogs should be current on all vaccinations.
+ Dogs should be spayed or neutered.
+ Female dogs in heat should be left at home.
+ Dogs need to be sociable with other animals, adults, and children and should not display aggressive behavior.
+ Owners need to clean up the waste created by their dog.
+ Look for our sponsor God's Dogs Rescue and their doggie rest station at the First Aid Booth across from King William Park. Stop by with you canine and visit their doggy pool.
+ Please bring water to keep your dog hydrated on what is often a hot day.
HOW LONG IS THE PARADE ROUTE?
The Parade route is 1.5 miles long and lasts approximately 90 minutes. The Parade steps off at 9 a.m. at the corner of Eagleland and E. Guenther and travels into the Fair Zone and then back along Adams to Eagleland. Visit the Parade page on our website for more details and a map.
ARE ANY STREETS CLOSED?
Of course! That’s what makes the King William Fair so special. We shut down the streets in one of San Antonio’s oldest neighborhoods and have a funky fiesta good time. In addition, S. Alamo is closed between Probandt and Pereida from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., to allow for safe crossing of the Parade. Access, however, will be allowed to Blue Star Arts Complex and The Guenther House. Please see our map.
WHAT IS THE PROPER ATTIRE?
Shoes and shirts are required for both men and women. Fiesta attire, crazy hats, medals, and decorations of any kind are encouraged. A big smile is absolutely a requirement!
RECYCLING
Fair guests are encouraged to use recycling containers throughout the Fair Zone as part of our effort to remain green. In compliance with the City of San Antonio’s Green Events Ordinance, the King William Fair is awarded the Verde Level, which is the highest possible level.
WHICH ORGANIZATIONS BENEFIT FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THE KING WILLIAM FAIR?
With the help and support of our sponsors, the King William Fair benefits numerous inner city cultural organizations, educational opportunities, and community improvements
In addition to being the primary fundraising event for the King William Association, the King William Fair provides a large umbrella that benefits other local nonprofit organizations of various sizes and purposes. Please join us in visiting and supporting these nonprofit organizations who participate in the Fair by making purchases at their booths while you are strolling through the neighborhood on Fair day, knowing that the energy generated by our Fiesta event ripples out in various directions touching many lives in many communities and even other countries.
Some of the recent recipients of the King William Association’s grants and scholarships include the Alamo Colleges District Scholarship Fund, Blue Star Contemporary Art, Bonham Academy,
Brackenridge High School, Jump-Start Performance Co., SAY Sí, and The Cannoli Fund for Dogs and Cats. Additional funds from the Fair also support these ongoing community activities:
Free Concerts in the Park, Sidewalk Replacement Program, Public Park Improvements, Cultural Arts District Workshops, Graffiti Abatement, Tree Planting Program, Walking Tour Brochures, Historic Property Research, and more!