Texas Cavaliers River Parade celebrates 100 years with grand return

Fiesta San Antonio's beloved river parade is back with colorful floats, a centennial theme, and a focus on supporting local youth.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 11:36am

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A bold, abstract silkscreen illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a brightly colored, stylized river parade float, capturing the energy and visual flair of this iconic San Antonio tradition.The vibrant and colorful floats of the Texas Cavaliers River Parade bring the San Antonio River Walk to life each Fiesta season, celebrating the event's rich 100-year history.San Antonio Today

The 81st annual Texas Cavaliers River Parade is set to return to the San Antonio River Walk on Monday evening, drawing over 250,000 spectators. This year's parade celebrates 100 years since the founding of the Texas Cavaliers organization in 1926, with a 'Through the Decades' theme featuring more than 45 elaborately decorated barges. The parade's grand marshal is Leon McNeil, co-founder of the nonprofit City Kids Adventures, and the 2026 King Antonio is Gardner M. Peavy, a longtime Texas Cavaliers member and supporter of local children's charities.

Why it matters

The Texas Cavaliers River Parade is one of Fiesta San Antonio's most iconic and beloved traditions, drawing massive crowds to the River Walk each year. As the parade celebrates its centennial, it serves as a celebration of San Antonio's rich history, culture, and community spirit, while also raising funds for important children's charities through the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation.

The details

The 81st annual Texas Cavaliers River Parade will feature more than 45 colorful floats designed to celebrate the history, culture, and spirit of Fiesta and San Antonio. The parade's grand marshal is Leon McNeil, co-founder of the nonprofit City Kids Adventures, which supports inner-city youth. This year's King Antonio is Gardner M. Peavy, a longtime Texas Cavaliers member who has held leadership roles and helped raise over $2 million for children's charities, including a $1.2 million grant to Haven for Hope.

  • The Texas Cavaliers River Parade will take place on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 7 p.m.
  • The parade first launched in 1941 after Texas Cavaliers members were inspired by flower-covered boats in Mexico City's floating gardens.

The players

Texas Cavaliers

A San Antonio-based organization founded in 1926 that organizes the annual River Parade as part of the city's Fiesta celebration, with proceeds benefiting children's charities.

Leon McNeil

The grand marshal of the 2026 Texas Cavaliers River Parade and the co-founder of City Kids Adventures, a nonprofit supporting inner-city youth.

Gardner M. Peavy

The 2026 King Antonio of the Texas Cavaliers River Parade, who has been a member of the organization since 2008 and has held leadership roles while helping raise over $2 million for children's charities.

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What they’re saying

“The Texas Cavaliers River Parade is one of Fiesta's brightest traditions, and we're thrilled to bring it back this year with a special centennial celebration.”

— Leon McNeil, Grand Marshal, Texas Cavaliers River Parade

“As King Antonio, I'm honored to help raise funds for children's charities and be a part of this iconic San Antonio celebration.”

— Gardner M. Peavy, 2026 King Antonio, Texas Cavaliers River Parade

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Texas Cavaliers River Parade are still available through the organization's website, with proceeds benefiting local children's charities.

The takeaway

The return of the Texas Cavaliers River Parade, one of San Antonio's most beloved Fiesta traditions, celebrates the city's rich history, community spirit, and commitment to supporting its youth, showcasing the enduring legacy of this 100-year-old organization.