Battle of Flowers Parade
 
FRIDAY, APRIL 27
This parade was the event that began Fiesta in 1891, and it's still the biggest parade today. It attracts thousands of attendants with its huge balloon characters, blossom-decorated antique cars and Fiesta royalty sporting elaborate gowns and tennis shoes. The vanguard kicks off at 11:50 a.m. and the parade starts at 12:45 p.m., winding its way from Broadway at East Grayson Street south to Martin and Santa Rosa streets. It's free, but seats require paid reservations; call (210) 223-1986 or visit battleofflowers.org.

Flambeau Night Parade
 
SATURDAY, APRIL 28
It's hard to understand how cool the night parade is until you've witnessed floats, decorated with thousands of lights, rolling through the dark downtown streets. Mario Lopez, star of ABC's “Dancing With the Stars,” is the grand marshal. The vanguard begins at 7 p.m. and the parade starts 7:45 p.m., following the same route as the Battle of Flowers parade. Admission is free, but if you want to sit, street chairs may still be available for $8 by calling! (210) 733-9141 or visiting fiesta-sa.org.

King William Fair Parade
 
SATURDAY, APRIL 28
If you're looking for something a bit funkier, the King William Fair is it. The highlight of the parade is always Miss Southtown and her sister drag queens, and this year's event has a literary theme with entries by Gemini Ink and the Central Library, among others. The parade begins at Brackenridge High School at 9:30 a.m. and travels up Guenther Street. Admission is free.

Pooch Parade
 
SATURDAY, APRIL 28
Expect to see Dachshunds dressed as hot dogs and schnauzers draped in serapes at this fundraiser for the Delta Society. Syndicated columnist Heloise is the grand marshal, in case you need hints on cleaning dog poop off your leather shoes. Registration and activities begin at 8 a.m. at Alamo Heights Swimming Pool, 250 Viesca St. The canine costume contest begins at 8:30 a.m., and the parade begins at 9 a.m. It's free for spectators. Registration for participants costs $20-$30.

Jessica Belasco | 210SA contributor