Arneson Theatre

Entertainment is the focal point of the Arneson River Theatre and plays host to the Cone Sisters and The Mo-Dels. Sweet tooths congregate for Banana Smoothies—a drink of crushed ice and pureed banana and strawberries, Matinee Chips, (fried jalapenos), Corn Bites and Broadway Chicken.

Chinatown

The oriental mystique begins with traditional Chinese cuisine. There is Mandarin Mimosa, Fried Rice, Lemon Chicken, Wontons and Egg Rolls.  Vegetable Tempura and Fortune Cookies are also in great demand among the red-lacquered facades. Visitors also enjoy Yak-I-Tori (grilled chicken shish-k-bob) and imported Oriental beer, Kirin.

Clown Alley

Family fun is a favorite at Clown Alley. Games like Bowling on the Green, Can-Can, Softball Pitch, Fiesta Feat Ball, Lollipop Loop, Hoopla, Wiffle Waffle, Loop-the-Hoop, Putting Around and Add Up Darts will occupy young and old alike. At the Balloon booth, costumed clowns create a variety of balloon animals and hats for the young at heart while Clown Face-Painting puts visitors in a festive mood.  

Hamburgers/Cheeseburgers, Corn Dogs, Curly Q Fries, Sno-Cones, Cotton Candy, and Dutch Chocolate Freeze contributes to the atmosphere.

French Quarter

French Quarter celebrates the tastes of France and New Orleans where Escargot, Crayfish Etouffee, Crepes Suzette, Beignets, Cafe au Lait, Peach Melba, French Sausage, and Shrimp Po’Boys are served by costumed mesdames and messieurs. Visitors can enjoy performances by 3 Stepz and Small World.

Froggy Bottom

This area pays tribute to the cultural contributions of African-Americans and is influenced by their Southern hospitality, home cooking and roots in rhythm and blues music.

A variety of southern foods are offered, including Fried Catfish, Fried Okra, Bongo-k-Bobs (beef shish-k-bobs named after Bongo Joe, a local musical legend), Mr. Chicken (skewered fried chicken), Mama’s Sweets and Wahooz (a malt beer beverage).  Musical entertainment is provided by the Grateful Geezers.

Frontier Town

A windmill marks the center of the area, where there’s plenty of room for boot-scootin’ and grazing. Horseshoe Sausage, Texas Bird Legs, Cowboy Klopse (a deep-fried meatball in jalapeño batter), Cowboy Paradise (calf fries), Miss Kitty’s Kernels, Sopapillas, Steer-on-a-Stick, Shypoke Eggs, City Slickers (seasoned cucumbers) and Ranch Steak keep the appetites of native Texans and other visitors satisfied. The Robert Demel Band provides western sounds while Digger O’Dell, the town mortician, is ready to pose for photos at the Photo Bazaar.

Haymarket

During the Spanish Colonial period, San Antonians used to gather to sell produce and livestock.  Known as the Haymarket, facades and colorful banners resembling those from the farmers’ markets of old house serve up Chili Queens, the chili booth recalls the women who sold their “chili-like” stews in the haymarket of yesteryear. 

One of NIOSA’s most famous and beloved foods is Maria’s Tortillas (a hand-patted, grilled corn tortilla, buttered and filled with cheddar cheese and salsa). Named for Maria Luisa Ochoa. Introduced in the early 1950s, the booth today sells nearly 10,000 servings. Other favorites include: Gorditas, Puffy Tacos, Beef Fajitas, Flautas, Empanadas and Handmade Tamales. Visitors can enjoy the lively music from Conjunto Bene Medina band.

International Walkway

Colorful banners strung overhead mark the International Walkway bazaar where different ethnic groups that helped settle San Antonio are showcased.  Italy, Poland, Greece, England, Belgium and the Netherlands inspire the foods offered. Fried Mushrooms and Frog Legs lead the list of favorites, followed by Crab Cakes, Baklava, Belgian Waffles, Pizza, Polish Zummers, Italian Meatball Sandwich, English Apple Dumpling, and Grecian Delight Gyro. Here, visitors can listen to the inimitable entertainment of Lonesome Louie.

Irish Flat

Irish Flat features Irish folk music and a host of filling fare to commemorate the Irish settlers of yesteryear.  When visitors take a break from singing along to Irish ballads played by Campbell and Wilson, they can try the Dublin Deli (corned beef sandwich), Green Beer, non-alcoholic Irish Crème, and Potato Skins.

Main Street USA

American classics such as Hot Dogs, Brisket Biscuits and Fat Bread (an English muffin covered with sautéed mushrooms and Monterey Jack cheese)—appeal to hearty appetites.  Fried Green Tomatoes, Strawberries and Cream, Fried Cheesecake, Banana Splits, Soft Pretzels, Brownies, and Chicken Tenders will round the menu.  Two venues provide entertainment. 

Mexican Market

The atmosphere of a Mexican market is created with colorful papel picado banners and paper flowers. Visitors will find a NIOSA exclusive, Anticuchos, the marinated steak shish-k-bob; volunteers sell more than 18,000 of these treats each year.  Other favorites include Chalupas, Quesadillas, Fajitas de Pollo, Bean Tacos (with hand-patted corn tortillas made on the spot), Burritos, Tamales, Daiquiris de Fresas, Churros, Dulce, Enchiladas, Elotes (corn on the cob), Mexican Coffee and Buñuelos (crisp fried Mexican pastry discs dusted with cinnamon and sugar).  Workers costumed in huipiles, Oaxacan dresses, sombreros, ponchos and peasant attire enhance the flavor of Mexico along with the musical entertainment of mariachis, Ballet Folklorico and Mexican music.

A Tienda booth sells folk art from all over Mexico, including toys, cookware, apparel and accessories.  The Bolsa booth originated and still resides here, selling paper shopping bags decorated by area artists. Cascarónes, the popular confetti eggs, can be cracked over the heads of fellow visitors. 

Mission Trail

San Antonio landmarks are commemorated in the Mission Trail area that features Prairie Chicken (skinless chicken sautéed with onion and bell pepper and served in a flour tortilla), Poblano en Salsa, Mission Maiz, Pan Dulce de Mission (funnel cakes), Taco de Espada (beef brisket taco), Armadillo Eggs (jalapeños stuffed with cheddar cheese and baked in a biscuit-batter coating), and Buñuelos a la ‘Mode (buñuelo chips with ice cream and Cajeta sauce). 

Adding to the fun of Mission Trail are the famed Fortune Tellers, Sombreros y Flores, and the enjoyable sounds of Bobby Baker and the Longnecks for your listening pleasure.

Sauerkraut Bend

San Antonio’s German influence dates to the early 1800s, when immigrants built their homes in the King William neighborhood along a bend in the San Antonio River. Visitors to the cool, spacious hall enjoy Sausage on a Stick, Black Forest Cake, Bretzels, Bavarian Kreme, Apple Strudel, Brotwurst Brotchen, Sausage Sampler and Pigs in a Blanket. Beer connoisseurs know that Shiner Bock is also found in this area as well as various imported German beers.

The Jubilee Polka Band provides continuous entertainment (including the popular Chicken Dance) with appearances by the Cadence Cloggers twice a night.

South of the Border

Canopies of bright green, yellow, red and blue cover food booths like the roadside vendor stands in Mexico.  Favorites include Aguacates (fresh avocado halves filled with sour cream and spicy sauce) and Pollo Rancheros. The Jugo Frescas booth with its mango, lime, pina colada, strawberry and strawberry/banana ice-cold fruit juices is a big favorite for parched participants.  Queso Tortillas, Beef Tacos, Carne Guisada, Queso Flamado, Wine Margaritas, Sonrisas, Chicken Tamales and Quesadilla de Camerones (shrimp tacos) are among the tempting treats offered here.

Villa España

Villa Espana features authentic Spanish dishes such as Tapas Bandas (flour tortillas filled with chicken, Monterrey jack cheese, olives, red peppers and guacamole, and grilled until toasted), Puerco Serrano, Sangria and Shrimp Parilla.

Two stages provide continuous entertainment offering the flamenco sounds of The Sabas Trio and the popular R&B music of the Revival Brothers.