Arneson Theatre at La Villita

A fun place to visit for an evening or afternoon performance. The Arneson is somewhat unique among theatres in that you sit on raised curves of turf, and also that the audience is separated by the stage by the river itself. So, you get the added benefit of watching the passenger-​laden barges go by, and the amused expressions of the passengers as they get a tiny slice of your play as it is being acted out.
Highly recommended so long as the weather is good! (Also, you may want to bring a cushion if you’re going to be there for a while and you have achy sitting-​bones.)

This place is getting 5 stars for 2 reason. First, 4.5 is not an option and secondly they do alot of charity events and stuff to promote local art and other organizations.
This is a place that a local would love to visit but sometimes stay away due to the hype and bussle of riverwalk. I have made it here 3 times in 13 years of living here which is of course not a proud statement.
This review is for the performance of fiesta del noche. I was invited by my chamber of commerce and got here fairly early. Fyi. if the show starts at 830p. No need to get here before 730p on a summer day. There is plenty of space to sit even if it fills up. We actually had reserved row right up front and I waited it out.
They do rent you a cushion for a dollar which helps not having to sit directly on the stairs. Yes it is an outside theatre with no cover so be aware and dress appropriately.
Being on the riverwalk means everything is overpriced. 3 dollars for water, 6 for beer and more if you want the preparados which I recommend if you haven’t tried em yet. It’s smirnoff in a big cup with cut up pineapples and apples with chamoy sauce.
The show itself was definitely the star. They perform on the stage on the other side of the river and also right in front of the audience. The mariachi play on the connecting bridge making it one of the best and eclectic performance you will ever see. The tourist river boats jeep on floating by and waving thus reminding you of where you are as well.
Overall a great experience that one must go through atleast once while living in san antonio

The Arneson River Theatre is a great little outdoor venue for a variety of events including Fiesta shows, concerts, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and many others. The tour boats that pass by the stage are surprisingly not a distraction, if anything they add a nice little touristy charm to the theatre. The trickling waterfall in the short distance is also beautiful, the people watching is always great, and the mission-​like scenery behind the stage make a great San Antonio-​esque backdrop. You can also wave «hi» at the people on their hotel balconies and you can catch a glimpse of the «Torch of Friendship» in the background. My only qualm: during busy, packed times like the St. Paddy’s parade this weekend, seating can be scarce so be sure to get there early!
I just can’t wait for the next event here :) Let’s FIESTA, San Antonio!!!

This is a great treasure of the San Antonio River walk. A nice little outdoor theater right on the banks of the river so you can heckle the boats full of tourists as they go by. The seats are dirt/​grass, so dress accordingly. I recently saw one of my favorite bands there and they sounded amazing.

Great venue! This tiny amphitheater is great for concerts. Located inside the La Villita area in downtown, this place sits right on the river. The river separates the stage and the crowd. I bet this place holds about 500 people. The acoustics were great and the drinks were reasonable ($ 5 beer).

This is such a great venue for a concert. It’s small so you have to get there early for a seat if it’s something popular. Be prepared. But it’s fun & well worth it. I have been here for a night concert & a day concert, both were a blast! The sound was great for an outdoor concert, it’s intimate, the views of the performers aren’t obstructed & it was fun to watch the performers interact with the people on the RIverwalk Cruise.
There are bathrooms right at the top, beers to be had & you can always grab a snack up in La Villita to take with you.
It’s a must go given the chance!

This is a fantastic place to catch a concert!
It’s right on the bend of the Riverwalk, so as you watch the show, barges float by lazily, while stunned out of towners take in the music!
There’s free public restrooms at the top of the steps, and a drinking fountain too, which there seems to be a lack of on the Riverwalk.
There are no bad seats in the house!
The steps rise up so that nobody has a blocked view.
I love catching shows here!
Someone once told me that the bells behind the stage were the original Taco Bells ;)

Beautiful spot on the Riverwalk.
Like Jai, I’ve been to Arneson River Theatre many times for many reasons. It seems they always have some sort of great live entertainment happening here on weekends and holidays.
St Paddy’s Day and Fiesta are my two favorite times to visit. Lots of great local entertainers perform here. I love sitting on the bleachers with the river separating me from the stage watching the performance. It’s a really cool thing. I mean, how many stages have a river between them and the audience?!
Love this spot and think it’s a blessing in San Antonio!

I’ve been to the Arneson for a lot of different events both as an observer and a performer. During the early morning hours when I decide to do my workout downtown, I like to come here to relax afterwards. This area is so peaceful at this time! As for venues, of course, Fiesta, Fiesta Noche Del Rio, and Estrellas Del Rio are celebrated here. It’s especially beautiful during Christmas time when the Riverwalk’s lit.