Take top-notch singers and dancers, throw in an all-girl mariachi band, garnish with colorful costumes and add water (the San Antonio River) and you have all the ingredients for a night of magic, when the Alamo Kiwanis Club presents its 44th annual Fiesta Noche del Rio (Party Night on the River) Friday and Saturday nights, May 11 through July 28. This entertaining extravaganza, showcasing the dances and music of old Mexico and San Antonio and featuring fun audience participation, is the oldest outdoor performance of its kind in the United States. It takes place in the one-of-a-kind Arneson River Theater, where the winding San Antonio River separates audience (seated on grassy steps) and stage. Connecting them is the picturesque Rosita's Bridge, named for international singing star Rosita Fernandez, original star and co-creator of the show. A balconied "hacienda" (doubling as dressing rooms) and three mission bell arches form a romantic backdrop under the starry Texas skies. Proceeds benefit local children's charities.

Unique River Theater

This unique theater was constructed in 1938-39 by the Works Progress Administration as part of architect Robert Hugman's visionary River Walk plan, which saw the previously neglected San Antonio River transformed into a tranquil, beautifully landscaped pedestrian walkway. The theater was named for Ed Arneson, well-liked chief engineer and enthusiastic supporter of the project, who died before work began. Unfortunately, Hugman himself was dismissed for political reasons before the project was completed, and the River Walk and the theater were completed by someone else. Hugman, the long-time driving force behind the river's reclamation, was largely forgotten until Frank Phelps, owner of historic Little Rhein and Fig Tree restaurants adjoining La Villita on the River Walk, led a campaign to honor Hugman by completing the Arneson with mission bells that were part of the original plan but never added. The bells were designed by the only licensed bell-maker in Texas, and Hugman's name was inscribed on the largest. Phelps was happily present at the installation ceremony in 1978.

Popular Venue

A notable feature of the theater that was removed early on was a "water curtain" in front of the stage. (It was spectacular, but wound up drenching performers.) Major improvements spearheaded by Kiwanian Bob Carlson were undertaken in the '80s and included installation of a special hardwood stage floor modeled after a ship's deck for durability. (Plywood planks used originally tended to warp and left a barefoot Native American dancer sporting splinters.) Religious services, weddings, political events and all types of musical and theatrical shows have graced the Arneson over the years, but the Kiwanis show is the long-time jewel in the Arneson crown. So spend a magic night on the River at Fiesta Noche del Rio.

A Quick Look

Fiesta Noche del Rio
Arneson River Theater in La Villita
Fridays and Saturdays
May 11-July 28, 8:30 p.m.
Adults: $10
6 to 14 yrs.: $5
Seniors: $8
Under 6 yrs: Free
210-226-4651