The Conservation Society of San Antonio announced that it will hold its first public board meeting since canceling the Night In Old San Antonio (NIOSA) festival for 2027. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Botanical Gardens and will be open to anyone interested in the organization’s next steps.
Why NIOSA 2027 Was Suspended
In a social‑media post released a week ago, the Society explained that the decision to suspend the 2027 festival was made to “re‑evaluate and offer the best possible experience for the organization, community, volunteers and partners who make the event possible.” NIOSA, a four‑night celebration that dates back to 1936, traditionally showcases music, food and multicultural experiences in the historic La Villita district.
Betty Bueché, president of the Conservation Society, said the executive committee and board voted 17‑10 to suspend the event. “Our attendance has dropped by 48 % since COVID,” Bueché told reporters. “There is less interest nationwide.” She also noted that the festival has been operating at a loss since 2022, costing the Society at least $600,000 each year to run.
City’s Response
A city spokesperson responded to the Society’s claim that NIOSA had lost access to the city‑owned La Villita space. The spokesperson clarified that La Villita “remains available for NIOSA, with the same event footprint as last year, including full access to Maverick Plaza.” The statement suggests that the venue itself is not the barrier to the festival’s continuation.
Public Concerns and Feedback
KSAT interviewed several longtime attendees who said they have stopped attending NIOSA for a variety of reasons. Some cited crowd size, while others mentioned safety concerns after a 2023 shooting at Market Square during Fiesta. A few expressed fear of being targeted by immigration officials, but the most common reason given was the cost of attending the festival.
These community perspectives highlight the challenges the Society faces in balancing tradition with fiscal responsibility and public safety.
What to Expect at the Board Meeting
The upcoming board meeting will provide a forum for the Society’s leadership to discuss the financial realities of NIOSA, explore alternative formats or locations, and solicit input from volunteers and the broader public. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, offer suggestions, and learn about any potential plans to revive the festival in future years.
Because the meeting is open to the public, residents who care about preserving San Antonio’s cultural heritage are encouraged to attend. The Conservation Society hopes the dialogue will help shape a sustainable path forward for one of the city’s most beloved traditions.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
