Highlighting our unique river and artistic culture, the Downtown Mermaid Parade is created to be a celebration of San Marcos’ vibrant artistic and river community. With nearly 100 entries last year and on record for the largest turnout for a parade in San Marcos, the Downtown Mermaid Parade is back by popular demand! Austin Samba and Las Monas de San Antonio lead the parade bringing their brand of “radical creativity, fantasy, and imagination” to the streets with a sizzling combination of rhythm, dance, movement, color, joy and …giant mermaid puppets! The parade will feature floats, marchers, dancers, and music! This second annual ‘Texas original’ will highlight selected honorees representing the arts, river guardianship, local entrepreneurship and heritage of San Marcos. Fresh water mermaids are the primary theme for this family fun event. This all-inclusive city parade celebrates our history of the Aquamaids of Aquarena Springs and immortalizes the mermaid as guardians of the San Marcos River. The parade line-up starts at the corner of CM Allen and Cheatham Street and offers plenty of viewing options along the route. The fun continues at the Mermaid Aqua Faire immediately following the parade at the San Marcos Main Park Plaza from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. All within walking distance from downtown, the family can enjoy this FREE community festival of art, live music, food, and fun! Some of the Parade highlights include the Mermaid SPLASH Royal Court to include our King of SPLASH, Mermaid Queen and Royal Court, Parade Grand Marshal and Honorees. Parade spectators are encouraged to share a ride, walk or ride a bike when traveling to the parade site in support of our bike friendly community! Please join us for a day of fun for the entire family. The Parade takes place light rain or shine.