Each April, La Villita National Historic District–the 18th century Spanish neighborhood set on the banks of the San Antonio River in the heart of downtown San Antonio–becomes the venue for the San Antonio Conservation Society’s “A Night In Old San Antonio®” (NIOSA®). NIOSA is a four-night event that celebrates San Antonio’s diverse cultural heritage with 15 ethnic areas spread over five acres that serve fabulous foods and drinks at more than 250 food, atmosphere and beverage booths and offer regional entertainment by 20 bands and dance troupes to over 80,000 revelers.

This year, NIOSA occurs April 21-24, 2009, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. nightly during the city’s 11-day Fiesta® celebration. Even though the gates close and alcohol beverage sales stop at 10 p.m. nightly, food sales and entertainment continue until 10:30 p.m.

Produced by 16,000 dedicated volunteers each year, NIOSA provides more revenue for historic preservation than most events in the nation. The funds raised from the event enable the San Antonio Conservation Society to pursue its goal of preserving and encouraging the preservation of historic buildings, objects, places and customs relating to the history of Texas and all that is admirably distinctive to the state. For the past 60 years, A Night In Old San Antonio has provided the majority of funding for these activities and truly is a “Celebration of Preservation!”