2023

TITLE SPONSOR

I think there has been a focus because of the Mermaid Society of both the history of our river and the beauty of our river like we’ve never seen before!
— Dianne Wassenich, Executive Director - San Marcos River Foundation 2017

2023

Major Sponsors

WELCOME!

THE FESTIVAL IS A FREE FAMILY-FRIENDLY and ECO-FRIENDLY CELEBRATION. FREE SEATING IS AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ALONG THE PARADE ROUTE. DO NOT PARK ANYWHERE ALONG THE PARADE ROUTE. PARADE STARTS AT 10:00 - NOON. The DOWNTOW STREET FAIRE STARTS AT NOON - 6:00 P.M. FOOD TRUCKS, LIVE R&B MUSIC, CULTURAL DANCE PERFORMANCES AND OVER 140 ARTISAN VENDORS WILL BE FEATURED.

PAID PARKING OPTIONS

We're super excited to see everyone, but we've got an important request that will make our celebration even more magical! Let's make sure we all arrive in our MERMAID BEST by being kind to our beautiful San Marcos River wildlife and water resources. From costumes and makeup to decorations on your float, please be considerate of the micro-trash you may be leaving behind.

2023 Music and Dance Lineup

 

12-1:00 - Adam Johnson Band  

1- 1:30 - Midnight Breeze Dance Co.

1:30- 2:30 - Jamie Krueger Group

2- 3:00 - Sway with Pray -Bollywood

3-4:00 - Ace Pepper Group

4-4:30 - Island Rhythms

4-5:30 - Kathy and the Killowatts

5-6:00 - Danzantes Asteca de Ojos Zorro

KID ZONE

Get ready to experience the excitement of the 7th Annual Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest – Mermaid Promenade & Downtown Street Faire!

These highly anticipated events are a new tradition celebrating San Marcos' marvelous artistic and river community. With over 100 parade entries in recent years, the Downtown Mermaid Promenade is the centerpiece of the festival and promises to be an unforgettable experience for all who will be gathered to watch the procession of colorful and vibrant floats!

A huge THANK YOU to our returning Presenting Sponsors - San Marcos Lions Club, and La Cima San Marcos! This year's festival is sure to be bigger and better than ever before!

Before the parade even starts, early birds will be staking out the best viewing spots along the parade route in downtown San Marcos. The streets will be buzzing with excitement as local pubs and restaurants will be joining in the fun, serving up delicious parade watching specials created just for this grand event. You won't want to miss the contagious, carnivalesque music that signals the beginning of the joyous procession.

Once the parade ends, the Downtown Street Faire will be in full swing, with over 140 vendor booths showcasing amazing art, live Jazz and R&B music, food, and fun for the whole family! And the best part? Admission is completely free! This event is designed to be an all-inclusive community platform that inspires connection in celebration of our creative community and river culture.

The Mermaid Festival highlights the San Marcos River and leverages engagement for education and protection through various events and activities organized by community organizations, schools, businesses, and more. The symbol of the mermaid is meant to inspire the spirit of community, friendship, and river stewardship.

This year's festival honors selected honorees representing the arts, river guardianship, and heritage of San Marcos, all centered around the theme of the Fresh-water mermaid. These mythical creatures are the famous new icon of San Marcos, and now that we're designated as The Mermaid Capital of Texas, we're celebrating our history of the Aquamaids of Aquarena Springs and immortalizing the mermaid as guardians of the San Marcos River.

We are especially excited to announce that 100% of the parade registration fees will go towards supporting our Youth Eco-Guardianship Programming! We are over the moon!! Stay tuned for details about our plans!!

So, come on down and join the fun at the 7th Annual Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest – you won't regret it!

For questions regarding the parade email to: paraderegistration@mermaidsocietysmtx.com or call 512-825-2819.

For questions regarding the street faire email to: jamielynn@mermaidsocietysmtx.com or call 512-214-2589.

2022 Mermaid Promenade Video https://fb.watch/jr8RwBKsJj/

Want to be a sponsor? Email july@mermaidsocietysmtx.com or call 512-825-2819. Be a Festival Sponsor — Mermaid Society SMTX

Parade Registration: CLOSED https://splash.mermaidsocietysmtx.com/parade-entry-form-1

Parade Rules

Sign Up to VOLUNTEER! CLOSED

BE A FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER — Mermaid Society SMTX

Artisan Vendor: SOLD OUT as of July 30th! WAITING LIST ONLY https://forms.gle/c1k3EBTQJMRY7dH9A

Food Vendor: SOLD OUT https://forms.gle/Hee4G5Q3Yep6geTb8

Non-Profit Exhibitor: CAPACITY REACHED https://forms.gle/jtYBGmMKZHY7GqJh6

Business Exhibitor: https://forms.gle/5Jj7uyN7ki3n7bPt9

 

Topher Snipes, Artist and co-creator of the San Marcos Mermaid Image.