NIOSA to undergo major redesign for 2027
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A 2023 NIOSA scene. Photo: Madalyn Mendoza/Axios
A Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA) organizers are planning a major redesign of the signature Fiesta event for 2027 as it faces financial pressures and a smaller space for the event.
Why it matters: NIOSA is the largest fundraiser for the nonprofit Conservation Society of San Antonio and has raised millions of dollars over its seven-decade history to support preservation projects across the city.
Driving the news: The conservation society said Wednesday that it is "reenvisioning" NIOSA, streamlining operations and cutting staff as it retools the four-night event.
State of play: The changes come as NIOSA contends with a shrinking footprint at La Villita Historic Arts Village, where the event is held each spring.
- The event is losing 43% of its space amid the city's redevelopment of La Villita, Conservation Society of San Antonio president Betty Bueché told KENS.
- NIOSA no longer has access to the privately-owned Villita Assembly Hall, a change attendees saw at this year's event.
- It could also lose access to Maverick Plaza if construction there continues.
What they're saying: "There is a financial situation," Bueché told KSAT. "We need to retool this so that we can make sure that we have proceeds. We're being very cautious about this."
- Last year, tickets were $20 online, $25 at the gate, for each night, food not included. It's not clear how attendance has changed over the years.
Between the lines: The conservation society said on its social media pages that it wants to "completely rethink" NIOSA and is redesigning the experience "from the ground up."
- Organizers are soliciting feedback from attendees.
- They also said they want to build the "ultimate foodie paradise," suggesting food could be a major focus of the revamped event.
- The NIOSA changes are not related to Project Marvel, the planned downtown sports and entertainment district, Bueché tells Axios.
What's next: Organizers hope to have a proposal for the conservation society's board to consider within the next month or two, Bueché says.