San Marcos: Mermaids, Murals & Markets

While there’s never a bad time to visit San Marcos, spring is a particularly magical season—full of art, creativity, and quirky local charm. If you’re looking for a vibrant, off-the-wall adventure, you’ll love San Marcos’ bustling arts scene, lively markets, and even an entire festival dedicated to mermaids (because, of course, we are the Mermaid Capital of Texas).

Whether you're browsing handcrafted treasures at a market, admiring larger-than-life murals, or dancing through a parade of merfolk, springtime in San Marcos is a masterpiece waiting to be explored.

^{_{Photo by Grant Clark for the San Marcos Studio Tour}}

San Marcos Art Festival: A Celebration of Creativity

Mark your calendars for the weekend of April 12—San Marcos is transforming into a vibrant canvas for San Marcos Art Fest! This citywide celebration of creativity brings art to every corner of town, from interactive pop-ups in local businesses to live demonstrations in unexpected places. One of the festival’s standout experiences is the Mural Jam in Imagine Alley, where you can watch local artists bring massive wall-sized masterpieces to life in real-time. Visitors of all ages can get in on the fun with a chalk art station, adding their own touch of color to the streets. Expect live music, pop-up activities, and artistic surprises at every turn.

Layered into the weekend is the San Marcos Studio Tour (April 5-6 & 12-13), where you can peek behind the scenes of local artists’ studios, shop their latest works, and see creativity in action. Downtown, the Art Squared Arts Market (April 12) on the Hays County Courthouse lawn will serve as a hub of activity, featuring talented makers, handcrafted treasures, and more. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a hands-on creator, or just looking for an inspiring way to spend the day, this festival is one you won’t want to miss!

There's yet ANOTHER opportunity to explore San Marcos' art scene at Dirt Dauber Festival, a celebration of clay arts at Eye of the Dog Art Studio on May 17 and 18. This is the perfect opportunity to party like a mermaid in the morning and then peruse handmade ceramics! 

Make A Mermaid Splash

Every May, the city transforms into an underwater dreamland for the Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest. This beloved annual event celebrates all things uniquely San Marcos, with art, music, and heritage taking center stage. At the heart of the festivities? A vibrant parade and an all-day fair bring the town to life in the quirkiest, most colorful way possible.

If you love mermaids, creativity, and a whole lot of fun, this is the event for you!

Party At The Downtown Promenade

Saturday, May 17, 2025
10am - 12pm
Downtown San Marcos
Start your Saturday off swimmingly with the Mermaid Capital of Texas Downtown Promenade. The parade features floats, marchers, dancers, music, and more. You never know what eclectic floats and costumes will show up next! We recommend getting downtown early to pick up a coffee or breakfast and find a good spot for the festivities. 

Downtown Street Faire

Saturday, May 17, 2025
12pm-6pm
Downtown San Marcos
After all the excitement of the parade, keep the celebration going with the Downtown Street Faire! The Downtown Street Faire is an all-day event that includes live music, a juried art market, and food trucks.

Murals & More: An Artsy Adventure

One of the most important San Marcos cultural staples is the flourishing art scene. With an ever-growing collection of murals, sculptures, galleries, and more, San Marcos has created a thriving culture for art lovers and artists alike. From murals that take up the whole side of a building to teeny tiny pieces hiding in plain sight - you never know what you’ll find exploring San Marcos. New art seems to pop up in the most unexpected places. Next time you stroll around the Downtown Square we suggest taking a shortcut to look in alleyways and behind buildings to find your new favorite piece. Looking to keep the mermaid theme going? “Dive Into The Divine” (pictured above) can’t be missed as you drive into Downtown San Marcos. The beautiful mural is located on the back of The Coffee Bar building and depicts some of the local flora and fauna, as well as a striking San Marcos mermaid. The mural is a great place for a San Marcos selfie… Children's Park also has several mermaid selfie opportunities! And, of course, you can't miss the Mermaid March statues around town. Can you find them all? 

So Many Markets

Nothing beats a sunny weekend spent strolling through market stalls, discovering one-of-a-kind art, vintage finds, and handmade goods. In San Marcos, markets aren’t just for shopping—they’re full-on experiences where you can meet local artists, taste fresh flavors, and uncover hidden gems you won’t find anywhere else.

From mermaid magic to local markets and vibrant street art, San Marcos is a playground for creatives and explorers alike. So whether you're planning a full weekend getaway or just stopping by for the day, make sure to soak up the colorful, quirky, and culture-filled spirit of springtime in San Marcos!