SAN ANTONIO – Fiesta De Los Reyes will soon be back in full swing, but this year, visitors will notice some big changes.

The San Antonio City Council approved a $5 entry fee during peak hours in a 7–4 vote. The decision follows a chaotic and deadly incident at the 2024 event, where two people were killed, something city leaders say must never happen again.

“Just one single death at an event like that can truly scare families from coming back,” said San Antonio District 1 Councilwoman Sukh Kaur.

The popular event is organized by the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation, which has already increased security measures in 2025, in response to security concerns like 2024’s shooting, but those added precautions come at a cost.

It’s why they are requesting a $5 fee at the gate.

“We didn’t want to charge; we tried to keep the actual festival free,” said Elaine De Los Santos, interim executive director of the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation.

Still, not everyone is on board. Some Fiesta-goers say the added fee on top of parking, food, and other costs could make attending more difficult, especially for large families.

“When we decide to go someplace, if we go as a family, there’s often maybe 20 of us,” said Sylvia Vasquez. “Maybe we just go once, or maybe just a few of us.”

Vendors are also concerned that the change could impact business during one of their busiest times of the year.

“We all depend on the revenues that come in during Fiesta week,” said Thelma Gonzalez, owner of G’s Gonzalez Gift Shop.

Organizers say the fee will help offset roughly $200,000 in security costs. That includes installing four gated entry points with handheld metal detectors, staffing perimeter fencing, and covering a $50,000 insurance policy for the 10-day event.

“If those types of incidents wouldn’t have happened with those fatal shootings, then we wouldn’t have had to get a huge insurance policy,” said De Los Santos.

As for wait times, organizers are encouraging attendees to plan ahead.

“Definitely urge people to go online, just go through security, show us your little QR code, and then you’re off to go,” said Santos.

The $5 fee won’t apply all day. Visitors 13 and older will need to pay after 6 p.m. on most weekdays and after 1 p.m. on weekends. Anyone already inside before those times can stay without paying.

As in previous years, the city will also provide SAFD officers for security.

Fiesta officially kicks off next Thursday.