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Organizers for Night in Old San Antonio are pausing for 2027 as they grapple with declining attendance and revenue. Could this be the end of a tradition that goes back decades?\u00a0<\/p>\n
KAYLEE C GREENLEE BEAL 2022\/Express-News file photo<\/p>\n
In the modern era, San Antonio has known years without Fiesta, but it has been more than 80 years since the city has experienced Fiesta without Night in Old San Antonio, or NIOSA.<\/p>\n
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Arguably the signature event for Fiesta, NIOSA runs over four nights.<\/p>\n
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But not in 2027 now that the nonprofit Conservation Society of San Antonio, which created and produces\u00a0NIOSA, has canceled next year’s gathering<\/a>. Whether this is a pause or a divorce from the La Villita site remains unclear. What is clear is the event has been facing several challengers, and organizers have said they need time to\u00a0recalibrate so the tradition can continue.\u00a0<\/p>\n Here are some of the challenges, according to organizers: A reduction of 43% of event space as well as declining revenue and attendance. The city disputes the assertion that event space has declined.<\/p>\n With no clear solutions to these challenges, and with 2027 rising on the horizon, the Conservation Society announced Wednesday that it will suspend the\u00a0NIOSA next year so organizers can “review, retool, and reinvigorate the beloved tradition.”<\/p>\n This decision came after the board considered scaling down the event, relocating or rescheduling for another time of the year.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Whatever the future holds, this is a huge change for Fiesta and San Antonio. The roots of\u00a0NIOSA run 90 years deep, beginning with the Conservation Society hosting a harvest festival at Mission San Jose.<\/p>\n