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Culinaria's festive race returns with costumes, wine, and family-friendly fun

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 18:03 GMT by news4sanantonio
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Culinarias Festive Race Returns to San Antonio’s Streets, Mixing Costumes, Wine, and Family‑Friendly Fun

San Antonio, TX – June 12, 2025 – After a brief hiatus, the long‑running Culinarias Festive Race is making its triumphant comeback this summer, drawing on its roots in culinary celebration while adding a fresh splash of costume flair, local wine tastings, and a lineup of kid‑friendly activities. The event, slated for Saturday, June 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., will weave through downtown San Antonio’s historic district, starting at the Alamo Plaza and ending at the Museum of Science & Industry’s Riverwalk entrance.

A Race Like No Other

The Culinarias Festive Race is more than a footrace; it’s a community‑wide gathering that has, for years, merged San Antonio’s vibrant food culture with the city’s love of outdoor recreation. This year’s theme—“From Kitchens to Capes”—invites participants to dress up in costumes ranging from medieval cooks to superheroes. “We wanted to add a whimsical twist that would resonate with families, so the costume element is a new and exciting layer to this tradition,” says Maria Hernandez, event director of the Culinarias Festival Association. “Everyone, from the little ones to the grandparents, can join in.”

The route is a 5‑mile loop that showcases some of San Antonio’s best culinary landmarks, including the historic Market Square and the bustling Texas Street. Along the way, runners will stop at five designated checkpoints, each featuring a local vendor that serves complimentary samples of regional delicacies—brisket sliders, avocado lime tamales, and, of course, a selection of craft beers and wines.

Sip While You Sprint

The “Wine & Wellness” segment of the event, curated by the San Antonio Wine & Food Association, invites participants and spectators alike to sample a curated list of local wines. At each checkpoint, a representative from a different Texas vineyard will offer a brief tasting guide and a discount voucher for a full bottle at the vineyard’s online shop. The initiative is part of a broader partnership with the Texas Wine Growers Association, which aims to promote Texas’s growing reputation as a wine‑producing region.

“It’s about celebrating the terroir of Texas while encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle,” says Dr. Eric Martinez, spokesperson for the Texas Wine Growers Association. “We’re thrilled to partner with Culinarias to offer people a taste of local flavors in a fresh, dynamic setting.”

Family‑Friendly Extras

In addition to the main race, the event organizers have incorporated a host of activities that cater to families with children of all ages. The “Kid’s Kitchen” pit at the starting line offers a 30‑minute cooking workshop for children ages 6‑12, where they’ll learn to make mini tacos and decorate their own s’mores. Meanwhile, the “Pony Parade” will feature a short, 200‑meter race for kids, with prizes awarded to the most creative costume and the fastest time.

Live music will punctuate the course, with the “Riverwalk Riffs” band performing at the halfway point and the “Alamo Acoustic” duo setting a mellow backdrop at the finish line. For those who prefer a less physically demanding experience, the festival will also host a “Wine and Dine” carousel in the courtyard of the Museum of Science & Industry, featuring rotating stalls of local chefs showcasing their signature dishes.

Registration and Cost

Registration opens on May 1 at the official Culinarias Festival website. The cost is $25 for adults and $10 for children (ages 6‑12). The fee covers a race bib, a commemorative T‑shirt featuring the 2025 festival logo, a complimentary entry ticket to the Wine & Wellness tastings, and a small bag of local artisanal snacks. Runners who register by the early‑bird deadline (June 1) receive a 10% discount.

Participants can opt into the “Costume Contests” category, which will be judged by a panel of local chefs, artists, and community leaders. The winners will receive a $200 gift card to a prominent San Antonio kitchen supply store, and their costumes will be showcased in the festival’s “Hall of Fame” gallery, displayed at the event’s finish line.

Community Impact

A key feature of the Culinarias Festive Race is its commitment to community service. All proceeds from the race will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank and its partner organizations, supporting local families in need. In a press release accompanying the announcement, the Food Bank’s director, Linda Ruiz, said, “The Culinarias Race is a fantastic way to bring our community together for a good cause, and we’re grateful for the continued support from participants and sponsors alike.”

In addition to the food‑bank partnership, the festival is teaming up with the San Antonio Recreation Department to promote healthy eating and physical activity among youth. “We’re hoping to inspire a new generation of San Antoninos who value both culinary artistry and physical fitness,” says Ruiz.

Final Thoughts

The Culinarias Festive Race’s return to the streets of San Antonio is a celebration of the city’s culinary ingenuity, cultural diversity, and communal spirit. With its blend of spirited costuming, local wine tastings, and family‑friendly programming, the event promises to be a memorable experience for runners, food lovers, and the entire community.

For more information, including a full schedule, sponsor listings, and race maps, visit the Culinarias Festival’s official website or follow the event’s social media channels. Tickets and registration details can be found at the official race registration portal.

As Maria Hernandez sums it up, “We’re excited to see our city’s neighborhoods come alive, our children running with their costumes, and our community coming together over great food, wine, and good times.”