Begun in 1972 as a celebration of the state s diversity, the Festival continues to draw 10,000 participants from more than 40 different ethnic groups who share their music, stories, crafts, and food with some 70,000 visitors each year. Held the first weekend in August, the Festival celebrated its 27 th anniversary in 1998. The Research Library holds a collection of Texas historical, cultural, and ethnic materials. It also maintains oral histories and a photographic collection of over three million images from The San Antonio Light, The San Antonio Express-News, the Zintgraph Photography Studio, and from ITC Photo Heritage Day clinics. Selections from the collection appear in thematic exhibits throughout the year.
Special rates are available for school and tour groups.