By Sean Bowlin
Staff Writer

Each April, La Villita National Historic District – the 18th century Spanish neighborhood set on the banks of the San Antonio River in the heart of downtown San Antonio -- becomes the home of the San Antonio Conservation Society’s “A Night In Old San Antonio.”

NIOSA is a four-night event that celebrates San Antonio’s diverse cultural heritage with 15 ethnic areas spread over seven acres that serve food and drink at more than 250 booths and offer regional entertainment by 20 bands and dance troupes to more than 100,000 revelers.

NIOSA runs from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. nightly Tuesday through April 25 during the city’s 10-day Fiesta celebration. Even though the gates close and alcohol beverage sales stop at 10 p.m., food sales and entertainment continue until 10:30 p.m.

Advance discount tickets ($10 for adults and $1.50 for children 6 through 12 years) are available through April 25 at all H-E-B grocery stores in San Antonio, Boerne, Bulverde, Seguin and New Braunfels; TETCO Stores; and the Fiesta Store at 2611 Broadway. Tickets are available online at www.niosa.org and at the NIOSA headquarters at 227 S. Presa St.

General admission tickets can be purchased nightly at the entrance gates for $12 for adults and $2 for children 6 to 12 years, with free admission for children 5 years and under.