San Antonio Home & Garden Show: Your Complete Visitor’s Guide

Ticket prices typically range from $8-12 for adults when purchased in advance online, and slightly higher at the door. Seniors and military often receive discounts, and children under 12 generally attend free with a paying adult. Multi-day passes are also available if you want to return throughout the weekend for more home design inspiration.

The San Antonio Home & Garden Show is the premier consumer home event in South Texas, bringing together hundreds of home improvement professionals, innovative products, and creative displays under one roof. Held multiple times throughout the year at the Alamodome, this massive exhibition spans over 40,000 square feet of space dedicated to everything related to home renovation, interior design, outdoor living spaces, and garden landscaping.

What began as a modest gathering of local contractors and nurseries has evolved into a major event that attracts thousands of visitors each year searching for DIY project ideas, custom kitchen designs, energy-efficient home solutions, and expert landscaping advice. The show creates a unique marketplace where homeowners can explore products, compare prices, and speak directly with industry professionals—all in a single day.

For local San Antonians like myself, the show has become a fixture in the community calendar. It’s where many of us have found the inspiration and connections for our backyard makeovers, kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels, and curb appeal projects that have transformed our homes throughout the years.

When and Where: Mark Your Calendars for the Best Home Show in Texas

The San Antonio Home & Garden Show typically runs three times per year: a winter show (usually in January or February), a spring show (around April or May), and a fall show (September or October). Each season brings its own focus, with the spring show often highlighting outdoor living spaces, deck building, patio designs, and gardening trends, while the fall show may concentrate more on interior renovations, energy-efficient windows, and holiday decorating ideas before the holiday season.

FAQ: Where should I park when attending the home and garden show? The Alamodome offers several parking lots with prices typically ranging from $10-15 depending on proximity. For those looking to save money, there are also nearby public lots and street parking options within walking distance. I recommend arriving early for the best parking options, especially on Saturday which is typically the busiest day for the garden expo.

The show is hosted at the iconic Alamodome in downtown San Antonio (100 Montana Street, San Antonio, TX 78203). This central location makes it easily accessible from all parts of the city, with ample parking available in the surrounding lots for those interested in exploring home decor ideas, sustainable gardening techniques, and smart home technology.

Show hours typically run:

• Friday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

However, I strongly recommend checking the official San Antonio Home & Garden Show website before planning your visit, as dates and times can vary slightly from year to year.

Planning Your Visit: My Personal Strategy for Home Show Success

FAQ: How long does it take to see everything at the home improvement show? Most attendees spend 3-4 hours at the show, though enthusiastic home improvers could easily spend the entire day, especially if attending kitchen design demonstrations or landscaping workshops. I recommend allowing at least 3 hours to see most exhibits without feeling rushed, giving yourself time to collect ideas for your custom bathroom renovation or drought-resistant landscaping project.

After years of attending home and garden shows, I’ve developed a strategy that helps me make the most of my visit without feeling overwhelmed by all the gardening equipment, cabinet refinishing options, and flooring solutions. Here’s what works for me:

Before You Go to the Home Improvement Expo

1. Check the speaker schedule for DIY workshops. The show’s website typically publishes a schedule of presentations and garden demonstrations a few weeks before the event. I always circle the ones I’m most interested in, whether they’re about water-saving landscaping, solar panel installation, or affordable kitchen makeovers, and build my day around these times.
2. Make a project list for your home renovation needs. I’ve learned to arrive with specific projects in mind. Whether it’s renovating my bathroom with new shower enclosures, redesigning my backyard landscaping with native plants, or updating my kitchen countertops, having clear goals helps me focus on the relevant exhibitors rather than getting distracted by every hot tub display or gutter protection system.
3. Wear comfortable shoes for the concrete exhibition floors. This might seem obvious, but I’ve made the mistake of wearing new boots to the show before—big mistake! You’ll be walking for hours on concrete floors while exploring garden water features, hardwood flooring options, and outdoor kitchen displays, so opt for your most comfortable footwear.
4. Bring measurements and photos of your renovation spaces. If you’re looking for specific solutions like custom window treatments, patio cover designs, or kitchen island configurations, bring along measurements, photos, and even floor plans of the spaces you’re working on. Having these on hand makes conversations with vendors much more productive when discussing your bathroom tile selection or built-in cabinet options.

During the Home and Garden Expo

FAQ: Are there food and drinks available at the home and garden show? Yes, the Alamodome concession stands are typically open during the show, offering standard arena fare like hot dogs, pretzels, and beverages. Prices are typical for venue food. If you have dietary restrictions, I recommend bringing snacks as options may be limited while you’re exploring landscape design exhibits and home automation demonstrations.

1. Start with a lap of the entire home show exhibition. When I first arrive, I like to take a quick walk through the entire show to get the lay of the land before diving deep into specific booths featuring deck builders, landscape architects, or kitchen designers. This gives me an overview of what’s available and helps me prioritize which areas to spend the most time in.
2. Schedule breaks during your home improvement journey. Home shows can be overwhelming with sensory input from countless granite countertop displays, artificial turf demonstrations, and smart thermostat exhibits. I’ve learned to schedule short breaks throughout the day to sit, have a coffee, and review my notes about that perfect ceiling fan or drought-tolerant landscaping.
3. Take photos and collect business cards from landscaping companies and remodeling contractors. I document interesting products and displays with my phone and always ask for business cards from vendors I’m seriously considering working with for my backyard design, bathroom remodel, or energy-efficient home upgrades.
4. Ask for show specials on home improvement services. Many exhibitors offer special pricing or promotions on everything from window replacements to patio furniture only available during the show weekend. Don’t be shy about asking if they have any “show specials” available on their kitchen cabinets, rain barrels, or roofing materials.

What to Expect: Main Attractions and Home Improvement Exhibits

FAQ: Should I bring cash to the San Antonio Home & Garden Show? While most vendors accept credit cards, some smaller exhibitors displaying handcrafted garden art or custom furniture may only take cash, and certain on-site purchases might offer cash discounts. I usually bring about $100 in cash for small purchases, food, and parking, though major purchases for home renovation projects can typically be made with credit cards.

Over the years, the San Antonio Home & Garden Show has developed signature attractions that keep attendees coming back looking for patio renovation ideas, indoor plant displays, and bathroom remodeling inspiration. While specific exhibits change with each show, here are some perennial favorites that you can typically expect:

The Designer Rooms and Interior Design Showcases

One of my personal favorites is always the Designer Rooms section, where local interior designers create fully styled room displays showcasing the latest trends in living room furniture, kitchen design, and bathroom remodeling. Last year, I was particularly impressed by a sustainable modern living room that incorporated repurposed materials, bamboo flooring, and energy-efficient lighting in a way that felt both luxurious and environmentally conscious.

The designer rooms provide tangible inspiration for home makeovers that’s often missing from Pinterest boards and home improvement shows. You can actually walk through the spaces, touch the materials like quartz countertops and luxury vinyl flooring, and speak directly with the designers about their choices and how they might work in your own home renovation project.

The Garden Showcase for Landscape Design Inspiration

FAQ: Can I bring my children to the Home & Garden Show? Yes, the show is family-friendly, though it’s primarily geared toward adults interested in home improvement and garden landscaping. In recent years, they’ve added some kid-oriented activities, particularly in the garden sections. For younger children, consider bringing entertainment as they might get bored during extended browsing of bathtub refinishing or roofing material exhibits.

For those with green thumbs (or aspiring to have them), the Garden Showcase area features elaborate landscaping displays from local nurseries and garden designers. These aren’t just plants arranged in pots—they’re fully realized garden concepts with water-saving irrigation systems, outdoor lighting, hardscaping, and native plant combinations that work specifically for San Antonio’s unique climate.

I’ve found some of my favorite drought-resistant plants at these showcases, along with practical advice about xeriscaping and low-maintenance landscaping that has transformed my own yard into a water-efficient oasis with beautiful garden pathways and outdoor seating areas.

The Cooking Stage and Kitchen Remodeling Inspiration

The Cooking Stage hosts local chefs and culinary experts demonstrating recipes and kitchen techniques throughout the weekend. These demonstrations often highlight kitchen gadgets, induction cooktops, and convection ovens available from show vendors, showing them in practical use rather than just on display alongside cabinet refacing and granite countertop samples.

I still use a quick pickle recipe I learned from a chef demonstration three years ago—it’s become a family favorite and started with watching that live demonstration while I was gathering ideas for my own kitchen renovation featuring custom cabinets and a farmhouse sink!

The Make-It-Take-It Workshops for DIY Enthusiasts

In recent years, the show has expanded its interactive elements with Make-It-Take-It Workshops for home improvement DIYers. These hands-on sessions let attendees create simple projects under expert guidance. From succulent arrangements and container gardening to basic woodworking projects and tile backsplash techniques, these workshops provide a welcome interactive break from walking the show floor.

Last show, I participated in creating a shadow box herb garden using reclaimed wood and drought-resistant herbs that now hangs in my kitchen—a practical souvenir that reminds me of the experience every time I snip fresh herbs for cooking.

The Home Improvement Alley for Renovation Planning

FAQ: Is the San Antonio Home & Garden Show accessible for those with mobility issues? Yes, the Alamodome is ADA compliant with accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms. The show floor featuring home renovation exhibitors and landscaping displays is generally flat and navigable by wheelchair, though it can get crowded during peak times. Scooter rentals are sometimes available but should be reserved in advance if you want to comfortably explore all the kitchen remodeling and outdoor living exhibits.

For those planning major home renovations, the Home Improvement Alley brings together contractors, bathroom remodelers, and kitchen renovation service providers. This section is particularly valuable for anyone considering major projects like kitchen remodels with custom islands, bathroom renovations with walk-in showers, or room additions with vaulted ceilings.

Unlike searching online for contractors, here you can meet face-to-face with multiple professionals, compare their work portfolios of finished basements and attic conversions, and get a feel for who you might work well with on your home remodeling journey. I found my kitchen remodeler at the show four years ago, and the in-person connection we established at his booth translated into excellent communication throughout our project featuring new quartz countertops and soft-close cabinets.

This Year’s Special Features in Home Design and Landscaping

While the San Antonio Home & Garden Show maintains its core attractions, each year brings new special features and trending topics in home improvement. Based on home renovation trends and previous shows, visitors this year can likely expect:

Sustainability Zone with Energy-Efficient Home Solutions

With growing interest in eco-friendly home improvements, the Sustainability Zone showcases products and services focused on energy efficiency, water conservation landscaping, and sustainable building materials. From solar panels and rainwater collection systems to high-efficiency HVAC systems and low-VOC paint options, this area highlights ways to reduce your home’s environmental footprint while often saving on utility bills.

Smart Home Technology Pavilion for Home Automation

FAQ: Do vendors offer delivery for large purchases made at the show? Many larger item vendors displaying patio furniture, garden statuary, or bathroom vanities do offer delivery arrangements for purchases made at the show, often with special delivery rates for show customers. Always confirm delivery details, including timing and any additional costs, before finalizing large purchases for your home renovation or landscaping project.

The Smart Home Technology Pavilion has expanded significantly in recent years, reflecting the rapid growth of connected home devices and home automation systems. Exhibitors demonstrate integrated systems that control everything from lighting and climate to security cameras and entertainment systems. Seeing these smart home technologies in action provides a much clearer understanding of their benefits than just reading about them online when planning your home improvement projects.

Outdoor Living Expansion for Backyard Transformation

As San Antonians increasingly view their yards as extensions of their living space, the show has responded with an expanded Outdoor Living section focused on backyard renovations. This area showcases outdoor kitchens with built-in grills, weather-resistant furniture, pergolas and shade structures, and entertainment systems designed specifically for outdoor use in our South Texas climate.

Upcycling and Furniture Refinishing Demonstrations

FAQ: Are pets allowed at the San Antonio Home & Garden Show? Generally, pets are not allowed at the show except for service animals. The crowded environment with numerous landscaping displays and home renovation exhibits and long duration make it unsuitable for most pets, and venue regulations typically prohibit animals while you’re exploring kitchen remodeling ideas and garden inspiration.

Reflecting current interest in sustainable living and unique decor, look for demonstrations on upcycling furniture, refinishing cabinets, and repurposing building materials. These presentations offer creative solutions for giving new life to existing items rather than buying new furniture or fixtures for your home renovation projects.

Who You’ll Meet: The Experts Behind the Home Renovation Booths

One aspect of the Home & Garden Show that simply can’t be replicated online is the direct access to experts across various home improvement fields. Here’s who you might meet while exploring kitchen remodeling options and backyard landscaping ideas:

Local Contractors and Home Improvement Service Providers

From general contractors to specialists in hardwood flooring, metal roofing, replacement windows, and bathroom renovations, the show brings together professionals who typically work throughout the San Antonio area. Many of these are family-owned businesses with deep roots in the community and specialized knowledge of local building challenges for your home renovation needs.

I’ve particularly appreciated the chance to speak with contractors who understand our region’s specific challenges—like designing outdoor living spaces that can withstand both our scorching summers and occasional hard freezes, or selecting the right energy-efficient windows for our climate.

Product Representatives for Building Materials and Appliances

FAQ: Can I come back on multiple days with the same ticket? Standard admission tickets are valid for one day only at the home improvement expo. If you plan to return on multiple days to see more kitchen renovation displays or landscaping exhibits, look for a multi-day pass option when purchasing tickets. These are often only marginally more expensive than single-day tickets and provide great value for enthusiastic attendees interested in both interior design and garden landscaping.

For major national brands offering everything from composite decking to high-efficiency water heaters, product representatives offer in-depth knowledge about specific product lines. These aren’t just salespeople—they’re often deeply familiar with the technical specifications and can explain why one model of tankless water heater might work better for your situation than another.

Last year, I had a 20-minute conversation with a representative from a major appliance manufacturer who helped me understand the real differences between their various dishwasher models, beyond just what was listed on the specification sheets—information that proved invaluable during my kitchen remodel.

Design Professionals for Home Renovations

Interior designers, landscape architects, and kitchen and bath specialists offer mini-consultations at many shows. These brief interactions can provide valuable direction for your home renovation projects, even if you don’t end up hiring a full-service designer for your bathroom remodel or kitchen redesign.

At a previous show, a ten-minute conversation with a color consultant helped me resolve a paint selection dilemma for my living room makeover that I’d been struggling with for weeks.

Artisans and Craftspeople for Custom Home Accents

Particularly in the lifestyle sections of the show, you’ll find local artisans and craftspeople offering unique, handmade items for your home like custom furniture, decorative concrete, and garden art. From custom built-ins to artisanal home accessories, these exhibitors bring one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t find in big box stores when renovating your home.

One of my favorite home accessories—a hand-forged iron wall sculpture—came from a local metal artist I discovered at the show three years ago. It’s not only a beautiful piece for my home but also a daily reminder of supporting local craftspeople during my home improvement journey.

The Real Value: Learning Opportunities for Home Improvement Projects

Beyond the products and services on display, the educational opportunities at the San Antonio Home & Garden Show provide exceptional value for DIY renovators. Throughout the weekend, you’ll find:

Main Stage Presentations on Home Renovation

The Main Stage hosts scheduled presentations on broader home improvement topics like aging in place remodeling, whole house renovations, and landscape design principles. These might include design trends, real estate insights, or renovation planning strategies. Presentations typically run 30-45 minutes with time for audience questions about everything from kitchen cabinet choices to backyard water features.

Specialized Demonstrations on Home Improvement Techniques

Throughout the show floor, smaller stages host specialized demonstrations on everything from tool techniques and shower tile installation to organic gardening methods and proper pruning techniques. These shorter presentations often provide practical skills you can immediately apply to your own DIY projects and home renovations.

I still use the tile-cutting technique I learned from a flooring demonstration years ago—it saved me considerable time and frustration when I tiled my own laundry room with porcelain tiles during my home renovation.

One-on-One Expert Advice on Renovation Projects

FAQ: What’s the best time to attend the San Antonio Home & Garden Show to avoid crowds? Friday afternoons tend to be the least crowded time to explore the home improvement exhibits, while Saturday afternoons typically see the highest attendance. If you want more personal time with kitchen designers or landscaping experts, consider attending early on Friday or Sunday morning when the crowds are thinner and you can have more focused conversations about your renovation projects.

Many booths offer the opportunity for personalized consultations with experts in kitchen design, bathroom remodeling, and landscape architecture. While these are typically brief, they can provide specific direction for your particular challenges with your home renovation.

Last year, I brought photos of my problematic shade garden to a native plant specialist who suggested several species I hadn’t considered for my landscaping project. They’re now thriving in what was previously a troublesome area of my yard, demonstrating the real value of expert advice from the home and garden show.

My Personal Experience: What I’ve Learned Over Years of Home Shows

After attending the San Antonio Home & Garden Show for a decade, I’ve gleaned some insights about home renovation and landscaping that might be helpful for first-time attendees:

It’s About Relationships with Home Improvement Professionals, Not Just Transactions

While many people attend hoping to find deals on kitchen cabinets or energy-efficient windows (and you certainly can), I’ve found the most value in building relationships with local businesses. The contractors I’ve met at the show and later hired for bathroom remodeling and deck building have become my go-to professionals, some of whom I’ve worked with on multiple projects over the years.

Quality Varies Widely Among Home Renovation Companies

Not all exhibitors are created equal. I’ve learned to look for well-established companies with proper licensing and insurance, check references for previous kitchen renovations or landscape designs, and trust my instincts about who seems truly knowledgeable versus who’s just there to make a quick sale on replacement windows or bathroom vanities.

The Best Deals on Home Improvement Aren’t Always the Obvious Ones

While many vendors offer flashy “show specials” on granite countertops or composite decking, I’ve found that the real value often comes in less obvious forms—like the contractor who didn’t offer a discount but did include free kitchen design services that would have cost hundreds elsewhere, or the landscaper who threw in extra plants for my yard renovation.

Follow-Up Is Essential After the Home and Garden Show

I always make notes directly on business cards about what we discussed regarding bathroom remodels or backyard designs and what interested me. This makes follow-up much more effective once the excitement of the show has worn off and I’m ready to start my actual home improvement project.

Making the Most of Show Specials and Discounts on Home Renovations

FAQ: Are there discounts for seniors or military members at the San Antonio Home & Garden Show? Yes, the show typically offers reduced admission prices for seniors (usually 65+) and active or retired military personnel with valid ID. These discounts generally range from $2-4 off regular admission prices, making it even more affordable to explore kitchen remodeling options and landscaping ideas. Some shows also offer special “trade days” where industry professionals can attend at reduced rates.

Many attendees hope to find deals on kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels, and landscaping services at the Home & Garden Show, and with the right approach, you certainly can. Here’s my strategy:

Do Your Homework on Home Improvement Costs

Before the show, research typical prices for major products or services you’re interested in, whether it’s quartz countertops, composite decking, or bathroom renovations. This gives you a baseline to evaluate whether show specials truly offer value for your home renovation budget.

Be Willing to Commit to Home Renovation Projects—But Get Everything in Writing

Some of the best deals on kitchen remodeling or window replacement require commitment during the show weekend. If you’re prepared to move forward with a project like a bathroom renovation or backyard landscaping, you can often secure significant savings. However, always get any special pricing or terms in writing, including all details of what’s included in your home improvement project.

Look for Added Value in Home Renovation Services Rather Than Just Discounts

Sometimes the best “deals” aren’t discounted prices but added services or upgrades for your home improvement project. A landscaper offering free design services or a window company including upgraded hardware can provide better overall value than a simple percentage discount on your home renovation.

Consider the Long-Term Relationship with Home Improvement Contractors

If you’re likely to need ongoing services (like regular pool maintenance, lawn care, or HVAC servicing), building a relationship with a vendor at the show can lead to preferential treatment long after the event ends and throughout your home improvement journey.

Beyond the Show: Continuing Your Home Improvement Journey

The Home & Garden Show is just the beginning of your home improvement journey. Here’s how to maintain momentum after the event:

Organize Your Materials from the Home and Garden Expo

I always take the first evening after the show to organize the materials I’ve collected about kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovations, and landscaping services. I create folders for different projects, file business cards, and make notes about follow-up priorities for my home improvement plans.

Prioritize Follow-Up with Home Renovation Contractors

Contact your top-priority vendors within a week while the conversation about your kitchen renovation or landscaping project is still fresh in their minds. For major projects like bathroom remodels or outdoor living spaces, try to schedule in-home consultations while contractors still have openings in their calendars.

Create a Project Timeline for Your Home Renovation

Based on what you’ve learned at the show about kitchen remodeling timelines or landscaping seasons, create a realistic timeline for your planned projects, considering both your renovation budget and seasonal appropriateness for outdoor improvements.

Stay Connected with Home Improvement Professionals

Many exhibitors have mailing lists or social media accounts where they share additional information, tips, and sometimes special offers on kitchen renovations or landscape design throughout the year. Following the businesses you connected with can provide ongoing inspiration and education for your home improvement projects.

Why I Keep Coming Back: The Intangible Benefits of Home and Garden Shows

After attending numerous shows over the years, I’ve realized there are benefits beyond the practical aspects of finding products and services for home renovations:

Community Connection through Home Improvement

The show provides a sense of connection to the local home improvement community. I’ve run into neighbors, made friends with like-minded homeowners interested in kitchen remodeling and landscaping, and developed a network of professionals who know my home and preferences for renovation projects.

Seasonal Inspiration for Home Renovations

Each show brings fresh inspiration aligned with the season. The spring show gets me energized about outdoor projects like deck building and water-efficient landscaping, while the fall show helps me prepare my home for holiday entertaining with interior design ideas and kitchen upgrades.

Confidence Building for DIY Home Improvement

Talking directly with experts and seeing demonstrations on tile installation or garden design has built my confidence in tackling certain projects myself and in making informed decisions about which projects to hire out, whether it’s a bathroom renovation or backyard landscaping.

A Tradition of Home Transformation

Perhaps most meaningfully, the show has become part of my home’s story. I can walk through rooms and gardens that have been transformed by ideas, products, and professionals I discovered at the San Antonio Home & Garden Show over the years—from my renovated kitchen with its stunning backsplash to my water-wise front yard landscaping.

Final Thoughts: Is the San Antonio Home & Garden Show Worth Attending for Renovation Inspiration?

After a decade of attendance, my answer remains an enthusiastic yes. While you can certainly research kitchen remodeling or landscaping ideas online or visit individual showrooms, the concentrated experience of the show offers unique benefits for home renovation planning that can’t be replicated elsewhere.

For the price of admission (typically under $10 if you purchase tickets in advance), you gain access to hundreds of professionals, countless product demonstrations for kitchen and bath renovations, and inspiration for landscape design that might take months to gather otherwise.

Whether you’re planning a major kitchen renovation, seeking solutions for specific bathroom remodeling challenges, or simply enjoying the creativity on display in the landscape design exhibits, the San Antonio Home & Garden Show offers something for every homeowner. Perhaps I’ll see you there at the next show—I’ll be the one taking notes at the native plant demonstration or chatting with my favorite