The Party That Packed The Block: San Marcos Block Party 2026

Emma Paff

Rap/Hip-Hop Director 

This past Saturday, AfterDark Entertainment and Special Delivery Presents hosted a massive feat of entertainment: the San Marcos Block Party. Our beloved square was completely barricaded off, ready for the event described as the “biggest celebration in SMTX history.” After attending the block party myself, I can confirm that they 100% delivered. 

While the heat was dominating, it did not stop the long line forming outside the entrance. The gates opened shortly after 2 p.m., and the line was already stretching around the block. The first thing I noticed after we entered was the massive stage in the corner of East San Antonio and North Guadalupe Street. A DJ booth sat dead center, and large speakers hung off the side of the frame. It was positioned in a way that would allow a large crowd to view it comfortably. 

The Marc also opened their doors, allowing attendees to watch the University of Texas vs Texas State game while DJs such as BMO, DJ Jimpson, and TKR spun in the background. It was a nice break from the heat, with good entertainment in the background. 

Back outside, small groups gathered around the vendor section surrounding the Hays County Historic Courthouse. A bar stretched across the front entrance, and restaurants such as Grins, Kai’s, and Gus’s Chicken were serving up food on the right side. The opposite side held the V.I.P. section that allowed a close-up view of the stage. Booths selling clothes, artist merchandise, and flow star-spinning cloths were getting attention from the crowds. Red Bull tables were lined up in the back with the football game streaming on a big screen. Overall, the layout was extremely accessible and convenient to maneuver around. I appreciated how easy it was to access water and restrooms, and I was very grateful they allowed empty water bottles in to fill up. 

The first artist on the main stage, Cozy Kev, started the party with some dubstep and trap remixes. His set was magnetic, drawing in the ravers who danced their way up. The crowd was slowly growing as HerShe hit the stage; phones recorded her impressive beatboxing skills and then the bass-heavy electronic music. 

By the time Waka Flaka Flames set rolled around, the entire block was packed from the entrance of The Marc all the way to the sides of the courthouse. People danced in all kinds of attire. There were rave outfits, bright tie-dye shirts, TXST merch, and all-black fits spanning across the block. My favorite part was the props peeking out from the top of the crowd. They featured a jack skeleton taped to a pool noodle, big inflatable bananas, and my personal favorite, a small fuggler swinging off of a fishing pole. Over in the grass area, the flowing star-spinning clothes were circling in the air. It was the perfect blend of randomness and self-expression that truly marks the nature of San Marcos. 

I will say that Waka Flaka stole the entire event before the sun even set. I swear I looked down at my phone for one second (rookie mistake), and Waka had jumped down into the crowd, leaving his stage companion wearing a panda head costume to hype up the crowd from above. Waka made his way through the massive crowd, holding up props and pouring drinks into the audience’s mouths. The moment came full circle when he hopped back up on stage and performed one of my favorite songs, “15th and the 1st.” He turned the party into a rager. More about his set can be found in Jared Stautzenberger’s article “The ‘Tomorrowland’ Experience at the San Marcos Block Party.” 

After Waka’s set, I took to cooling off in The Marc. Even though UT defeated our football team, spirits were still high. People crowded on the dance floor, enjoying DJ KB’s set. Dynamic duos and trios squeezed into the photobooth posing for their physical mementos. I fed off the crowd’s energy for a bit before heading back into the heat.

Around 6:20, Juicy J came on the main stage outside. Just like Waka, he gave us quick hits of his most popular songs, including the past songs he made with his Three 6 Mafia partner, Project Pat. The crowd relished the nostalgia during “Stay Fly” and “Poppin’ My Collar,” constantly forming pits and belting the lyrics right back at him. I was squeezing my way through the crowd when I heard the beginning of the song that immediately threw me back into my childhood bedroom. Katy Perry’s most-streamed song on Spotify, “Dark Horse,” filled my ears. It had honestly been so long since I heard that song and watching Juicy rap his verses was the second full-circle moment of the night for me. Even the group of firefighters watching the crowd were nodding their heads a bit to the music. 

The San Marcos Block Party was a day full of surprises and vibrant energy. Watching my community fill the entire square and enjoy a different artist every hour filled me with a sense of pride. I have never seen the square be so full and yet so coordinated. Everyone was on the same page; all there for a good time. Not only did the block party raise $5000+ for our local youth shelter, but they also managed to pull off such an explosive but well-organized event. I am still riding the high of the San Marcos Block Party, and there is only one question I have: Same time next year?

Header Image Credit: Dorian Powell