Cornyation Comedy Variety Shows at Empire

Cornyation wraps its 2026 run Thursday, April 23, with two final shows at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre in downtown San Antonio. (fiestasanantonio.org) The performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., and the show is limited to adults 18 and older with identification checked at entry. (us.atgtickets.com) This year’s production is billed as “The Court of Radical Highfalutin Royals,” a satirical stage revue built around roughly a dozen skits that lampoon local politics, celebrities and Fiesta pageantry. (tpr.org) Cornyation runs alongside Fiesta San Antonio, the citywide festival that spans April 16-26 this year and traces its roots to the 1891 Battle of Flowers Parade. (news4sanantonio.com) The show has become one of Fiesta’s counter-traditions: while official events crown royalty in formal ceremonies, Cornyation answers with parody, costumes and an annual “King Anchovy.” (tpr.org; fiestasanantonio.org) Cornyation began in 1951 at the Arneson River Theatre as part of Night in Old San Antonio, then went on hiatus about a decade later after being judged “too modern” by the Conservation Society of San Antonio, according to Texas Public Radio. (tpr.org) The production returned in the late 1970s with help from Bonham Exchange, later moved to the Magik Theatre, and eventually settled at the Empire. (tpr.org) Organizers say Cornyation is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3), and its performances have raised almost $5 million for groups including the San Antonio AIDS Foundation, BEAT AIDS, Thrive Youth Center and local scholarship recipients. (fiestacornyation.com; visitsanantonio.com) The 2026 honoree is King Anchovy LIX Marty Schlesinger, listed on the event’s official site as this year’s crowned figurehead. (fiestacornyation.com) For Fiesta fans looking for the last laugh of this year’s run, Thursday night is the closing chance to catch San Antonio’s long-running royal roast onstage at the Empire. (us.atgtickets.com)