Events
January
Mid
January: River
Walk Mud Festival. This festival celebrates the
annual draining of the San Antonio River. Festivities
include a parade, an arts-and-crafts show, a ball,
pub crawl and the crowning of the Mud King and
Queen. For information, call 210-227-4262.
Mid January: Martin Luther King Jr. March. The largest march of
its kind in the country begins at the Boys and Girls Club Eastside branch,
3503 Martin Luther King Drive, and ends at Martin Luther King Plaza at Houston
and New Braunfels. For information, call the city government at 210-207-2098
or 210-207-7235.
Late January: Asian New Year Festival. Pageantlike celebration
of the cultures of Asia and Polynesia, with authentic ethnic cuisine, traditional
dance and music, martial-arts demonstrations, arts and crafts, cultural displays,
fortune-telling and children's activities. Institute of Texan Cultures, 801
S. Bowie St. For information, call 210-485-2300.
February
Mid-Late February: San Antonio CineFestival. The oldest Hispanic
film festival in the U.S. screens more than 70 independent Mexican, Latino
and Chicano films and documentaries by emerging and contemporary filmmakers.
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 1300 Guadalupe. For information, call 210-271-3151.
Continues through early March
Early February: San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. Includes livestock
judging, bull riding, barrel racing, a horse show and live concerts. SBC Center,
3201 Houston St. For information and tickets, call 210-225-5851, toll-free
877-637-6336, or Ticketmaster at 210-224-9600.
Late February: River Walk Mardi Gras Arts and Crafts Fair and Parade.
Decorated river barges, krewes of costumed revelers and live entertainment
transform the San Antonio River Walk. An arts-and-crafts fair featuring all
handmade items takes place on the River Walk extension. For information, call
210-227-4262.
March
Early-Mid March: Tejano
Music Awards and Fan Fair. More than 40,000 people annually
attend this three-day event in Market Square featuring live music and autograph
booths where fans meet the stars. The actual awards show takes place at Graham
Central Station, 4902 Fredricksburg Road. For information, call 210-222-8862.
Mid March: Alamo Irish Festival. Three-day celebration with food,
live music, arts and crafts, Irish dancing and music from traditional Irish
to country and jazz to rock and tejano. Organized by the Harp and Shamrock
Society of Texas. Arneson River Theater on the River Walk and the La Villita
area. For information, call 210-497-8435.
Early March: San Antonio CineFestival. The oldest Hispanic film
festival in the U.S. screens more than 70 independent Mexican, Latino and Chicano
films and documentaries by emerging and contemporary filmmakers. Guadalupe
Cultural Arts Center, 1300 Guadalupe. For information, call 210-271-3151.
Early March: Remembering the Alamo Weekend. Dramatization of the
final two days of the Alamo conflict in 1836. A predawn re-enactment pays homage
to the fall of the Alamo and the sacrifices made by both armies. Alamo Plaza.
For information, call 210-273-1730.
April
Early April: NCAA® Final
Four®. Division
I men’s collegiate basketball championship, one of the nation’s
premier sporting events. Alamodome. San Antonio Sports Foundation, UTSA, City
of San Antonio. Admission. 210/820-2100.
Mid April: Fiesta San Antonio. The city's lavish annual celebration
with more than 100 events, including parades, sports meets, house tours, an
art fair, carnival, exhibits, flower show, concerts and lots of mariachi music.
Along the River Walk and at other venues throughout the city. For information,
call 210-227-5191, or toll-free 877-723-4378. For tickets, call 210-224-0358.
Early April: Viva Botanica! Annual fair at the height of spring
with a leading plant sale, advice from gardening experts, live animal shows,
garden craftmaking, dance, music, children's gardening activities and food
booths. San Antonio Botanical Gardens, 555 Funston Place. For information,
call 207-3250 or 210-829-5100.
May
Early May: Cinco de Mayo
Events. Celebrations
commemorate the Mexican Army’s defeat of the invading French at the Battle
of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Events include a festival with music and food at
historic Market Square, concerts and other commemorations. 800/447-3372.
Throughout May: San Antonio Dance! The San Antonio Dance
Umbrella kicks off this month-long celebration of dance with a judged show
of local dance companies. Dancers and troupes from across the state and country
perform in numerous styles from ballet, tap and jazz to modern, ethnic and
even wheelchair dancing. Various venues. For information, call 210-212-7775,
or the City Office of Cultural Affairs at 210-222-2787
Early May: Tejano Conjunto Festival. Live performances by more
than 20 top tejano, conjunto and norteno musical groups, as well as
dancing, a national poster-contest exhibit, inductions into the Conjunto Music
Hall of Fame, an accordion students recital, food and games. Rosedale Park,
340 Dartmouth. For information, call 210-271-3151.
Late May: The Return Of the Chili
Queens. A return
to that historical and colorful time in Market Square when the Chili Queens
set out their tables in the open plazas and served their traditional foods
and chili con carne. Sponsored by the El Mercado Merchants Association. Free.
210/207-8600
June
9-12 June: Texas
Folklife Festival.
Annual celebration of the numerous ethnic and cultural groups in Texas. Features
more than 150 ethnic dishes, 50 arts-and-crafts vendors and 10 outdoor stages
presenting the state's best musicians, ethnic dancers and storytellers. Also
carnival rides and children's activities. Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 S.
Bowie St. For information, call 210-458-2390. For tickets, call 210-458-2259.
Mid June: Juneteenth. Observances throughout the city,
including a picnic, festival, Freedom Fair, and cultural celebrations honoring
the date, June 19, 1865, that Texas slaves received word of the Emancipation
Proclamation. 800/447-3372.
July
Early-Mid July: Art in
the Hood. Annual
festival showcasing emerging local visual artists, photographers, performers,
poets and musicians, held in the arts district of the Southtown neighborhood.
For information, call 210-226-0888.
Mid July: Latina Letters. An academic conference and literary
festival featuring world-renowned authors, artists and scholars from throughout
the Americas in lectures, seminars, panels, musical concerts, dramatic performances,
multimedia presentations and art exhibits. St. Mary's University, 1 Camino
Santa Maria. For information, call the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center at 210-271-3151. 1-24
July: Contemporary Art
Month. This citywide
celebration of San Antonio's creative community has become the nation's longest
contemporary-arts festival. More than 400 exhibits are displayed in approximately
60 museums, galleries, studios and other venues throughout the city. For information,
call 210-222-2787.
September
Throughout September: Fotoseptiembre USA. One of the largest photography
festivals in the U.S. features approximately 70 exhibits of images by more
than 250 established and emerging regional photographers. More than 60 venues
throughout the San Antonio area. For information, call the City Office of Cultural
Affairs at 210-222-2787.
Early September: Fiestas Patrias. Diez y Seis de Septiembre celebrates
Mexico's independence from Spain. The festivities are highlighted by the Guadalupe
Street Parade, with floats and marching bands along South Brazos and Guadalupe
streets, and the family-oriented Calle Guadalupe Festival in Plaza Guadalupe.
For information, call 210-223-3151.
Mid September: Valero Texas
Open at La Cantera. One
of the oldest professional golf tournaments takes place at La Cantera Golf
Club. 72-hole, four-day PGA TOUR EVENT. Admission. 210/341-0823.
Mid September: Jazz'Salive. Local and regional jazz musicians
perform alongside the nation's top talent. Special events include a champagne
brunch and nighttime auction with dining and dancing. There are also arts and
crafts and food. Travis Park, 301 E. Travis. For information, call 210-212-8423.
October
Early
October: Oktoberfest San Antonio
210-222-1521 or 210-408-0004
Entertainment direct from Germany, also a band concert and authentic German
song, dance, food and drink. Beethoven Home and Garden & Beethoven Männerchor.
Early
October: Annual River Art Group Show and Competition.
210-226-8752. Over 100 Texas artists display their fine art along the
River Walk and in La Villita. Along the River Walk and in La Villita.
Late
October: Halloween Spooktacular
210-523-3611 Special Halloween-themed show and entertainment to include
a haunted forest. SeaWorld San Antonio.
Late October: Midtown on Blanco " Classic
Days" Festival
Free admission 210-738-9900
Come have some fun at the street festival in the historic Midtown Business
district. There will be food booths, music, and much more for the entire family.
Late
October: The San Antonio New World Wine and Food Festival
210-518-1000. San Antonio will sizzle with gourmet food, wine, and celebratory
spirits. The festival will include a Gala, a Silent Wine Auction, Tapas and
Wine Tasting at La Mansion del Rio Hotel, cooking schools and a Charity Costume
Ball.
Late October: Halloween and
Dia De Los Muertos
Free. 210-207-8600. Celebrating two events, American and Mexican. Market
Square.
Late October: Fall at The
Alamo
Free. 210-225-1391 ext. 27. Interpretation of life during the Republic period
of Texas in 1836-1846 by various living history groups featuring demonstrations,
period entertainment and children's games. Held at The Alamo. Daughters of
the Republic of Texas.
Late October: Rivercenter Spooky Lagoon.
210-225-0000. Free. Tricks and treats for the kids and shopping for the parents.
Rivercenter Mall from 12-6 p.m.
Dia De Los Muertos
Oct. 30 - Nov. 5. 210-212-4453.Learn about Day of the Dead
traditions through hands-on activities. Dias De los Muertos takes place at
the San Antonio Children's Museum.
Buffalo Soldiers Veterans Day Ceremony
Nov.11. San Antonio National Cemetery.Free.210-675-1799.
To honor the forgotten Black U.S. 9th and 10th Cavalry who served strictly
in the West during the Indian wars 1866-1891.
Mid November: Annual
Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza
Municipal Auditorium. Admission. 210-225-3353. Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan
performs in concert. Mariachi workshops, competitions and more offered to Mariachi
aficionados around the world.
Late November: Lone Star
Holiday River Parade and River Walk Lighting
Along the River Walk.Free and ticketed viewing available.210-227-4262
A one-hour parade with decorated, illuminated floats with celebrities, bands
and lavishly costumed participants. The switch is thrown and around 122,000
twinkling lights form a magical canopy over the River Walk. Sponsored by the
Paseo del Rio Association.
Early December: Pepsi Holiday Boat Caroling
Along the River Walk. Free 210-227-4262. Over 175 joyous caroling groups
fill the River Walk with holiday tunes. Sponsored by the Paseo del Rio Association.
Early
December: Kristkindlmarkt
Free. 210-222-1521 or 210-408-0004. Authentic German outdoor holiday
market with seasonal music, food, drink and crafts. Beethoven Home and Garden,
Beethoven Männerchor.
Early
December: Christmas Along the Corridor
Grande Finale
Fort Sam Houston.Free. 210-362-5200. Over 100
Pony Express Christmas couriers ride over 90 miles
and gallop up the parade field with Governor's Christmas
greeting.
Early
December: Rivercenter Christmas
Pageant
Rivercenter Mall Lagoon. Admission.210-225-0000
A 40-minute San Antonio-style production of the living
nativity unfolds on river barges and the Rivercenter
Island stage first three weekends in December.
Las
Posadas
Mid December. San Antonio Conservation Society. Free. 210-224-6163
Reenactment of Joseph and Mary's search for shelter.
Candle-lit procession sings traditional Posada songs.
River Walk level of La Mansion del Rio to Arneson River
Theatre. Followed by a piñata party and hot chocolate
in La Villita.
La
Gran Posada
Mid December. Free. 210-227-1297.
Procession begins at Milam Park and winds its way
through the historic center of the city ending at
San Fernando Cathedral.
Late December: Alamo Bowl Team Fiesta
At Arneson River Theatre. 210/226-2695.
River pep rally with the teams, coaches, bands and cheerleaders.
Sponsored by Sylvania Alamo Bowl.
Dec.
31: Celebrate San Antonio.
On S. Alamo between Durango and Market streets. San
Antonio Parks Foundation
210-207-3075. Ring in the New Year with revelers,
San Antonio style! Enjoy spectacular fireworks, live
music, food booths, family activities and more.
Early
December: Fiesta de las Luminarias
Along the River Walk. 210-227-4262. More than 2,500 luminarias,
warm glowing candles in sand filled bags, line the walkways to symbolically
mark the "lighting of the way" for the Holy Family. Sponsored by the Paseo
del Rio Association.
Toy Take Over Christmas
Dec. 1- Dec. 23. 210-227-2751. Please call for times Delightful tale
of toys coming to life and a wonderful lesson for all. Shows on Friday and
Saturday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
San
Antonio Dickens Carolers
Annually in December. River Walk and citywide, Pierrot Theater. Free
210-534-5765. Carolers in full Charles Dickens costume stroll and sing
favorite Christmas carols
December
24: Lone Star Holiday River Parade and River Walk
Lighting
210-227-4262. A one-hour parade with decorated, illuminated floats with celebrities,
bands and lavishly costumed participants. The switch is thrown and around 122,000
twinkling lights form a magical canopy over the River Walk. Sponsored by the
Paseo del Rio Association. Along the River Walk. Free and ticketed viewing
available.
Sports
Alamodome
100 Montana Street
210-207-3652
This multi purpose dome contains 160,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and 30,000
sq. feet of conference space. The building has a cable suspended roof which
is anchored from four concrete towers. It provides facilities for basketball,
hockey, football, concerts, and other events and is the only domed stadium
in North America with two permanent ice sheets. The seating capacity is 73,200.
It's home for the Alamo Bowl, college football, and home games of the San Antonio
Spurs NBA team. (210-554-7700 or 210-224-9600 for schedules and tickets)
Horseback
Riding
Brackenridge Park Bridle Trails
Check telephone directory for riding academies and stables
Baseball
April-August
at San Antonio Missions Municipal Stadium
San Antonio Missions
210-675-7275
Horse
Racing
June
- November
210-651-7000
Thoroughbred and quarter horse racing Wed.-Sat. at Retama Park
Golf
With
over 300 days of sunshine annually and an average temperature
of 68.8 degrees Fahrenheit, visitors to San Antonio
will find an abundance of outdoor sports and recreation
to challenge them.
The first public golf course in Texas was built in San Antonio in 1916, and
the city has been busy hosting golfers since then. A flurry of golf course
construction since 1993 has made the city even more attractive to visiting
golfers with additional upscale, public courses opening every year.
Theater
and Concerts
San
Antonio Symphony
212 E. Houston Street
210-554-1010
Performs September - June
Pops series, opera season, chamber music, and symphony
Convention Center
Arena
Alamo and Market Streets
210-299-8566
Pop concerts, rock and jazz
Laurie Auditorium
715 Stadium Drive
210-736-8117
Instrumental soloists
Freeman Coliseum
3201 E. Houston
210-226-1177
Country music performances
Trinity University Drama Department
Ruth Taylor Theater
210-999-8511
presents a dozen or more dramatic productions each year
San Antonio Little
Theater
San Pedro Playhouse
San Pedro Avenue
210-735-8324
Community theater productions
Arneson
River Theater
next to La Villita
210-207-8610
Outdoor theater with tiers of grass seats on one side of the river and a patio
stage on the other side. Folk dances, opera, flamenco and other musical events
presented nightly in the summer.
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