San Antonio CityFest is the urban ideas and public policy festival presented by the Rivard Report. CityFest will bring together national and local thought leaders over three days to address the city’s many opportunities and challenges. Visitors at CityFest can expect panel discussions moderated by Rivard Report journalists in addition to one-on-one interviews, food and beverage experiences and musical entertainment. Tickets for the luncheon featuring Robert Hammond are $99 for general admission and $85 for Rivard Report members. Tickets for the festival range from $5 to $165 based on programming and festival day and available online. (San Antonio CityFest, 2019)

The program opens Wednesday, November 6, two weeks after Bexar County, the City of San Antonio and the performing arts community have celebrated the fifth anniversary of the world-class hall. Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff will deliver opening remarks on the luncheon program, Changing Cities: Thinking Big and Following Through. 

San Antonio native and visionary community leader, Robert Hammond, whose advocacy sparked creation of the world-renowned High Line Park in New York City, will be the keynote speaker. Hammond is a founder of Friends of the High Line, a nonprofit conservation group dedicated to preserving and restoring the abandoned elevated railroad line running through a mile and a half of Manhattan. After his remarks, Editor and Publisher Robert Rivard will join Judge Wolff and Hammond on stage for a conversation and audience Q&A.

CityFest is inspired by the Texas Tribune’s Tribfest. Where Tribfest focuses on state and national politics, CityFest is decidedly urban. Invited guests who will appear with local thought leaders over three days include mayors, city managers, tech experts, urbanists, and educators from around Texas and outside the state.

Panel discussions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The Austin-San Antonio rail;
• Making streets safe and expanding mobility options in San Antonio;
• The urgent strides to make workplaces safe against active shooters;
• The growth of San Antonio’s technology sector;
• Climate change in Texas;
• Expanding early childhood education in Bexar County;
• How Texas city managers are grappling with new laws forcing budget cuts and limiting taxing options; and
• Emerging young leaders in the city and county.

Founded in 2018, San Antonio CityFest is a festival held annually in San Antonio, Texas, presented by nonprofit news outlet Rivard Report. The festival brings together local politicians, thought leaders, and community members to discuss relevant topics affecting San Antonio, as well as ways to help adapt and grow the city in a productive and responsible way. Each year, CityFest features a series of guest speakers, live music, activations and more.

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
100 Auditorium Circle
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 223-8624