Trinity University is hosting the first PechaKucha of 2026. Photo: Ben Yanto, used with permission.
PechaKucha San Antonio Vol. 48: Celebrating 50 Years of KRTU
PechaKucha San Antonio, the global arts and culture series, is back! Kicking off the 2026 season is Volume 48, a special event honoring the 50th Anniversary of KRTU 91.7 FM. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2026)
Join us for a night of rapid-fire storytelling, local flavors, and community celebration at the historic Laurie Auditorium.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Location: Laurie Auditorium, Trinity University (One Trinity Pl, San Antonio, TX 78212)
6:30 p.m. – Welcome Reception (Live music & bites)
7:30 p.m. – Presentations Begin
Tickets: $10 per person. Available at the door or online (online orders subject to fees).
A Golden Anniversary for KRTU
For five decades, Trinity University has been the heartbeat of San Antonio’s jazz and indie scene. Since flipping the switch as a modest 50-watt station in 1976, KRTU has grown into a cultural powerhouse. It remains a vital hands-on learning lab and holds one of the largest in-studio jazz collections in the nation. This Volume is our tribute to the “grooves” that have defined our city for 50 years.
The Volume 48 Presenters
Our lineup features seven diverse local voices, each sharing their passion in the signature 20×20 format:
Emcee: Bria Woods (Multimedia storyteller and Content Director at KRTU).
Live Music: JJ Lopez will be spinning soul, jazz, and disco-twist vinyl during the reception.
Food & Drink
Come hungry! The evening features complimentary bites from some of San Antonio’s favorites:
CheeseMé Charcuterie Boards
OK Kitchens
Roundabout
Olla Express Coffee
Tio Pelon’s Salsita
Cocktails and other beverages will be available for purchase.
What is PechaKucha?
Pronounced “PEH-chuh KOO-chuh,” this Japanese-inspired format (meaning “chit chat”) challenges speakers to be concise and engaging. Each presenter shows 20 images, and each slide advances automatically every 20 seconds. That’s exactly 6 minutes and 40 seconds to tell a story.
Since its San Antonio debut in 2011, PechaKucha has become a quarterly staple, bringing together architects, artists, and community leaders to share the ideas that move them.
Night of Artists celebrates 25 Years of defining the future of western art. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
A Quarter-Century of the West: The 25th Anniversary of ‘Night of Artists’
For 25 years, San Antonio has served as the heartbeat of the Western art world. It began as a single evening event in 2001 and has blossomed into the Briscoe Western Art Museum’sNight of Artists Exhibition and Art Sale, one of the premier Western art events on the planet. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2026)
While the exclusive opening weekend is a legendary sold-out celebration, the beauty of this collection belongs to everyone. From March 29 through May 10, the public is invited to experience (and even purchase!) works from this landmark 25th-anniversary show.
Why This Year is Special
The 2026 exhibition is a powerhouse of contemporary talent, featuring over 300 new works. It reinforces San Antonio’s reputation as a top-tier destination for the genre, showcasing:
Renowned Icons: Legends like Thomas Blackshear II, Greg Beecham, G. Russell Case, and Sean Michael Chavez.
New Voices: Exciting artists who are currently redefining what “Western Art” means today.
Diverse Media: A stunning array of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media.
The Briscoe Purchase Award: Every year, the museum selects one piece to acquire for its permanent collection, ensuring the best of today’s Western art is preserved for future generations.
Go Behind the Canvas: Artist Events
Want to see how the magic happens? The Briscoe is hosting two exclusive opportunities to learn directly from the masters:
The Experience: Join West Texas native Mary Ross Buchholz for an intimate look at her graphite and charcoal process. All materials and lunch are included! Space is limited—register early.
🖌️ Artist Demonstration with Teal Blake
When: Thursday, May 7 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Cost: Included with museum admission
The Experience: Watch Teal Blake lead a live watercolor demonstration. It’s a casual setting where you can ask questions about his authentic portrayals of cowboy life and his creative journey.
Plan Your Visit: Dates & Special Offers
The six-week public exhibition is the only time this specific collection will be available for viewing in one place.
Public Exhibition & Sale: March 29 – May 10
Locals Day (May 3): Free admission for San Antonio and Bexar County residents.
Mother’s Day (May 10): Free admission for all moms—the perfect final day to catch the show.
Visiting the Briscoe
Located on the south end of the River Walk, the Briscoe is an “oasis of Western beauty.” Beyond the Night of Artists gallery, you can explore the McNutt Sculpture Garden and 14 galleries of history and art.
Hours: Thursday – Monday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays)
Admission: Always FREE for children 12 & under and active-duty military.
Briscoe Western Art Museum 210 W. Market St San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 299-4499
Experience the ultimate genre-mashup. ‘Art Show! With Captain Skinner’ blends the soothing vibes of Bob Ross with the cosmic gore of The Evil Dead. Photo: ETCH, used with permission.
🎨 ART SHOW! WITH CAPTAIN SKINNER: Bob Ross Meets The Evil Dead… In Space
Get ready to paint some happy little nightmares. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a PBS instructional show was hijacked by cosmic horror and psychedelic chaos, your questions are about to be answered in the most vibrant, gory way possible. (EG PR, 2026)
ARTSHOW! WITH CAPTAIN SKINNER has officially landed.
The Premise: Cosmic Chaos Meets Canvas
Premiering on YouTube and Substack, this series follows the doomed misadventures of a television crew trying to film a “how-to” art show in the furthest reaches of outer space.
Captain Skinner and his tiny crew—including a stop-motion Space Cowboy—battle more than just perspective and lighting. They are constantly thwarted by:
Unpredictable meteor showers
Intrusive, existential thoughts
The stark horror of an uncaring cosmos
The Format: The series consists of 10 episodes, each roughly 15 minutes long. Every episode features Skinner creating a stunning, unique piece of artwork amidst “hyper-phantasmagorical” slapstick and body horror. It’s a love letter to classics like The Joy of Painting and The Secret City, but drenched in gore and off-the-wall comedy.
The Masterminds Behind the Madness
SKINNER (Co-creator / Writer / Star)
Skinner is a legendary artist and a self-described “manifestation of psychedelic nightmare experiences.” His influence spans global murals, skateboards, and toys.
Music Pedigree: Created art for Grammy-winning albums (High on Fire, Mastodon).
Screen Credits: Hosted shows for Super Deluxe and created commercial experiences for Adult Swim and Warner Brothers.
ALLEN CORDELL (Co-creator / Writer / Director)
An award-winning filmmaker with a penchant for the weird and beautiful.
Directorial Portfolio: Music videos for Beach House, Dan Deacon, and Girl Talk.
Film: Directed the acclaimed short The Lizard Laughed.
Produced by ETCH
This series is brought to life by ETCH, an independent production powerhouse specializing in the provocative and the horrific. The team includes:
Philip Gelatt: Emmy and WGA Award-winner (Love Death + Robots, The Spine of Night).
Will Battersby & Morgan Galen King: The creative forces behind The Spine of Night.
ETCH is dedicated to “putting the dark magic back into moving images,” focusing on creative control and innovative distribution.
📅 Mark Your Calendars
New Episodes: Weekly starting Friday, March 6
Where to Watch: YouTube and Substack
First episode premiered February 13
“Skinner exists as a bizarre mixture of entertainment and visual intensity.”
Mini Art Museum at the Contemporary’s Family Day, 2024. Photo by Bria Woods, used with permission.
Upcoming Exhibitions & Programs at Contemporary at Blue Star
San Antonio, Texas – In 2026, the Contemporary at Blue Star centers its exhibition programming around the theme of community, marking a major milestone: the organization’s 40th anniversary in June 2026. Curator and Exhibitions Director Jacqueline Saragoza McGilvray frames the year as an opportunity to reflect on the Contemporary’s history, the role community has played in shaping the institution, and the ways exhibitions can actively build and strengthen local, national, and international relationships. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2026)
Below is a look at the upcoming exhibitions and programs.
Mark Menjívar: Murmurations
Opening Night: Friday, February 6, 2026 | 6–9 p.m. Taco Talk: Friday, February 6, 2026 | 10:30–11:30 a.m. On View: February 6 – May 3, 2026
San Antonio–based artist Mark Menjívar integrates social practice and participatory education models to create intentional community building. His work establishes frameworks for students, community groups, and leaders to engage in critical dialogue around the issues that shape their lives.
Menjívar’s participatory projects often incorporate oral history recording, archive building, publications, and installations that present collective conversations while inviting continued public engagement. Over the last two decades, he has completed more than a dozen multifaceted, long-term projects.
This mid-career survey highlights selected works—including The Luck Archive—while also debuting new projects. Menjívar is currently an Associate Professor in the Interdisciplinary School for Engagement at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Mini Art Museum
Honoring the Late Mary Cantú
Opening Night: Friday, March 6, 2026 | 6–9 p.m. On View: March 6 – June 7, 2026
The San Antonio arts community was deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Mary Cantú on February 18, 2025, at age 45. Cantú was a beloved advocate for arts education and served on the Contemporary’s Education Committee from 2014–2016, playing a key role in the development of the Creative Classrooms program and championing free access to art for San Antonio children.
In 2013, Cantú co-founded the Mini Art Museum with Gabriela Santiago. Using standard office binders as gallery “walls,” the Mini Art Museum invited artists to create miniature works sized to fit inside 8.5 × 11-inch plastic sleeves. Featuring original works by professional artists, the museum encourages close observation, often aided by magnifying glasses, creating a sense of wonder and intimacy.
In spring 2024, the Mini Art Museum collection was transferred to the Contemporary. Exhibited here in its entirety and in memoriam of Mary Cantú, the presentation includes over 100 works by artists such as Kim Bishop, Sarah Castillo, Michael Menchaca, and Vincent Valdez, reflecting the profound impact Cantú made on the community.
Roman Franc: Groups Collective
Opening Night: Friday, March 6, 2026 | 6–9 p.m. On View: March 6 – June 7, 2026
Artist Roman Franc will travel to San Antonio to create new photographs as part of his ongoing Group Pictures / Collectives series. Since 2015, Franc has photographed groups across cultures and geographies, from residents of Tanna Island in the South Pacific to the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C.
San Antonio’s layered and interconnected communities provide a rich setting for this project. In alignment with the Contemporary’s 40th anniversary theme, Groups Collective offers glimpses into a larger whole, reflecting the city’s diversity and collective spirit.
Franc (b. 1983, Brno, Czech Republic) holds an MA in Education from Masaryk University and an MFA in Photography from the Institute of Creative Photography at Silesian University, Opava. His practice focuses on non-traditional portraiture and staged photography, alongside curatorial and publishing work.
Berlin Residency Program
2026–2027 Application Cycle Now Open
Contemporary at Blue Star is now accepting applications from artists living and working in Bexar County for its Berlin Residency Program. Launched in 2013, the program enters its 12th cycle in partnership with Künstlerhaus Bethanien (KB).
Each year, four artists are awarded three-month residencies in Berlin, Germany, with the opportunity to also visit San Antonio’s sister city, Darmstadt, Germany.
Residency Support Includes:
$2,000 stipend for travel and living expenses
Coverage of all residency program fees, including:
Studio and living space
Inclusion in the internationally distributed BE magazine
Curatorial visits and workshop access
Eligibility guidelines are available through the application link. Application Deadline: Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 4 p.m.
About Contemporary at Blue Star
Contemporary at Blue Star presents exhibitions featuring artists from San Antonio and around the world, sharing global perspectives that encourage understanding, empathy, change, and action. As a non-collecting contemporary art space, the Contemporary offers fresh insights into cultural and societal issues by highlighting current trends, movements, and conversations in art.
Admission is always free.
Contemporary at Blue Star 116 Blue Star San Antonio, TX 78204
Free family fun includes Cowboy Santa. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Saddle Up for Holiday Fun: Cowboy Christmas at the Briscoe Western Art Museum
San Antonio, TX – The Briscoe Western Art Museum is kicking off the season with its annual Cowboy Christmas, happening Sunday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families can enjoy hands-on crafts, Western-themed activities, and festive fun along the River Walk. And of course, Cowboy Santa will be greeting young cowboys, cowgirls, vaqueros and vaqueras from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.—ready for free photos and holiday wishes. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)
Guests are encouraged to register online in advance to help the museum prepare for crafts, supplies, and Santa visits. Full details on museum hours, parking, and admission are available online.
Free Admission on Locals Day
This year’s Cowboy Christmas lands on the Briscoe’s monthly Locals Day, meaning all Bexar County and San Antonio residents receive free general admission. Children 12 and under and active duty military members always get in free, making the Briscoe a budget-friendly holiday outing for families. Visitors from outside the area can enjoy Cowboy Christmas at no additional cost beyond regular museum admission.
Free Admission for Furloughed Federal Employees
Extended through December 7
Through Sunday, Dec. 7, furloughed federal employees impacted by the shutdown can enjoy free general admission for themselves and one guest. Just present a valid federal government photo ID at the door. This complimentary admission includes full access to Cowboy Christmas and all current exhibitions. The museum’s goal is to offer federal employees and their families a place to relax and reconnect this holiday season.
Museums for All: Making Art Accessible
Through the Museums for All program, anyone receiving SNAP or WIC benefits receives free admission with a valid program/EBT card. The Briscoe participates in Museums for All to ensure that cost is never a barrier to enjoying art, culture, and Western heritage.
Step Into History: Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps
Cowboy Christmas attendees can also explore the Briscoe’s landmark exhibition, “Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps.” This incredible collection traces how Texas has been imagined, mapped, and claimed for more than 500 years. Highlights include:
Rare maps from the famed Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection at the Museum of the Big Bend (Sul Ross State University, Alpine, TX)
Artworks and artifacts from the Briscoe’s own collection
Private loans that bring Texas history vividly to life
From early views of the Gulf Coast to Republic-era maps and modern highway charts, the exhibition offers something for history lovers of every age.
Special Event: Cartography Conversation – December 14
On Sunday, December 14, join Eliane and Jon Dotson of Old World Auctions for an engaging program inspired by Going to Texas. They’ll explore the stories behind centuries of maps, collectors, and the evolution of Texas on paper. The program is free with registration.
Holiday Crafts, Cowboy Santa & Western Gift Shopping
During Cowboy Christmas, families can enjoy festive drop-in holiday crafts inspired by Western traditions, creating keepsakes to take home. A Cowboy Christmas scavenger hunt will lead visitors through the museum and sculpture garden, inspiring exploration and new discoveries.
Everyone who completes the scavenger hunt receives a 10% discount at the Hendler Family Museum Store, where shoppers can find:
Western holiday décor
Jewelry
Books
Toys
Unique gifts you won’t see in regular retailers
More Ways to Visit the Briscoe for Free
The Briscoe offers several year-round programs that make visits affordable and accessible:
Locals Day: First Sunday of each month—free general admission for Bexar County and San Antonio residents.
Museums for All: Free admission with SNAP, WIC (and MAP where applicable) and an EBT card.
Bank of America Museums on Us: Free admission the first full weekend of each month for cardholders (Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, U.S. Trust).
Military & Kids: Children 12 and under are always free. Active duty members always free; families get half-price admission when visiting together. Retired and former service members receive discounted admission year-round.
Together, these programs make the Briscoe a perfect place for families looking to add a touch of Western adventure to their holiday season.
Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Briscoe Western Art Museum 210 W. Market St. San Antonio, TX 78205
An indoor pow wow at the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month at the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival
San Antonio, TX — The Briscoe Western Art Museuminvites the community to honor Native American Heritage Month at the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival on Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum’s beautiful campus along the San Antonio River Walk. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)
This annual celebration is free and open to the public, offering a full day of art, music, dance, storytelling, hands-on crafts, and cultural connections for all ages. Festival admission, museum access, and all activities are included at no cost. 👉 Free registration is available online.
A Day Full of Culture, Art, and Connection
Throughout the day, guests can:
Enjoy arts and crafts for all ages
Meet and learn from Native artists and performers
Experience music, storytelling, and dance rooted in Native traditions
Explore the Briscoe’s galleries for free
Festival Highlights
Opening Blessing and Drum Circle
A spiritual blessing by United San Antonio Pow Wow, Inc., an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Native American traditions.
A Pow Wow-style drum circle and dance demonstration by United San Antonio Pow Wow and Enemy Horse Drumming, showcasing the meaning and movement behind pow wow styles.
Storytelling and Music
Joyous Windrider and Rosie Torres bring Native stories to life through storytelling and movement.
Enjoy live music from Tim Blueflint Ramel, an award-winning flute player and member of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa. Ramel has shared the stage with Grammy Award–winner Mary Youngblood and will also demonstrate flute and jewelry making throughout the day.
Traditional Arts and Demonstrations
George Curtis Levi shares ledger art, a Cheyenne tradition dating back to the 1840s that uses repurposed record book pages to depict daily life. Levi, a member of the Southern Cheyenne, also has ties to the Arapaho and Oglala Lakota tribes.
Chase Kahwinhut Earles, a Caddo Nation artist, demonstrates traditional Caddo pottery techniques, reviving a centuries-old art form celebrated for its authenticity and cultural depth.
Shane Hendren, a Diné/Navajo jewelry maker and turquoise expert, showcases his intricate work and commitment to the integrity of Native craftsmanship.
Wayne TaySha Earles, a Caddo stone carver, presents cultural stonework and jewelry inspired by ancient Caddo artifacts from the Spiro Mounds in Oklahoma.
Hands-On Crafts and Family Fun
Festival guests can create their own:
Ledger art and mixed media collages
Leather medallions
Basket and loom weaving projects
Community weaving basket
Parfleche cases — traditional painted pouches made from rawhide, once used by Plains Indians for both beauty and practicality
Visitors can also browse and purchase Native artwork directly from the artists, including jewelry, pottery, beadwork, and textiles.
Honoring the Yanaguana Legacy
The festival’s name, “Yanaguana,” comes from the Payaya people, who were indigenous to the San Antonio area. It was their word for what we now know as the San Antonio River.
Held annually since the Briscoe’s opening, the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival celebrates the vital role of Native Americans in shaping the West. It’s a day to learn, connect, and appreciate the vibrant living cultures that continue to inspire the region today.
📅 Date: Saturday, November 8 🕙 Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 📍 Location: Briscoe Western Art Museum, San Antonio River Walk 💲 Admission: Free (including museum entry and activities) 🔗 Register: [Free event registration available online]
Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
The final PechaKucha of 2025 will take place this Thursday November 6. Photo: PechaKucha San Antonio, used with permission.
PechaKucha San Antonio Closes Out 2025 with Volume 47 at the Tobin Center
SAN ANTONIO, TX —PechaKucha San Antonio, the global arts and culture series known for its fast-paced storytelling format, is excited to announce Volume 47— the final event in its 2025 series. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2025)
📅 Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025 📍 Location: Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, TX 78205 🕕 Schedule:
6:30 p.m. — Welcome Reception
7:30 p.m. — Presentations Begin
A Night of Creativity at the Tobin Center
Nestled along the banks of the San Antonio River, the historic Tobin Center is a downtown landmark that blends its original facade with a state-of-the-art performance space. This beautifully restored venue has become a beacon of creativity, fine art, and urban revitalization and it’s the perfect setting for PechaKucha’s final 2025 event.
Meet the Volume 47 Presenters
This edition of PechaKucha San Antonio will spotlight seven inspiring local voices, each sharing their passions through the signature 20×20 format — 20 images, 20 seconds each.
✨ The evening’s emcee will be Naomi Shihab Nye, San Antonio–based poet, educator, editor, and former Poet Laureate.
Music, Food, and Community
The welcome reception will feature live music by Kitten Mitten, a band of animal-loving friends turning their pets’ antics into anthems, blending heart and humor to amplify both furry and human voices that too often go unheard.
Guests will enjoy complimentary bites from local favorites including: 🍽 Liberty Bar • Tio Pelon’s Salsita • Cheesy Jane’s • Bakery Lorraine • Tobin Catering
The Tobin Center will also offer drinks and cocktails for purchase throughout the night.
Tickets
🎟 Tickets: $10 per person 🔗 Purchase here:Tobin Center
About PechaKucha
PechaKucha (pronounced PEH-chuh KOO-chuh) is a global arts and culture event where presenters share their passions through 20 images x 20 seconds — a total of 6 minutes and 40 seconds per talk.
The format was created by Klein Dytham Architecture in Tokyo in 2003 to encourage creative professionals to share ideas in a concise and engaging way. Since then, PechaKucha has grown to over 1,200 cities worldwide.
San Antonio hosted its first PechaKucha Night in February 2011 and now attracts hundreds of attendees each quarter, featuring architects, artists, makers, academics, community leaders, and more.
Pearl ofrenda. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
Where to Celebrate Día de los Muertos in San Antonio: A Guide to New and Expanded Events
From art-filled altars to soulful dinners, the city honors life, love, and remembrance.
San Antonio is a city that remembers, a place where history, heart, and heritage intertwine beautifully during Día de los Muertos. In 2025, the celebration grows even more vibrant, with expanded events at Pearl, Pullman Market, and Clementine. Whether you’re drawn by the music, the food, or the cultural traditions, these celebrations offer a meaningful way to honor loved ones and embrace the spirit of community.
Día de los Muertos at Pearl
Dates: Saturday, November 1 & Sunday, November 2 Location: Pearl Park
Pearl once again comes alive with color, music, and memory as it hosts its annual Día de los Muertos festivities, now a two-day celebration.
Highlights include:
Large-scale, artist-curated ofrendas across the Pearl campus
Live performances by Grupo Volcan (Sunday)
Children’s art activities hosted by the Consulado de México
A communal procession through Pearl on Sunday evening at 7:15 p.m.
Roaming entertainers, art installations, and food inspired by Mexican traditions
A Catrin & Catrina Contest featuring a partnership with i la Catrina, showcasing seven live fashion Catrinas that tell the story and evolution of La Catrina through the ages
Special Experiences:
Sabores de México at Pearl – November 2 at Stable Hall A ticketed event featuring live-fire cooking, storytelling, traditional gastronomy, and music honoring Mexico’s ancestral flavors and cultural heritage.
Mark your calendars and experience a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, and community remembrance at Pearl.
Pullman Market: A Four-Day Celebration
Dates: October 23 – November 2 Location: Pullman Market
Pullman Market honors Día de los Muertos with a lively four-day celebration featuring ofrendas, costume contests, live DJ sets, and family-friendly fun at Mezquite.
Event Highlights:
Ofrenda Live (Oct. 23–Nov. 2): The Pullman Market altar honors San Antonio’s farmers and market pioneers, adorned with fresh produce, baked goods, and a Texas beer as an offering of remembrance.
Muertos Mariachi (Oct. 30, 5–7 p.m.): Enjoy live mariachi performances by the market’s ofrenda, blending music and memory in a community gathering.
Muertos at Mezquite (Nov. 1–2): A two-day celebration of music, color, and community featuring food, fun, and festive beats for the whole family.
Halloween Offerings at Pullman Market
Mezquite Halloween Pachanga – Friday, October 31, 6:30 p.m. to midnight Celebrate with food, music, and costume contests for both kids and adults.
Clementine, the beloved Castle Hills restaurant, is hosting its annual Día de los Muertos dinner in collaboration with 2M Smokehouse and Baked.
Chefs John and Elise Russ, Esaul Ramos Jr., and Grecia Ramos join forces for a one-night-only six-course prix-fixe menu, a heartfelt celebration of remembrance, flavor, and community.
Evening Highlights:
Mariachi performances and a stunning community ofrenda on the patio
Guests can write love affirmations for departed loved ones and place them on the ofrenda
Interactive beverage tasting stations featuring a curated selection of wines
To close the evening, Elise and Grecia will present Día de los Muertos-inspired desserts, including creative takes on pan de muerto, calabaza treats, mini sundaes, and sweet mignardises.
Clementine’s annual dinner is a beautiful tribute to loved ones, where food, music, and shared memories bring the community together in true Día de los Muertos spirit.
Celebrate, Remember, and Reconnect
From Pearl’s grand installations to intimate culinary experiences at Clementine, San Antonio offers countless ways to celebrate life and honor those who came before us. This Día de los Muertos season, immerse yourself in the city’s rich blend of culture, remembrance, and community spirit.
Hotel Contessa will host various spirited activations for Día de los Muertos. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos All Month Long at Hotel Contessa
This October, Hotel Contessa invites guests and locals alike to experience a vibrant monthlong Día de los Muertos celebration along San Antonio’s iconic River Walk. The festivities will feature colorful cultural traditions, hands-on workshops, culinary delights, and live entertainment designed to honor remembrance and bring the community together. (Hotel Contessa, 2025)
🎉 Día de los Muertos River Parade Celebration
📍 River Level Atrium & River Patio 🗓 Friday, Oct. 24 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
San Antonio’s Day of the Dead River Parade returns with elaborately decorated floats, catrinas, and costumed riders. Guests staying at Hotel Contessa can enjoy front-row seats to the parade, plus face painting, mariachi music, a live DJ, and local tacos and food vendors.
🎟 Tickets: $50–$110 (via Eventbrite) Status: Sold Out
🌺 Día de los Muertos River Parade – VIP Terrace Experience
Enjoy an elevated view of the River Parade from Hotel Contessa’s private rooftop terrace. This exclusive VIP experience includes two specialty cocktails, private bar access, DJ entertainment, and a flower crown-making station. VIP guests will also be entered into a raffle to win a one-night stay at Hotel Contessa in 2026.
🎟 Tickets: Starting at $175 per person (Eventbrite)
Watch as culinary students from St. Philip’s College compete to create the best taco in town. Guests can enjoy complimentary light bites and refreshments while cheering on the chefs.
Perfect for kids 12 and under, this interactive workshop led by local artist Mary Carmen Sessions teaches the traditions of Día de los Muertos through hands-on art projects. Children will create tissue paper marigolds, colorful papel picado, and mini pan de muerto from modeling clay while learning the meaning behind each symbol.
🎟 Tickets: $25 per child (includes supplies, drink, and snacks) — purchase tickets [here].
An evening for adults to sip, socialize, and create. Guests will design their own mini altar while enjoying a signature cocktail and learning about the cultural significance of altar traditions.
🎟 Tickets: $55 per person (includes cocktail and altar kit) — purchase tickets [here].
🖼️ Monthly Art Fair: Día de los Muertos Edition + CAST School Art Reveal
This special edition of Hotel Contessa’s monthly art fair transforms the atrium into a lively marketplace of local artists and artisans, featuring Día de los Muertos–inspired works. Guests can also enjoy a student art reveal from CAST School, where young artists collaborate with professional mentors.
🎟 Free and open to the public — no RSVP required.
👻 Spooky Spa Halloween Party
📍 Rooftop Spa 🗓 Thursday, Oct. 31 | 6–9 p.m.
Cap off the month with an adults-only Halloween celebration at Hotel Contessa’s rooftop spa. Enjoy spa and jacuzzi access, themed demos, light bites, spooky cocktails, and a crystal sound bath experience. Guests can sign up for up to three spa sessions, including chair massages, Japanese head spa demos, infrared sauna services, and cold plunge stretch sessions.
The evening also includes adult trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and complimentary parking.
🎟 Sound bath tickets: $30 per person (limited availability; RSVP required)
📍 Hotel Contessa 306 W. Market St. San Antonio, TX 78205
Roping with Kevin Fitzpatrick at National Day of the Cowboy. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy at the Briscoe Western Art Museum
Saturday, July 26 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Briscoe Western Art Museum | 210 W. Market Street, San Antonio, TX Free Admission | Free Activities | Family-Friendly Fun
Saddle up, San Antonio! The Briscoe Western Art Museum is bringing the Wild West to life for a full day of cowboy culture, family fun, and cultural celebration at its National Day of the Cowboy event on Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.(Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)
This free community event honors the spirit and traditions of the American cowboy, Mexican vaquero, and Hawaiian paniolo. Held in the heart of downtown San Antonio, the celebration features a wide range of hands-on activities, artist demonstrations, music, food, and more. Plus, enjoy free museum admission all day long—including access to the special exhibition “Aloha Vaqueros,” which explores the rich connections between cowboy cultures across borders and oceans.
🐴 Family Fun at the Lil Buckaroo Corral
Kids can kick up some dust and wrangle up excitement with:
Stick pony barrel racing
Horseshoe tosses & lasso lessons
Bull riding & cowboy crafts (make your own spur, hat, or brand!)
Lei making & silversmith etching with Nā Mamo cultural group, performing live at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
🤠 Cowboy Culture Comes Alive
Explore the museum’s 14 galleries, the McNutt Sculpture Garden, and enjoy:
Roping demonstrations from a talented trick roper
Rodeo fun with local cowboys and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
An inside look at escaramuza attire and performances—featuring live Q&A with a local rider
🎨 Western Art in Action
See artistry in motion with live demonstrations from celebrated Western artists:
Wilson Capron – Silversmith & engraver
Leland Hensley – Rawhide braider
Jason Scull – Western sculptor
Mike Capron – Western painter
🎶 Music, Poetry & Storytelling
Cowboy poetry with Don Mathis – 12:30 p.m.
Cowboy ballads with Jesse White – 3 p.m.
Story time with Antoinette Lakey, featuring trailblazing cowboy Mary Fields – 1 & 1:30 p.m.
🌮 Cowboy-Approved Eats
Refuel with food truck favorites available for purchase all day:
Cake-N-Que
Hokulani Shave Ice
Plus, free chuck wagon cobbler samples while supplies last!
🐂 Why Celebrate?
Launched in 2005 and officially recognized in Texas since 2015, National Day of the Cowboy honors the legacy of the American cowboy, cowgirl, vaquero, and paniolo. The Briscoe’s annual celebration is a beloved tradition that preserves and highlights this rich cultural heritage.
🎟️ Admission is free, but space is limited—pre-register nowto secure your spot for this unforgettable day of Western wonder.
Celebrate the cowboy way – Briscoe style!
Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
SA Examiner 