Category: community events

Taco Cabana’s New Menu Items That Will Have You Coming Back for More

Taco Cabana is turning up the flavor with new menu items. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

(SAN ANTONIO, TX) The new year just got tastier! Taco Cabana is kicking it off with a show stopping lineup of bold, flavorful menu items designed to wow your taste buds. Starting Thursday, January 2, 2025, join us as we celebrate the new year with a menu that’s all about deliciousness, variety, and unbeatable value. (Taco Cabana, 2025)

“We’re always looking to surprise and delight our guests with bold, fresh flavors, and this new lineup hits the mark. From satisfying combos to lighter, nutritious options like our new salad bowl—perfect for sticking to those New Year’s resolutions—there’s something for everyone. And our $4.99 Meal Deals prove that amazing food doesn’t have to come at a high price!” – Taco Cabana President Ulyses Camacho

From hearty combos to light, fresh options and irresistible $4.99 Meal Deals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Ready to spice up your new year?

Check out these must-try additions:

  • Unbeatable $4.99 Meal Deals:
    • The Rise & Grind: Breakfast tacos, hashbrowns, and coffee to fuel your morning.
    • Monster Breakfast Burrito Meal Deal: Chorizo, bacon, hashbrown, beans, cheese, and chipotle ranch in every bite.
    • The Crunch & Quench: Double Crunch Pizza with your choice of shredded chicken or ground beef, paired with a drink.
    • 7-Layer Burrito Meal Deal: All the layers of flavor you could want, wrapped up with a drink to go.
  • Cabana Salad Bowl: Ring in your health goals with this vibrant 300-calorie creation, packed with chicken fajita, black beans, guacamole, and all the fresh fixings you love.
  • Cabana Combos: A fan-favorite pairing of beef or chicken entrées with chips, queso, and a small drink. With options like Steak Fajita Tacos, Ground Beef Burritos, and Chicken Flautas, you’ll be coming back for more
  • Carne Asada Taco Plate: Dive into tender carne asada tacos served with all the sides—rice, beans, guacamole, and extra tortillas to complete the fiesta.
  • Half-Dozen Breakfast Taco Box: Breakfast just got an upgrade. Perfect for sharing (or not), this $9.99 box features Bacon & Egg, Bean & Cheese, Chorizo & Egg, and Potato & Egg Tacos.

A Cozy Classic Returns: For those chilly days, warm up with our fan-favorite Chicken Tortilla Soup, served with rice and priced at just $4.99. Available Everywhere You Are: Dine in, drive thru, pick up curbside, or order online through the MY TC!® App or TacoCabana.com—however you choose, we’ll make sure your 2025 starts with flavor.

Why wait? Taco Cabana’s new menu is the perfect way to embrace the new year—one bite at a time.

Founded in 1978, Taco Cabana is a Texas institution known for its Mexican-inspired flavors, freshly made tortillas, and vibrant dining experience. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a meal with friends, Taco Cabana is the go-to spot for bold flavors and unbeatable value. With 143 locations across Texas, we’re here to make every meal unforgettable.

Celebrating 75 Years of Flavor: Whataburger Brings Back Original Fan Favorites

Get ready to feast on nostalgia as Whataburger opens the WhataVault and tees up exclusive deals, fresh collabs, new eats, and more to honor its fans for 75 years of love. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
 

San Antonio, TX – It’s 2025 and Whataburger is celebrating in style. Back in 1950, Harmon Dobson flipped the first five-inch Whataburger in Corpus Christi, and the world’s been better, and tastier, ever since. Fast forward 75 years, and your fave orange-and-white burger fam is throwing a major diamond anniversary bash. The mood? Pure nostalgia, featuring the comeback of legendary menu items that still live rent-free in our heads. (Whataburger, 2025)

First up on the Legends Menu: the Monterey Melt and the Chicken Fajita Taco. We’re bringing you brand new bangers too – enter the Mexican Hot Chocolate Coffee and Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake, here to level up your drink game. Expect massive surprises for our Rewards program members on the Whataburger app, sizzling merch collaborations (howdy, Wrangler®), more WhataVault menu items, epic food promos to fuel your cravings, and a live in-person experience so extra we can’t spill the details just yet. 

“We love keeping things fresh at Whataburger, but sometimes the best way to celebrate is by serving up the classics. Our 75th anniversary is all about honoring three-quarters of a century of flavor and, more importantly, celebrating our amazing Fans who’ve been with us every step of the way. From bringing back some of the most requested menu items to launching brand-new creations, rolling out special promotions, exclusive rewards, and exciting prizes, we’re going all in for the people who love Whataburger. This year is about giving back to the folks who’ve supported us through the years—whether you’ve been a loyal Fan since 1950 or just discovered us. It’s our way of saying a big, heartfelt ‘thank you’ for 75 years of love, loyalty, and late-night drive-thrus. And trust me, the best is yet to come.” – Whataburger President & CEO Debbie Stroud

Starting Tuesday, January 7, we’re kicking off our 75th anniversary celebrations with major main character energy. You begged for it on Reddit, slid into our DMs on Insta, and flooded the timeline with throwback pics of this melty icon. Well, the people spoke, and we listened—the Monterey Melt is back, baby. Picture this: two juicy, 100% beef patties absolutely dripping in melty Monterey Jack and American cheeses, topped with grilled onions and peppers, and finished off with our signature Jalapeño Ranch. It’s spicy, it’s meaty, it’s straight-up melty perfection. Last seen in 2022, this legend is ready to reclaim its spot in your burger-loving hearts—and your feeds. Don’t miss it. 

Monterey Melt. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Not to be outdone by a burger, the Chicken Fajita Taco is strutting back onto the scene to give your taste buds their main character moment. Imagine this: whole grilled chicken breast, snug in a soft flour tortilla, getting all cozy with seared onions, poblano and red peppers—basically a fiesta in every bite. Want to level it up? Add Monterey Jack cheese, grilled jalapeños, and fresh avocado for a flavor combo so fire, it deserves its own fan club. But don’t sleep on it—these all-star tacos are here for a limited time only. The Chicken Fajita Taco is back on January 7 too. But once they’re gone, they’re ghosting the menu again.

Chicken Fajita Taco. Whataburger, used with permission.

Say hola to your new obsessions: Mexican Hot Chocolate Coffee and Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake. These aren’t just drinks—they’re a whole vibe. The coffee is the ultimate morning glow-up: warm, rich, and chocolatey with just enough cinnamon spice to wake you up and choose chaos (the good kind). And the shake? Pure dessert energy. It’s icy, creamy, and serving cinnamon-sugar magic that’s perfect for cooling down after a long day of being awesome. Whether you’re team “coffee for life” or “shake it up,” these newbies are here to make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Coffee and Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

This is just the beginning, and trust us—you’re gonna want to stay tuned. Starting in January, Whatastore is kicking things off with fresh monthly deals priced at $19.50—a throwback to our OG year. From exclusive merch to must-have collectibles, these monthly drops will be the ultimate score for fans looking to rep their burger love in style.

Mark your calendars for Spring 2025 because we’re teaming up with a Southern style legend for a collab that’s about to take your wardrobe to the next level: Wrangler x Whataburger. This 24-piece collection features everything from denim jackets and jeans to graphic tees and ballcaps, blending the iconic vibes of both brands. Whether you’re hitting the rodeo or just want to flex some cowboy-meets-burger energy, this collection has your name all over it. Wrangler x Whataburger will be available at select retailers nationwide and on the Whatastore, so you’ll have plenty of ways to grab these must-have pieces.

Keep your eyes glued on our website, the Whataburger App and Whataburger on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X/Twitter because more WhataVault drops and 75th Anniversary celebrations are coming throughout 2025. And if you’re not on the app yet, wyd? Download it ASAP to snag rewards, exclusive deals, and early access to all the goods.

Calling Local Artists: Showcase Your Talent in New Public Mural Project

St. Paul Square and Centro San Antonio partner together in search of local artists for its first-ever public mural project. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – St. Paul Square, San Antonio’s historic downtown district evolving into a world-class entertainment and cultural arts destination, is excited to announce a new partnership with Centro San Antonio as the two local organizations work together to commission the creation of a new public mural, a first of its kind for the 100-plus-year-old district. (St. Paul Square, 2024)

This mural will become a landmark attraction within St. Paul Square, marking a significant step in revitalizing the District by paying homage to the local businesses, communities, diverse cultures, and historical milestones that have defined its community over past decades. 

To accomplish this goal, St. Paul Square and Centro San Antonio are actively requesting proposals from qualified San Antonio-based artists to create a new mural on an 11×38′ wall located near St. Paul’s Square’s central outdoor courtyard, offering a potential budget of up to $15,000 with installation in March 2025.

Dubbed “Ole Night at St. Paul Square,” this new mural open-call project will look to ultimately create a new outdoor art installation that will serve as a centerpiece for visitors and locals alike, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the rich history of this beloved area while symbolizing St. Paul Square’s transformation into an entertainment, culinary, and nightlife, and tourism destination.

The deadline to apply is 6p.m. CST on Friday, January 24, 2025. Finalists will then be selected in late January, with a selection announced in February. More information on the project can be found online.

“St. Paul Square is thrilled to host this artist open-call opportunity alongside our colleagues at Centro San Antonio, as we look to shine a light on all of the incredible artistic talent found here in San Antonio. By honoring the contributions of our early residents, artists, entertainers, and business owners who built St. Paul’s Square legacy, this project will celebrate the vibrant and diverse cultures that make this District a growing destination for entertainment, hospitality, community, and creativity.” – Don Thomas, managing partner at St. Paul Square

“We’re incredibly excited to collaborate with St. Paul’s Square on their new cultural initiative; our goal is to find opportunities for local artists and create vibrancy in San Antonio’s urban core, so supporting St. Paul’s Square leadership in their mission to fill the district with art is a perfect match.” – Andi Rodriguez, Vice President of Cultural Placemaking at Centro San Antonio

This mural open-call project was created in collaboration with Centro’s Art Everywhere Program, which celebrates San Antonio artists by applying a public art mindset through partnerships with private property owners and businesses to match local creatives with art opportunities. Since its inception in 2020, Art Everywhere has been responsible for 175+ art installations and counting across San Antonio.

Originally founded in 1778, St. Paul Square is a historic multi-acre district found near downtown San Antonio, Texas, located just one hundred yards north of the Alamodome and a short walk from the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

The District’s name is derived from Old St. Paul Methodist Episcopal Church constructed in the late 1800s. With a rich background rooted in San Antonio’s history, St. Paul Square is developing today into a vibrant entertainment and cultural arts district that showcases the beautiful history and diversity of the Alamo City. It is home to a wide variety of businesses including locally-owned restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and coffee shops as well as performance venues, hotels, retail, offices, and more.

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The Ultimate Guide to New Year’s Eve Festivities in San Antonio

Tenfold Rooftop rings in the new year with savory bites, vibrant cocktails, and the best views in the city. Photo: Garrett Smith, used with permission.

New Year’s Eve celebrations are a global tradition, marked by diverse customs and festivities. In cities worldwide, crowds gather for fireworks displays, like those in Sydney and New York. Many people enjoy family gatherings with food, drinks, and games, while others attend elaborate parties or live concerts. In Spain, it’s customary to eat 12 grapes at midnight, symbolizing good luck for each month of the year. In Japan, people visit temples for prayers and reflection. Whether through fireworks, quiet reflections, or festive parties, New Year’s Eve offers a unique blend of joy, hope, and cultural significance.

One of the biggest ways to celebrate the new year in San Antonio is going downtown for the big fireworks display. As someone who has attended once or twice, I can tell you that it’s one of the city’s biggest parties, besides Fiesta, that is. If you’re still looking for ways to ring in the new year, consider the following events. (Kimpton Santo, Hotel Emma, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2024)

** Kimpton Santo **

Kimpton Santo in San Antonio, TX has announced its New Year’s Eve Celebration (12/31). The new downtown hotel, which opened in August 2024, is throwing a lavish bash at its Rooftop bar, Tenfold, with limited tickets available for the celebration.

Tenfold Rooftop rings in the new year with savory bites, vibrant cocktails, and the best views in the city. Don’t miss the first ever Black & White Party at Tenfold Rooftop. Interested guests can choose between a NYE Pre-Party and Midnight Party, with ticket options of General Admission or reserving a VIP table for four. Price varies between $100 to $1800 based on the chosen party and ticket option. The Pre-Party is from 3p.m. – 7:30p.m. and the Midnight Party goes from 8p.m. to 1a.m. on December 31.

General admission tickets include globally-inspired small plates from the signature 10x Tour Menu,  complimentary coat check and a live DJ set. The VIP table option adds on tickets for up to four guests at a reserved table, cocktail service, and a complimentary bottle of bubbles for the table. Choose how you want to experience the most elevated New Year’s Eve party in San Antonio.

Dean’s Steak & Seafood is celebrating New Year’s Eve early with more brunch. Make the most of time with friends and family as the holidays wrap up. The classic brunch is extended through Wednesday, January 1.

Kimpton Santo Hotel
431 S. Alamo St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

** Hotel Emma **

Hotel Emma, Texas’ only AAA Five Diamond Hotel nestled in San Antonio’s Pearl District, is ringing in its 10th anniversary year in 2025 with a full schedule of events this winter and it all begins with a New Year’s Eve Cellar Select 7-Course Dinner.

December 31 | New Years Eve Cellar Select 7-Course Dinner 

Newly appointed Executive Chef Geronimo Lopez is putting on a seven-course show in the Hotel’s Elephant Cellar which faces the exhibition wine cellar and was built in 1938 – a space as historic as it is grand. Cocktail hour begins at 7p.m.

The experience is underlined by exquisite spirit pairings with each course, kicking off with 2015 Dom Pérignon Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Blend brut Champagne coupled with potato blinis and sturgeon caviar. Other highlights include a fitting 7 Fishes Risotto for the second course, alongside a Double Eagle Very Rare 20-year Bourbon.

There are Two Ways to Take Part in the Exclusive Experience: 

December 31 | New Year’s Eve at Sternewirth 

At Sternewirth, limited tickets are available to hear Diego Martinez & Band from 8:30p.m. to 2a.m. Reservation-only mezzanine booths are available amidst the space’s signature refurbished cast iron fermentation tanks. Complete with complimentary Champagne and oysters, the event gives first priority to hotel guests – so it’s best to book a room and make it a staycation. Tickets are $25pp. 

Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson St.
San Antonio, TX 78215

** Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk **

This holiday season, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk invites both local guests and travelers to experience a festive lineup of seasonal feasts, activities, and events bringing the spirit of the holidays to life with memorable celebrations. Highlights include the Moon’s Daughters’ infamous NYE Rooftop party.

Thompson San Antonio’s New Year’s Eve celebration at The Moon’s Daughters promises to be the most anticipated event of the year. Guests can enjoy breathtaking panoramic city views from the 20th-floor rooftop terrace, live entertainment from DJ Catwalk, champagne toasts, and more at Downtown San Antonio’s premier NYE celebration. Catwalk is a dynamic DJ, producer, and creator from San Antonio, known for high-energy sets and a unique blend of genres. An “open-format” artist, she seamlessly mixes old and new sounds, delivering fresh, surprising performances every time. Her two singles, “Here We Go” and “Faster (feat. Nick Mery),” are available on all major platforms.

From these special events and dazzling décor to its full-service spa and luxurious accommodations, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk invites travelers and the local community to rejoice with loved ones this holiday season.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at The Moon’s Daughters. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Couture on Tour Brings Emily in Paris to San Antonio: A Must-See Fashion Experience

Couture on Tour: An Emily in Paris Experience. The beloved Netflix series Emily in Paris is going on tour with a theatrical Parisian fashion show event. Photo: ATG Entertainment, used with permission.

San Antonio, TX – Bonjour Emily in Paris lovers! Couture on Tour: An Emily in Paris Experience is bringing the fan-favorite Netflix series, produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and creator Darren Star (Beverly Hills, 90210, Sex and the City, Younger), across the country with 25+ tour stops this Spring and Summer 2025. From their fashion to the dreamy Parisian scenery, this unique sidewalk-to-stage event, brought to you by Atomic Venus Media in partnership with Paramount, is coming to San Antonio on May 19, 2025. Tickets are now on sale. (ATG Entertainment, 2024)

“My own adventures deeply inspired my journey in crafting Emily in Paris in Paris during my 20s,” said Darren Star. “I am thrilled that fans will be able to enjoy an experience that will transport audiences into Emily’s enchanting world. As we celebrate the fourth season now streaming on Netflix and the exciting renewal for a fifth season, the profound connection fans have with the characters is what gives this series its enduring appeal. I am excited for this elevated live event for Emily in Paris enthusiasts across the nation.”

Atomic Venus Media (AVM), founded by former WME agent ElizBeth Jones, produces custom content, tours, and experiences around popular film and TV properties. AVM brings over 100 years of combined entertainment expertise to the stage. “I could not be more thrilled to launch AVM’s first large tour with Emily in Paris,” says Jones. “Bringing Darren Star’s incomparable writing and character development to life through a female-led production company is deeply meaningful. As he has proved time and time again, Fashion is Art and Art is for Everyone. This tour will captivate audiences in ways they haven’t seen before. As live experiences become the future bedrock of our industry, we are creating Couture on Tour to be a unique standout, offering fans a chance to journey into Emily’s world.”

The theatrical fashion show will have theaters across the country pulsing with the ambience of La Trompette Bleue while pieces from Emily in Paris, inspired by costume designer – and Couture on Tour Creative Consultant – Marylin Fitoussi take the stage. Beyond the fashion show, the Emily in Paris Experience will bring to life the streets of Paris and transport visitors into Emily’s world. Visitors will also have the opportunity to dip into Emily’s wardrobe, immerse themselves in scenes from the show and take home a piece of Paris with items from on-site displays and shops.

“The beauty and fashion of Emily in Paris will make for a unique and whimsical in-person experience for fans,” said Marie Marks, SVP of Themed Entertainment, Paramount. “We are thrilled to partner with Atomic Venus to bring the style of Paris to the streets of the US.” Couture on Tour: An Emily in Paris Experience will kick off in Spring of 2025 and will travel across the states to cities such as Denver, Atlanta, Nashville, Kansas City, St Louis, Milwaukee, Ft Lauderdale, and more. Tickets are now available for purchase and start at $40 in select markets. All markets will include a VIP ticket which will include a fully curated experience and keepsake items.

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Couture on Tour: An Emily in Paris Experience

Uncovering the Stories of Life and Death on the Border: A Visit to the San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum

The exhibition ‘Life & Death on the Border 1910-1920’ will be on view until February 2025.

Remembering our historical past, both the good and bad, is essential for staying connected to our roots and understanding how we arrived at the present. Acknowledging past triumphs can inspire pride and unity, while reflecting on mistakes offers valuable lessons in avoiding repetition of errors. By examining history, we gain perspective on social, political, and cultural progress, helping us navigate contemporary challenges with wisdom. Moreover, remembering history fosters empathy, respect, and a deeper sense of identity, ensuring we honor those who came before and build a more informed, inclusive future. History guides us in shaping a better tomorrow.

Earlier this month, I attended the opening reception for the traveling exhibition Life & Death on the Border 1910-1920 at the San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum.

Speakers included Aleida Garcia, San Benito Cultural Arts Department Director, Ricardo Madrigal, and Rudy Garcia, local writer and poet who shared the story of the Jacinto Treviño. Jacinto Treviño is the subject of a well-known Border corrido, or ballad, in which the hero successfully escapes after a run-in with the Texas Rangers.

The exhibition itself is filled with local history and interesting historical facts including Border Renaissance-Literature, Prejudice and Racial Strife, and the history behind the formation of the League of United Latin American Citizens. One of the highlights is the tribute to the annual Día de los Muertos Caminata, which includes original artwork and an altar that features the names of known victims of border violence during those years, especially those who were denied due process and indiscriminately killed.

Overall, it’s an excellent reminder of the early history of the Rio Grande Valley. It is worth checking out, especially for those who are native to the area; you might just learn something new.

More information:

Life & Death on the Border 1910–1920 is a traveling exhibition created by the Refusing to Forget Project in partnership with the Bullock Museum. This powerful exhibition explores a turbulent period in Texas history, shedding light on the violence, resistance, and resilience that shaped the U.S.-Mexico borderlands during the early 20th century. (San Benito Cultural Arts Department, 2024)

Through a compelling collection of panels, on loan from The Mexican American Museum of Texas, depicting historical artifacts, photographs, and narratives, visitors will gain insight into the societal struggles and cultural transformations that defined this era. The exhibition serves as a platform for reflection and dialogue, honoring the voices and stories of communities profoundly impacted by these events.

As part of the exhibition, the San Benito Cultural Center is thrilled to acknowledge and pay tribute to the annual Dia de los Muertos Caminata, organized by Mr. Ricardo Madrigal. Now in its fifth year, the caminata is a 3-mile trek from San Benito’s Heavin Park to the State Historical Marker placed at the Southbound Exit 16 rest area memorializing the lives lost during this turbulent time in our history. Original artwork for four of the five years will be on display and paired with an altar in remembrance.

The exhibition is on view at the San Benito Cultural Center, located at 225 E. Stenger Street, San Benito, TX 78586, and will run through February 8, 2025. Admission for this exhibition is part of the general admission for the San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum, and the public is invited to explore this important chapter in border history.

San Benito Cultural Center
225 E Stenger St
San Benito, TX 78586

Map of the US/Mexico Border
Tribute to the Dia De Los Muertos Caminata
Information is presented in posters by decade.
The victims of the times.
Life & Death on the Border

Ballet, Beauty, and Holiday Cheer: The Children’s Nutcracker at the Lila Cockrell Theatre

Transport your family to a magical winter wonderland with The Children’s Nutcracker. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

San Antonio, TX —The Children’s Nutcracker is a truly enchanting, family-friendly adaptation of the classic Christmastime ballet. Presented on December 13 and 14 by the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, the region’s foremost institution for youth dance instruction, this dynamic production infuses the timeless elegance of The Nutcracker ballet with CBSA’s mission to create professional-grade performance opportunities for pint sized prima ballerinas, supremely talented young adult dancers and inspiring special needs performers. Ticket information is available through Ticketmaster.

The 10th anniversary winter wonderland production takes place at the magnificent Lila Cockrell Theater, located amidst the famous San Antonio Riverwalk’s famed holiday light display. The 90-minute runtime ensures young audiences stay enthralled and inspired, while pre-show opportunities to visit Santa, shop at an onsite holiday market, and indulge in mouthwatering treats from the Kingdom of Sweets create the perfect atmosphere to kick off the holiday season.

Eagerly anticipated auditions draw hundreds of regional applicants hoping to secure a spot on San Antonio’s top stages and dance alongside world-renowned guest artists. This year, international ballet masters and principal artists Aliaksandra Krukava and Nurlan Kinerbayev, both experts in ballet’s acclaimed Vaganova method made famous by the likes of Anna Pavlova, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Rudolf Nureyev, return to lend their expertise to the choreography and staging of The Children’s Nutcracker, as well as dance the principal roles for the December 13 performance. These acclaimed dancers have performed leading roles in classical ballets for numerous companies throughout Europe and the United States, including the Russian National Ballet. Their presence on a San Antonio stage is truly a unique opportunity, made possible by CBSA.

The production is sure to satisfy audiences familiar with the 19th century tale of young Clara and her magical Nutcracker Prince, and dazzle those experiencing the cherished tradition for the first time. All the grandeur of Tchaikovsky’s original ballet score and the classic elements of The Nutcracker legacy are retained in The Children’s Nutcracker, while the energetic pace is designed to entrance younger audiences from start to finish.

Adding to the holiday cheer is the knowledge that proceeds from The Children’s Nutcracker support CBSA’s civic altruism. To date, the company and the affiliated Dance Center of San Antonio has provided life-changing educational and performance opportunities to nearly 2,500 young dancers from South and Central Texas, performed for more than 35,000 Title I schoolchildren and 2,000 underserved community members affiliated with Bexar County youth and family service organizations, and awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to special needs, boys’ dance, and financial needs-based students.

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio presents The Children’s Nutcracker

Friday December 13, 7p.m. and Saturday December 14, 2p.m.

Note: Holiday Market and Photos with Santa and cast opens one hour prior to showtime.

The Lila Cockrell Theatre
200 E. Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

PechaKucha San Antonio: A Vibrant Celebration of Art, Culture, and Creativity

The last PechaKucha of 2024 will take place at the historic Scottish Rite. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – PechaKucha San Antonio – the global arts and culture series that hosts speakers who share their passions in a unique format – is excited to announce its Volume 45 as the final event in the 2024 series. The event is scheduled for Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown San Antonio (308 Ave E, San Antonio, TX 78205). The night begins with a welcome reception at 6:30p.m., followed by presentations starting at 7:30 p.m. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2024)

The historic Scottish Rite building was completed in 1924 and serves as the headquarters and meeting place for the Scottish Rite Masonry in San Antonio and for the South Texas region, as well as frequently used for performing arts and other cultural events.

Volume 45 will feature a talented group of local speakers. The seven presenters include:

• Brenda L. Burmeister, Artist and Educator
• Chris Hernandez, Record Hoarder
• Curtis Hunt III, Stone Mason
• Attie Jonker, Master Craftsman
• Andrea “Andi” Rodriguez, Cultural Placemaker
• Emily Royall, Public Interest Technology Expert
• Roberto Treviño, Executive Director

The evening’s emcee will be poet and author Jenny Browne – she has served as the Poet Laureate of both the City of San Antonio and State of Texas, and is a Professor of English and Creative Writing at Trinity University. The welcome reception will feature live music by musicians from the San Antonio Philharmonic. The San Antonio Philharmonic musicians are not only professionals, they are friends and neighbors, working to cultivate the vibrant arts culture that represents the community we all love.

The welcome reception will also include complimentary bites by San Antonio chefs and restaurants including in-kind sponsors Tandem, Naco Mexican Grayson, Beacon Hill Deli, and Olla Express. Additionally the event will feature cocktails available for purchase curated by local bar Amor Eterno.

Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased online.

A note on venue accessibility: The historic Scottish Rite has stairs leading up to the event space; for an accessibility option from the street level, there will be a livestream watch room available on the ground floor ballroom.

Pronounced “PEH-chuh KOO-chuh,” PechaKucha is a 20 image x 20 second arts and cultures series. We host speakers who share their passions in a unique format: Each presenter gets exactly 20 images, and each slide advances automatically every 20 seconds (for a total time of 6:40).

San Antonio’s first quarterly PechaKucha Night was held in February 2011 and now attracts hundreds of attendees to venues throughout San Antonio. It showcases a broad range of individuals, including architects, artists, makers, academics, community leaders and more. PechaKucha (Japanese for “chit chat”) is an event format developed by Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture to encourage creative professionals to share projects and ideas that they are passionate about. Since it began in 2003, PechaKucha has expanded to more than 1200 cities around the world.

Previous PechaKucha event. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

December Shows at Stable Hall: Your Ultimate Guide to This Month’s Live Performances

William Beckmann will be performing as part of the 2024 Las Posadas Tour. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – San Antonio’s music venue, Stable Hall is excited to share its concert lineup for December. In a reimagined draft horse stable from 1894, Stable Hall is inspired by the legendary Texas dance halls and Pearl’s unerring commitment to historic preservation and San Antonio culture. Infused with the rich music ethos of Texas, Stable Hall welcomes a wide range of artists and music lovers from around the world to experience this one-of-a-kind venue. Its muraled and curtained jewel-box stage presents shows of all sizes – from 100 to 1,000 in seating and standing formats. (Stable Hall, 2024)

Stable Hall features include six full-service bars, house and band merchandise in the house store, hand-made culinary delights for purchase, along with mezzanine, floor, and VIP Hayloft ticket options available. Stable Hall is also a special event venue whose event department specializes in producing social, corporate, and philanthropic affairs. Stable Hall also offers a unique membership program, Hall Pass, for music lovers who want to take their music experience and access to the next level. For the full calendar and to purchase tickets, please visit Stable Hall’s website.

The entire December schedule can be found below:

‘Fort Sam’s Own’ 323D Army Band Holiday Concert | Wednesday, December 11, 2024
The high-energy rock ‘Fort Sam’s Own’ 323d Army Band offers makes for an unforgettable evening of holiday spirit and pure rock energy. Serving the greater San Antonio area by bringing the highest standards of music to local communities, military families, and the general public, this “35 to Nowhere” ensemble will create lasting memories for all guests. Get tickets HERE.

Hayes Carll & The Band of Heathens | Thursday, December 12, 2024
These alt-country giants have teamed up for a rockin’ holiday show. Far from coming out of nowhere, Hayes & The Heathens is a union born out of years of mutual respect. Their respective award-winning careers have run parallel and crisscrossed many times, most recently back in October of 2023, when Carll and The Heathens shared a freewheeling family jam in Luckenbach, Texas. Get tickets HERE.

Dawes: Oh Brother Tour with Winnetka Bowling League | Friday, December 13, 2024
A brother-band duo meets a Californian indie quartet, blending Band-like rootsiness with lush vocal harmonies reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, and Nash. They’re a band that can move seamlessly between folk-rock, piano ballads, and sprawling jams while maintaining both an immediately recognizable sound and freedom from expectations. Get tickets HERE.

William Beckmann’s 2024 Las Posadas Tour with Special Guest Harper O’Neill | Saturday, December 14, 2024
This special evening will feature a mix of Christmas classics, Spanish songs, storytelling, and Beckmann originals for an intimate, festive atmosphere. Now in its third year, the Las Posadas tour is a cherished annual event. VIP packages are available, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation, supporting children’s charities across Texas. Get tickets HERE.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band: Creole Christmas | Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Bringing the spirit of New Orleans to San Antonio, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band will perform iconic classic Christmas hits live at Stable Hall. Preservation Hall presents intimate, acoustic concerts featuring bands from a current collective of 60 masters of traditional NOLA jazz. These musicians have learned the traditional style from the greats who played before them and are now working to pass it on themselves! Get tickets HERE.

Kin Faux | Friday, December 20, 2024
Known for their blazing fiddle, tight harmonies, and dynamic stage presence, Kin Faux delivers a high-energy show that fans won’t forget. Based in San Antonio, the band has become a standout in the Texas music scene, blending traditional country sounds with Southern rock and Red Dirt influences. Drawing inspiration from legends like Charlie Daniels, Alabama, and Restless Heart, their music resonates with heartfelt storytelling and Americana authenticity. Get tickets HERE.

The Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show | Saturday, December 21, 2024
The Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show mixes holiday standards with selections from their Grammy-winning holiday classic albums, Go Tell It On The Mountain, and the spirited Talkin’ Christmas. The Blind Boys of Alabama will have everyone in the audience singing and clapping along to spread the joy of the season! Get tickets HERE.

Shinyribs with Garret T. Capps & NASA Country | Friday, December 27, 2024
Shinyribs, the unstoppable Texas supergroup, will be joined by local favorite Garrett T. Capps & NASA Country. Known for their genre-blending sound and explosive live performances, Shinyribs will bring a mix of Texas Blues, New Orleans funk, and roots rock, creating a musical experience like no other. Get tickets HERE.

The Grammy Award-Winning Rebirth Brass Band with Nik Parr & The Selfless Lovers | Monday, December 30, 2024
Known for their explosive performances, this legendary group will bring the vibrant sounds of New Orleans to San Antonio with a high-energy mix of brass, funk, jazz, and soul. Founded by brothers Phil and Keith Frazier, Rebirth Brass Band has been a staple of the New Orleans music scene for nearly four decades, blending traditional brass band style with elements of jazz, funk, and R&B. Get tickets HERE.

Stable Hall
307 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215

CineSol Film Festival: Bringing Cutting-Edge Indie Films to Brownsville’s Silver Screen

CineSol Film Festival is taking place in Brownsville this weekend. Photo: CineSol Film Festival.

Film festivals are significant events in the cinematic world, offering a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work to a wider audience, gain recognition, and connect with industry professionals. For filmmakers, festivals provide opportunities for networking, distribution deals, and career advancement. They also allow for creative expression in an environment that celebrates diverse storytelling. For film enthusiasts, festivals offer the chance to experience unique, often experimental films that may not reach mainstream theaters. The appeal lies in the ability to discover new talent, engage in discussions, and immerse oneself in the rich cultural and artistic diversity that films represent.

This weekend is the 31st Annual CineSol Film Festival; it will be held at eBridge Center in Brownsville on December 6, 7, and 8.

CineSol Film Festival is a showcase festival, celebrating achievement in the art of filmmaking. It is dedicated to furthering the art, craft and business of screenwriters and filmmakers, and recognizing their artistic contributions. By enhancing public awareness of their artistic endeavors and by encouraging dynamic and long-lasting community alliances, it supports the work of aspiring and established filmmakers. (CineSol Film Festival, 2024)

CineSol made its historic debut in September 1993 in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. It provided the Texas Border Region with its first film festival ever, including cultural art events in the Mexican cities of Matamoros and Reynosa, Tamaulipas. CineSol has traveled throughout the region, bringing voice and vision through film and video directly to border communities.

They will be screening 43 independent films over two days. The independent films are from all over the world including 1 from France, Bulgaria, Canada, Indonesia, Poland, Indonesia, Sweden, the UK, and 7 from Spain. Sixteen films have Rio Grande Valley connections, such as filmed in the RGV or an actor is from the RGV. The complete schedule is available here.

Ticket information:

Every event is $6 except for Saturday and Sunday evening screenings, which are $10. Saturday passes are $25, Sunday passes are $20, and weekend passes are $40.

If you are coming from out of town to attend the film festival, their sponsor hotel Courtyard by Marriott Brownsville has discounted rooms for festival attendees. Call 956-350-6500 and ask for the annual CineSol rooms.

Special guest is Brownsville’s Bradley Freeman Jr. – Bradley is the official performer of The Pigeon with Mo Willems Workshop. He is a principal performer on the Emmy-Award-Winning program Sesame Street, where he plays Tamir, Wes, Timmy Twiddlebug, and many others. Additionally, he is a supporting performer with the Disney Muppets. His work has been featured on shows including Sesame Street, The Muppets Mayhem, Helpsters, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Michael Bublé’s Christmas in the City, The Today Show, Good Morning America, The View, Sesame Street: 50 Years of Sunny Days, Elmo’s Mindfulness Spectacular, Tamir on the Street, The Pigeon Explains, and more.

Festival highlights include:

Saturday December 7

1p.m. – 3p.m. Bradley Freeman Jr & Puppeteering. In his presentation, Bradley takes you on a journey from growing up as a Muppet fan in Brownsville, to becoming one of Sesame Street’s principal performers. Not only will there be a live demonstration of the art of television puppetry, there will be an interactive portion, where you may get to perform a character. In addition, there will be a Q&A and signing after the presentation. Room 142 Hidalgo.

3p.m. – 4:22p.m. The Forest Hills directed by Scott Goldberg. Rico descends in the Catskill Mountains after being haunted by nightmares. Starring Chiko Mendez, Edward Furlong, Dee Wallace, and Shelley Duvall. Theater.

Sunday December 8

2:30p.m. – 4:06p.m. Plastic People directed by Ben Addelman and Ziya Tong. Documentary. 90 minutes. Canada. Almost every bit of plastic ends up ground down into “microplastics.”  These microscopic particles drift in the air, float in the water and sit in the soil. And now, leading scientists are finding them in our bodies, our organs, our blood, and even the placentas of new mothers. What is the impact of these invisible invaders on our health? Plastic People – The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics. Room 135. Hidalgo.

The eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization
1304 E Adams St
Brownsville, TX 78520