Category: community events

Veterans Day Specials from Chef Nicola Blaque and H-E-B

On Tuesday November 11, H-E-B will distribute gift bags to veterans inside their stores. Photo: H-E-B, used with permission.

Honoring Veterans Day with Chef Nicola Blaque and H-E-B

Every year on November 11, we pause to honor Veterans Day, a time to recognize the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. This day reminds us that freedom comes at a cost, and it’s an opportunity to express gratitude to those who have sacrificed to protect it. From community parades to acts of service and remembrance, Veterans Day is about acknowledging courage, resilience, and dedication that continue to inspire generations.

This year, in celebration of Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, James Beard-nominated chef and U.S. Army veteran Nicola Blaque invites veterans and community members to come together over good food and shared appreciation. (The Jerk Shack/Freight Fried Chicken, 2025)

Celebrate with Chef Nicola Blaque

At her award-winning San Antonio restaurants, The Jerk Shack and Freight Fried Chicken, Chef Blaque is offering a special way to honor veterans, with a comforting fried chicken plate for just $10.

The Jerk Shack will feature its island-style fried chicken paired with bold Caribbean sides like pineapple slaw and masala fries.

Freight Fried Chicken will serve its signature boneless fried chicken plate, highlighting classic Southern flavors with sides such as mac ’n cheese, seasoned fries, and fried corn.

📍 The Jerk Shack
10234 TX-151, Suite 103, San Antonio, TX 78251
🕚 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025

📍 Freight Fried Chicken
312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 6, San Antonio, TX 78215
🕙 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025

About Chef Nicola Blaque

Lattoia Nicola Massey, known professionally as Chef Nicola Blaque, is a proud veteran, chef, and restaurateur based in San Antonio, Texas. Her Jamaican-inspired restaurant, The Jerk Shack, quickly became a local favorite after opening in 2018, earning a Bib Gourmand designation from the Michelin Guide in 2024.

In early 2024, she expanded her culinary footprint with Freight Fried Chicken, located in the Pearl district, a restaurant that pays homage to the formerly enslaved women who sold fried chicken in post-Civil War Virginia to support themselves and their families.

H-E-B’s Ongoing Commitment to Veterans

On Veterans Day and every day, H-E-B Partners across Texas honor the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans and their families through Operation Appreciation, a companywide initiative launched in 2013. (H-E-B, 2025)

This year, H-E-B stores across the state will distribute gift bags filled with H-E-B brand items and notes of gratitude to veterans both in stores and at local nonprofits such as VFW and American Legion posts.

Through Operation Appreciation, H-E-B has contributed over $17 million to military-based nonprofits in Texas, supported employment for more than 30,000 veterans and military spouses, and even provided mortgage-free homes to severely wounded veterans.

Customers can also give back by purchasing items from the Café Ole by H-E-B Commemorative Collection, with $0.35 from every purchase donated to military nonprofits across Texas.

A Shared Moment of Gratitude

Veterans Day is more than a holiday, it’s a moment to come together as a community to say thank you. Whether through a warm meal, a handwritten note, or a simple act of kindness, every gesture helps honor those who’ve served.

This Veterans Day, celebrate courage, community, and connection, one plate at a time.

Photo: Ann Compositions, used with permission.

Celebrate Native American Heritage at the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival

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 Museum invites 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.

Día de los Muertos Events You Won’t Want to Miss

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:

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.
  • Trick-or-Treating – All day across the market
  • Late-Night DJ – Until midnight in the Mezcaleria

Clementine’s Día de los Muertos Dinner

Date: Sunday, November 2 | 4 p.m.–8 p.m.
Location: Clementine, Castle Hills

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.

Reservations:

  • $135 per person (excluding tax and gratuity)
  • Optional wine pairing: $65
  • Book via OpenTable

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.

San Antonio’s Dazzling Día de los Muertos Celebrations

Monumental Botanical Fridas. Photo: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

Celebrate Día de los Muertos in San Antonio: Luxury, Culture, and Flavor

San Antonio is known for honoring its rich Mexican heritage in spectacular ways, and this year, two of the city’s most iconic hotels are taking Día de los Muertos celebrations to new heights. From stunning art installations to tequila-paired dinners and runway shows, here’s what awaits you at Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa and Omni La Mansión del Rio. (Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa/Omni La Mansión del Rio, 2025)

🌹 La Reina de La Vida at Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa

Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Location: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa

On Saturday, November 1, 2025, Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa will transform into a one-night-only “La Reina de La Vida” (The Queen of Life) experience, an immersive celebration of Día de Los Muertos that honors Mexican culture through art, fashion, cuisine, and music. Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion and fully embrace the vibrant spirit of the holiday.

Evening Highlights

  • 5:30 p.m. — Cocktail Reception & Runway Showcase
    The evening begins in the resort’s lobby with craft cocktails featuring Volcan de Mi Tierra Tequila, followed by a Runway Showcase by iLaCatrina at Plaza San Saba.
  • 6:30 p.m. — La Catrina Glamour Experience
    Guests can indulge in professional Catrina makeup styling and enjoy a private photoshoot, leaving with five high-resolution keepsake images.
  • 8:00 p.m. — Five-Course Dinner at Primero Terrace
    Hosted by Volcan de Mi Tierra Tequila and presented by Chef Abraham Proa of Primero Cantina, this exquisite meal includes a tequila cocktail paired with each course.

Additional Offerings

Throughout the weekend, Volcan Tequila will feature limited-time specialty drinks at the resort’s restaurants, including Sire Bar, SweetFire Kitchen, Club Se7en, and Primero Cantina, available through Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Art & Culture

Don’t miss the Monumental Botanical Fridas, a series of Frida Kahlo-inspired sculptures crafted from fiberglass, resin, and acrylic paint, vibrant, bold, and free to the public through Sunday, November 2.

The resort will also feature an honorary ofrenda curated by Gabriela Gamez, showcasing the stunning Day of the Dead on My Mind painting by artist Kathy Sosa, a 5-foot-tall masterpiece depicting a powerful female figure wearing a traditional hand-embroidered huipil, symbolizing resilience, unity, and strength.

💀 Omni La Mansión del Rio: Dos Calaveras & Día de los Muertos Delights

Location: 112 College St, San Antonio, TX

Right along the iconic River Walk, Omni La Mansión del Rio is embracing the spirit of Día de los Muertos with cultural displays, handcrafted cocktails, and festive food offerings.

Ofrenda to Lydia Mendoza

The hotel’s lobby now features a beautifully adorned Día de Los Muertos altar (ofrenda) honoring Lydia Mendoza, the legendary San Antonio singer-guitarist known as “La Alondra de la Frontera.” Her legacy of giving voice, hope, and dignity to the Mexican community is celebrated in this heartfelt tribute.

Dos Calaveras Pop-Up Bar

A must-visit this season, the hotel’s signature El Colegio Bar has been transformed into “Dos Calaveras,” a lively pop-up running through Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Sip on limited-time cocktails created in partnership with Maestro Dobel Tequila, including the Pan de Muerto Flip ($16), a creamy blend of cinnamon, vanilla, orange bitters, and nutmeg that nods to the traditional sweet bread of the season.

Festive Food Offerings

The themed menu at Dos Calaveras includes:

  • 🍔 The Ofrenda Burger: Pan De Muerto bun, chorizo-beef patty, Oaxaca cheese, mole negro aioli, candied pepitas, and pickled onions, served with chili-dusted fries.
  • 🌮 La Calavera Brisket Tacos
  • 🍖 Elote “Catrina” Ribs

Perfect for those exploring downtown’s Día de los Muertos festivities, these dishes combine bold flavors and cultural creativity.

Family-Friendly Dining

For a more relaxed dining experience, visit Four Brothers, Omni’s in-house South Texan restaurant, where a newly refreshed menu includes highlights like:

  • Smoked Dino Rib
  • Bexar Cornbread
  • Chicken Osso Buco with butternut squash and cheese-filled agnolotti pasta

🌼 Celebrate Life, Culture, and Community

From the luxury hills of La Cantera to the historic charm of the River Walk, San Antonio’s Día de los Muertos celebrations offer a perfect blend of art, cuisine, and cultural connection. Whether you’re dressing as La Catrina, savoring tequila pairings, or simply admiring the ofrendas, this weekend promises to be a feast for the senses and the soul.

Hotel Contessa’s Monthlong Día de los Muertos Festivities

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

📍 Private Rooftop Terrace
🗓 Friday, Oct. 24 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

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)

🌮 Street Taco Cook-Off with St. Philip’s College

📍 River Patio
🗓 Saturday, Oct. 25 | 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

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.

🎟 Free and open to the public — no RSVP required.

🎨 Make Your Own Altar: Kids Workshop

📍 River Level Atrium
🗓 Saturday, Oct. 25 | 2–3:30 p.m.

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].

🍸 Spirits & Sips Altar Workshop (Adults Only)

📍 River Level Atrium
🗓 Saturday, Oct. 25 | 6–7:30 p.m.

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

📍 River Level Atrium
🗓 Sunday, Oct. 26 | 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

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

Dr. Scott Bonn’s One-Man True Crime Show Comes to the Empire Theatre

Criminologist Dr. Scott Bonn brings the terrifying minds of serial killers to the San Antonio stage. Photo: ATG Entertainment

Step Inside the Minds of Serial Killers: Dr. Scott Bonn’s Chilling One-Man Show Comes to San Antonio

What makes someone kill again and again—and feel nothing? Why are we so captivated by those who commit the unthinkable? If you’ve ever found yourself glued to a true crime documentary, questioning the psychology behind the world’s most notorious murderers, Dr. Scott Bonn is about to take you deeper than you’ve ever gone before.

San Antonio, TX — Renowned criminologist, media commentator, and author Dr. Scott Bonn is bringing his chilling and thought-provoking one-man show to the Empire Theatre on Thursday, October 23, 2025. This thrilling evening promises audiences an unprecedented look inside the twisted minds of some of history’s most infamous serial killers. (ATG Entertainment, 2025)

🎟 Tickets are available online.

A Rare Glimpse Into the Darkest Corners of the Human Mind

Dr. Scott Bonn, widely recognized for his expert commentary in true crime documentaries and major media appearances, has studied and interacted with infamous figures such as Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer. His sharp insights and compelling storytelling have captivated audiences nationwide, with appearances on NPR and other major outlets sparking surges in ticket demand wherever he performs.

What to Expect

Audiences attending this unforgettable evening will experience Dr. Bonn’s penetrating exploration of:

  • The motivations, fantasies, and compulsions that drive serial killers—and why they cannot stop.
  • The key differences between psychopaths and sociopaths.
  • The origins and secrets of FBI criminal profiling.
  • The myths surrounding serial killers, including the belief that they are all white males or “evil geniuses” like Hannibal Lecter.
  • Why the true crime audience is predominantly female, and what this reveals about society’s enduring fascination with the macabre.

“Join me for a thrilling evening at the Empire Theatre on October 23rd when I’ll delve into the terrifying minds of serial killers in my exciting one-man show. Together, we will uncover the mysteries of their dark motives and deplorable acts, and explore the curious allure that captivates true crime fans everywhere.”
— Dr. Scott Bonn

The Mind Behind the Madness

Dr. Bonn’s rare ability to dissect society’s morbid curiosity about “monsters” makes his live appearances both chilling and intellectually gripping. His performances consistently sell out, as audiences are drawn to his powerful blend of academic expertise, media savvy, and captivating storytelling.

About Dr. Scott Bonn

Dr. Scott Bonn is a criminologist, professor, and media personality who has appeared on major networks, NPR, and leading true crime programs. A sought-after expert in his field, he specializes in the psychology of serial killers, mass murderers, and criminal profiling.

October Events You Won’t Want to Miss at Pearl

From Diwali to BBQ, there’s something for everyone this fall. Photo: Pearl

🎃 October at Pearl: A Month Full of Music, Food, and Community Fun

Fall has officially arrived, and there’s no better place to soak it all in than Pearl. As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, Pearl transforms into a vibrant hub of activity — filled with live music echoing through the courtyards, the scent of barbecue and baked goods drifting from the Food Hall, and the joyful buzz of friends and families gathering under twinkle lights. (Pearl, 2025)

Whether you’re here for the flavors, the fashion, or the fun, October is packed with can’t-miss events for every mood and moment.

Below is your guide to everything happening across Pearl this month — from one-night-only experiences to free community favorites that make Pearl the heart of San Antonio in the fall.

🌟 One-Night-Only Events

Runway at Stable Hall

📅 Thursday, October 16
A fashion show co-chaired by Cody Shown and Lisa Longoria Scott, benefiting the San Antonio Food Bank’s flood relief efforts. Voted Best Fashion Show in San Antonio.
💲 18+ | Ticketed Event

Pullman Market’s Smoke & Fire Celebration

📅 Saturday, October 18
A first-of-its-kind gathering of 10 celebrated pitmasters. Enjoy BBQ tastings, live-fire demos, craft beverages, and live music — all family-friendly.
💲 General Admission: $77.08 (taxes & fees included)
💲 VIP: $146.39

Ladino’s Birthday Cookout

📅 Sunday, October 19
Celebrate Ladino’s 3rd birthday with bites from Mezquite, Pullman Market, and The Jerk Shack, plus live music, balloon art, and face painting.
💲 Adults: $55 (includes 5 food & beverage tickets)
💲 Kids: $20 (includes 2 tickets)

Diwali at Pearl

📅 Wednesday, October 22
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with themed vendors, delicious food and drinks, live entertainment, and cultural showcases. A family-friendly evening of light, love, and community.
💲 Free Event

It’s a 2000s (Halloween) Party

📅 Friday, October 31
The Y2K throwback dance party returns to Stable Hall! Bring your best Halloween costume and relive the early 2000s in style.
💲 Tickets: $20–$31

💪 Fitness Get-Togethers

ACTIVATE Boot Camp

📅 Tuesdays through December
Join ACTIVATE for free fitness sessions designed to boost physical and mental well-being.
💲 Free

📽️ Weekly Rituals

Movie Mondays

📅 Every Monday starting October 20 | Sunset at Pearl Park
Catch your favorite films under the stars! Bring a blanket or chair and grab snacks from the Food Hall.
💲 Free / Cost of purchase

Pearl Farmers Market

📅 Every Saturday
Shop local produce, meats, and handmade goods from South Texas farmers and ranchers.
💲 Free / Cost of purchase

Pearl Makers Market

📅 Every Sunday
Explore culinary-inspired home goods and one-of-a-kind artisan finds.
💲 Free / Cost of purchase

Si Art San Antonio Pop-Up Market

📅 Saturday, October 18 | Larder, Brewmeister Alley
Discover ceramics, photography, paintings, and prints from local artists.
💲 Free / Cost of purchase

🎶 Live Music Lineup

Chavela: Album Release Party

📅 Sunday, October 19
Celebrate San Antonio artist Chavela’s debut album live.
💲 Ticketed Event

Performances at Jazz, TX

📅 Ongoing
From Broadway reimaginings to Latin Jazz Nights, there’s always something new on stage.
💲 Ticketed Events

Live Music at Otto’s Ice House

📅 Fridays by the River
Relax with a drink in hand, river views, and live country tunes.
💲 Free / Cost of purchase

Sternewirth Sessions at Hotel Emma

📅 Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays
Enjoy a rotating lineup of Texas and national artists at the cozy tavern inside Hotel Emma.
💲 Free / Cost of purchase

✨ No matter your vibe—music, food, fashion, or fitness—there’s something happening for you this October at Pearl. Grab your friends, mark your calendars, and make the most of fall in San Antonio!

Halloween-Themed Wellness Comes to San Antonio

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa announces Hot Witch Pilates & Brunch event. Photo: Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, used with permission.

 🧘‍♀️Hot Witch Pilates & Brunch at Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa

Get ready for a day of wellness, whimsy, and wicked fun!
Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection is teaming up with Hot Girl Fitness Club to host Hot Witch Pilates & Brunch — a Halloween-inspired Sunday experience filled with fitness, fabulous eats, and mystical moments. (Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, 2025)

📅 Sunday, October 12
🕘 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
📍 The Spa Plaza San Antonio
555 S. Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205

✨ What to Expect

Start your morning with a choice of:

  • Outdoor Mat Pilates or Mat Barre on the hotel’s beautiful Oasis Lawn
    Then, indulge in a Halloween-themed brunch at Anaqua Garden Bar, complete with:
  • A magical tea ritual
  • A curated witchy market
  • Mini post-brunch spa treatments (for VIP ticket holders)
  • All-day pool access for a relaxed “Witch Hour” lounge session

🎁 Giveaway Prizes

Every guest will be entered into a magical giveaway for a chance to win:

  • A 50-minute spa treatment at The Spa Plaza San Antonio
  • An event pass from Hot Girl Fitness Club
  • A one-night stay at Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa
  • A $100 dining card to Anaqua Garden Bar or Corinne San Antonio

💖 Event Details

  • Tickets: Starting at $45 — Purchase here
  • Fitness Gear: Pink mats provided
  • Parking: Valet available for $15 (three-hour duration)

Slip on your favorite costume, grab your coven, and join us for a spellbinding Sunday of fitness, food, and fun. 🪄✨

Photo: Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, used with permission.

Going to Texas: Explore 500 Years of Maps and History in San Antonio

The Briscoe announces its fall exhibition: Going To Texas. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

San Antonio, TX – This fall, the Briscoe Western Art Museum presents a rare opportunity to experience one of the most significant private map collections in the country. Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps will be on view October 3, 2025 – January 19, 2026. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)

The exhibition showcases 66 original maps from the Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection (on loan from the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University in Alpine). Spanning nearly 500 years, from 1525 to 2006, these maps trace Texas’ transformation from “New Spain” to colonial days, statehood, and beyond. To enrich the story, the exhibition also includes more than 24 works from the Briscoe’s permanent collection and select private loans.

Interactive Elements

The Briscoe is bringing history to life with hands-on activities for all ages:

  • Compass Challenge – Learn how to use a compass, then navigate through the museum with coordinates leading to artwork and artifacts.
  • Augmented Reality Sand Station – Shape the sand and watch contour lines, rivers, valleys, and hills appear in real time, showing how terrain influenced settlement and culture.

Special Programs & Events

Exclusive Preview Party

📍 Thursday, Oct. 2 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Be the first to explore the exhibition with Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe, and Dr. John Klingemann, Director of the Museum of the Big Bend. Includes valet, drinks, and light bites.

  • $25 for members (select membership tiers include 2 tickets)
  • $45 for non-members

Opening Weekend Tours

📍 Friday, Oct. 3 | 2 p.m.
📍 Saturday, Oct. 4 | 2 p.m.
Guided tours with Dr. John Klingemann and historian Matt Walter. Free with admission; free for members.

Texas Trails and Whiskey Tales with Andrew Braunberg

📍 Sunday, Oct. 26 | 6 p.m.
Enjoy a whiskey tasting, signature cocktail in a keepsake glass, light bites, and a talk with author Andrew Braunberg about his book Fires, Floods, Explosions and Bloodshed: A History of Texas Whiskey.

Ongoing Programs & Family Fun

The Briscoe offers extended hours on Thursdays (10 a.m.–8 p.m.) and is open Friday–Monday (10 a.m.–5 p.m.). Children 12 and under always receive free admission.

  • Highlights Tour – Thursdays at 2 p.m. | 45-minute guided tour through the museum’s most significant works.
  • Locals Day – Free admission for San Antonio and Bexar County residents on the first Sunday of each month (Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 4).
  • Full STEAM Ahead – Hands-on family activities blending science, technology, engineering, art, and math:
    • Finding Your Way – Sunday, Oct. 5 | 1–3 p.m.
    • Salt Maps – Sunday, Jan. 4 | 1–3 p.m.
  • Scout the Briscoe – Free scavenger hunt on Locals Day, plus a 10% museum store discount upon completion.

About the Exhibition

Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps was organized by the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas.

✨ With its rare collection, interactive experiences, and community programming, this exhibition is more than maps—it’s a journey through Texas history.

A Fresh Bite: Magik Theatre’s Playful Spin on Red Riding Hood

Red Riding Hood at the Magik Theatre. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

Magik Theatre’s Fresh Take on Red Riding Hood Opens September 27

Once upon a time, there was a little girl and a big, bad wolf. But make the girl a feisty delivery driver, give the wolf an ego bigger than his howl, and you’ve got Magik Theatre’s howlingly hilarious, deliciously fresh Red Riding Hood, opening Saturday, September 27, 2025. (Magik Theatre, 2025)

A Story with a Twist

Wolfgang, the self-proclaimed “greatest actor in the world,” sets out to perform his one-man version of Red Riding Hood. But his plans are interrupted by a girl with a mysterious package—and plenty of opinions about how the story should go.

Together, they leap into playwright Allison Gregory’s clever retelling, playing every role and uncovering surprises along the way. Perfect for ages 5 and up, this production celebrates courage, teamwork, and the joy of storytelling.

Not Your Typical Big Bad Wolf

This isn’t the scary, Grandma-eating wolf you know. Wolfgang just wants to deliver a great performance—but his unexpected co-star has some notes. With her perspective, Wolfgang discovers new ways to bring the fairy tale to life, transforming everyday objects into imaginative props and costumes right before the audience’s eyes.

Behind the Scenes

This production also marks Devon Moreno’s directorial debut with Magik Theatre. A longtime Magik actor and production manager, Moreno’s knack for prop wrangling and lightning-fast costume changes is sure to shine as Wolfgang and the girl transform into each character onstage.

Catch Red Riding Hood on the Main Stage through October 12, 2025 at Beethoven Hall. After that, Wolfgang and friends will only appear in Magik on the Road performances during the fall and spring touring seasons.

Special Events & Add-On Experiences

🎉 Opening Night Party in the Park

Saturday, September 27 – 4:30 p.m. (Show at 6 p.m.)
Celebrate opening night with a free pre-show party at Hemisfair Park. Enjoy treats and a fun “fill the basket” craft. The party is open to the public, but the performance requires a ticket.

🎭 Backstage Experience Add-On

Available after every performance (excluding opening night & special events).
For just $20 per person, enjoy an exclusive onstage meet and greet with the cast, a 15-minute guided tour of the set and props, and mini cupcakes from Bird Bakery.

Note: Not wheelchair accessible. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Special Performances

  • Sensory Friendly Performance – Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m.
    A relaxed, judgment-free theatre experience for audience members with sensory sensitivities.
  • Pay What You Wish Performance – Saturday, October 4, 2 p.m.
    Sponsored by H-E-B, tickets are available at the door on the day of the performance.
  • ASL Interpreted Performance – Sunday, October 5, 3 p.m.
    Featuring interpreter Robert Cardoza, serving the San Antonio theatre community.
  • Educator Appreciation Day – Sunday, September 28, 3 p.m.
    Educators receive one free ticket with ID. Additional tickets are $25.
  • Military & First Responders Appreciation Day – Saturday, October 11, 2 p.m.
    Service members with valid ID can purchase $25 discounted tickets.

Ticket Options

Magik Theatre has been bringing professional, accessible, literature-based theatre to San Antonio families since 1994. Located in Hemisfair Park, it’s the perfect spot for a family day out—catch the show, explore Yanaguana Garden, enjoy nearby restaurants, and make Magikal memories.

🎟️ Tickets and subscriptions are on sale now! Choose from:

  • Two-show subscriptions
  • Single ticket sales

✨ For family fun this fall, Magik Theatre’s Red Riding Hood is the perfect pick. Don’t miss your chance to see this whimsical, laugh-filled retelling before it takes its final bow on October 12!