Category: community events

Summer 2023 exhibitions open at Contemporary at Blue Star

Public opening for the Summer 2023 exhibitions will be on First Friday, July 7 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. Photo: Contemporary at Blue Star, used with permission.

Contemporary at Blue Star, San Antonio’s first and longest running exhibition space for contemporary art, proudly announces the opening of three solo exhibitions on July 7, 2023. These exhibitions feature new work by Brittany Ham, Adam Schreiber, and Michael Velliquette, three artists with strong ties to the San Antonio community. Ham and Schreiber are alumni of the Contemporary’s Berlin Residency Program and Velliquette is a former San Antonio resident, now based in Madison, WI. This year marks the 20-year anniversary since his first solo exhibition at the Contemporary. These exhibitions offer unique perspectives on self-portraiture, urban landscapes, and intricate paper sculptures, captivating audiences with their distinct artistic visions. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2023)

Brittany Ham: Unmooring reaches into the exploration of interior and exterior spaces, both architecturally and psychologically. Through oil paintings, Ham chronicles her personal experiences with lockdown, social distancing, and the challenges of early motherhood. The seemingly longing subjects in her artworks often escape claustrophobia through imagined landscapes. Her works draw inspiration from sculptures, woodcuts, and paintings of exhausted women, including the Virgin Mary which she researched during her time at Künstlerhaus Bethanien International Studio Program as a grantee of Contemporary’s Berlin Residency Program. Ham’s works employ line and value to create molded planes that provide multidimensional perspectives. The curious contortions and collapsing of space in her pieces evoke a melancholic humor, inviting viewers to reflect on challenging times and the unknown horizons ahead.

Adam Schreiber: Stadtwald showcases photographs created during and since his residency at Künstlerhaus Bethanien as part of Contemporary’s Berlin Residency Program. Employing large format film cameras, he adopts the role of a photographic surveyor to document the city’s quiet and suspended scenes devoid of action. Schreiber’s images of isolated and decontextualized objects ignite viewers’ curiosity. Some of Schreiber’s photographs are visually dense with textural descriptions of the subject, yet they leave the viewer to decipher what exactly the subject is and what its significance might be. Grids, recurring in his work, hint at the artist’s camera lens and reflect the meticulous process of inspection. By presenting his subjects as unknown and encouraging active observation, Schreiber’s work engages viewers in a delightful game of curiosity and concentration.

Michael Velliquette: The Direct Path features an extraordinary display of intricate paper sculptures, making it the most comprehensive exhibition of these works to date. Velliquette’s installations create intimate spaces that invite viewers into these structural collages. Through layering, complexity, and vibrant colors, his works communicate a sense of ornate preciousness. However, their material and meditative creation process—meticulously measuring, cutting, composing, and gluing paper—reveal a delicate yet ordinary quality. This convergence of methods symbolizes transformation, showcasing unexpected metamorphoses of materials and offering moments of reflection to viewers as they visually enter these temple-like constructions.

As an artist-centric organization, the Contemporary is delighted to showcase the work of these talented artists and to nurture their creative practices. This commitment to supporting artists highlights the vital role that accessible spaces play in fostering a vibrant and dynamic art scene, encouraging artistic growth, and amplifying the diverse voices and perspectives that contribute to the richness of our cultural landscape. 

7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee makes San Antonio debut

7 Brew announces arrival in San Antonio, elevating the city’s beverage landscape. Photo: 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee.

Attention coffee lovers: 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee, a leading brand in the beverage industry, is celebrating the Grand Opening of its San Antonio location with several events in anticipation of the big day. (7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee, 2023)

Leading up to the grand opening of its 100th location, 7 Brew Coffee is celebrating soft openings including three special charity days. 7 Brew Coffee will offer a 50% beverage discount to guests and donate 100% of all proceeds made to three dedicated charities, CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Morgan’s Wonderland, that they actively support.

When:
• June 29 – Proceeds to CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation
• June 30 – Proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• July 1 – Proceeds to Morgan’s Wonderland

7 Brew Coffee will also host Community Hours leading up to SWAG Day, the grand opening of their first location in the city of San Antonio and 100th location overall. During these hours, customers can stop by and enjoy a free small drink on the house.

When: Monday, July 10 through Friday, July 14 from 7a.m. to 8a.m., 1p.m. to 2p.m., and 5p.m. to 6p.m.

Lastly, join 7 Brew Coffee for the coffee stand’s Grand Opening Event, SWAG Day, in celebration of its first location in San Antonio. For every large drink purchased, customers will receive one free 7 Brew Coffee t-shirt. Additionally, the first person in each drive thru line will win free coffee for one year.

When: July 15 from 5:30a.m. to 11p.m.

7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee is a coffee concept that is all about cultivating kindness and sharing the essence of community. The rapidly growing coffee chain offers over 20,000 unique drink options, including sugar, dairy, and gluten-free customizations. They pride themselves on providing premium quality coffee to customers in record time while making friends along the way. The Brew Crew goes by the saying, “If you can think it, we can make it,” creating a tailored experience for each customer and showcasing that people are at the heart of what they do.

7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee
2901 Pat Booker Rd
Universal City, TX 78148

7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee announces first location in San Antonio. Photo: 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical and summer camp coming to Magik Theatre

The Magik Theatre announces its electrifying summer blockbuster production The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

Like a bolt from the blue, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical hits the Magik Theatre from July 1-August 6. This adaptation of San Antonio native Rick Riordan’s extraordinary bestseller features all of the action and excitement Percy Jackson fans love, set to an original rock score by Rob Rokicki that will electrify audiences. This mythical adventure deemed “worthy of the gods” by Time Out New York, follows everyone’s favorite 12-year-old demi-God Percy Jackson as he descends to the underworld and back on the most dangerous quest of his life. (Magik Theatre, 2023)

Author Rick Riordan, a San Antonio native, published “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” in 2005. It is the first in the award-winning series created by the Alamo Heights High School alumni and former St. Mary’s Hall teacher. Originally created as a bedtime story for his oldest son, the Percy Jackson series features a modern-day 12-year-old boy who discovers he is the son of the Greek god Poseidon. In The Lightning Thief, we meet young Jackson who is just discovering his lineage and his uncontrollable powers, neither of which he wants. When he is falsely accused of stealing the master lightning bolt of the Greek god Zeus, he must accept his destiny, prove his innocence, and prevent a war between the gods by finding and returning the bolt. The hero’s journey demands that Jackson travel to the underworld and back, solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend, and finally come to terms with his father who abandoned him.

Magik Theatre takes pride in using only professional actors in their productions. These talented, trained, working actors are masters of their craft, transporting audiences to faraway and magikal places via cherished, timeless literature, and storytelling. In The Lighting Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, the titular character is brought to life by James Cazares, making his Magik Theatre debut. He is joined by Izabella Montes as Annabeth Chase, the demigod daughter of Athena, and Ian Eller as Jackson’s best friend Grover Underwood. The rest of the cast includes Jon Renee Tucker as Luke, John Michael Hoke as Mr. Brunner aka Chiron, Jessica Willis as Sally, and Emma Gervasi as Clarisse. Artistic Director Anthony Runfola is the director with choreography by Kaity McSalis and music direction by Christopher Bailey. The design team includes scenery by Christopher Boneta, costumes by Stormie Brennan, lighting by Carlos Nine, and sound design by Jo Villanueva. Together this talented team weaves a “magikal” spell that will resonate with audiences young and old.

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is made possible in part by the generous support of a grant from the Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts.

Who says lightning doesn’t strike twice? To celebrate The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical making its Magik appearance, the theatre is hosting The Percy Jackson Musical Theatre Experience. This week-long summer camp will have students on their feet learning catchy tunes and action-packed choreography from the musical. Ideal for aspiring young performers, Percy Jackson fans, or a combination of both, participants will have the unique opportunity to attend master classes led by professional artists from the show. Not only will the students be able to catch a full matinee performance, but on the last day of camp, they will get their turn on the professional stage to share what they’ve learned with family and friends. Camps will be held from 9a.m. to 4p.m. July 10-14 and July 17-21. Final sharing events will be held at 3p.m. on Friday, July 14, and Friday, July 21.

Magik Theatre is committed to making theatre accessible to everyone. “We are here to make theatre accessible to every family and remove any existing barrier,” says Magik Theatre CEO Frank Villani. In keeping with that commitment, the 2023 season boasts some upgrades to include the special performances below.

American Sign Language Interpreted Performance | Saturday, July 29, 2p.m.
Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary sign language interpreter, will be available during this performance for patrons that require ASL as their primary form of communication.

Sensory-Friendly Performance | Wednesday, July 26, 10:30a.m.
Sensory-friendly performances create a welcoming environment for people who are on the autism spectrum or who have other sensory sensitivities. Modifying certain production elements to accommodate these individuals allows families and friends of those with autism or other disabilities to enjoy an authentic performance experience together.

Pay What You Wish Performance | Thursday, July 20, 2p.m.
Magik’s way of giving back to the community and providing an opportunity for families to experience live theatre with a donation of any amount.

Single Tickets are $33.50 for Orchestra Rows A – I and $23.50 for Orchestra Rows J-N and Balcony., Military, Seniors, and Educators. Children under two are free. Flex Passes and Single Tickets are available online or by calling (210) 227-2751. You can also purchase at the box office, 420 S. Alamo, from 9a.m.to 5p.m., Monday through Friday. If a child under two uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general admission ticket. Group rates are available to parties of ten or more people.

Upcoming events at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

Events include a Father’s Day celebration and other art events. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Hands-on fun, free family activities and saddling up with sci-fi fill the summer with art and adventure at the Briscoe Western Art Museum. The Briscoe is hosting an array of programming to explore the Southwest influence on Western art during Southwest Rising: Contemporary Art and the Legacy of Elaine Horwitch Now through September 4. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2023)

The summer exhibition celebrates one of the most powerful and influential art dealers in the Southwest. Horwitch was responsible for launching the careers of hundreds of artists and was a leader in fostering “new Western art” or “Southwest pop.” During the exhibition, Southwest Rising artists will demonstrate their techniques and lead sessions where everyone can create a masterpiece of their own. Along with artist talks, monthly hands-on learning, free Locals Days and the museum’s annual National Day of the Cowboy celebration on July 22, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The summer line-up includes:

Celebrate the opening of Southwest Rising by exploring the way light and color interact with one another. In the exhibition’s interactive gallery, visitors can construct a display that will allow them to experiment with how light can change the way our eyes see color. This hands-on program is family-friendly, and all ages are welcome. Children 12 and under always receive free admission to the Briscoe.

  • Southwest Rising with Mark McDowell – Saturday, July 8, 1p.m. – 3p.m. $25 for non-members, $20 for museum members

Southwest Rising artist Mark McDowell leads guests in creating a work of art with colored pencils on wood, his preferred technique. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, McDowell has been featured in more than 40 one-man shows and numerous group exhibitions in museums, art centers and galleries across the United States and Europe. His work is in many public, corporate, and private collections. Class size is limited, so register today to ensure your spot. All skill levels are welcome and supplies are included with registration.

Art-FULL Summer: Painting Sessions

Enjoy painting sessions led by energetic and charismatic international artist Gio DiZurita. Based in San Antonio, DiZurita tells stories through her art, an everlasting transformation of life experiences.

Two summer dates include:

  • Father’s Day Fun:  Painting with Gio – Saturday, June 17, 10a.m. – Noon, 2p.m. – 4p.m.

Bring your dad jokes and have some hands-on fun. Fathers and their children (5 years or older) can enjoy a creative and fun family painting adventure, creating a Western scene in acrylic on an 11 x 14 canvas. Tickets are $45, or $35 for museum members. Registration is needed for each participant over the age of 12 and includes all supplies. The class size is limited, so register early to ensure your space.

  • Create Together:  Painting with Gio Date Night at the Briscoe – Thursday, July 13, 6:30p.m. – 8:30p.m.     

Let love and creativity bloom during a hands-on date night under the stars. Create a work of art during a relaxing evening sipping beer and wine in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden. Couples will enjoy a creative painting adventure creating a Western scene in acrylic on an 11 x 14 canvas. Tickets are $45, or $35 for museum members. Registration is per person and includes beer, wine, and all supplies. The class size is limited, so register today to ensure your spot.

Add Some STEAM to Your Summer:  Hands-on Learning

The Briscoe’s free monthly education series “Full STEAM Ahead” sprinkles educational fun into the summer the first Sunday of each month. Learners of all ages work together and learn about the American West by engaging in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) learning experiences. Full STEAM Ahead is designed for all ages to enjoy, making it a terrific family activity. Enjoy STEAMing with your family 1p.m. – 3p.m. on the first Sunday of every month at the Briscoe – the same day that locals are welcome to enjoy the museum for free.

Summer 2023 Full Steam Ahead dates and topics include:

  • August 6: Full STEAM Ahead – Gone for the Winter

Learn more about wildlife and the fall migration of hummingbirds. After a short presentation, families will have the opportunity to create a hummingbird feeder using found and recyclable materials.

  • September 3: Full STEAM Ahead – Art in the Sky

Study the night sky through Kim Wiggins’ “Colonel Crockett’s Return to Cibolo Creek.” After a short study of the painting, everyone will create a bedroom planetarium to take home.

Free Cowboy Fun:  National Day of the Cowboy Celebration

Tippin’ its hat and celebrating the legacy of the cowboy, cowgirl and vaquero, the Briscoe Western Art Museum presents its annual National Day of the Cowboy celebration on Saturday, July 22, 10a.m. – 4p.m. at the Briscoe. The free community event, which includes free admission to the museum and its exhibitions, features indoor and outdoor activities for cowpokes of all ages. Saddle up with your family and head west for a day you will not forget.

Actions for the Earth opens at Contemporary at Blue Star

Lhora Amira, IRMANDADE: The Shape of Water in Pindorama, 2018-2020, HD video, single channel sound, film still. Image courtesy of SMAC Gallery, copyright Lhora Amira.

Blue Star Contemporary announces Actions for the Earth: Art, Care & Ecology, an exhibition curated by Sharmila Wood and produced by Independent Curators International (ICI) on view from June 2 through September 3, 2023. Actions for the Earth is a traveling exhibition that considers how artistic practices use kinship, healing, and restorative intervention to foster a deeper consciousness of our interconnectedness with the earth. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2023)

This exhibition turns to a group of interdisciplinary artists to engage with the overlapping, worldwide crises of our time. Ongoing climate change, entrenched social inequity, and renewed concerns over public health have all underscored the need for approaches that take on global responsibilities while caring for our local environment. For decades, artists have sought to find new antidotes to oppressive structures of power, and promoted greater understanding of the many ways that nature, health, and sustainability are intertwined.

Actions for the Earth presents the work of eighteen intergenerational artists and collectives who place action, instruction, reciprocity, and exchange at the forefront of their practices. By sharing their participatory artistic interventions and healing strategies alongside research in ecology, science, and ancient beliefs, these artists remind us that we are connected within a constellation of living networks, inseparable from the planet and its environments. Artworks on view create space for the honoring of ancestors, foreground the significance of Indigenous knowledges, and engage in speculative imaginings through science fiction and network sciences—organic, digital, and spiritual.

In its curatorial approach, Actions for the Earth acts as a resource for studying our current times. The works on view not only emphasize themes of learning, care, and intimacy, but offer concrete knowledge by inviting the public to participate in actions such as instruction-based meditation and deep listening activities. The life of these works, and the interventions they propose, extends far beyond the scope of the exhibition to engage people in their personal contexts. 

Artists: Ackroyd and Harvey, Lhola Amira, Arahmaiani, Sayan Chanda, Hylozoic/Desires (Himali Singh Soin & David Soin Tappeser), lololol, Ana Mendieta, Zarina Muhammad, Patrina Mununggurr, Pauline Oliveros, Yoko Ono, Tabita Rezaire, Eric-Paul Riege, Cecilia Vicuña, Katie West, and Zheng Bo

Contemporary at Blue Star presents exhibitions with artists from San Antonio and around the world sharing their global perspectives that encourage understanding, empathy, change, and action, fulfilling our mission to inspire, nurture, and innovate. Like most non-collecting contemporary art spaces, the Contemporary contributes fresh insights and perspectives on larger issues affecting society and culture by highlighting trends, movements, and conversations happening in art. Admission to the Contemporary is always free.

Mother’s Day gift ideas

Children’s Ballet of San Antonio presents Sleeping Beauty. Photo: Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.

In an extraordinary collaboration between Children’s Ballet of San Antonio and the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Principal Dancers Skylar Brandt and Herman Cornejo will share their remarkable talents with San Antonio for the first time in this classic fairytale. These epic performances will take place Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13, at the beautiful Majestic Theatre. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2023)

The CBSA production of Sleeping Beauty has all the romance, enchantment, and beauty you would expect from this classic fairytale, told through the magic of dance. The story opens with the christening of the beautiful Princess Aurora, who receives a curse from the evil fairy Carabosse. The curse states that Aurora will fall into a deep sleep on her sixteenth birthday, which, in this reimagining, is a Quinceñera. Only a kiss from her one true love can awaken the princess.

A talented cast of roughly 200 young CBSA artists will bring the characters and story to life through creative performances. The performers, ages 3-19, include internationally acclaimed classical dancers, gymnasts, actors, vocalists, special needs artists, and other exceptional young people. Filled with spectacular digital and physical scenery, live music, grand special effects, and interactive elements, CBSA’s Sleeping Beauty will expose audience members of all ages to an enchanting world where love conquers all.

The Majestic Theatre
224 E. Houston Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

Performance times:
Friday, May 12, 7p.m.
Saturday, May 13, 2p.m.
Saturday May 13, 7p.m.

Tickets are available online.

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Looking for a unique gift for the adventurous moms in your life? Take flight this Mother’s Day at iFLY Indoor Skydiving. (iFLY Indoor Skydiving, 2023)

With no need for a parachute or a plane, iFLY is fun for the whole family (ages 3+). Experience the thrill of freefall in iFLY’s state-of-the-art wind tunnels are designed to provide a safe flight experience and memories that will last a lifetime and a thrilling story to tell! Flight vouchers are available online

iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

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Lighthouse Immersive is excited to announce a Mother’s Day ticket discount for Disney Animation: Immersive Experience from now until May 14. All tickets will be 20% off the experience for loved ones to celebrate mom with the magic of Disney Animation. In addition to the discounted tickets, all mothers will receive a carnation upon their visit. (Disney Animation, 2023)

Disney Animation: Immersive Experience is the perfect place to celebrate mom with iconic animated stories suited for all ages—from hits of today like Encanto, Zootopia and Frozen, to all of the classics including The Lion King, Peter Pan and Pinocchio. Relive heartwarming moments and reminisce with the magic of Disney for an unforgettable experience together.

Discounted Mother’s Day tickets will be available for purchase through their ticketing site. The last day to purchase the discounted Mother’s Day tickets will be on Sunday, May 14.

Lighthouse ArtSpace San Antonio
221 Burleson
San Antonio, TX 78202

Mother’s Day gift ideas: Mindful Moms Retreat at Thompson San Antonio Riverwalk

Gift ideas for moms at Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk include a Mindful Moms Retreat and more. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, so if you are looking for gift ideas, consider Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk.

A spa day is one of the most rewarding Mother’s Day gifts, and this year Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is offering moms everything from luxurious spa treatments to specialty cocktails at the rooftop bar and lounge to provide them with all of the celebrations that they deserve. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2023)

Over Mother’s Day weekend from May 12-14, guests can enjoy the following Mother’s Day programming:

  • Mindful Moms Retreat: For the month of May, moms can enjoy a mindful mimosa to kick off their spa day and choose from two restorative treatments, including a 50-minute Brighten & Renew Facial, a 50-minute Sleek & Slim Body treatment, and a 50-minute pedi or 50-minute “mommy” mani. Guests can enjoy the sauna and steam room before their treatment and afterwards cheers to self-care with a complimentary glass of champagne while unwinding in the spa’s relaxation area. $275.00 (discounts cannot be applied).
  • Ario Launch Party: Kick off the summer at the hotel’s Cenote Pool Deck on May 13 from 2p.m. – 4p.m., where the Thompson Spa will debut its summer hydration product line.
  • Mother’s Day Brunch: On Sunday, May 14, families can gather at Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s signature restaurant, Landrace, helmed by James Beard Award finalist Steve McHugh, for a special family-style Mother’s Day brunch featuring a seafood display, brisket carving station, lemon prickly pear cupcakes, banana cream parfaits, mimosas, and more.
  • Bad Moms Event: On May 12, moms can gather with their girlfriends for the “Bad Moms event” at the hotel’s enchanting rooftop bar and lounge, The Moon’s Daughters, for a well-deserved night out perched over the city with specialty cocktails and live DJ performance at 8p.m.
Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

Texas Wine Auction announces auction items and new chefs

The annual events is aimed at raising awareness for Texas wines and funds for hospitality workers. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Texas Wine Auction, an event aimed at bringing together Texas wineries and winemakers to raise money for wellness programs and research to enhance the Texas wine industry, is excited to announce their auction items and the addition of two new chefs to the event, taking place on Saturday, April 29 from 6p.m. to 11:30p.m. Chef Luis Villalva of El Come Taco in Dallas, TX and Chef Austin Simmons of TRIS in Houston, TX will join the ranks of the eight incredible chefs participating in this year’s auction. (Texas Wine Auction, 2023)

Both of the recently announced chefs will participate in a competition to present the best dish of the night, voted on by event goers. They will join the previously announced Chef Angie Ragan, Chef Mike Hall, Chef Krystyna Cibelli-Pettus, Chef Roshni Gurnani, and Chef Matt Church.

In addition to enjoying incredible food and wine, attendees will also be able to bid on incredible auction items throughout the night. This year’s featured auction items include:

• Tasting the Stars of Texas: Co-sponsored by FlavoryTX and Feast & Merriment, the auction item will be a memorable experience enjoying Texas wines paired with ranch-to-table dinner, followed by a guided star party with sparkling Texas wines.
• Texas staycation: A luxurious three day, two night stay in Fort Davis, Texas with a wine tasting by Chateau Wright.
• VIP Napa Trip: A VIP trip to Napa in California for four. The trip includes a three day, two night stay at Auberge Du Soleil with private transportation to six wineries.
• Hill Country Tour: An exclusive tour of Hill Country wineries via helicopter with Aero Vino.
• VIP Wine Weekend: Feature winery, William Chris Vineyards, will host a Barrel Tasting for eight, and private dinner at their vineyard. They will also host tastings at all three of their properties and a two night stay at Carter Creek Winery & Resort.
• Wine Cases: Feature winery Inwood Estates will offer two cases of their ultra premium wine and dinner at a location to be revealed at a later date.

Tickets are available online. For those interested in donating to the cause, please visit Texas Wine Revolution. 

Vista Oaks Event Center
8192 E. Highway 290
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Texas Wine Revolution is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating consumer education and awareness of Texas-grown wines as well as giving back to the industry and communities we operate within. In 2022 Texas Wine Revolution announced its inaugural Texas Wine Auction, an event supporting community and industry through a showcase of Texas wine and world-class cuisine presented by top culinary talents from around the country.

Disney Animation: Immersive experience extends residency in San Antonio

Critically acclaimed Immersive Disney Animation announces extensions in eight cities, including San Antonio. Photo: Lighthouse Immersive Studios.

Following celebrated premieres in 10 cities and rave reviews from critics and audiences across North America, Lighthouse Immersive Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios have announced that Immersive Disney Animation is being extended by popular demand to August 13, 2023 in Boston, Cleveland, Columbus, Denver, Detroit, Minneapolis, Nashville, and San Antonio, with Las Vegas, Dallas, Atlanta, and Toronto continuing through September 4, 2023. The production will also open in Tokyo on April 29 at Mori Arts Center Gallery (52nd floor, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower), with additional international presentations soon to be announced. (Immersive Disney Animation, 2023)

Immersive Disney Animation was called “Jaw-dropping” by Axios, “a peek behind the curtain that you would just never otherwise get” by the Boston Globe, with Elite Daily remarking, “you really feel like you’ve stepped inside your fave film.” Tickets are on sale now.

Creating iconic animated stories for all ages for nearly a century, Walt Disney Animation Studios has joined forces with North America’s top creator of experiential projection exhibitions (including The Original Immersive Van Gogh, which never traveled to Atlanta, but opened in over 20 cities across North America) to present the music and artistry within Disney Animation’s canon of films—from hits of today like Encanto, Zootopia and Frozen, to all of the classics including The Lion King, Peter Pan and Pinocchio. Audiences will feel like they have entered the incredible worlds of beloved Disney characters and become one with them.

The status for each city is as follows:

TORONTO (1 Yonge St.) | NOW OPEN through September 4
CLEVELAND (850 E. 72nd St.) | NOW OPEN through August 13
NASHVILLE (4416 Ridgefield Way) | NOW OPEN through August 13
DETROIT (267 E. Grand River Ave.) | NOW OPEN through August 13
DENVER (3900 Elati St.) | NOW OPEN through August 13
BOSTON (130 Columbus Ave.) | NOW OPEN through August 13
SAN ANTONIO (221 Burleson St.) | NOW OPEN through August 13
MINNEAPOLIS (1515 Central Ave. NE) | NOW OPEN through August 13
LAS VEGAS (3720 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) | NOW OPEN through September 4
COLUMBUS (940 Polaris Pkwy.) | NOW OPEN through August 13
DALLAS (507 S. Harwood St.) | April 20 – September 4, 2023
TOKYO (52nd floor, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower) | April 29 – August 31, 2023
ATLANTA (159 Armour Dr.) | May 1 – September 4, 2023

“We have opened Immersive Disney Animation in ten cities so far, with our Dallas opening right around the corner. And while we expected a positive reception, we have really been blown away by just how incredibly excited audiences are with this experience, a testament to the timeless legacy of Disney Animation’s worlds, stories and characters.” – Corey Ross, producer and founder, Lighthouse Immersive Studios

The creative team for Immersive Disney Animation is led by Oscar®-winning producer J. Miles Dale (Best Picture 2018 -The Shape of Water). Mexico City-based Cocolab worked with Dale and the Creative Legacy team at Walt Disney Animation Studios to develop the program for Lighthouse Immersive Studios. Special Projects Producer Dorothy McKim (Oscar-nominated, Get A Horse!) is spearheading the project for Disney Animation.

Celebrate Fiesta at Thompson San Antonio’s block party

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is hosting a block party to celebrate Fiesta in style. Photo: Google

San Antonio’s Fiesta is coming up this month and it is one of the largest festivals in the U.S., providing countless special events that showcase the city’s rich Latin heritage and culture. On April 29, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk invites guests and locals to a Fiesta Block Party with fun activities, food and drinks, live entertainment, and excellent views of the Flambeau parade, America’s largest illuminated parade. Additionally, the hotel will offer family-friendly activities on April 28 for the day parade with a coffee bar, mimosas, breakfast tacos, and more. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2023)

Fiesta San Antonio is a citywide celebration featuring locally themed culinary offerings, decorated floats, musical performances, and vibrant colors. The tradition of celebrating Fiesta started in 1891 as a parade to share memories with loved ones and honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. The city’s signature event, sponsored by various nonprofit organizations, returns to San Antonio for another year from April 20-30.

Opened in February 2021, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is a modern retreat soaring 20 stories above San Antonio’s celebrated River Walk – capturing the contemporary spirit of this historic Texas city. The hotel features a stylish living room bar; celebrated dining from a James Beard Award finalist; a show-stopping pool deck; and a luxurious full-service spa.

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk. Courtesy photo, used with permission.