Category: community events

Dog art walk with artist Hiromi Stringer

The dog walk will be held this Thursday, April 20. Image: Hiromi Stringer, Dog (Germany)19 2022 gouache and sumi ink on oriental paper, 9 ½ x 13 in. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Attention all dog lovers. The Contemporary at Blue Star is hosting a social dog walk on Thursday, April 20, from 5p.m. to 7 p.m. with exhibiting artist Hiromi Stringer. The event is free and open to all dog owners who want to join in on the fun. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2023)

The walk is through The King William neighborhood and starts with an hour of socializing with fellow dogs and their humans. Local shops, including the SouthPaw Waggery will be in attendance with goodies and swag. Attendees can screen print matching Contemporary bandanas for themselves and their furry friends, or park their dogs at our hosted dog parking station while they explore the exhibitions inside the galleries, such as Hiromi Stringer’s The Dog Show.

At 6 p.m., Hiromi will lead the dog walk through the neighborhood, which will conclude at the Contemporary for a viewing of the exhibition The Dog Show. To participate, complete the registration form. Do not miss out on this exciting event.

About the exhibition:
The Dog Show: Time Traveler Umeyama’s Drawings from the 21st Century, Hiromi Stringer
March 3 – June 4, 2023

Inspired by a chance encounter almost 30 years ago, when artist Hiromi Stringer saw someone walking a Siberian Husky dog on a busy street in Bangkok, Thailand, an incident that made her wonder about globalization and mundane objects in our life.

In The Dog Show, Stringer revisits her ongoing project UmeyamaReports, which chronicles the travels and observations of ShoeiUmeyama, Stringer’s fictional character. Umeyama is a Japanese man from the mid-1800s using time-teleportation to visit today’s modern world. This time, Umeyama reports on a variety of dogs and their owners, making observations, not only on the traits of each breed, but on the mundane objects that connect them with their owners, such as collars, leashes, and bowls, among others. Writings in Japanese—which visitors can translate using Google Translate on their personal devices—offer further insights into Umeyama’s particular point of view. Umeyama’s drawings, artifacts, and observations are displayed in the imagined Umeyama Time Teleportation Museum (UTTM) showcasing Umeyama’s achievements and the legacy of his history as a time traveler. Ink paintings/reports serve as his record of what he observed as he made sense of the modern-day U.S. Stringer’s exhibition and Umeyama’s imaginary findings represent an alternate perspective and reflection on today’s contemporary society.

Drawing on her personal paradigm shift, which included cultural and language differences, Stringer’s work reflects her curiosity about the world in which she lives. Using a micro perspective borrowed from Umeyama’s view, whose base point is Japan 170 years ago, a time when the country was under governmental enforced national isolation.

Stringer sees parallels between one’s process of knowing and living with very limited information about other countries and her own experience in a foreign land. By using Umeyama as a lens, Stringer provides a more objective view of the world while acknowledging her own subjectivity in her works.

Stringer is a 2019 alum of Contemporary’s Berlin Residency Program. During the three months that she lived and worked at the Künstlerhaus Bethanien as a residency awardee, she continued her UTTM work which took on new meaning in a new foreign home. Through her art, Stringer invites viewers to explore the mundane objects of our times and consider how they inform our current existence. Her approach to art is an extension of her curiosity about the broader world, and her latest work offers a unique perspective on globalization that is sure to spark conversations and inspire contemplation.

Schoolhouse Rock Live rolls into Magik Theatre

Schoolhouse Rock Live opens at the Magik Theatre this weekend. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

Tour the solar system with Interplanet Janet. Go shopping for adverbs at the Lolly family store. Take a ride on the Conjunction Junction railroad or hang out with Bill on Capitol Hill to learn about lawmaking. Yes, the gang is all here when Schoolhouse Rock Live! comes to the Magik Theatre from April 15-June 4. The musical shorts, which began airing on ABC in 1973, taught Generation X a wide range of educational facts through skits and catchy tunes but most of all, it eventually taught nostalgia. An entire generation tuned in at the same time every Saturday morning for that brief bit of airtime that was designed just for them. Perfect for the entire family, this retro revue introduces a new audience to the songs and characters that made Saturday mornings great for over a decade. (Magik Theatre, 2023)

From 1973-1985, children of all ages tuned into ABC on Saturday mornings for the Emmy-award-winning Schoolhouse Rock, a series of short, animated videos that combined education with entertainment. The concept was simple: take subjects like grammar, math, science, and history and make them infinitely more interesting to children by setting them to music. Originally developed by David McCall to help his son who was struggling with multiplication tables, Schoolhouse Rock has stood the test of time and is now enjoying a new iteration via musical theatre.

Directed by Anthony Runfola, Schoolhouse Rock Live! follows Tom, a teacher anxious about his first day of school. To calm his nerves, Tom turns on the television, where his favorite show, Schoolhouse Rock, suddenly comes to life right before his eyes. Through their catchy songs and creative imagery, the Schoolhouse Rock gang reminds Tom that learning can be fun while exploring themes including self-confidence, problem-solving, and overcoming fears.

The original ABC series was produced by George Newall and Tom Yohe and featured songs written and performed by Bob Dorough. It has been adapted and produced for the stage by Theatre BAM and presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). Based on McCall’s original concept, it features music and lyrics by Dorough, Newall, and Yohe, along with Lynn Ahrens, Dave Frishberg, and Kathy Mandry. The cast of five features Ian Eller performing in the lead role of Tom. Alyssa Dossett accompanies him as Dori, Rosa Gardner as Dina, Alaia Adriana as Shulie, and Digger Howard as George with stage management by Alyssa Snow. Together they are the Magik formula for this celebration of learning through the power of music and theatre. This production marks the return of School House Rock Live to Magik Theatre from its original debut in 2018. Patrons can expect to see the same iconic shorts with exciting new elements to engage, educate and entertain while having tons of fun.

Throughout the week, Magik Theatre offers the opportunity for schools to come to the theatre on a field trip. Rather than simply a “snippet” of a show, Magik Theatre field trip performances are the same as public performances. These productions offer as many as 70,000 children per season the opportunity to see a live performance that they might not be able to experience otherwise. It is part of the company’s commitment to inclusivity in the arts. Additionally, a Schoolhouse Rock Live study guide will be available on the website to educators with ideas for bringing the experience into the classroom in fun, engaging ways.

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, May 6, 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, May 24, 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 Performances | Saturday, May 13, 2p.m. and Saturday, June 3, 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.

Flex Passes and Single Tickets are available online by calling (210) 227-2751. You can also purchase at the box office, 420 S. Alamo, from 9a.m.- 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. For questions and further inquiries, contact information.

Flex Passes are on sale now, $170 – 10 Flex Pass Tickets ($17 per ticket – A savings of 32% off single ticket prices) and $300 – 20 Flex Pass Tickets ($15 per ticket – A savings of 40% off single ticket prices)

Single Tickets are $18.50 for children (ages 2-17), Military, Seniors, and Educators. Adult tickets are $22.50, and children under two are free.

A professional theatre for young audiences established in 1994, Magik Theatre’s mission is to use the power of theatre to create Magikal storytelling for children that Activates imagination, Grows young minds, and Inspires creativity and a love of learning that is the Key to a more literate future for our community.

Second annual Community Band Festival

The second annual Community Band Festival will take place Saturday April 15, 2023. Photo: Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association.

The Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association will hold its Second annual Community Band Music Festival on April 15, 2023 from 11:30a.m. to 9p.m. The GSACBA is composed of ten community bands in the San Antonio area who have teamed up to present some amazing wind band music for the public. We have partnered with the Beethoven Maennerchor to present this festival in their outdoor Biergarten in the King William district. (Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association, 2023)

The Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit as recognized by the IRS. It is the overall purpose of the GSACBA to serve community bands with the following specific purposes:

  1. Synergize the efforts of community bands in the greater San Antonio area.
  2. Establish and manage the community bands music festival.
  3. Harmonize efforts for musician recruitment among bands.
  4. Offer performance planning coordination among bands.
  5. Organize collaborative ventures with composers and arrangers.
  6. Spearhead innovative fundraising initiatives.
  7. Coordinate joint musical performance opportunities.

Big Country Organic Brewing Co launches organic beer line

Big Country Organic Brewing Co launches three new beers in 2023 beginning in April. Photo: Big Country Organic Brewing Co., used with permission.

Big Country® Organic Brewing Co. is growing with the launch of three new beers slated for 2023. The first to hit shelves is TexMex Lager, a bright, refreshing Mexican style lager made with organic ingredients. Beginning in April you will be able to find TexMex Lager in 6-packs of 12oz. cans at your local retailer, and on draft in restaurants and bars throughout Texas. (Big Country, 2023)

Following the launch of TexMex Lager, the journey to highlight beer styles from across our great big country will continue with the release of a West Coast style IPA and Hazy New England style IPA. Both certified Organic IPAs will be available in July.

Big Country® may be known for their Organic Hard Seltzer, but the team has been producing high quality, crushable beers since the inception of the company. The release of these beers into the market is bringing Big Country’s dedication to organic production to the craft beer community so everyone can enjoy what was previously only available to visitors of the Austin brewery.

“We love craft beer just as much as we love the craft seltzer we introduced in 2021. We have an outstanding and very capable brew team, we have a certified organic production facility, and we have a dedication to making world class organic beverages for adults. There are a lot of great craft beers in the market, but there aren’t enough of them meeting the high standards to qualify as organic. We want to change that.” – Bill Gillies, Founder and CEO of Big Country

There will be a launch party at Big Country® Organic Brewing Co. on Friday, April 7 from 4p.m. – 8p.m. with live music, new food truck menu items, giveaways and more. Big Country® will be a main sponsor at the inaugural Wild West Brew Fest Pflugerville on Saturday, April 8 from 3p.m. – 9p.m., and will be sampling the TexMex Lager along with several limited release brews.

Big Country® Organic Brewing Co. beer and hard seltzer is currently available for purchase and shipment in 32 states via their online store (valid ID required, 21+ only). Big Country® is distributed statewide in Texas through Ben E. Keith Beverages, and launching statewide April 2023 in Colorado through Colorado Craft Distributors. Big Country® is available in major retailers including Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts Farmers Market, H-E-B, and Total Wine & More.

Big Country® Organic Brewing Co. is the currently the only operating certified Organic brewery in Texas. Big Country® prides themselves in becoming pioneers in the organic movement in the alcohol industry and carries three of the most distinctive and well-respected certifications in the food & beverage industry — USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Fair Trade Certified. They first entered the craft beverage market with Big Country® Organic Hard Seltzer in the spring of 2021 becoming the first and only Fair Trade Certified™ libation of its kind in the US.

Their Fair Trade commitment means that every can puts fair wages directly into the hands that harvested its ingredients. It also ensures farmers work in safe conditions, protect the environment, build sustainable livelihoods, and earn additional money to empower and uplift their communities. Big Country® fair trade purchases have sent over $91k to the farmers since they started.

Briscoe Western Art Museum pairs Free Locals Day with family programming

The Briscoe brings together locals day and full STEAM fun and a fantastic new exhibition. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum is steaming into spring by pairing its monthly free days for local visitors with its popular “Full STEAM Ahead” educational series. The new double feature means locals can enjoy the museum for free, while families enjoy free, hands-on – and fun – educational activities. The new combination kicks off Sunday, April 2. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2023)

The Briscoe campus includes the McNutt Sculpture Garden and features 35 sculptures portraying various aspects of Western life in the garden and around the museum’s beautifully restored historic building that once housed the San Antonio Public Library. The collection spans 14 galleries with Western art and artifacts, including Santa Anna’s sword, works by Frederic Remington, Pancho Villa’s last known saddle, a fantastic Alamo diorama and artifacts, contemporary and historic paintings, sculptures, an impressive spur collection, and other cowboy and Native American relics, weapons, and photography. Best of all, locals can enjoy it all for free on the first Sunday of each month.

The Briscoe continues to tip its hat to its neighbors with the first Sunday of each month greeting Bexar County residents with free admission. The museum’s “Locals Day” waives museum admission so everyone can enjoy heading West without ever leaving San Antonio.

Bexar County residents can enjoy the Briscoe’s Locals Days through 2023, with free admission on April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 8, November 5 and December 3. Online registration for Locals Day is recommended. If you can not stop in on Locals Day, children 12 and under receive free admission to the Briscoe every day, as do active-duty members of the military, making the Briscoe a terrific spot for everyone to enjoy any time.

The Briscoe’s free monthly education series “Full STEAM Ahead” will now educate and entertain on the first Sunday of every month as well. Learners of all ages work together and learn about the American West by engaging in hands-on, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) learning experiences. Each activity ties back to the Briscoe’s art and artifacts, bringing the West to life in a new way.

From transportation and weather to animals, astronomy and engineering, each program explores an aspect of life in the West to engage and inspire learning. Full STEAM Ahead is designed for all ages to enjoy, making it a terrific family activity. Enjoy STEAMing with your family 11a.m. – 1p.m. on the first Sunday of every month at the Briscoe.

New 2023 Full Steam Ahead dates and topics include:

• April 2: Full STEAM Ahead – Painting Inspired Poetry
Celebrate Poetry Month and Fiesta at the Briscoe. After studying Kim Wiggins’ “Fiesta Day on the Plaza,” a vibrant, activity-rich painting showing a fiesta – families will create a poem about their favorite part of the painting. Bringing those words to life, they will then create their own artwork to illustrate their poetry.

• May 7: Full STEAM Ahead – Exploring Art in Nature
Learn about a form of art called “mandala,” a geometric configuration of symbols. After a short presentation, participants will go on a short nature walk through the Briscoe’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, where we will search for and collect interesting objects from nature. Those objects will be used to create a mandala. Digital photographs will be taken to capture each work of art.

• June 4: Full STEAM Ahead – Add Lightning to your Art
Learn about how electrical currents, including lightning, work. After a short presentation, create a piece of art with a light feature, then make the art glow by creating a paper circuit.

• July 2: Full STEAM Ahead – Tools of the (Cattle) Trade
The cattle industry is a vital part of the West. Hear more about the cattle industry and the simple machines cowboys used in their daily work, then create a simple machine using found and recyclable materials.

• 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.

• October 8: Full STEAM Ahead – Pottery of the Southwest
Learn more about the pottery made by Native Americans in the southwest, including the techniques they used to craft their pieces. Use those techniques to create a piece of pottery of your own.

• November 5: Full STEAM Ahead – Native American Homes
Native Americans lived in a variety of homes. The type of home they built fit their culture and lifestyle. While learning about these different homes, put your engineering skills to the test and use materials provided to try to build a tipi, longhouse, wigwam, or other types of Native American shelters.

• December 3: Full STEAM Ahead – Gingerbread Cowboy Storytime at Cowboy Christmas
Join the Briscoe to celebrate the holidays with story time and a visit with Cowboy Claus. Families will listen to “The Gingerbread Cowboy” by Janet Squires. After the story, create a gingerbread cowboy of your own and make sure Cowboy Claus knows what you want for Christmas. Cowboy Christmas at the Briscoe is free holiday fun, making the Briscoe the perfect way to make holiday memories with your family.

The Briscoe is open Thursday through Monday, 10a.m. – 5p.m. and closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Admission is free for children 12 and under and for active duty members of the military. The museum is proud to participate in Museums For All, Blue Star Museums and Bank of America Museums on Us. The Briscoe is located on the south end of the River Walk, near the Arneson River Theatre and La Villita, with convenient parking at the Riverbend Garage directly adjacent to the museum or one of many downtown surface lots. Museum hours, parking and admission details are available online.

Red Bull brings world’s biggest Spanish freestyle rap competition to Fiesta San Antonio

The world’s largest Spanish freestyle rap competition takes over Paper Tiger with Red Bull Batalla Exhibición on April 20. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Red Bull Batalla – the world’s largest Spanish-language freestyle rap competition series – announces details for a special music concert and pop-up experience scheduled to take place during the opening night ceremonies of Fiesta San Antonio 2023 on Thursday, April 20. (Painting Pictures, 2023)

Leading up to the 2023 Batalla Regional Qualifier in Houston this summer, as well as the U.S. National Finals scheduled to take place later this year in November, this Red Bull Batalla Exhibición event will kick off from 10p.m. to 2a.m. at Paper Tiger (2410 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212) on the St. Mary’s Strip. Doors open at 9p.m.

The Thursday event is free to attend for music fans of all ages, although limited space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans are encouraged to RSVP to reserve their spot in advance.

Thursday night’s showcase will feature eight of the most dynamic Spanish-language lyricists that the USA has to offer, each of whom has held a championship title and was personally invited to participate in this special bracket-style tournament.

Participants representing Texas and beyond will travel to San Antonio to flex their lyrical skills and compete for the crown as they battle bar-for-bar. The initial list of participating MCs for the San Antonio Exhibición is listed below (in A-Z order):

Cuban (Texas)
Jordi (Texas)
Oner (Florida)
Reverse (Florida)
Yartzi (Puerto Rico)
Plus additional surprise guest MCs from Mexico and one to-be-announced competitor based on results from the TX Cup Championship in early April.

Omar Cadena, better known as Fluffy The Host will be hosting this San Antonio competition. DJ Lobo of the Texas-based Spanish-speaking rap battle league, Urban Rapstars, will serve as the official DJ for this event, with DJ Vinny set to perform as an opener.

Once the freestyle rap battling concludes, Texas’ very own Latin DJ collective and perpetual party-starters Peligrosa will close out the event with a special collaborative performance.

Throughout the evening event, patrons will be treated to several tasty cocktail concoctions curated by Red Bull, as well as free haircuts and beard trims courtesy of some of San Antonio’s premier barbers and hair stylists. Local barbers offering complimentary, cost-free cuts onsite as part of this barber shop pop-up experience include Sergio Barron, Adrian Barron, Faded Culture, Kurly Kutz, Koo Kutz Barber Shop, and more. This experience will be available first come, first serve starting at 9p.m. and running through the duration of the show while supplies last.

Following this event, there will be two more opportunities for aspiring MCs to compete in a series of regional cups and qualifier events across the country leading up to the USA National Final this fall and ultimately the 2023 World Final. Throughout these exciting proceedings, aspiring MCs will compete in one-on-one knockout battles to show off their best rhymes, wordplay, stage presence, and more as they battle amongst the best and most prestigious Spanish-speaking freestylers across the globe.

Since 2005, Red Bull Batalla has provided a platform for the best hip-hop improvisers in the Spanish-speaking world to connect, develop, and compete. Last December the historic Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City hosted the 2022 International Final where Mexico’s national champion Aczino took the title, making history as the competition’s first-ever triple World Champion.

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Night of Artists showcases the best of today’s western art

The Briscoe Western Art Museum’s annual exhibition and sale proves once again the strength of the genre. Opening weekend events take place March 24 – 25. Photo: Google

If you imagine Western art as dusty, historic relics of the past, you need to set your sights for San Antonio and the Biscoe Western Art Museum’s  2023 Night of Artists Exhibition and Sale, March 24-25. With the opportunity to view and purchase nearly 300 new works of painting, sculpture, and mixed media by 80 of the country’s leading contemporary Western artists, Night of Artists draws artists, collectors and art enthusiasts to the banks of the San Antonio River Walk for two days of unforgettable festivities kicking off one of the premier Western art exhibitions and sales in the world. Beyond the opening celebration, Night of Artists is a public exhibition and sale that spans six weeks at the Briscoe, March 26 – May 7, and is included with general admission to the museum. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2023)

The wide range of artwork reflect the vastness of the great American West. From scenic landscapes and inspired Native Americans, classic cowboys, and dazzling vaqueros, to stunning wildlife and detailed portraiture, Night of Artists features something for every art enthusiast. Some of the featured artists include Billy Schenck, Don Oelze, Z.S. Liang, C. Michael Dudash, George Hallmark, Kim Wiggins, Bonnie Marris, Michael Ome Untiedt, Teresa Elliot, and Jan Mapes.

Notable new artists participating this year include Jeremy Lipking, Eric Bowman, Glenn Dean, Dustin Van Wechel, Bob Guelich, Kevin Red Star and Tony Pro.

The Briscoe’s signature event and a must for any collector, Night of Artists, serves as the primary fundraiser for the museum, benefiting the Briscoe’s full array of exhibitions and programs throughout the year. The event’s two-day opening weekend kicks off with the annual Briscoe Bison Society Collectors Summit, where artists, collectors and gallery owners gather to share their insights during panel discussions and conversations exploring the Western art market and trends. Intended for everyone from the novice to the seasoned art collector, the panels feature nationally recognized Western artists, experts and gallery owners. The two-part summit takes place March 24 and March 25 at The Westin Riverwalk.

The Exhibition Preview, Dinner and Live Auction taking place in the Briscoe’s Jack Guenther Pavilion on the banks of the San Antonio River Walk unfolds on March 24 with an evening of cocktails in the Night of Artists exhibition, an elegant, seated dinner, and a spirited live auction. Conducted by Troy Black, the live auction features 35 separate works.

The Night of Artists Awards Luncheon takes place March 25, honoring the artists in this year’s exhibition and recognizing the annual award winners.

Night of Artists’ signature event, the Exhibition Opening, Art Sale and Reception, takes place March 25. This memorable evening includes the “Luck of the Draw” Art Sale, where works of art are available for purchase at a fixed price established by the artist. Attendees receive a ballot book and place an intent to purchase slip in the box next to a work of art they would like to purchase. When time expires, two slips are randomly drawn, allowing the first drawee the opportunity to purchase the piece or pass it along to the second drawee. All the excitement happens to the tune of live music under the stars in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden.

Tickets for all Night of Artists events are available online or by calling 210.299.4499. The Night of Artists public exhibition will be on display during regular museum hours March 26 – May 7 and is included in museum admission. Unsold works during opening weekend will be available for purchase both in-person and online.

San Antonio Book Festival announces author lineup and new event

San Antonio Book Festival, set for April 15, announces 2023 lineup for festival featuring 100 local, regional, and national authors. Photo: San Antonio Book Festival, used with permission.

The San Antonio Book Festival (SABF) is excited to announce its 2023 author lineup, which includes 100 notable local, regional, and national authors who will be participating in the festival. This year’s lineup includes nationally renowned authors such as Kiese Laymon, Geraldine Brooks, Melissa de la Cruz, Matthew Desmond, and more. The free festival will take place Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 9a.m. to 5p.m. at the Central Library and UTSA Southwest Campus in downtown San Antonio. (San Antonio Book Festival, 2023)

The full author lineup is now available. Locally owned and operated bookstore Nowhere Bookshop will be the Festival’s official bookseller. Book sales and signings will take place at the Nowhere Bookshop tent in the Festival Marketplace (UTSA Southwest Campus parking lot).

The 11th annual San Antonio Book Festival starts at 9a.m., and will officially kick off with an opening ceremony at 9:30a.m. featuring remarks from SABF’s executive director and Mayor Ron Nirenberg.

SABF is a free, family-friendly event that draws anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 festival goers to downtown San Antonio for a full day of author presentations, panel discussions, book sales, signings, children’s and teen activities, and food trucks. SABF showcases debut authors and established writers, introducing attendees to new literary talents and connecting them with their favorite authors. A detailed festival schedule will be available in late March. 

The 2023 SABF will assemble a wide array of authors—for all ages—who will travel across Texas and the nation for the one-day festival. 

“The past year in US publishing has been vibrant and varied. Readers sought romance books in greater numbers, thanks to the rise of BookTok (TikTok, but for book lovers). For the first time, we will have a romance panel at this year’s Book Festival. There’s also been a trend towards thriller and horror lately, with authors using the genre to discuss trauma and mental health, likely because the past few years have been so anxiety-provoking.” – Anna Dobben, the San Antonio Book Festival Literary Director. 

Joining the festival this year are award-winning authors like Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award Finalist Rebecca Makkai, who will be promoting her new book “I Have Some Questions for You,” a literary mystery set at a boarding school exploring gender, class, and race. Matthew Desmond, MacArthur Fellow and Pulitzer Prize–winning author of “Evicted,” will participate in the festival with his new nonfiction book “Poverty, By America,” a look at why poverty persists in America and who benefits from it. Marytza Rubio and Alejandro Varela will be promoting their 2023 National Book Award–honored novels. 

Popular young adult authors like Adam Silvera, author of the New York Times bestseller “They Both Die at the End,” will join the festival to promote “The First to Die at the End,” the prequel to the aforementioned novel about two strangers who spend a life-changing day together. New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz will also be promoting her new Snow White retelling, “Snow & Poison.”

Additional award-winning authors participating in this year’s festival include Pulitzer Prize–winning Geraldine Brooks promoting her book “Horse;” 2022 MacArthur Fellow Kiese Laymon and his memoir “Heavy;” New York Times bestselling author Stephen Graham Jones with a new thriller “Don’t Fear the Reaper;” and Pulitzer Prize–winning Jane Smiley with a new novel, “A Dangerous Business,” to name a few.

The festival will also bring plenty of Texas authors to the festival, such as bestselling author Jeff Guinn, who will be promoting his new book “Waco: David Koresh, the Branch Davidians, and a Legacy of Rage,” which accounts the disastrous siege at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco in 1993. Award-winning author Elizabeth McCracken will also participate in the festival with her new novel, “The Hero of This Book,” a story about a writer’s relationship with her larger-than-life mother. Poet Laureate of Houston, Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton will present her memoir, “Black Chameleon.” 

In honor of its hometown, SABF is also excited to welcome local San Antonio authors to the lineup for 2023, including Lewis F. Fisher and his book about one of the city’s most beloved natural areas, “Brackenridge: San Antonio’s Acclaimed Urban Park.” Marcia Argueta Mickelson brings her young adult novel, “The Weight of Everything,” to the festival, a story about grief and reconnecting with your roots after the death of a loved one. San Antonio favorite Sandra Cisneros will once again join the festival, this time to promote her first published collection of poems in twenty-eight years, “Woman Without Shame / Mujer sin vergüenza.” 

SABF will also host a variety of children’s, middle grade, and young adult authors, including National Book Award finalist Brandon Hobson, whose new middle grade book, “The Storyteller,” mixes the anxieties, friendships and wonders of a Cherokee boy’s life with Cherokee history and lore. Three-time Newbery honoree Christina Soontornvat brings her fantasy middle grade novel, “The Guardian Test: Legends of Lotus Island,” to the festival, a story about a special academy where kids learn to transform into magical creatures that protect the natural world. Children’s author Claudia Guadalupe Martinez will be promoting her bilingual picture  book, “Still Dreaming / Seguimos soñando,” a story about a child’s journey during the Mexican Repatriation. SABF’s children’s lineup also includes Newbery and Caldecott–honored creators Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham with a new picture book from their bestselling Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn series, “Party Hearty Kitty-Corn.”

This year SABF will also host a new 21+ event called Lit Happens on the evening of April 14, from 6p.m. to 9p.m. Lit Happens is a night of engaging literary entertainment with libations on the side. Taking place on the eve of the festival, Lit Happens is a celebration of storytelling and community in the heart of downtown San Antonio. The night will kick-off with an outdoor poetry activation featuring Jose Olivarez and San Antonio Poet Laureate Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson at 6p.m. The second phase of the evening at 7p.m. is Worth Repeating, a live storytelling event at Texas Public Radio. Stacked with San Antonio Book Festival authors, this Moth-style session will include writers Rafael Agustin, Mahogany L. Browne, Rebecca Makkai, and Stephen Graham Jones. The night will officially end with a game of Literary Death Match at 8p.m. with Texas-connected authors–V. Castro, Rubén Degollado, Bobby Finger, Jonny Garza Villa–at nearby Legacy Park. Those looking to extend the celebration can easily walk to several local bars. 

Book It! Luncheons will also be featured in this year’s programming. The SABF will host three separate intimate luncheons with festival authors hosted by various Book Festival board members. Our three luncheon authors are Ada Calhoun, Dean King, and Reza Aslan.

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San Antonio Book Festival

San Antonio Museum of Art hosts Spring Break Free Day

The San Antonio Museum of Art will have free admission and a day of family-friendly activities. Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art, used with permission.

The San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) invites the community to join them for Spring Break Free Day on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. The Museum will have free admission from 10a.m. to 7p.m. and a full slate of family-friendly activities from 10a.m. to 3p.m. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2023)

Visitors will be able to enjoy story time with the San Antonio Public Library; participate in gardening and planting activities with Gardopia; and pet alpacas from Black Barn Alpacas while youth DJs with the AM Project, an arts and digital music program for kids, keep the music flowing.

Visitors also will be able to take a guided tour of the exhibition Roman Landscapes: Visions of Nature and Myth from Rome and Pompeii, now on view in the Cowden Gallery; go on a scavenger hunt organized by the Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy; learn how mosaics are created with artists Oscar Alvarado and Armando Vasquez; and make leaf texture rubbings with the San Antonio River Foundation. The San Antonio Food Bank’s Mobile Mercado will hold cooking and nutrition demonstrations and provide free, locally grown produce to the first 130 families.

Refreshments will be available from on-site food trucks Love is Sweets, Tastes Like More, Cori Jean Ice Cream, and Akhanay Coffee Roasters.

Free Museum and Exhibition admission: 10a.m.–7p.m.
Artmaking and activities: 10a.m.–3p.m.

Participating Community Partners:
San Antonio Public Library
Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy
The AM Project
Oscar Alvarado (Artist)
Armando Vasquez (Artist)
Love is Sweets
San Antonio River Foundation
Tastes Like More (Food Truck)
Cori Jean Ice Cream (Food Truck)
Akhanay Coffee (Food Truck)
Dream Partiezzz Tots
San Antonio Audubon Society
Gardopia Gardens
Black Barn Alpacas
Mobile Mercado San Antonio Food Bank
SAMA Free Little Library

The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum to explore and connect with art that spans the world’s geographies, artistic periods, genres, and cultures. Its collection contains nearly 30,000 works representing 5,000 years of history. Housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of San Antonio’s River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art is committed to promoting the rich cultural heritage and life of the city. The Museum hosts hundreds of events and public programs each year, including concerts, performances, tours, lectures, symposia, and interactive experiences. As an active civic leader, the Museum is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the city and the region, and to supporting its creative community.

Events at San Antonio Museum of Art to celebrate latest exhibition

The San Antonio Museum of Art’s latest exhibition Roman Landscapes: Visions of Nature and Myth from Rome and Pompeii runs through May 21, 2023. Photo: Google

The San Antonio Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, Roman Landscapes: Visions of Nature and Myth from Rome and Pompeii, opened February 24 and continues through May 21, 2023. During its run, the Museum will offer a variety of related programming in collaboration with community partners including lectures in conjunction with Trinity University, a performance by OPERA San Antonio, a fashion show with custom clothier Limatus Bespoke, inspired menu items at Tre Trattoria, and a tasting with the San Antonio Botanical Garden. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2023)

Self-Guided Audio Tours
Exhibition visitors will have the opportunity to take a self-guided audio tour that offers in-depth knowledge of landscapes and their impact and importance to the community. Audio will be provided by local experts in environmental issues, indigeneity, geology, flora and fauna, and more.

Tre Trattoria Exhibition-Inspired Menu Items
Inspired by Tuscan hillsides, Tre Trattoria – housed inside SAMA – will offer a special menu throughout the exhibition. Offerings will include Deviled Eggs “Carbonara,” consisting of Kewpie mayo, Parmigiano-Reggiano, black pepper, crispy guanciale and white truffle oil; Gnocchi Cacio y Pepe; Spaghetti All’Amatriciana; and a refreshing Strawberry Campari Spritz.

Limatus Bespoke x SAMA Fashion Show
Thursday, March 2, 2023 | 6p.m. – 8p.m. | Tickets: $35 | Front Row VIP: $60

Fashion meets art at this exclusive showing of Limatus Bespoke’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection inspired by the exhibition. Attendees can enjoy sips, art, music by Steven Lee Moya, and a one-night-only fashion show.

Evening for Educators: Reimagining the World Around Us
Tuesday, March 7, 2023 | 4:30p.m. – 6:30p.m. | Free
Enjoy a guided gallery experience with Dr. Leticia Rodriguez, visiting assistant professor of classical archaeology at Trinity University, connect with colleagues from throughout the city, and experiment with hands-on art activities to share in your teaching practice.

Free Spring Break Family Day: Roman Landscapes
Tuesday, March 14, 2023 | Free Museum and Exhibition Admission 10a.m. – 7p.m.
Art activities: 10a.m. – 3p.m.
Explore art-making experiences, story times, food vendors, performances, and more as part of SAMA’s Spring Break Family Day celebrating Roman Landscapes.

Concert with the Yale Whiffenpoofs
Sunday, March 19, 2023 | 11a.m. – Noon | Free with Museum Admission
Join the Yale Whiffenpoofs for a morning of music at SAMA. Every year, fourteen senior Yale students are selected to be in the Whiffenpoofs – the world’s oldest and best-known collegiate a cappella group. Singing a mixture of old Yale tunes, jazz standards, and other hits from across the decades, the Whiffenpoofs perform more than 200 concerts across six continents each year.

Landscapes by Boat with San Antonio River Foundation’s Frates Seeligson
Sunday, March 26, 2023 | 1p.m. – 2p.m. | Members: $25 | Non-Members: $35
In celebration of Roman Landscapes, SAMA has partnered with the San Antonio River Foundation for a special river boat tour. Frates Seeligson, executive director of the foundation, will lead an hour-long excursion focusing on the San Antonio River and how the natural landscape has shaped our community. Arrive early to experience Roman Landscapes before the tour and make connections between the ancient Romans’ relationship with the environment and our relationship with the South Texas landscape.

Lennox Seminar Lecture Series
The Lennox Seminar Lecture Series brings nationally recognized speakers to Trinity University’s campus for a variety of topics. This year, the series has partnered with SAMA and will feature lectures focusing on art, nature, and myth in Roman landscapes.

Lectures include:
Beyond the Picturesque: Personification as Landscape in Roman Visual Culture Friday, March 31, 2023 | 6p.m. – 7p.m.
Members, Educators, and Students: Free | Non-Members: $5

Join Jaś Elsner, professor of late antique art at Oxford University, for a lecture examining the place of personification in Roman landscape imagery.

Additional Lennox Lectures at Trinity University:
Bettina Bergmann, Professor Emeritus of Art History at Mount Holyoke College
Caitlín Barrett, Archaeologist and Associate Professor of Classics at Cornell University
Rachel Foulk, Professor of Art History at Ferris State University

Ancient Roman Recipes with the San Antonio Botanical Garden
Sunday, April 16, 2023 | 2p.m. – 3:30p.m.
Museum and Garden Members: $40 | Non-Members: $45
San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place

Learn about the flora and fauna featured in the works in the special exhibition Roman Landscapes and partake in dishes that bring together true Roman ingredients and a local spread of foraged greens, jams, winter pickles, meats, breads, and luxury desserts. Adult beverage included. Ages 21+.

Texas Scholars Dig Roman Villas
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 | 6p.m. – 7p.m.
Members, Educators, and Students: Free | Non-Members: $5

Join scholars John R. Clarke (University of Texas at Austin) and Thomas Noble Howe (Southwestern University) for a presentation about their work exploring, documenting, and preserving luxurious Roman villas destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.

SongScapes of Opera
Friday, May 12, 2023 | 7p.m. | Members: $15 | Non-Members: $20
The performance will highlight pieces from the standard classical repertoire as well as songs by composers from traditionally underrepresented populations. Opera singer and recitalist Bronwyn White will provide a short lecture about each piece before it is performed, including a brief translation, an interesting aspect of its history, musicality, subject, or place in the composer’s life, and how each song ties into the theme of SongScapes.