Category: community events

Hotel Contessa announces Fiesta programming

Hotel Contessa announces River Parade tickets for sale, programming, food and drink specials, and more. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Hotel Contessa is excited to announce its programming during Fiesta (March 31 – April 10) including river parade tickets and dinner tickets, free live music, specialty cocktails, and more. (Hotel Contessa, 2022)

Texas Cavaliers River Parade Tickets – The hotel will be selling ticket packages for the Texas Cavaliers River Parade on April 4. Hotel Contessa is selling tickets for three different viewing areas at the hotel, including riverside seats, patio seating at Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails, and the hotel’s River Terrace. All have direct views of the River Walk and access to the parade. All tickets feature food and beverage options. To view and purchase the specific ticket packages see here.

Prefix Dinner during Texas Cavaliers River Parade – Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will host a special prefix dinner during the Texas Cavaliers River Parade on Monday, April 4, beginning at 7p.m. Guests will be treated to a three course dinner along with a carafe of cucumber margarita. Tickets are $150 a person and include direct access and views of the Texas Cavaliers River Parade, dinner, carafe of margarita, gratuity, tax, and valet parking. Children have the option to choose from the kids menu. Guests have the option to purchase a table. Tables sit four and are $600.00. Tickets for the dinner are available here.

Live Music During Fiesta – Hotel Contessa will feature free live music in the hotel’s atrium on the River Walk level on Thursdays – Sundays throughout Fiesta. The public and hotel guests alike can enjoy dinner and drinks while taking in the sounds of Fiesta.

The live music schedule includes:

  • Thursday, March 31 – live mariachi music, stilt walkers, and folkloric dancers
  • Friday, April 1 – live mariachi music
  • Saturday, April 2 – Brandon Padier
  • Sunday, April 3 – Randy Cordero
  • Monday, April 4 – Michael Alanis 
  • Thursday, April 7 – live mariachi music, stilt walkers, and folkloric dancers
  • Friday, April 8 – live mariachi music
  • Saturday, April 9 – TBA
  • Sunday, April 10 – Weston Ripps

Specialty Fiesta-themed Cocktail Menu – Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will feature five curated cocktails from March 31 through April 15 to honor San Antonio’s favorite party. Representatives from Deep Eddy Vodka and Austin Cocktails will also be onsite throughout Fiesta to offer tastings to the public and hotel guests.

Hotel Contessa Fiesta Medals – Hotel Contessa will be selling its Fiesta medals for $10 at Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails while inventory is available.

Immersive Van Gogh exhibition secures San Antonio venue

After securing a venue, the opening date for Immersive Van Gogh San Antonio has been rescheduled for May 26. Photo: Lighthouse Immersive, used with permission.

Lighthouse Immersive, the producers behind the blockbuster Immersive Van Gogh exhibition, announced a venue and new opening date for Immersive Van Gogh San Antonio. The new Lighthouse ArtSpace San Antonio will open at 221 Burleson in Dignowity Hill, a few blocks from the San Antonio Museum of Art, on Thursday, May 26 and will run through September 5, 2022. (Lighthouse Immersive, 2022)

“We sincerely apologize for the delay. A proper venue for these unique immersive experiences needs to satisfy a long list of criteria, and locating an optimal space in San Antonio has presented some challenges. With the help of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, however, we have finally found a venue that suits all of our needs and we are on-track to open May 26. We would like to extend our gratitude to our patrons for their patience and to the Tobin Center for getting us situated.” – Corey Ross, producer at Lighthouse Immersive

The new Lighthouse ArtSpace will transform the former industrial space into a welcoming gallery to showcase the breathtaking animated projections of Vincent van Gogh’s work, set to a sumptuous musical score featuring both contemporary and classical music. The venue offers high ceilings so that Van Gogh’s art will tower over viewers. Lighthouse ArtSpace San Antonio is easily accessible near the intersection of I-35 and I-281 and offers ample parking. Lighthouse Immersive’s Global Creative Director David Korins, best known for his work on the musicals Hamilton and Dear Even Hansen, will outfit the venue with interactive elements that will provide audiences with a richer understanding of Van Gogh.

Lighthouse Immersive has opened 16 Lighthouse ArtSpaces across North America, gallery spaces dedicated to immersive art presentations that merge the boundaries between entertainment and culture to give visitors the sense that they are immersed within the artwork, interacting with art as never before. The Lone Star State already has two Lighthouse ArtSpace venues in Dallas and Houston, where more than 200,000 visitors have already experienced Immersive Van Gogh, and some have had a chance to experience the new Immersive Frida Kahlo exhibition.

Ticketholders for dates prior to May 26 will be contacted by Lighthouse Immersive over email with a set of tickets for an alternative date. If the new date is not optimal, ticketholders can easily reschedule. If they are unable to attend, they will be instructed on how to receive a full refund.

Immersive Van Gogh is a visually spectacular digital art exhibition that has received widespread critical acclaim throughout North America. Immersive Van Gogh invites audiences to “step inside” the iconic works of post-Impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh, evoking his highly emotional and chaotic inner consciousness through art, light, music, movement and imagination. The Italian creative team have custom designed their vision to fit the unique architecture of each Immersive Van Gogh venue.

The touring exhibition has sold over 4.6 million tickets across North America, securing its place as one of the most sought-after attractions on the continent. Featuring state-of-the-art technology and immersive storytelling, Immersive Van Gogh has been called “a mesmerizing interactive experience” by Architectural Digest and “breathtaking” by NBC’s TODAY Show, with the New York Times calling it an “artistic spectacle.”

Ticket prices start at $39.99 ($24.99 for children 16 or younger), with timed and flexible ticket options available.

 

Tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar at the Majestic Theatre on sale Friday

The company of the North American Tour of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar.’ Photo: Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman, used with permission.

Following critically acclaimed, sold-out engagements in the UK, the reimagined 50th Anniversary tour of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ will come to the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, TX from July 5-10, 2022. Tickets to the 2017 Olivier awarding-winning production from Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre go on sale to the general public on Friday March 25, 2022 at 10a.m. through the Majestic Theatre, Broadway in San Antonio, or in person at the Majestic Theatre box office. (Broadway in San Antonio, 2022)

Aaron LaVigne leads the show as Jesus, joined by Jenna Rubaii as Mary. Omar Lopez-Cepero joins the cast as Judas. The tour also features Alvin Crawford as Caiphas, Tommy Sherlock as Pilate, and Tyce Green as Annas. Pepe Nufrio returns to the tour as the standby for Jesus and Judas.

The ensemble includes David Andre, Sara Andreas, Courtney Arango, Wesley J. Barnes, Milena J. Comeau, Lydia Ruth Dawson, Derek Ferguson, Brian Golub, Brittany Rose Hammond, Garfield Hammonds, Quiana Holmes, Darrell T. Joe, Sheila Jones, Jacob Lacopo, Paul Louis Lessard, Eric A. Lewis, Tommy McDowell, Danny McHugh, Jenny Mollet, Sarah Parker, Erick Patrick, SandyRedd, Cooper Stanton, and Chelsea Williams.

Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, acclaimed director Timothy Sheader and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie helm the North American tour of this iconic musical. Rounding out the creative team is set and costume design by 2016 Tony Award nominee Tom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Keith Caggiano and Nick Lidster, with music supervision by Tom Deering and North American music supervisor David Holcenberg.

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him,’ ‘Gethsemane,’ and ‘Superstar.”

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ is a proven musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. As demonstrated by NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, this epic work attracted over 9.6 million viewers, earned the highest ratings in its time period, and received the highest critical ranking of any live musical event on network TV. On September 17, 2021, a variety of special edition Jesus Christ Superstar albums, remastered at Abbey Road, were released. These special anniversary editions are a celebration of the original 1970 double concept album and it’s continued success spanning an incredible 50 years.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, selling out two consecutive engagements in 2016 and 2017. The production played a West End engagement at the Barbican in 2019 before returning to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in concert version during the summer of 2020.

The North American tour of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ is produced by Stephen Gabriel and Work Light Productions, and will have traveled to more than 50 cities during its three-year run. The original production was produced by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

San Antonio Charter Moms hosting School Discovery Day event

The School Discovery Day will be held on Saturday March 26 at Greenline at Brooks. Photo: San Antonio Charter Moms, used with permission.

With San Antonio being home to hundreds of choice schools with many more under construction, parents have a world of options to choose from. However, it can be a very overwhelming process to navigate. San Antonio Charter Moms, the most trusted information source on education in the region, helps thousands of parents through the search process every year. This Saturday March 26 from 10a.m. to 2p.m., SACM is hosting the final School Discovery Day from their school fair event series. To be held at Greenline at Brooks, families will be able to visit with 17 top choice schools from San Antonio, get hands on advice from SA Charter Moms on how to navigate the search process, and enjoy free, family, friendly entertainment. (San Antonio Charter Moms, 2022)

The pandemic forced parents to be more engaged in their children’s education, causing many families to re-evaluate their school choices. All this change and turmoil has caused an uncharacteristically high number of openings in area charter and choice schools. Higher acceptance rates and shorter waitlists have brought good news to many families. As in-person enrollment regains pre-pandemic traction, navigating the application waters can seem like a game of musical chairs—and being prepared when the music stops is key. San Antonio Charter Moms has done the homework to ease anxiety and confusion and to guide parents and caregivers in securing at least one high-quality school that will be a good fit for their learner. The following are inside tips from San Antonio Charter Moms founder Inga Cotton. Follow these tips to increase your chances of a successful application process.

Charter school application forms are short, simple, and require no fee. However, timing can make all the difference in determining the best chances of receiving one, or ideally, multiple offers. The most important first step in achieving success is to begin the process early, early, early.

  • 9-12 months before start of school season: Research school options, develop a shortlist of appealing schools, and make note of open enrollment start and end dates as well as lottery details. Sign up on interest lists to receive notifications of important deadlines.
  • 6-9 months before start of school season: Submit applications to all schools on your wish list during their respective open enrollment periods for entry into the admissions lottery. Applications received after open enrollment periods are added to the bottom of the waiting list.
  • 3-6 months before start of school season: Monitor application feedback for offers of enrollment or waitlist placement. Consider any enrollment offers while continuing to gather school information, keeping in mind that waitlist positions may improve as others ahead in line decline offers.
  • 0-3 months before start of school season: You will hopefully have received at least one offer that fits your criteria. Once you make a final decision, be sure to decline any previously accepted offers promptly.

Challenging factors come into play when applying for charter school enrollment. Lotteries are based on random selection—apart from children of employees and siblings of current students. Waitlists can be overwhelmingly long and do not roll over, requiring families to re-apply each year. While frustrating, there are strategies for gaining more control and pointing the odds in your favor.

  • Apply for a school’s starting grade and during transition years. For your child’s best chance to enroll in a K-12 public charter school, apply for kindergarten, as opposed to first grade where most of those slots will be filled by existing, reenrolling students. Applying for middle and high school transition grades (sixth and ninth) – junctures when students commonly switch schools – can also open opportunities.
  • Apply to multiple schools. We recommend submitting three to five applications to improve your chances of receiving at least one enrollment offer in time for the start of the school year. You can accept an offer from your second choice while hoping your child will move up the waitlist at your first choice.
  • Respond quickly. A public charter school will typically mass email on lottery day notifying families about their enrollment or waitlist status. As the first day of school approaches—and passes—schools will ask for a faster response to offers, oftentimes within a day or two. Nimble parents who proactively monitor their student’s application status will be ready to act when schools communicate with them.

San Antonio Charter Moms exists to help parents make informed decisions when searching for the best program that fits their child’s educational needs. These resources are for you.

San Antonio Charter Moms (SACM) began as a blog in 2012 when founder Inga Cotton was inspired to help San Antonio families more easily find good information about high-quality school options. Starting with a focus on the growing local charter school offerings, the blog has evolved into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that shares fair information about all types of schools. Established in 2018 as a nonprofit, SACM can accept funding that enables it to grow in ways that support accomplishing its mission of being the most trusted information source on education in the region. This growth includes Spanish-language blog post translations, surveying target publics, holding meetings with decisionmakers, supporting public speaking, community outreach and enhancing mobile technology.

Briscoe Western Art Museum unveils 2022 Night of Artists

The annual exhibition and sale that celebrates the beauty and spirit of the west returns to full schedule. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum proudly welcomes Western artists and collectors to celebrate the vibrancy of Western art during the museum’s 2022 Night of Artists Exhibition and Sale, on March 25-26 in San Antonio. With the opportunity to view and purchase nearly 300 new works of painting, sculpture and mixed media by 78 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 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 27 – May 8, and is included with general admission to the museum. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2022)

“After the last two years, which included the temporary closure of the museum and an online celebration of Night of Artists, the opportunity to celebrate the beauty and impact of the rich stories shared through Western art is especially welcome. Now more than ever, the importance of art in our lives cannot be understated and the fantastic artists and the remarkable works featured this year deserve to be celebrated. We are honored to work with a premier showcase of emerging and well-renowned contemporary Western artists and grateful to the collectors and buyers who recognize the quality of the works showcased.” – Michael Duchemin, President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum

The wide range of artwork reflects 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 to enjoy. Some of the featured artists include Mary Ross Buchholz, C. Michael Dudash, Teresa Elliott, Martin Grelle, George Hallmark, Z.S. Liang, Kenny McKenna, Jan Mapes, Don Oelze, Paul Rhymer, Stefan Savides, Billy Schenck, Michael Ome Untiedt, Kim Wiggins, and Xiang Zhang. Notable new artists participating this year include Teal Blake, Nancy Cawdrey, Donna Howell-Sickles, Brenda Kingery, Dave LaMure, Jr., Joshua LaRock, Bruce Lawes, and Jim Vogel.

Night of Artists is a 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. The two-part summit takes place March 25 and March 26 at The Westin Riverwalk. Intended for everyone from novice to seasoned art collectors, the panels feature nationally recognized Western artists, experts and gallery owners.

The Exhibition Preview, Dinner and Live Auction unfolds March 25 with an evening of cocktails in the Night of Artists exhibition, an elegant, seated dinner and a vivacious live auction. Conducted by Troy Black, the live auction features 32 separate works. The evening takes place in the Briscoe’s Jack Guenther Pavilion on the banks of the San Antonio River Walk.

New to this year’s schedule, the Night of Artists Awards Luncheon takes place March 26, 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 26. 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 are provided with a ballot book and may place an intent to purchase slip in the box by 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 27 – May 8 and is included in museum admission. Works that are not sold through opening weekend will be available for purchase both in-person and online.

Preserving and presenting the art, history and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, educational programs and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is located on the San Antonio River Walk at 210 W. Market Street in the beautifully restored 1930s former San Antonio Public Library building. Named in honor of the late Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. and his wife, Janey Slaughter Briscoe, the museum includes the three-story Jack Guenther Pavilion, used for event rentals and programs, and the outdoor McNutt Sculpture Garden.

Thompson San Antonio Spa introduces self-care spa promotions

With these upcoming promotions, San Antonio residents and travelers alike will be feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and restored. Photo: Thompson San Antonio Spa, used with permission.

Thompson San Antonio Spa will be promoting all things self-care with upcoming deals this Spring. The hotel’s expertly crafted 5,000 square-foot spa features five treatment rooms, intimate relaxation areas, a steam room, and a sauna. (Thompson San Antonio Spa, 2022)

The full-service spa is now opening their doors 7-days a week, with exciting, new deals that will help guests, and locals alike, achieve their ultimate wellness goals. With Spring Break around the corner, from March 11-20, Thompson San Antonio Spa will be offering 25% off any a la carte treatments for all teachers and administrators with a valid school ID.

Continuing into Spring, from April 8 – May 8, the spa will be offering a $20 Complimentary Spa Voucher to those who purchase a $125 gift card. With Mother’s Day on May 8, this is the perfect excuse to give the gift of self-care not only to your mom, but to treat yourself as well.

As June approaches, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk Spa will be relaunching their new Membership Program, which will be even more elevated this year with 50% off the first month of either Silver or Gold monthly memberships, and pool usage at the hotel’s luxurious Cenote Pool Deck. Step out onto the pool deck and sun terrace, complete with an alfresco bar, incredible city views, plush lounge seating, and private cabanas. Silver Card Members, for $299 a month, will receive numerous treatments, complimentary fitness classes, access to the steam room and sauna, and much more. Gold VIP Card members, for $499 a month, will receive all Silver Card Member inclusions plus a complimentary 50-minute Birthday Treatment, four complimentary guest passes per year, a complimentary hotel night stay, and endless perks.

Lastly, the spa will be taking care of those who take care of us with a 25% off any a la carte treatments for first responders who show a valid ID.

The Classic Theatre presents ‘A Doll’s House, Part 2’

‘A Doll’s House, Part 2’ opens on Thursday March 10 at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Photo: sRagnar Fotografi

Calling all theatre lovers! The Classic Theatre will kick off its first outdoor production of the year with the Tony-nominated play, ‘A Doll’s House, Part 2,’ which will run from March 10-27, 2022 and stars local favorites Anna Gangai and Vic Treviño. Outdoor and COVID-safe performances will be held Thursday, Friday, and Sunday evenings at the San Antonio Botanical Garden beginning at 7:30p.m. Join us after the opening night performance (Thursday, March 10) for a complimentary glass of champagne, as you meet and mingle with the cast, crew, staff, and board members of The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. (Classic Theatre, 2022)

The play picks up where the original ‘A Doll’s House,’ created by Henrik Ibsen and embraced by activists throughout the last century, leaves off. And no, you do not have to see the original play in order to enjoy the fiery debate in this rich sequel. Hnath takes away the century-long guesswork of what might have become of our lead character, Nora, after ‘A Doll’s House’ concludes. Wit, artistry, and raw emotion make this piece as impactful as the original drama, especially in this era of “Me too.”

The synopsis of ‘A Doll’s House, Part 2’ from Playbill.com reads, “In the final scene of Ibsen’s 1879 ground-breaking masterwork, Nora Helmer makes the shocking decision to leave her husband and children, and begin a life on her own. This climactic event — when Nora slams the door on everything in her life — instantly propelled world drama into the modern age. In ‘A Doll’s House, Part 2,’ many years have passed since Nora’s exit. Now, there is a knock on that same door. Nora has returned. But why? And what will it mean for those she left behind?”

Enjoy a thought-provoking and extraordinary evening as you watch Nora, one of our most important dramatic heroines, return to the home and family she left all those years ago. What will she find? And what will you find as you reexamine her story?

Tickets for ‘A Doll’s House, Part 2’ are available online. This production will feature an ASL interpreted evening on March 25, 2022. Please visit The Classic’s website and social media pages for additional events tied to this show.

Guests are asked to bring their own chairs and blankets to the performance. The Classic Theatre will have masks and chairs available for purchase if needed. Masks are required.

San Antonio Botanical Garden
555 Funston Place
San Antonio, TX 78209

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is a small nonprofit professional theatre in San Antonio, Texas that is committed to producing excellent theatre that is relevant, diverse, entertaining and transformative. The theatre produces five main stage shows a year, along with a Second Series of smaller productions in partnership with local and national artists. Founded in 2008 by Chris Cheever, Asia Ciaravino, Anthony Ciaravino, Diane Malone, Rick Malone, Terri Peña Ross, and Allan S. Ross; The Classic Theatre has earned more than 70 Alamo Theatre Arts Council (ATAC) Awards and works with The Actor’s Equity Association.

County Line Community Band’s upcoming concert

The County Line Community Band will perform their ‘Composers Tribute Concert’ on March 20, 2022. Photo: County Line Community Band

On Sunday, March 20, 2022, the County Line Community Band will perform their “Composers Tribute Concert” in the beautiful Buena Vista Theater on the UTSA Downtown Campus from 3p.m. to 4p.m. This concert will feature music from San Antonio native Charles L. Booker who is a retired US Army Bandmaster and professor of music. Mr. Booker is a nationally recognized composer who recently was commissioned by the Texas Bandmasters Association to write a new composition in celebration of their 75th Anniversary this summer. This concert is free and open to the public. (County Line Community Band, 2022)

The County Line Community Band’s mission and endeavor is to create an environment whereby our all-volunteer organization can further their musical education and enjoyment through the performance of concert and symphonic music, to further the efficacy of music as an integral piece of the culture of the local community, to advocate for the synergistic integration of music education, to work with our cultural partners in our communities for the advancement of the arts and to be a source of pride for our members and the communities we serve.

In related news, the Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association will hold its first ever Community Band Music Festival on Saturday March 26, 2022 from 11:30a.m. to 8p.m. The GSACBA is composed of nine community bands in the San Antonio area and they have all teamed up to present some amazing wind band music for the public. They have partnered with the Beethoven Maennerchor to present this festival on their campus in the King William district. (422 Pereida St, San Antonio, TX 78207). (Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association, 2022)

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: synergize the efforts of community bands in the greater San Antonio area, establish and manage the community bands music festival, harmonize efforts for musician recruitment among bands, offer performance planning coordination among bands, organize collaborative ventures with composers and arrangers, spearhead innovative fundraising initiatives and coordinate joint musical performance opportunities.

Birds, Bees & Butterflies event at Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort

Birds, Bees & Butterflies will take place at Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort over a two month period starting March 1, 2022. Photo: Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort, used with permission.

Learn about Texas birds, bees, butterflies, and the plant life that support them during a two month-long special event at Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort from March 1 through April 30, 2022. With 100 family-friendly activities, Birds, Bees & Butterflies will shine a light on education and conservation through hands-on activities and fascinating presentations. (Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort, 2022)

With 100% volunteer participation from local and regional experts, associations, and businesses, nearly all activities are free to overnight guests. The general public is welcome to pay a day-use park fee to access the nature park during these activities and enjoy other amenities like the nature trails and private lakefront.

Activities include six different themed nature walks, two synchronized group butterfly releases, numerous photo safaris, seed planting for pollinators, several nature crafts, watching an observational beehive, building, and flying butterfly kites (did you know the wind is a pollinator?), and an interactive bird beak buffet to demonstrate how different birds use their beaks.

Presentation topics include landscaping to promote pollinators, the relationship between deer management and bird habitat, monarch butterflies 101, the life of the hive, “hoo’s” in your neighborhood, rethink your landscape, what are native plants, intro to bees in Texas, and the Hives for Heroes a program empowering Veterans as they transition away from a life of service through beekeeping and honeybee conservation. In addition, the day-use park fee for veterans is a reduced fee.

Photo safaris promise to be popular activities as they combine the popular hobbies of nature photography and wildlife. The hive dive experience is restricted to beginner and intermediate beekeepers wearing a full beekeeper’s outfit. The opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional is invaluable as new-bees grow their skills. Several bee observation hives will be available for viewing to the public, along with Q&A with bee experts.

The Big Sit is a semi-competitive international group birding activity started in 1992 by a New Haven, CT, birding club. Participants observe and document birds from within a 50 ft. circle and report their findings through eBird, a free app. Three respected local birders will lead the Canyon of the Eagles team on Monday, April 18, from 7a.m. to 9a.m. and 4p.m. to 7p.m. People with and without birding experience are all welcome – this is an excellent introduction to the camaraderie and fun of birdwatching.

Another highlight of Birds, Bees & Butterflies, held on April 30, the final day of the two month-long special event, is the City-Nature Challenge. This is a Texas Parks and Wildlife program encouraging folks to get out and enjoy nature while documenting what they see through the use of the free iNaturalist app. This friendly competition pits regions in Texas against one another.

There will be two synchronized releases of butterflies into nature in honor of loved ones, hopes, dreams, and wishes on Monday, March 14 (reserve via email by March 3) and Saturday, April 16 (reserve via email by April 4). Both releases will be from 1p.m to 2p.m. with reservations available by email. Butterflies are $5 each. Participants are encouraged to linger and watch the butterflies find their way into nature.

Special thanks to Highland Lakes Master Gardeners, Marble Falls Master Naturalists, Capital Area Master Naturalists, Highland Lakes Chapter of the Native Plant Society, All Things Wild Rehabilitation, AgriLife for Burnet County, Texas Beekeepers Association, Hives for Heroes, Texas A&M Beekeeping Program, University of Texas, Texas Parks & Wildlife, McKane Apiary Service & Bee Removal, Woodlynns Farm, Luedecke Photography, and Fain’s Honey.

Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort is a 940-acre nature park located in the Texas Hill Country. It is home to 16 miles of groomed nature trails, three miles of private lakefront on Lake Buchanan, the Eagle Eye Observatory, and Overlook Restaurant. Located within the Edwards Plateau region, the park is the nesting ground for Golden-cheeked Warblers, Black-capped Vireo, and American Bald Eagle. To learn more about the programs and to book reservations for guestrooms, RV sites, and tent campsites, please visit Canyon of the Eagles online. 

PechaKucha San Antonio at the San Antonio Botanical Garden

PechaKucha returns for its first in-person event in two years. Photo: Jessica Giesey, used with permission.

PechaKucha San Antonio – the global arts and culture series that hosts speakers who share their passions in a unique format – is excited to announce its first in-person event after a two year hiatus due to the pandemic. The outdoor event is scheduled for Thursday, March 3, 2022, for the first time at the Betty Kelso Center lawn at the San Antonio Botanical Garden (555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209). The night begins with a welcome reception at 6:30p.m., followed by presentations starting at 7:30p.m. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2022)

Vol. 40 will feature a talented group of locals. The seven presenters include:

  • Maeve Bassett, Applied Ethnobotanist
  • Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin, Best Quality Daughter
  • Heyd Fontenot, Artist (*mature content)
  • Mara Nathan, Rabbi
  • Erika Prosper, First Lady of San Antonio
  • Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson, Poet Laureate
  • Tyler Ybarra, Coffee Pioneer

Emcee for the evening will be local musician and PechaKucha SA former presenter Alyson Alonzo. The welcome reception will feature music by DJ Anita Boogie and complimentary bites curated by local chefs and restaurants including Naco 210 Mexican Eatery & Patio, Bandit BBQ, Bakery Lorraine and Jardin. The event will also feature a cash bar. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the door. Advance tickets are available HERE. 

PechaKucha San Antonio would not be possible without the support of annual sponsors, including:

  • Centro Properties
  • San Antonio Food Bank
  • Schroeder Art
  • Lake Flato Architects
  • San Antonio River Foundation
  • Zurich International Properties
  • Southwest School of Art
  • RYNO General Contractors
  • 500 Sixth

In-Kind sponsors for the event include: 

  • San Antonio Botanical Garden
  • Naco 210 Mexican Eatery & Patio
  • Bandit BBQ
  • Bakery Lorraine
  • Jardin
  • Josh Huskin Photography
  • AiAdvertising
  • Giant Noise
  • Sprocket Productions
  • Slab Cinema
  • Direct Motion Technologies
  • Gary Sweeney
  • Alejandro Dehoyos

PechaKucha San Antonio is presented in partnership with the Las Casas Foundation. For more information about PechaKucha, visit PechaKucha online and follow along on Facebook and Instagram. 

Pronounced “PEH-chuh KOO-chuh,” PechaKucha is a 20 image x 20 second arts and cultures series. We host speakers who share their passions in a unique format: Each presenter gets exactly 20 images, and each slide advances automatically every 20 seconds (for a total time of 6:40). San Antonio’s first quarterly PechaKucha Night was held in February 2011 and now attracts hundreds of attendees to venues throughout San Antonio. It highlights a broad range of individuals, including architects, artists, makers, academics, community leaders and more. PechaKucha (Japanese for “chit chat”) is an event format developed by Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture to encourage creative professionals to share projects and ideas that they are passionate about. Since it began in 2003, PechaKucha has expanded to more than 1200 cities around the world.