Category: community events

Gianmarco Soresi’s ‘Drama King’ Tour Hits San Antonio This September

Comedian Gianmarco Soresi brings his comedy tour to the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club. Photo: Jim Cambridge, used with permission.

Gianmarco Soresi Brings His “Drama King” Tour to San Antonio

📅 September 12–14, 2025
📍 Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club – San Antonio, TX

Comedy fans in San Antonio, get ready—Gianmarco Soresi, the quick-witted comedian, actor, and viral social media sensation, is bringing his Drama King Tour to the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club for three nights of sharp, high-energy stand-up. (Shark Party Media, 2025)

A Comedian on the Rise

Fresh off being named one of Vulture’s “Comedians You Should and Will Know” and Deadline’s “Comedians Ready to Break Out in 2025,” Soresi is making waves in the comedy world. He recently hit 1 million YouTube subscribers and taped his first hour-long comedy special at Los Angeles’ Elysian Theater—release details coming later this year.

The Gianmarco Style

Known for his razor-sharp societal observations and animated, upbeat-yet-dark comedic style, Soresi has earned praise from NPR, Esquire, The Atlantic, Buzzfeed, ABC News, and more. He’s performed on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Comedy Central, Don’t Tell Comedy, and even The Real Housewives of New York.

His acting credits include Billy Crystal’s Here Today, Netflix’s Bonding, Hustlers, and The Last OG. In 2022, he was selected as a JFL New Face, cementing his spot as one of comedy’s must-watch performers.

Beyond the Stage

When he’s not touring, Soresi keeps busy in NYC with:

  • The Silver Lining – his recurring new-material showcase with guest comics
  • The Downside with Gianmarco Soresi – a live podcast with co-host Russell Daniels and special guests
  • A set on Netflix’s Verified Stand-Up

🎟 Show Details

Venue: Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
📍 618 Northwest Loop 410 #312, San Antonio, TX 78216

Dates & Times:

  • Sept 12: 7:30p.m. & 9:45p.m.
  • Sept 13: 7p.m. & 9:30p.m.
  • Sept 14: 7:30p.m.

Tickets: Get them here

If you like comedy that’s fast, fearless, and a little bit dark, you won’t want to miss Gianmarco Soresi live in San Antonio.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Alternative Nation: Chicago Exhibition Captures the Raw Energy of ’90s Music

Behind The Gallery presents: Alternative Nation: A Retrospective. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Alternative Nation: A Retrospective

A Raw, Unfiltered Look at the Rise of Alternative Music

Behind The Gallery proudly presents its latest exhibition, Alternative Nation: A Retrospective—a visceral journey through the explosion of alternative music and culture from the 1990s to the early 2000s. (Magnum PR, 2025)

Debuting in Chicago and hosted by After, the cocktail bar from Michelin-starred chef Curtis Duffy, the exhibition features never-before-seen and classic images of Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alice in Chains, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, Meat Puppets, and more.

The Photographers Who Shaped an Era

This unprecedented show brings together the iconic work of five visionary photographers—Joseph Cultice, Jonathan Rach, Chris Cuffaro, Kevin Westenberg, and Scarlet Page—whose lenses helped define the way we remember the era.

“This show isn’t just a trip down memory lane—it’s a time capsule of a moment when music felt dangerous, emotional, and deeply human,” says Behind The Gallery founder and curator Stephen Dallimore.

Each photographer was trusted by the bands, capturing the raw, unfiltered moments that defined a generation. Their work documents the cultural shift when grunge, industrial, and alt-rock went from the fringes to the forefront—changing not only the sound, but the very image of music.

A Time of Creative Rebellion

The 1990s alternative scene gave voice to a generation navigating alienation, identity, and emotional extremes.

  • Grunge acts like Nirvana and Pearl Jam rejected polished mainstream aesthetics, embracing vulnerability and grit.
  • Industrial pioneers like Nine Inch Nails fused electronics with rock, exploring darker, confrontational themes.

These photographs are more than concert shots—they’re portraits of authenticity, rebellion, and the raw pulse of an era when music was deeply felt.

Not Just for Nostalgia

While many of these artists are now considered legacy acts, the exhibition is curated for both longtime fans and a new generation craving authenticity.

“In a digital age where connection can feel shallow, there’s something powerful about experiencing these raw, analog images,” says Dallimore. “It was a time when music felt fresh, exciting, and dangerous—an era that still carried a sense of mystery.”

Photographer Inclusions by Artist

Chris Cuffaro: Alice In Chains, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Screaming Trees, Soundgarden
Joseph Cultice: Aphex Twin, Björk, Danzig, Marilyn Manson, Meat Puppets, Smashing Pumpkins
Jonathan Rach: Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Melvins
Kevin Westenberg: Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden, White Stripes
Scarlet Page: Björk, Chris Cornell, Foo Fighters, Marilyn Manson, NIN, Placebo, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins

Event Details

📍 Location:
After – Curtis Duffy’s Cocktail Bar
1338 W Fulton Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607

🗓 Exhibition Hours:

  • Opening Night: Friday, August 15, 2025 | 6:30–10 p.m.
  • Saturday, August 16 – Wednesday, August 20 | 4–10 p.m.

🎤 Artist Talk & Q&A:

  • Saturday, August 16 | 5:00 p.m.
    Curtis Duffy hosts a conversation with Jonathan Rach & Joseph Cultice

Experience Pearl This August: A Month of Food, Culture & Connection

This August, Pearl has several fun events and activities planned to make the month memorable for all. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

What’s Happening at Pearl This August

August has arrived, and Pearl is brimming with exciting events for the entire community. From food festivals to fitness boot camps, wine tastings to local shopping sprees—there’s something for everyone. Mark your calendars and make the most of these summer happenings. (Pearl, 2025)

🍽️ Bakery Lorraine’s Le Festin d’Été (Summer Feast)

📅 August 8 | 🕖 7:00 p.m. | 💵 $85–$115

Spend a meaningful evening at Bakery Lorraine as they host Le Festin d’Été—a five-course, family-style dinner benefiting the San Antonio Food Bank. Enjoy charcuterie boards, fresh garden greens, steak medallions, and more in this one-night-only event dedicated to food, generosity, and community.

  • Tickets: $85 per person | $115 with wine pairing
  • Where to reserve: Bakery Lorraine
  • Bonus: Guests are encouraged to bring school supply donations to support local students.

💪 San Antonio Sports ACTIVATE: Monday Boot Camp

📅 Mondays through August 25 | 🕖 7:00 p.m. | 💵 Free

Start your week strong with a free one-hour full-body workout at Pearl Park, courtesy of San Antonio Sports ACTIVATE. No equipment necessary—just show up ready to move.

🛍️ Pearl Sidewalk Sale

📅 August 14–15 | 🕙 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | 💵 Pricing Varies

Spice up your back-to-school shopping during Pearl’s two-day sidewalk sale, featuring great deals from local favorites like:

  • Niche
  • Rancho Diaz
  • The Twig Bookshop
  • And many more

Support local businesses and discover some unique finds.

🍷 Introduction to Wine Tasting at High Street Wine

📅 August 20 | 🕡 6:30 p.m. | 💵 $65

Ever wanted to learn how to taste and understand wine like a pro? Join High Street Wine for an introductory class covering:

  • Wine regions & climates
  • Wine list navigation
  • Tasting techniques & flavor profiles
  • Plus: enjoy six wines and charcuterie pairings.

🎶 Live Music at Stable Hall

📅 All Month Long | 💵 Pricing Varies

Catch unforgettable performances at Stable Hall this August, featuring:

  • Uncle Lucius
  • Sarah Colonna
  • Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
  • …and more surprises

🍽️ Restaurant Weeks at Pearl

📅 August 9–23 | 💵 Pricing Varies

Get your taste buds ready—several Pearl eateries are participating in San Antonio’s Restaurant Weeks, offering special menus and culinary experiences. A perfect excuse to try something new.

👧 Children’s Entrepreneur Night Market

📅 Wednesday, August 20 | 🕔 5:00–8:00 p.m. | 💵 Pricing Varies

Celebrate young creativity at Pearl’s Children’s Entrepreneur Night Market, where over 80 kid entrepreneurs (ages 5–17) showcase their talents and small businesses. Support the next generation of makers, artists, and visionaries.

Don’t Miss Out!

Pearl is the place to be this August—whether you’re here for the food, fun, fitness, or family. Be sure to follow along for updates and details, and make the most of this vibrant month in San Antonio.

Plan the Ultimate Family Day Out at PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth

PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth announces sweet summer perks for preschoolers and their families. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Plan a Summer Full of Oink-tastic Fun at PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX — Families can plan their summer adventures with confidence thanks to the Rainy Day Promise at PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth. If rain puts a damper on the fun, guests are invited back for a free return visit within one year. (Merlin Entertainments, 2025)

Designed for Preschoolers, Perfect for Summer

Built especially for preschoolers and their families, this all-new standalone theme park is packed with summer-friendly features:

  • Shaded play areas
  • Climate-controlled indoor attractions
  • Splash zones for cooling down

It’s the perfect destination for a full day of play—rain or shine.

New This August: Evie’s Wiggle & Giggle Dance Party

Starting August 8 through September 1, guests can join the all-new Evie’s Wiggle & Giggle Dance Party, a high-energy celebration filled with:

  • Music and dancing
  • Bubbles
  • Special appearances by Peppa and her little sister, Evie.

Plus, for three days only—August 5, 6, and 7—the first 500 guests each day will receive a FREE Mini Muddy Puddles Milkshake to make their visit even sweeter.

“Our goal is to make PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth a reliable, joy-filled destination for families all summer long,” said General Manager Jamica Jordan. “With so many ways to play, from splashing under the sun to dancing in the shade, there’s no wrong time to visit.”

What to Explore: Rides & Attractions

Shaded & Indoor Attractions

  • Mr. Potato’s Showtime Arena
    Live, covered entertainment with singing, dancing, and meet-and-greets—now featuring Peppa’s sister, Evie.
  • Indoor Cinema
    Escape the heat and enjoy cozy screenings of PEPPA PIG episodes.
  • Peppa’s Pedal Bike Tour & George’s Tricycle Trail
    An indoor track where little ones can pedal and explore freely.
  • Themed Playgrounds
    Peppa’s Treehouse, George’s Fort, and more—all designed for shaded, active play.
  • Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride
    Soar above the park for great views on this wheelchair-accessible ride.

Sunny Day Favorites

  • Muddy Puddles Splash Pad
    Cool off with fountains, slides, and splashy surprises.
  • Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster & Mr. Bull’s High Striker
    Perfect breezy thrills for first-time riders.
  • Grampy Rabbit’s Dinosaur Adventure
    Discover dino-sized fun on this themed ride.
  • Grandad Dog’s Pirate Boat Ride
    Set sail to Pirate Island—no minimum height required.

Park Info & Tickets

Located in North Richland Hills, PEPPA PIG Theme Park features:

  • 5 family-friendly rides
  • Themed play spaces
  • A splash pad
  • Kid-friendly dining

🎟️ Tickets and annual passes are available now.

About PEPPA PIG

PEPPA PIG is a beloved British animated TV series that’s been delighting preschoolers for over 20 years. Airing in over 180 territories across 10 seasons, the series follows Peppa and her family—George, baby sister Evie, Mummy Pig, and Daddy Pig—as they explore their world through laughter, play, and muddy puddles.

From TV to theme parks and toys, PEPPA PIG inspires kids to embrace every new step—whether it’s their first dance party or their first roller coaster—with confidence and curiosity.

Let the adventures begin—come jump in with Peppa this summer! 🐷💦🎉

Peppa Pig Theme Park
8851 26 Blvd
North Richland Hills, TX 76180

Local Luxury: Celebrate, Relax, and Save with San Antonio’s Summer Hotel Deals

Celebrate InterContinental San Antonio’s first anniversary and say goodbye to summer in style. Photo: InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk, used with permission.

Celebrate a Year of Luxury: InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk Turns One

Friday, August 1, 2025 marks a milestone for InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk as it celebrates its one-year anniversary in the heart of the Alamo City. Nestled along the iconic River Walk, the hotel has quickly become a standout for its luxurious accommodations, renowned fine dining at Cavalier, and creative pop-up experiences like Peppermint Peak and The Dusty Diamond at High Praise Rooftop Bar. (InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk, 2025)

🎉 Join the Celebration

Whether you’re a local or visiting San Antonio, here’s how to get in on the birthday fun:

🛎️ Book the “Happy Birthday to Us” Package

Available all August long, this anniversary package offers a curated experience for those looking to celebrate in style.

🍽️ Anniversary Dinner at Cavalier – Friday, August 1

Enjoy a three-course culinary celebration for just $75 per person. Make your reservation early—click here to book.

🍸 Sip on Limited-Edition Cocktails

Raise a glass to one year of unforgettable hospitality with these exclusive drinks:

  • “The Charlatan” – only at Cavalier
  • “Delayed Flight” – only at DECO Bar
  • “Blugal Hawaiian” – only at High Praise Rooftop Bar

🏖️ Pool Party at High Praise Rooftop – Saturday, August 2

Soak up the summer sun with a rooftop celebration—perfect for lounging, sipping, and celebrating the InterContinental’s big day. Sponsored by Brugal, guests 21 years of age and older can enjoy complimentary samples from 1p.m. to 4p.m. Guests can also enjoy complimentary paletas by the pool from noon to 6p.m.

End Summer Right with a Staycation in San Antonio

If your summer has been more chaos than calm, now’s the time to pause and enjoy a stress-free staycation without leaving the city. This Labor Day Weekend, treat yourself to luxury, relaxation, and unbeatable local deals from top San Antonio hotels.

🌟 InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk

Celebrate all month long with anniversary offers including:

  • BOGO 50% Off Package: Families can buy one night and get the second night half off—the perfect way to enjoy a long weekend at a great value. Limited availability—book soon!
  • Romance Like No Other Experience: In partnership with Kendra Scott Jewelers, this couple’s package is designed for unforgettable getaways.

🌄 La Cantera Resort & Spa

Escape the city and unwind in nature with the “Free is More Fun” package:

  • Stay two nights, get the third night free
  • Enjoy pools, premier dining, and spa services at a reduced rate
  • Available through August 31

🏰 Omni La Mansión del Rio & Mokara Hotel & Spa

Rediscover San Antonio’s rich culture with historic charm and modern luxury:

  • Omni’s “River Cruise” Package:
    • Complimentary Rio San Antonio River Cruise tickets
    • A traditional handcrafted serape blanket
  • Kids Eat Free: Children 10 and under eat free with any stay now through September 14, 2025

Whether you’re drawn to Omni La Mansión’s Spanish-style architecture or Mokara’s elegant, four-star spa retreat, these hotels place you right in the heart of the Alamo City.

✨ Make This Labor Day One to Remember

Skip the hassle of travel and discover all that San Antonio’s best hotels have to offer. Whether you’re splashing rooftop-side at InterContinental, soaking in the spa at La Cantera, or cruising the River Walk with Omni, there’s no better way to celebrate the unofficial end of summer than with a local escape.

Your perfect staycation awaits—just minutes from home.

Cowboys, Vaqueros & Paniolos Unite: Free Family Fun at the Briscoe Museum

Roping with Kevin Fitzpatrick at National Day of the Cowboy. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

Saturday, July 26 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Briscoe Western Art Museum | 210 W. Market Street, San Antonio, TX
Free Admission | Free Activities | Family-Friendly Fun

Saddle up, San Antonio! The Briscoe Western Art Museum is bringing the Wild West to life for a full day of cowboy culture, family fun, and cultural celebration at its National Day of the Cowboy event on Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)

This free community event honors the spirit and traditions of the American cowboy, Mexican vaquero, and Hawaiian paniolo. Held in the heart of downtown San Antonio, the celebration features a wide range of hands-on activities, artist demonstrations, music, food, and more. Plus, enjoy free museum admission all day long—including access to the special exhibition “Aloha Vaqueros,” which explores the rich connections between cowboy cultures across borders and oceans.

🐴 Family Fun at the Lil Buckaroo Corral

Kids can kick up some dust and wrangle up excitement with:

  • Stick pony barrel racing
  • Horseshoe tosses & lasso lessons
  • Bull riding & cowboy crafts (make your own spur, hat, or brand!)
  • Lei making & silversmith etching with Nā Mamo cultural group, performing live at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

🤠 Cowboy Culture Comes Alive

Explore the museum’s 14 galleries, the McNutt Sculpture Garden, and enjoy:

  • Roping demonstrations from a talented trick roper
  • Rodeo fun with local cowboys and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
  • An inside look at escaramuza attire and performances—featuring live Q&A with a local rider

🎨 Western Art in Action

See artistry in motion with live demonstrations from celebrated Western artists:

  • Wilson Capron – Silversmith & engraver
  • Leland Hensley – Rawhide braider
  • Jason Scull – Western sculptor
  • Mike Capron – Western painter

🎶 Music, Poetry & Storytelling

  • Cowboy poetry with Don Mathis – 12:30 p.m.
  • Cowboy ballads with Jesse White – 3 p.m.
  • Story time with Antoinette Lakey, featuring trailblazing cowboy Mary Fields – 1 & 1:30 p.m.

🌮 Cowboy-Approved Eats

Refuel with food truck favorites available for purchase all day:

  • Cake-N-Que
  • Hokulani Shave Ice
  • Plus, free chuck wagon cobbler samples while supplies last!

🐂 Why Celebrate?

Launched in 2005 and officially recognized in Texas since 2015, National Day of the Cowboy honors the legacy of the American cowboy, cowgirl, vaquero, and paniolo. The Briscoe’s annual celebration is a beloved tradition that preserves and highlights this rich cultural heritage.

🎟️ Admission is free, but space is limited—pre-register now to secure your spot for this unforgettable day of Western wonder.

Celebrate the cowboy way – Briscoe style!

Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Raise a Glass & Unwind: San Antonio’s Ultimate Tequila Day Weekend

Rosarita cocktail made with Avión Silver Tequila. Photo: Mokara Hotel & Spa, used with permission.

Celebrate National Tequila Day in San Antonio: Cocktails, Massages, and Riverwalk Vibes

Mark your calendars! National Tequila Day falls on Thursday, July 24, and San Antonio is raising a glass in grand style. Whether you’re in the mood for a vibrant Riverwalk celebration or a luxurious spa experience, there’s something for everyone this tequila-filled weekend.

🌮 Ambler at Hotel Contessa: A Weekend Tequila Takeover

📍 Hotel Contessa | 306 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205
📅 Thursday, July 24 – Saturday, July 26

Ambler, the restaurant at the elegant Hotel Contessa, is going all in for National Tequila Day with a three-day celebration along the scenic Riverwalk. Here’s what’s in store:

🍹 Tequila Cocktail Specials & Live Music (Thursday–Saturday)

  • Specialty PATRÓN-infused margaritas in fun, fresh flavors:
    Strawberry, Pineapple, Watermelon, Berry Mix, Jalapeño
  • Order a margarita tasting trio for just $16
  • Cool down with an exclusive frozen grape sorbet topped with tajín and lime for $10
  • Enjoy live music each night

🎉 Tequila Day Takeover with PATRÓN (Saturday, July 26 | 3–8 p.m.)

  • Tequila tasting stations
  • A local vendor fair
  • Games and giveaways
  • Hop on the pedal-powered margarita bike to mix your own drink!
  • No reservations required – event is open to the public
  • Additional cocktails and bites available from Ambler’s dinner menu

💆‍♀️ Agave Escape at Mokara Spa: Self-Care Meets Celebration

📍 Mokara Hotel & Spa | 212 W Crockett St, San Antonio, TX 78205
📅 Now through Sunday, July 27

In a beautiful twist, National Tequila Day and International Self-Care Day both fall on July 24 – and Mokara Spa has found the perfect way to honor both with its new Agave Escape Massage Package.

🌿 The Agave Escape Experience

  • Full-body massage using organic agave oils (known for anti-inflammatory benefits)
  • Cupuacu butter foot massage to promote deep relaxation and balance
  • Available now through Sunday, July 27

🍸 Bonus Treat at Ostra

After your treatment, head to Ostra, Mokara’s award-winning on-site restaurant, to enjoy a complimentary Rosarita Cocktail made with:

  • Avión Silver Tequila
  • Rosé
  • Agave nectar
  • Fresh lemon and lime juice

The perfect way to toast a day of total rejuvenation.

Whether you’re toasting with a tequila trio or treating yourself to a luxury massage, San Antonio offers the ultimate way to celebrate this spirited summer holiday. Salud! 🥂

Summer Fun & Festivities: July Events at Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa

Scheduled events include the hotel’s first-ever Quinceañera Showcase Expo on Sunday July 20. Photo: Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, used with permission.

🎉 July Happenings at Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection

Summer is heating up, and so are the events at Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection! Whether you’re looking to relax, celebrate, or simply enjoy a day out with family and friends, our hotel has something for everyone this July. From rejuvenating spa treatments and lively garden parties to unforgettable family showcases, here’s what’s happening this month: (Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, 2025)

🌿 Now Through July 31: Red, White & Renew Facial

Treat yourself to our exclusive Red, White & Renew 50-minute facial in honor of the Fourth of July.
💆‍♀️ Price: $155
📅 Available until July 31
🔗 Book your appointment here

🧘‍♀️ Soul Flow Saturdays

Ease into your weekend with outdoor yoga led by Kristel Perry.
📍 Oasis Lawn, Spa Plaza San Antonio
🕤 Saturdays in July | 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
💸 Tickets: $17.85
🎟️ Reserve on Eventbrite

🍹 5•5•5 Sundays at Anaqua Garden Bar

Join us for an all-day summer series featuring:
• $5 Pool Passes
• $5 Cocktails
• $5 Bites
• $55 Cabanas
• $55 Shareable Cocktails
📅 Every Sunday
💻 Use code SUNDAY555 on Resort Pass to book a pool Day Pass.
🎟️ Reserve a spot on OpenTable

🍽️ 4-5-6-7 Happy Hour at Corinne San Antonio

Enjoy delicious bites and sips — all for $7!
🕓 Monday – Thursday | 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
🎟️ Make a reservation on OpenTable

🥂 Beats and Bubbles at Anaqua Garden Bar

Don’t miss this whimsical garden party featuring:
🎧 Live Vinyl DJ
🫧 Bubble Festivities
📅 Friday, July 26 | 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
🎟️ Reserve your table here

🎉 National Tequila Day & National Avocado Day

Celebrate two delicious days at Anaqua Garden Bar:
• July 24 – National Tequila Day: $6 Margaritas in Mexico
• July 31 – National Avocado Day: $6 Guacapoke
🎟️ Book your spot on OpenTable

👑 Gowns & Glam: Quinceañera Showcase Expo

Plan the celebration of a lifetime at our first-ever Quinceañera Expo!
📅 Sunday, July 20 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
✨ Local vendors, inspiration, and a grand giveaway
🎟️ RSVP for FREE on Eventbrite

🎶 Music Under The Stars: Featuring Leon Sanchez

Unwind with cocktails and live music in the breezy Anaqua Pavilion.
📅 Thursday, July 24 | 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
🎸 Featuring local favorite Leon Sanchez
🎟️ Reserve a table on OpenTable

🎧 Raspa & Rhythm on the Lawn

Cool off and dance it out with:
🍧 Ice-Cold Raspas
🎵 Upbeat House Music
🎯 Lawn Games
📅 Fridays, July 18 & 25 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Plus:
🔍 Kids’ Scavenger Hunt | 10:00 a.m.
🔥 S’mores by the Fire | 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Make the most of your July at Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa — your downtown destination for summer relaxation, celebration, and connection.

Senses Awakened: Experience the Art of Botello, Menchelli & Willome

Nadia Botello, What the River Says. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Experience Three Immersive Solo Exhibitions at Contemporary at Blue Star

📍 San Antonio, TX – Contemporary at Blue Star invites the community to experience three new solo exhibitions opening on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 6–9 p.m. Featuring artists Nadia Botello, Fabiola Menchelli, and Jason Willome, each exhibition offers a unique, sensory-driven experience where the audience is invited to interact with the art through touch, movement, and presence. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2025)

🎉 Opening Events

  • Taco Talk with the Curator
    🗓 Friday, July 11 | ⏰ 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Register Here
  • Public Opening Reception
    🗓 Friday, July 11 | ⏰ 6:00–9:00 p.m.

🖼 On View: July 11 – October 5, 2025

✨ Featured Exhibitions

Nadia Botello

Theophany

Sound artist and composer Nadia Botello explores the San Antonio River as a living entity—a shaping force with a voice of its own. A native Texan and fourth-generation San Antonian, Botello presents multimedia works in sound, sculpture, and film that ask: What might the river be saying for itself?

Her 16mm film series What the River Says reveals images formed solely by submerging film into the river—no human intervention, only the language of water.

Fabiola Menchelli

ombré

Blending photography with painterly process, Fabiola Menchelli introduces a new body of work from her Parallelograms series. Created in total darkness, her photograms are both intentional and accidental—revealing the mystery of creation when sight is removed.

In a fast-paced world of constant imagery, Menchelli’s slow, sensory process challenges viewers to pause and reflect.

Jason Willome

When a Mind Wanders

Jason Willome delves into memory, transformation, and the unknown through his deeply personal drawings. Sparked by the final moments leaving his father’s home and witnessing his father’s decline from Parkinson’s disease, Willome uses gouache, charcoal, and cattle markers to render consciousness in flux.

These abstract, layered drawings mirror the haze of memory and perception—reflecting both confusion and care.

This body of work was developed during Willome’s residency at Künstlerhaus Bethanien in Berlin through the Contemporary’s international residency program.

🏛 About Contemporary at Blue Star

Contemporary at Blue Star showcases artists from San Antonio and across the globe, presenting innovative exhibitions that spark empathy, action, and understanding. As a non-collecting contemporary art space, the Contemporary fosters fresh perspectives and cultural dialogue.

🎟 Admission is always free.
📍 116 Blue Star, San Antonio, TX 78204
📞 (210) 227-6960
🌐 Contemporary at Blue Star

🕒 Public Hours

DayHours
Mon–TuesClosed
Wed12 pm – 5 pm
Thu–Fri12 pm – 8 pm
Sat–Sun10 am – 6 pm
Photo: Contemporary at Blue Star, used with permission.

Film, Family, and Frida: What’s New at the 46th CineFestival San Antonio

Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center announces the 46th CineFestival San Antonio. Photo: CineFestival San Antonio, used with permission.

🎬 46th CineFestival San Antonio: A Celebration of Latinx Film, Music & Culture

July 9–13, 2025 | Multiple Venues Across San Antonio

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is thrilled to unveil the full program for the 46th annual CineFestival San Antonio, taking place July 9–13, 2025. As the city’s original and longest-running Latinx film festival, CineFestival promises a vibrant showcase of stories that reflect the diverse cultural tapestry of San Antonio, Texas, and the Latinx experience in the U.S. and beyond. (CineFestival San Antonio, 2025)

👉 Full schedule, festival passes, and tickets available online.

⚠️ Please Note: Due to mature content and unrated films, parental discretion is advised. All non-English films include English subtitles. Programming and times subject to change.

📍 Screening Venues

Hosted by the Carver Community Cultural Center, the festival will span four iconic locations across the city:

  • Little Carver Civic Center, 226 N Hackberry St
  • Jo Long Theatre, 226 N Hackberry St
  • Santikos Mayan Palace, 1918 SW Military Dr
  • SAY Sí, 1310 S. Brazos St

🎥 Festival Highlights

With 95 films on the lineup—including 12 features and over 25 screenings of short films—this year’s festival is an expansive tribute to Latinx voices in cinema.

  • 33 films by San Antonio-based artists
  • 38 films produced in or connected to Texas
  • 16 films nominated for the Mesquite Award for Best Texas Short Film

🌟 Headlining Documentaries

Two highly anticipated documentaries will lead this year’s program:

  • Selena y Los Dinos, directed by CineFestival alumna Isabel Castro, tells the story of the Queen of Tejano Music through never-before-seen footage. Produced in collaboration with Selena’s siblings, the film will premiere with Castro and some cast members in attendance.
  • Take It Away, by Adrian Alejandro Arredondo and Myrna Perez, follows the life and legacy of beloved Tejano music host Johnny Canales, whose show introduced legends like Selena and Ramon Ayala to mainstream audiences.

“At CineFestival, we share the pride that Selena y Los Dinos brought to Mexican American communities of Texas and beyond.” – Eugenio del Bosque, Festival Director

🎬 Featured Films

Here are some of the standout features included in the 2025 program:

  • Carnalismo (dir. José Luis Cano) – A vibrant film exploring cumbias, lowriders, and brotherhood in Durango, Mexico.
  • Hola Frida (dir. André Kadi & Karine Vézina) – An animated journey into the whimsical early life of Frida Kahlo.
  • Prodigal Daughter (dir. Mabel Valdiviezo) – A deeply personal documentary on family, immigration, and healing.
  • Spring of the Vanishing (dir. Andrew Glazer) – A chilling look into the crisis of disappearances along the U.S.-Mexico border.
  • The Ladder (dir. Emilio Miguel Torres) – A poetic sci-fi tale exploring age, ethics, and reinvention.
  • The Place In Between (dir. Laura Perez) – A San Antonio-shot road trip dramedy about grief, reconnection, and unexpected bonds.
  • Uvalde Mom (dir. Anayansi Prado) – A gripping portrayal of a mother’s courageous act during a tragedy that shocked the nation.
  • Valentina or the Serenity (dir. Ángeles Cruz) – A poignant story of Indigenous resilience and childhood love.

🏆 Texas and San Antonio Showcases

  • Mesquite Award Nominees: 16 Texas short films (13 narratives, 3 documentaries) showcasing local talent.
  • Vistas de San Antonio: Featuring My Rocking Chair by Alejandro Aldana and 17 shorts made by students and local creatives from Northwest Vista College, St. Mary’s University, UIW, and UTSA.
  • Texas Showcase: 15 short films from across the state, reflecting the bold and fresh perspectives of emerging filmmakers.

🎞️ Shorts & Youth Films

The festival also proudly presents:

  • U.S. Latinx Shorts Program – A diverse slate of award-winning and thematically rich short films by Latinx creators nationwide.
  • Youth Films – Projects by filmmakers aged 18 and under, representing schools and media programs in San Antonio, Texas, and neighboring states.

🤝 Supported By

The 46th CineFestival San Antonio is made possible with generous support from:

City of San Antonio Department of Arts and Culture,
San Antonio Film Commission,
Texas Commission on the Arts,
National Endowment for the Arts,
The Ford Foundation,
San Antonio Area Foundation,
H-E-B, and AARP.

🎟️ Don’t miss this landmark celebration of Latinx stories on screen!
Get your passes and explore the full lineup today:
👉 CineFestival San Antonio

Photo: CineFestival San Antonio, used with permission.
Photo: CineFestival San Antonio, used with permission.