iFLY Indoor Skydiving has an exclusive Black Friday package perfect for holiday gift giving. Photo: google
Just in time for holiday shopping, iFLY Indoor Skydiving’s Black Friday Exclusive Package features savings of 50%-off. The package is available for purchase online and will run beginning Black Friday (November 26) through Cyber Monday (November 29).
The package includes the following and is valid *Monday – Friday at participating US locations:
10 Flights Shared by 1-5 people
5 Amazing High Flights
5 Videos from Flight Session
Flight Gear Rental
Pre-Flight Training
One-on-One Flight Instruction
Personalized Flight Certificate
*Blackout dates include 12/20/21-1/2/22 and guests will need to fly by 5/27/2022 to redeem the offer.
Austin-based iFLY Holdings, LLC., is the world leader in the design, manufacturing, sales, and operations of wind tunnel systems for indoor skydiving. The company has flown more than 9,000,000 people in a dozen countries and at sea since launching the modern vertical wind tunnel industry in 1998. iFLY has over 81 facilities operating worldwide with 36 wholly-owned in North America. iFLY supports and utilizes the safety and training guidelines set out by the International Bodyflight Association (IBA) to ensure the safety and progression of the sport of indoor skydiving. iFLY makes the dream of flight a reality by giving their customers “wings” in a safe and reliable environment.
Photo: iFLY Indoor Skydiving, used with permission.
To celebrate the anniversary, select locations will be serving a limited time Birthday Shake. Photo: EVO Entertainment Group, used with permission.
This Saturday, November 21, EVO Entertainment Group will celebrate the Seventh Anniversary of its flagship location at Kyle Crossing. To mark this special occasion, EVO’s Kyle, Schertz, Springtown, and Belterra locations will be serving a limited-time Birthday Shake from November 18 – November 21, 2021. The cake-flavored shake is topped with rainbow sprinkles, and a boozy version with vanilla rum is available for guests 21 years of age or older wanting an extra festive celebration. (EVO Entertainment Group, 2021)
Over the past seven years, EVO’s Kyle Crossing location has been home to celebrity-hosted moving viewings, Halloween Drunken Pumpkin parties, FamilyFLIX events, and much more. To join in the celebration visit EVO Cinema online.
EVO Entertainment Group’s Birthday Shake. Photo: EVO Entertainment Group, used with permission.
Hiatus Spa + Retreat has gift cards and Cyber Monday deals perfect for holiday shopping. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.
Looking for holiday gift shopping ideas? Hiatus Spa + Retreat’s Bright + Early Gift Card sale is now live and their Cyber Monday sale is coming up. This is the perfect time to stock up on self-care gifts for your loved ones this holiday season. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2021)
Bright + Early Gift Card Sale Dates: November 15 – December 5, 2021 Offer: Buy $125 in gift cards for $99
Cyber Monday Dates: November 28-29, 2021 Offer: 20% Off all products on eCommerce only + Free Shipping (excludes SkinCeuticals) Online Promo Code: CYBER20
With eight locations across Texas, eight years on Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies, and an innovative spa subscription model, Hiatus Spa + Retreat is a fresh kind of full-service spa that has changed the wellness industry. Powered by products with green ingredients and a high-touch experience, Hiatus’ personalized approach to wellness is driven by the view that regular relaxation should be an empowering part of a healthy, happy lifestyle.
Customers can add select tacos to any TC Plate for only $1 from November 17 through December 2021 only. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Starting tomorrow, November 17, 2021, arriving just in time for the holiday season, Taco Cabana guests can add a shredded chicken or ground beef taco to any plate for just $1 at all Texas locations. TC classic plates include Green, Queso, and Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas; 3-pack Chicken Flautas; Taco plates including Mixed Fajita, Chicken Fajita, Steak Fajita, Bean & Cheese, Ground Beef, Shredded Chicken; Cabana Sampler (one flauta, one crispy beef taco, one cheese enchilada, rice and beans and two flour tortillas), and Carne Guisada Taco Plate (available in San Antonio and Austin only). (Taco Cabana, 2021)
Taco Cabana plates can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App.
In addition, TC Time! ® taco offers remain available throughout the day. During breakfast hours only, guests may order two tacos for $3 choosing from Bacon, Egg & Cheese; Potato, Egg & Cheese; or Eggs a la Mexicana. Available all day, guests may order two lunch/dinner tacos for $4 choosing from Ground Beef, Shredded Chicken or Chicken Fajita. Guests can enjoy $2 TC signature margaritas all day, every day during the Holiday season as well. They make a perfect complement to any meal.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and $2 tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up, delivery and catering. As of November 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Bakery Lorraine’s pie options include Roasted Pumpkin Pie, Whiskey Pecan Pie, Dutch Apple Pie, and Cranberry Apple Pie. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.
With Thanksgiving coming up next week on November 25, Bakery Lorraine has the tastiest pie options that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Each of Bakery Lorraine’s nine inch holiday pies serves between 8 – 10 people and retails for only $26. Pre-orders are available now through Sunday, November 21, and pickup will begin one hour after opening on Wednesday, November 24 at all Bakery Lorraine locations. (Bakery Lorraine, 2021)
Their Thanksgiving pies come in the following festive flavors:
Roasted Pumpkin Pie – made with in house roasted pumpkins and topped with a shortbread maple leaf
Whiskey Pecan Pie – made with Jack Daniels
Dutch Apple Pie – made using five varieties of apples and topped with a cinnamon streusel
Cranberry Apple Pie – made using a variety of apples similar to their Dutch Apple Pie but cranberries are added for a beautiful flavor and extra color and topped with a cinnamon streusel as well
Extra pies will also be available at each store on a first come first serve basis. To order pies now, patrons can visit Bakery Lorraine or reserve theirs in-person at any of Bakery Lorraine’s three San Antonio locations (the Historic Pearl District, the Rim or the Medical Center) or at their Austin location at Domain NORTHSIDE.
Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine and CNN’s Eatocracyblog, as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, including items like its breakfast parfait, the quiche Lorraine, chicken potpie, an assortment of salads and soups, and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has three locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in San Antonio’s Medical Center, and one in San Antonio’s RIM shopping center, including now an Austin location at Domain NORTHSIDE.
This Thanksgiving, give thanks to the great outdoors, Texas BBQ, and more at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.
JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, the family owned and operated, 13,000-acre Texas Hill Country retreat in Sonora, invites families and loved ones to give thanks with outdoor experiences, world-class Texas BBQ and dining, and the chance to make long-lasting memories. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)
Programming and offers include:
Fanciful Feasts: On Thanksgiving (November 25), JL Bar Ranch’s talented Executive Chef Sergio Rico and the culinary team are hosting its annual Thanksgiving Feast, to include a Chef-attended carving station with sage brined, slow-roasted turkey with gravy, Mesquite Smoked Sirloin, and Honey Lavender Spiral Glazed Ham; a buffet featuring holiday classics like Cornbread Dressing, Pecan-crusted Sweet Potato Casserole, Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and a Balsamic Reduction; a Salad Bar; and Desserts including Pumpkin Cheesecake with Cinnamon Chantilly Cream, Bourbon Pecan Tart, Coconut Cream Tart, and more. The holiday meal will be available for three seatings (11a.m., 1p.m., and 4:30p.m.) with limited reservations. Price: $59.95 (guest rate); $79.95 (non-resort guest); half-off for kids 12 & under.
Take Care of Holiday Shopping Early: JL Bar Ranch’s General Store will host a Thanksgiving Day-only sale with 10% off most purchases in-store. Give the gift of JL Bar coolers, apparel, and more with this one day only
Outdoor Adventure: Embrace the crisp November weather with the resort’s robust outdoor activities, from hiking and horseback riding to ATV/UTV adventures and 3D archery. A complete list of activities is available online.
A Multi-Gen Villa Escape: The stunning Archer’s Nest Villa is an ultra-private retreat within the Ranch: this beautiful ranch home has 7 bedrooms & 6 bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a swimming pool with a slide, an outdoor kitchen & BBQ pavilion, home theater and more (private chef & butler options are available).
Joaquin Phoenix’s ‘C’MON, C’MON’ will have its Florida premiere at this week’s Key West Film Festival. Photo: A24, used with permission.
The 10th Annual Key West Film Festival announces its official 2021 lineup including major falls films from Jane Campion, Sean Baker, Mike Mills, Pedro Almodovar, and Paolo Sorrentino. More than 75 films will be part of the five day festival, which runs November 17-21 and celebrates its 10th Anniversary. A full lineup of the festival is available online. (Key West Film Festival, 2021)
The star studded spotlight films will be joined by the previously announced RED ROCKET (A24), whose director, Sean Baker, will be honored with the prestigious Golden Key Award for Excellence in Filmmaking, along with JOCKEY (Sony Pictures Classics), starring Clifton Collins Jr, which will also see its director, Clint Bentley, honored with the inaugural Golden Key for Breakthrough Florida Filmmaker.
As previously announced, BRIAN WILSON: LONG PROMISED ROAD, will open the festival on November 17 at an outdoor screening under the stars at the Key West Amphitheater. The short film BLONDIE: VIVIR EN HABANA, about the celebrated artist’s recent concert in Cuba, will precede the film.
This year’s LGBTQ films, programmed with the assistance of Eugene Hernandez, Director of the New York Film Festival, and Brian Brooks of Cinetic Media, include GREAT FREEDOM, winner of the Jury Prize for Un Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival, the Cold War forbidden love story FIREBIRD, and BOULEVARD! A HOLLYWOOD STORY, chronicling the love triangle that resulted from Gloria Swanson’s attempts to adapt “Sunset Boulevard” into a musical and directed by Jeffrey Schwarz, which marks his fourth film to play at the festival (I am Divine, Tab Hunter Confidential, The Fabulous Alan Carr).
Documentaries take center stage at the festival this year, with each film featuring a live appearance or event. Award-winning director Penny Lane (Our Nixon, Nuts!, Hail Satan!) will appear with her newest film, LISTENING TO KENNY G; multiple Gotham Award and Cinema Eye Award nominee Douglas Tirola comes to town with his Leonard Bernstein film, BERNSTEIN’S WALL; Danielle Kummer will cross the pond to appear with ALIEN ON STAGE, about a small town musical of the sci fi classic Alien, and KWFF will host a special wine tasting after the screening of BLIND AMBITION, which follows Zimbabwe’s first team to compete in the international wine tasting tournament.
International films include Academy Award-winner Paolo Sorrentino’s HAND OF GOD and FINAL SET, starring Kristin Scott Thomas.
KWFF 2021 will host additional outdoor events at the Lawn at The Perry Hotel, where a special sing-along edition of the 20th Anniversary of the 2001 film MOULIN ROUGE will be screened along with Eric Clapton’s latest concert film, ERIC CLAPTON: THE LADY IN THE BALCONY. The Perry will also screen a collection of boundary pushing short films prior to a Welcome Party for visiting filmmakers and VIPs on Thursday, November 18.
Florida gets its moment in the sun with an all-day Florida Focus on Sunday, November 21. A collection of award-winning shorts from Key West High School’s Conch 5 Studios – who recently sent NINE films to the National High School Student Film Awards – will be screened in the morning, followed by the 15thanniversary screening of Florida Filmmaking legend Billy Corben’s COCAINE COWBOYS. Corben will participate in a discussion following the screening. The award winning Miami-produced feature LUDI will also screen at the festival.
The festival shines on an Alumni spotlight on Nell Teare’s BOLIVAR. This is her first feature after having won numerous awards for her short films at the festival.
The shorts programs and Florida feature films were curated from over 1000 submissions, with entries from nearly all 50 states and dozens of countries.
Returning programs this year include the 7th annual Critics Panel, in which top film critics will join both in person and virtually by Zoom to cover the seismic changes in the industry this year; the sixth annual Golden Key for Excellence in Costume Design awarded to Paul Tazewell for his work in WEST SIDE STORY, making KWFF the only such festival to annual honor this art; Kibbitz with Critics series, in which the curating critic shares one of their favorite films from the last year over brunch. Aguilar will present the charming immigration story LIMBO; and the presentation of the prestigious Critics Prize, given each year to one film across the program as decided upon by participating critics. Past critics have included Kenneth Turan, Jen Yamato and Justin Chang of the Los Angeles Times, Ann Hornaday of the Washington Post, Eric Kohn of Indiewire, Emily Yoshida of New York Magazine, David Fear of Rolling Stone, Joshua Rothkopf of Time Out New York, and Amy Nicholson of KPCC-LA’s Film Week.
Photo: Key West Film Festival, used with permission.
Texas artists and groups representing over 200 individual artists will showcase live music, large-scale art installations, film, dance, fine art, theatre, poetry, and fashion at San Antonio’s iconic nighttime celebration of the arts. Photo: Luminaria
On Saturday November 13, the opening ceremonies at 5:30p.m. will kick off the official 2021 Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival, the most prominent arts festival in South Texas. The ceremony will begin with a blessing from the elders of Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation, followed by remarks from Yadhira Lozano, Luminaria Executive Director, and Jesse Borrego, 2021 Honorary Curatorial Committee Chair. City of San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Mayor Phil Hardberger, founder of Luminaria, will be onsite as honorary guests. (Luminaria, 2021)
The Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival, a nighttime celebration of the arts, will be held from 6pm to midnight featuring more than 200 individual artists from across Texas, highlighting live music, fine arts, film, digital art, dance, theatre, fashion, poetry, and large-scale art installations.
Casa De Ojos founder and award-winning artist, Fabian Alejandro Diaz, will present a fashion show, “Metamorphosis.” Deanna Arriaga will offer “An Immersive Experience” light show. Justin Parr and Adam Smolensky will present a large, neon sculpture honoring San Antonio’s famed Rose Window. URBAN-15’s performance will feature lasers and a drumming show. Breathe Collective, a BIPOC San-Antonio-based artist collective, will offer creative experiences of reflection and healing through breathing. Austin-based dadaLab will install four lit towers to offer an immersive art, technology and science designing experience.
This festival is free and open to the public and it will be held at Hemisfair, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, and the San Antonio Riverwalk with plenty of outdoor space to socially distance and enjoy the art. Full festival lineup is available online.
Hemisfair, Luminaria Main Stage 434 S Alamo St. San Antonio, TX 78205 (between Yanaguana Garden and the Mexican Cultural Institute)
Main Stage at Hemisfair 6p.m. IlaIla Minori 7p.m. Jeremy Kingg/Satara 8p.m. Heartless The Monster 9p.m. Bombasta 10p.m. Los Texmaniacs feat. Flaco Jimenez 11p.m. Pop Pistol
Film Stage at River Walk 6p.m. Film Loop 7p.m. Anna De Luna 7p.m. Film Loop 8:30p.m. URBAN-15 9p.m. Film Loop 9:30p.m. Casa De Ojos 10:30p.m. URBAN-15 11p.m. Film Loop 11:45p.m. End
Market Stage at Convention Center (Merida Plaza) 6p.m. Eddie Vega 6:45p.m. Paula Cortez 7:45p.m. DeAnna Brown 8:45p.m. Ballet Folklórico Sol de San Antonio 9:45p.m. Patricia Vonne
Whataburger’s new holiday sweater design featuring a serene snowy scene at Whataburger on Christmas Eve. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
Get ready for the holiday season with Whataburger’s new 2021 holiday retail lineup, launching today. Deck your halls and your closets with flying Ws and orange and white with a variety of new apparel styles and seasonal collectables. Whataburger is debuting a new holiday sweater design featuring a serene snowy scene at Whataburger on Christmas Eve. Guests can elevate their new holiday look with a matching beanie and holiday socks to complete the outfit. (Whataburger, 2021)
Also debuting this week on Thursday November 11 is a new pajama set with sizes for the whole family. Start a new family tradition by keeping cozy all winter long in this new diamond flying W pajama design. Available in adult and youth sizes. These are not the only festive new additions to the lineup. Whataburger will surprise fans with new product drops throughout the holiday season. Look for a new collectable ornament, more pajama sets and beanies, outdoor décor, and more. All items are in stock, ready to ship, and are available at the Whataburger online store.
The magic of Whataburger started on August 8, 1950, in a tiny burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. An entrepreneur named Harmon Dobson set out to build a burger so delicious that customers would take that first bite and say, “What a burger!” Today, Whataburger is known for delicious burgers, big flavor, and the brand’s pride in taking care of its guests, communities and employees, known as Family Members. Orange Spirit Week celebrates its founding and the foundation for success that Dobson created. Today, Whataburger is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 850 locations across its 14-state footprint, and sales of more than $2.8 billion annually. Whataburger has 50,000 Family Members (employees) and more than sixty million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.
The Children’s Nutcracker, Santa, sugarplums, and shopping come together in a magical holiday extravaganza. Photo: The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.
From Snow Queens and Sugarplum Fairies to dashing princes and dancing mice, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker has been a part of family holiday traditions for decades. The enchanting tale of Clara’s beloved doll coming to life has inspired many a young dancer to take the stage and has fostered a love of the arts in not only the young, but also the young at heart. This year, the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio will take the magic to whole new level, combining this timeless classic with immersive and interactive elements, wrapping several cherished holiday traditions into one entertaining and exciting event. From a holiday market to photos with Santa and the Nutcracker cast, magical makeovers, and plenty of sweets and treats it is an unforgettable experience straight out of a sugarplum dream. With a condensed 1.5 hour performance, even the tiniest attendees will be captivated. Tickets are available on the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio website. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2021)
The Children’s Nutcracker: Friday, December 10, 7p.m. Saturday, December 11, 2p.m. Saturday, December 11, 7p.m. Holiday Market and Photos with Santa opens one hour prior to showtime.
The fun starts from the moment guests enter the theatre and find themselves in a holiday market where they can browse the extensive selection of dress-up items, including tutus and Sugarplum Fairy wands, Mouse King swords, as well as home décor including ornaments and, of course, nutcrackers. Hair and makeup stylists will be on site to offer magical makeovers transforming little ones into regal royals for a glittering good time. Key cast members from princes to queens, and fairies, along with Santa himself, will be on hand for contactless photos on a first come first served basis. Because no holiday is complete without treats, there will be plenty of holiday fare including cocoa, holiday cookies and other seasonal favorites along with hot dogs, mini-burgers, and popcorn.
Award-winning dancers and a talented array of young performers share the stage for this production filled with dazzling costumes, multimedia integrated scenery, and an interactive surprise or two for the audience members. Featuring performers ranging from internationally acclaimed classical dancers to gifted special needs artists ages 3-19, the production highlights a variety of disciplines and talents. Led by founder and former Prima Ballerina and six-time Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding Teacher Award winner Vanessa Bessler, CBSA has created a gateway for young artists interested in pursuing a professional dance career. The elite artists have had the privilege to train in some of the world’s best academies including the Royal Ballet School in London, the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia, and the School of American Ballet in New York City, to name a few. Through recognition, awards, and scholarships from the most prestigious ballet competitions and schools in the world for many of its dancers, CBSA has elevated San Antonio to the world stage, making it a strong player in the arts world.
The Lila Cockrell Theatre 200 E. Market Street San Antonio, TX 78205
Masks are required at the Lila Cockrell Theatre, hand washing stations and sanitizer are available on site to encourage a safe environment. The Children’s Ballet continues to enforce extensive safety protocols to include both virtual and limited capacity in-person rehearsals, screenings, masks, gloves, long sleeves, social distancing, and more.
Admission proceeds and holiday market profits directly benefit Children’s Ballet of San Antonio in fulfilling its mission to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds. Donations from the event will benefit dance scholarships for special needs and underserved youth, as well as the transportation and organization of several hundred Title 1 school students to attend each performance. Funds also go to the production costs of theatre, costumes, lights, and special effects that allow these dancers to perform in San Antonio’s top theatres in professional productions as part of their professional level training.
SA Examiner 