Category: Competitions

December in San Antonio: Top Holiday Happenings You Won’t Want to Miss

Ring in the holidays in style at the Pearl. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

🎄 Holiday Happenings in San Antonio: Your Guide to Seasonal Events

San Antonio is buzzing with holiday cheer and this month brings a full lineup of festive markets, family-friendly celebrations, concerts, and community traditions. Whether you’re looking to snap a photo with Santa, hunt for local gifts, or savor holiday flavors, here’s everything happening around St. Paul Square and Pearl.

🎅 December 12: Santa at the Square & Holiday Market (St. Paul Square)

St. Paul Square is welcoming Santa to San Antonio for a special holiday pop-up market featuring all-local vendors. With the district fully decorated for the season, it’s the perfect chance to sip hot cocoa, shop small, and grab a festive family photo with St. Nick. (St Paul Square, 2025)

Event Details

  • What: Holiday Market + Santa photos (presented by Juntos San Antonio)
  • Where: Parking lot in front of 1902 — 1174 E. Commerce Street
  • When: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Admission: Free // All ages

🎶December 19: Beauty + Zen Haus Night Market + Elnuh at The Espee

Ring in the season with Beauty + Zen Haus’ Holiday Night Market, your destination for last-minute gifts, handcrafted goods, festive décor, and unique local finds. After browsing the market, stick around for indie-pop artist Elnuh, performing under the stars on The Espee’s outdoor plaza stage.

Event Details

  • Where: St. Paul Square Courtyard + The Espee — 1174 E. Commerce Street
  • When: Doors & music at 7 p.m.
  • Admission: Free // All ages

This Friday Night Live series is part of St. Paul Square’s vision to transform the historic district into one of San Antonio’s most vibrant hubs for entertainment, culture, food, and nightlife.

Photo: St Paul Square

🎁 Holiday Season at Pearl

The holiday spirit is in full swing at Pearl, with a packed calendar of family traditions, community events, and festive fun. (Pearl, 2025)

🌮 December 13: Pullman Market Tamale Festival (Debut!)

Pullman Market is launching its first-ever Tamale Festival, a new holiday tradition celebrating San Antonio’s beloved seasonal staple.

Event Details

  • When: Saturday, December 13 • 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Where: Pullman Market – Karnes Street
    221 Newell Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
  • Admission: Free (RSVP requested on Eventbrite)

Enjoy tamales from local vendors plus specialty creations from the Pullman Market culinary team. Guests can eat on-site or purchase tamale packs to take home for holiday gatherings.

Family Fun & Festivities:

  • Activities from The DoSeum
  • Live DJ set by DJ Caliente
  • A Best Tamale Competition
  • Local makers + holiday bites

Vendor Lineup:

  • Carnita’s Spot
  • Southerleigh
  • Culinary Institute of America
  • Mezquite
  • Margarita’s Tamales
  • Tamale Addiction
  • Chamoy City Limits
  • Chi Chi Birds Hot Chicken
Photo: Pullman Market

🎅 Free Photos with Santa

Complimentary Santa photos are available every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday through December 21.
Times and locations vary — check Pearl’s Events Calendar for the latest schedule.

🛍️ Holiday Night Markets

Discover artisan gifts, warm drinks, festive lights, and local makers.

  • Next Market: Wednesday, December 17

🎬 Festive Movie Mondays

Enjoy holiday classics every Monday in December (except December 29). Movies begin at sunset, arrive early and bring blankets!

Upcoming Screenings:

  • December 15: Elf
  • December 22: The Polar Express

🕍11th Annual Chanukah Celebration – December 16

Presented with YJSA (Young & Jewish San Antonio), this community celebration features live music, family activities, and a ceremonial menorah lighting.

The menorah will shine nightly December 16–24 near the Boiler House Shade Structure.

🎁 Hotel Emma Holiday Perks

Hotel Emma guests enjoy exclusive seasonal offerings including:

  • Custom Go Rio river cruises arranged through the concierge
  • Letters for Santa activities in the hotel library
  • Festive décor + rich hot chocolate

Sweet Treats & Sizzling Tacos: Labor Day Weekend Foodie Events in San Antonio

La Panadería announces Labor Day weekend celebration and new fall menu items launch. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in San Antonio with Food, Music & Festivities

Labor Day Weekend is just around the corner and San Antonio is serving up plenty of flavor and fun. From new seasonal treats at La Panadería to a sizzling fajita showdown at Gimme Gimme, here’s where to celebrate the long weekend in style.

🍫 La Panadería: A Sweet Taste of Fall

Starting Friday, August 29, La Panadería invites guests to be the first to try its brand-new Fall Chocolate Collection. Indulgent, cozy, and perfect for the season, the line-up includes:

  • Abuelita Chocolate Cold Foam Latte ($7.50) – Iced vanilla latte topped with Abuelita chocolate cold foam, mini chocolate chips, and a cinnamon sugar sprinkle.
  • Dubai Chocolate Cold Foam Latte ($7.50) – Bold iced dirty hot chocolate topped with Dubai chocolate cold foam, chocolate drizzle, and kataifi.
  • Abuelita Chocolate Concha ($4.70) – A decadent concha filled with Abuelita chocolate and finished with a chocolate-cinnamon crust.

These new creations join returning fan-favorites like the Ferrero Rocher Concha and Dubai Chocolate Cold Foam Latte, making this fall menu a must-try for coffee and pan dulce lovers.

🎶 Bonus Weekend Fun: On Saturday, August 30 (10 a.m.–2 p.m.), both the La Cantera and Downtown locations will host live DJs during brunch. Enjoy dishes like house-made chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, avocado toast, and breakfast tortas while sipping your latte to the sound of local beats. (La Panadería, 2025)

🌮 Gimme Gimme: Fajita Lounge Showdown

Also heating up the weekend is the return of Gimme Gimme’s 3rd Annual Fajita Lounge Showdown — where eight local chefs go head-to-head for the crown of “Best Fajita Tacos in San Antonio.” (Gimme Gimme, 2025)

Since 2022, the Fajita Lounge has been a beloved carne asada pop-up series hosted by Aaron Peña, Chef Matt Garcia, and Chef Jake Gonzales, known for its free fajita tacos and festive vibes.

🏆 Competing Chefs & Restaurants:

  • Cullum’s Attaboy (2024 Champion)
  • Leche de Tigre
  • Mixtli
  • Bar Loretta
  • Bucán Rodeo
  • Rosa’s Kitchen
  • Buddy’s Big Trouble
  • The Friendly Spot

✨ Judges Panel:

  • José Ralat, Taco Editor at Texas Monthly
  • Jose Arredondo, Multimedia Journalist at Spectrum News San Antonio
  • Kat Stinson, San Antonio-based food & lifestyle writer

The winner takes home $500, plus major bragging rights.

🎧 Expect specialty cocktails by Live Oak Vodka and music from DJ Texas Papi, keeping the party alive until 2 a.m.

📅 When: Sunday, August 31, 2025 | 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.
📍 Where: Gimme Gimme, 803 S St. Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78205

This event is FREE and open to the public (21+). Tacos will be free for all on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

Photo: @txtroublemaker, used with permission.

✨ Plan Your Weekend

Whether you’re in the mood for sweet fall flavors at La Panadería or sizzling fajita tacos at Gimme Gimme, San Antonio is ready to make your Labor Day Weekend unforgettable.

Kimpton Santo San Antonio Rings in One Year: Anniversary Celebration Guide

Tenfold Rooftop. Photo: Kimpton Santo San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

🎉 Kimpton Santo San Antonio Celebrates One Year on the Riverwalk

SAN ANTONIO, TX – White Lodging and Kimpton Santo San Antonio – Riverwalk, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, are thrilled to announce the hotel’s first anniversary with a weekend of elevated programming, immersive guest experiences, and celebratory events that showcase the spirit of San Antonio. (Kimpton Santo San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2025)

On Friday, August 29, Kimpton Santo will mark its milestone by inviting both guests and locals to join in on hotel-wide specials and unforgettable events hosted at its signature venues: Tenfold Rooftop and Dean’s Steak & Seafood.

“This anniversary is more than a milestone—it’s a celebration of the deep connection we’ve built with San Antonio and its community,” said General Manager Joshua Schaeffer. “From our guests to our neighbors, the past year has been defined by meaningful experiences and shared moments. We’re proud to honor that spirit with a celebration that reflects everything we love about this city.”

✨ Hotel-Wide Anniversary Offers

What We Love About San Antonio: 1-Year Anniversary Package

Bookable now through August 31, this curated package invites travelers to enjoy San Antonio through a refined, locally inspired stay. The package is valid for travel through December 31, 2025 and can be reserved online. Perfect for both first-time visitors and longtime admirers.

1-Year Anniversary Giveaway: 10 Days, 10 Winners, 10 Exclusive Rates

From August 20–29, Kimpton Santo is running a special social media giveaway. Each day, one lucky winner will score a deeply discounted stay, starting at $10/night and dropping by $1 each day—culminating in a $1 stay for one winner on the official anniversary date.

🎶 Weekend Celebration Events

Skyline Disco at Tenfold Rooftop

📅 Friday, August 29 | ⏰ 8 PM – Midnight
Kick off the anniversary under the stars with disco + house beats, skyline views, and cocktails. Guests are encouraged to dress in disco-inspired attire. Free admission (21+), registration required. Valet parking is just $1.

$1 Bubbles at Tenfold Rooftop

📅 Saturday, August 30 | ⏰ From Noon
Celebrate rooftop magic with live DJ vibes and $1 select bubbles (while supplies last).

Tenfold Rooftop x La Pulga Tequila Pool Party

📅 Sunday, August 31 | ⏰ 3–6 PM
The pool transforms into a vibrant summer lounge with DJ Natvillian, tequila-forward cocktails, and cabanas. Free for hotel guests; $20 public access via ResortPass ($30 day-of if available).

🦪 Live at Dean’s: 1-Year Celebration

📅 Saturday, August 30 | ⏰ 5–10 PM
Dean’s Steak & Seafood is marking the occasion with $1 oysters in both the dining room and the Bar at Dean’s. From 7–10 PM, enjoy live music alongside dinner or drinks. Reservations are encouraged via OpenTable. Valet parking is just $1 per guest.

🏨 About Kimpton Santo San Antonio

Located at 431 S. Alamo, Kimpton Santo blends luxury lifestyle hospitality with the vibrant culture of San Antonio. In its first year, it has already become a premier destination on the Riverwalk, redefining the city’s hospitality scene.

🌍 About Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

Founded in 1981 in San Francisco, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants pioneered the boutique hotel movement with design-forward, one-of-a-kind experiences. Today, the brand operates 75+ hotels and 100+ restaurants, bars, and lounges across the globe, as part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio.

National Tell a Joke Day Just Got Sweeter Thanks to Damon Wayans Jr. and Laffy Taffy

Got jokes? Here’s your chance to get them printed on Laffy Taffy’s iconic wrapper … if you can make Damon Wayans Jr. laugh. Photo: Laffy Taffy, used with permission.

Make Damon Wayans Jr. Laugh—Your Joke Could End Up on a Laffy Taffy® Wrapper!

CHICAGO – Why did the candy fan call the Laff Line?
For the chance to make comedian, actor, and producer Damon Wayans Jr. laugh—and maybe see their joke printed on a Laffy Taffy® candy wrapper. (Laffy Taffy, 2025)

The beloved candy brand, famous for its classic dad jokes, has teamed up with Wayans to launch its first-ever Laffy Taffy Laff Line—a hilarious hotline for fans to share their punniest original jokes. Winning jokes could land a spot on Laffy Taffy’s new, easier-to-open wrappers.

How to Call the Laffy Taffy Laff Line

📅 When: August 16, National Tell a Joke Day
📞 Number: 1-844-LOL-HOUR (1-844-565-4687)
🕒 Time: 3p.m. – 7p.m. Eastern Time (aka “Laffy Hour”)

During Laffy Hour, select callers will get the chance to tell their joke directly to Wayans and his “Laff Squad”—a team of comedians from Zanies Chicago—hoping to make them laff out loud.

Joke Guidelines:

  • 100 characters or less
  • Must follow the classic Laffy Taffy format: setup + punchline (up to 50 characters each)

Wayans will also share some of his own one-liners back to callers.

“I like to consider myself a dad joke expert, so I’m excited to hear some fresh material,” said Wayans. “Do you have what it takes to make me laugh? If so, give me a ring!”

New Wrappers, Same Sweet Laughs

Laffy Taffy Mini Bars now feature a smooth, easy-open wrapper—no more sticky or shredded packaging—while still serving up that signature creamy candy. With the new look, the brand is also refreshing its jokes, inviting fans themselves to help write the next batch.

“These moments of connection bring joy to our fans every day,” said Ashley Incarnato, Senior Marketing Director at Ferrara Candy Company. “With Damon Wayans Jr., the Laffy Taffy Laff Line is the perfect way to connect with our community, give them the chance to test their comedic chops, and bring more laughter to families of all generations.”

Win a Spot on a Laffy Taffy Wrapper

All callers can submit their original joke for a chance to be printed on Laffy Taffy wrappers sold nationwide. Jokes will be judged on humor, originality, creativity, and brand fit.

Prizes:

  • Top 100 jokes printed on wrappers
  • Winners receive a custom bag of Laffy Taffy Mini Bars with an exclusive preview of fellow winners’ jokes

About Laffy Taffy®

Since 1971, Laffy Taffy® has been bringing little bites of delight to families everywhere. Its lineup includes classic mini bars, Stretchy and Tangy bars, and Laffy Taffy Ropes, available in flavors like Cherry, Strawberry, Grape, Watermelon, Sour Apple, Banana, and Blue Raspberry.

Contest Details:
No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+. Void where prohibited. Begins 3p.m. ET August 16, 2025, ends 7p.m. ET August 16, 2025. Full contest rules

Bring the Heat: Pullman Market Hosts Chili Cook-Off in San Antonio

Pullman Market announces chili cook-off on Saturday June 7, 2025. Photo: Robert J. Lerma, used with permission.

🌶️ Pullman Market’s First-Ever Chili Cook-Off Heats Up San Antonio – June 7

Get ready, San Antonio! Pullman Market at Pearl is bringing the heat with its inaugural Chili Cook-Off, happening Saturday, June 7 from 7–9 p.m. This family-friendly culinary showdown celebrates the city’s rich food culture and invites local home cooks to show off their best chili recipes in a spirited community competition. (Pullman Market, 2025)

🔥 A Cook-Off for a Cause

More than just a spicy good time, the event also supports a heartfelt mission—a portion of the proceeds will benefit the 100 Club of San Antonio, a nonprofit serving the families of fallen and critically injured first responders in Bexar County.

🍲 Two Ways to Compete

Pullman’s Chili Cook-Off features two flavorful categories:

  • Traditional San Antonio Style Chili: Meat-based, no beans, and made from scratch.
  • Creative Chili: Vegetarian, uniquely spiced, or outside-the-box takes on the classic.

Every submission is eligible for the People’s Choice Award, where the public votes for their favorite flavor.

🏆 Prizes Up for Grabs

Winners will walk away with bragging rights and some great rewards:

  • Grand Champion – $500 gift card, trophy, and recipe feature on Pullman’s website and newsletter
  • Traditional Winner – $250 gift card + medal
  • Creative Winner – $250 gift card + medal
  • People’s Choice Award – $200 gift card + medal
  • Best Booth Presentation – $100 gift card + medal
  • All Participants – Certificate of Participation

🎟️ Tickets & Participation

Tickets are available on Eventbrite:

  • VIP Admission includes early access (6–7 p.m.), 10 voting tokens, and two complimentary drinks
  • General Admission includes 5 voting tokens
  • Kids 12 & under get in free!

Want to enter your chili? Email Kyle Lopez, Pullman’s Event Coordinator.

🕖 Event Schedule

  • 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – VIP Hour
  • 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Main Event
  • 7:15 – 7:45 p.m. – Judges’ Voting
  • 8:15 – 8:30 p.m. – People’s Choice Voting
  • 8:45 – 9:00 p.m. – Awards Ceremony

📍 Location: Pullman Market, 221 Newell Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
🔗 More info: www.pullmanmarket.com
📷 Follow @pullmanmarket on Instagram
🙏 Learn about the 100 Club: www.100clubsa.org

About Pullman Market:
Located at Pearl in San Antonio, Pullman Market is a 53,000-square-foot culinary destination by the award-winning Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group. With a specialty grocer, whole animal butcher, sourdough bakery, tortilleria, five quick-service eateries, and four full-service restaurants, it’s a celebration of Texas ingredients and community connection.

Photo: Pullman Market.

Where Creativity Meets Compassion: Paws and Claws Pet Habitat Competition at Pearl

Pearl has been transformed into a showcase of custom-built pet habitats designed by local architects, builders, and designers, with public voting from March 1-22. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

SAN ANTONIO – Pearl is giving the community and visitors another reason to plan their next visit by hosting a Claws and Paws Construction event across its 22 acre footprint for the first time. This innovative architectural and design competition, modeled after Dallas’ successful Bark n Build, showcases pet-friendly structures created by local talent. (Pearl, 2025)

The showcase will feature custom-built pet habitats designed by local architects, builders, and designers. The structures will be on display for public viewing and bidding across Pearl from March 1-22, 2025. The competition aims to support two local pet charities, Daisy Cares and PAWS for Service, while highlighting the creativity and craftsmanship of San Antonio’s design community.

Visitors are invited to view and vote on their favorite designs throughout the event. “We’re thrilled to showcase San Antonio’s incredible architectural and design talent through this collaboration with Claws and Paws,” says Mesha Millsap, CEO of Pearl. “This event not only highlights our city’s creativity but also demonstrates how local innovators can come together for a great cause. We’re eager to see the ingenious and inspiring pet habitats that our community’s skilled professionals will design.”

The builds will be on display at Karnes St., between Pullman Market and Can Plant Residences at Pearl. The competition features entries from local firms including The Lique Group, Sol Studios, Villa Park Architects, Pfluger Architects, Garza Architects, and three entries from Habitat for Humanity’s Habitat Home Center.

Awards will be presented in various categories, including the Top Dog Award (People’s Choice), Best in Show (Overall design winner), and category-specific awards for Canine Cabin, Furr-niture, and Cat Condo.

The pet habitats will be auctioned off at a “Housewarming” event on March 22, 2025, with all proceeds benefiting Daisy Cares and PAWS for Service. The event is made possible through the support of sponsors including Historic Pearl, PAWS edu, NorthPark Subaru, IBC Bank, and Chicago Title.

Claws and Paws Construction is an innovative architectural and design competition that brings together local talent to create unique, pet-friendly structures. Modeled after Dallas’ successful Bark n Build event, Claws and Paws Construction showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of architects, builders, and designers while supporting local pet charities. The event features custom-built pet habitats that are judged on innovation, sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Through public engagement and auctions, Claws and Paws Construction raises funds and awareness for animal welfare organizations, fostering a community that values both design excellence and compassion for pets.

Swing, Putt, Win: Holey Moley Open Competition Debuts In Texas

The biggest mini-golf showdown comes to the U.S. with a high-stakes cash prize across San Antonio, Houston, and Austin. Three Cities. One Championship. Photo: Mitch Lowe, used with permission.

Mini-golf is a fun, accessible recreational activity enjoyed by people of all ages. With its colorful courses, whimsical obstacles, and creative themes, it offers a playful twist on traditional golf. Unlike standard golf, mini golf requires no prior experience, making it ideal for families, friends, and even date nights. The game encourages lighthearted competition while providing a relaxed environment for socializing. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, affordability, and the excitement of navigating unique challenges like windmills, ramps, and tunnels. Whether indoors or outdoors, mini golf provides an enjoyable escape, combining skill, luck, and entertainment in a compact setting.

Attention mini-golf enthusiasts! If you’re competitive and would love a chance to compete in a tournament for a $10,000 cash prize, check out this opportunity from Holey Moley Mini Golf.

Austin, TX – Hot off dominating Australia’s mini-golf circuit, the  Holey Moley Open swings into the U.S. this spring across all three Texas locations. Not an average mini-golf tournament, the Holey Moley Open is a multi-day competition that will take place across Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, beginning with City Championships on March 25. Teams of 4 will compete across 9 exciting mini-golf holes to see who will be crowned the city champions. Winning teams advance to the State Final at Holey Moley Austin on April 8 for a shot at a $10,000 cash prize. Beyond the competitive action on the course, spectators can enjoy live DJs, dance under confetti showers, savor delicious food/drink specials, and meet Caddy’s in full costume slinging cocktails — making the Holey Moley Open this year’s most high-energy mini-golf experience. (Holey Moley Mini Golf, 2025) 

Registration for a chance to compete began on February 25 and ends on March 10. Teams are made up of four golfers, and players must be at least 21 years to participate. There is no cost to submit a team registration form. Of the submissions, Holey Moley will select 60 teams to compete across the state. Winning teams at the March 25 City Championships will be offered travel accommodations to compete at the State Final in Austin on April 8. The State Final will consist of 18 holes (two courses). 

Each team will play a round of nine holes, with a maximum of +6 strokes per hole to be kept score by an official caddy. Penalties will be dealt for off-course balls as well as interference, and in the event of a tiebreaker, one lucky team member will play an extra hole. The team with the lowest combined score wins.

Complete details about the Holey Moley Open, the registration form, and requirements for registration can be found online.

Love golf and looking for Spring Break ideas in San Antonio?

With Spring Break just around the corner, Holey Moley Mini Golf is the perfect spot for students looking to stay local and have a memorable, affordable experience. Offering a unique indoor mini golf adventure, Holey Moley combines fun with cool, refreshing vibes—making it the ideal destination for anyone looking to make the most of their time off. 

Whether you’re planning a night out with friends or a family outing, Holey Moley provides an exciting and relaxed atmosphere with mini golf, drinks, and tasty bites all in one place. For college students specifically, Holey Moley is offering a $10 discount with the promo code SPRINGBREAK—giving them an affordable way to enjoy the fun without breaking the bank.

  • Code: SPRINGBREAK
  • Offer: $10 off student bookings
  • Valid: March 10th-16th  

Holey Moley Mini Golf is a mini golf course and bar that turns traditional putt-putt into a multi-sensory labyrinth of unique holes. It’s nifty, it’s nostalgic, it’s a bit ’80s, and a bit ’90s. Mostly, it’s the craziest round of mini golf you’ve ever played. With drinks, cocktails, and tunes on offer at our full-service bar, The Caddyshack, all of your off-the-green needs are taken care of. We are *not* in even a tiny way affiliated with any of the creators of popular culture that some of our holes may, or may not, remind you of.

Love, Las Vegas, and Whataburger: A Contest That Could Make Your Wedding Day Unforgettable

WhataWedding! Say ‘I Do’ with Whataburger in Vegas on Valentine’s Day 2025. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Valentine’s Day is still a couple of months away, but it’s never too early to start making plans. If you’re a big Whataburger fan, there’s an upcoming contest for the ultimate prize: a Las Vegas Whataburger wedding. That’s right! This month, you can enter a contest to win a Las Vegas wedding.

Say “I do” with a Whataburger in hand and love in the air! This Valentine’s Day, Whataburger is making hearts—and taste buds—swoon by giving one lucky couple the ultimate prize: a Whataburger wedding at its Las Vegas location on Friday, February 14, 2025. From the ceremony to the reception, and a few surprise touches along the way, Whataburger will cover the details. You just bring the love! (Whataburger, 2024)

To enter for a chance to win this unforgettable Whatawedding, eligible fans are invited to submit a 30-to 45-second video sharing their unique love story and how Whataburger became part of it. Did you meet your soulmate in the drive-thru? Fall head over heels during a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit date? Or maybe Whataburger was there for your late-night snack runs? Whatever your story, Whataburger wants to hear it.

Fans can submit their videos here from December 20 to December 30. The winner is expected to be announced before January 14—just in time to plan the Whatawedding of their dreams.

For more information about Whatawedding, how to enter, and official contest rules, visit Whataburger online. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.

Whataburger serves up Goodness 24/7. Our original recipes are made to order, just like you like it, and we pride ourselves on extraordinary hospitality and meaningful connections in our communities. That’s what’s led fans to Whataburger since Harmon Dobson served our first customer in 1950. Headquartered in San Antonio, we’ve stayed close to our roots while building systemwide revenue of more than $4 billion annually across our 16-state footprint and over 1,070 restaurants. Even with our exceptional menu, we know that people make the difference at Whataburger. That’s why we’re among QSR Magazine’s Best Brands to Work For in 2023 and consistently win culture excellence awards, including Top Workplaces 2023.

Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Red Bull Batalla: worldwide rap battle tournament at Paper Tiger

Red Bull Batalla returns to Fiesta San Antonio. The world’s biggest Spanish language freestyle rap competition takes over Paper Tiger. Photo: Red Bull Batalla, used with permission.

Red Bull Batalla, the world’s largest Spanish-language freestyle rap competition, returns to San Antonio as part of Fiesta San Antonio 2024, bringing together some of the America’s best freestyle rappers to battle it as part of a bracket-style tournament on Saturday, April 20 at Paper Tiger. (Red Bull Batalla, 2024)

After a successful debut last spring, Red Bull Batalla returns to San Antonio, welcoming 16 aspiring MCs, a quarter of which hail from the Lone Star State. 

These Latino lyricists will put their wit, creativity, and stage presence to the test over a series of bracket-style knockout rounds all for a chance to compete at the USA National Final later this fall, and potentially the 2024 International Final in Madrid, Spain this November.

Immediately following these intense rap battles, attendees will be treated to music performances from a pair of hip-hop stars – fast-rising Mexican rapper/singer Tornillo and Houston’s very own Bo Bundy – to close out San Antonio’s Red Bull Batalla Regional Qualifier.

Attendees will be able to get their hands on a brand new metal created to commemorate Fiesta San Antonio 2024. Designed by Texas-based Monarch Trophy Studio, these special medals are limited in quantity and offered as a first-come, first-served gift to attendees.

Photo: Red Bull Batalla

Throughout the evening event, guests will also be treated to several tasty cocktails curated by Red Bull, as well as free haircuts and beard trims courtesy of some of San Antonio’s premier barbers and hair stylists including Faded Culture and Kurly Kutz, among others. This barber pop-up experience will be available first come, first serve starting when doors open at 8p.m.

Fans 18+ are encouraged to RSVP for Free online today to reserve their spot in advance, although prices increase to $5 the week of the event. 

USA REGIONAL QUALIFIER – EVENT INFORMATION:

DATE: Saturday, April 20
TIME: Doors open at 8p.m., rap battles start at 9p.m.
LOCATION: Paper Tiger (2410 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212)

MCS:
• Boss
• Cuban **
• Heavy
• Magimbri **
• RuRa
• Pharaon
• Maluque
• White Caracas **
• Oner
• YENKY ONE
• Jordi **
• Versomc
• J Luna
• TREBOL
• LINK_ONE
• CAS **

** MCs based in Texas

JUDGES:
• Chester – Spanish freestyle legend and longtime California scene icon
• Skiper – Red Bull Batalla Mexico National Final 2021 Champion and freestyle OG
• Barba – San Antonio and Texas Native, Barba is a mainstay in the Texas freestyle scene

HOST:
• Racso White Lion – Official host of the 2023 Red Bull Batalla USA season and creator of the Indigo Freestyle League based in Orlando, Florida
• Fluffy – Host of Red Bull Batalla and Official host of the Texas freestyle league, Urban RapStars

DJS:
• DJ Lobo – Resident DJ for Texas freestyle league Urban RapStars
• Rudy Rios – San Antonio native and resident DJ at Vibras bar

Since 2005, Red Bull Batalla has provided a platform for the best hip-hop improvisors in the Spanish-speaking world to connect, develop, and compete. Within the last few years, the Red Bull founded project has become the world’s biggest international freestyle battle competition, uniting Spanish speaking Latin America and Spain. The roots of this improvised rap scene are as deeply connected to hip hop as they are to the improvisation styles of traditional folk troubadours. It has evolved into a style completely distinct from that of hip hop in North America. With Batalla, Red Bull gives an opportunity for young MCs to train, perform and improve their improvisation and rapping skills.

Photo: Red Bull Batalla

Second annual International Space Art and Poetry Contest

Kids and educators are encouraged to enter for a chance to see their creations in space. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Are you a creative who loves to create art or poetry around the subject of space? If so, this is your chance to enter a contest to have your art showcased from the International Space Station. This contest is open for young artists/poets as well as educators. For the second year, Astronaut John Shoffner is hosting the International Space Art & Poetry Contest. The goal is to promote the ‘A’ in STEAM. See more information below.

Have you ever looked at the stars and wondered, “What would it look like if we lived in space?” For the second year, astronaut and contest visionary John Shoffner invites students and educators from across the world to submit a drawing, painting or written poetry showcasing what it would look like if we lived up there. (Axiom Space, 2024)

Participants from around the globe will have the chance to showcase vivid color and curiosity as they take us on a journey into space as they envision it. Eight category representatives will receive special recognition from the International Space Station (ISS) in addition to receiving physical prints of their creation sent down from space. 

Submissions for the 2024 International Space Art and Poetry Contest open are open now and close on April 5. Selected category representatives will receive prints of their creations sent down from space, gift packages provided by Crayola Experience, and more.

Entries will be categorized by age division (5-8, 9-13, 14-18, and a newly added educator category), as well as by genre (visual art and poetry).

Submissions will be scored by an esteemed panel of judges including: 

  • NASA Icon and Axiom Space Director of Human Space Flight Peggy Whitson, who holds more time in space than any American or woman in history
  • STEAM advocate, contest visionary and Axiom Mission (Ax-2) Pilot John Shoffner
  • Executive Director of Limitless Space Institute, Kaci Heins 
  • Visual Artist, poet and published author, Moniqe Lorden  

The contest is hosted by The Perseid Foundation in collaboration with Crayola Experience, Limitless Space Institute, International Space Station National Lab, and Axiom Space. 

The inaugural International Space Art and Poetry Contest received more than 930 entries from 26 countries including the U.S., Colombia, Ghana, Ireland, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, and more. Surrounded by floating colorful artwork and written creations inside the Cupola, Shoffner announced the category representatives during the Ax-2 mission last May. 

“Your creativity has inspired my perspective on space in ways I never imagined,” said Shoffner from the ISS. “Your big ideas, bright colors, and thoughtful words have served as a gentle reminder to hold onto that wide-eyed curiosity that often escapes us over time.”

Axiom Space is building for beyond, guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom Space operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while developing its successor, Axiom Station – the world’s first commercial space station in low-Earth orbit, which will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home. 

Axiom Space collaborates with The Perseid Foundation and Limitless Space Institute to boost STEAM education for the next generation of space explorers. Through this collaboration, these education partners aim to inspire curiosity in STEAM related careers. 

Last year’s winning submissions. Courtesy photo, used with permission.