The County Line Community Band will perform a free concert on Saturday, November 21, 2020. Photo: County Line Community Band, used with permission.
The County Line Community Band will perform a free “Thanksgiving Concert” this Saturday, November 21, 2020 at 3p.m. This concert celebrates the many gift we have had during this difficult year and selections will include “Amazing Grace,” “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” and a special tribute to veterans. It will take place at the St Hedgwig City Park, 1346 FM 1518 St Hedwig, TX 78152 and will abide by strict “social distancing” rules. The concert will be broadcast on short wave FM radio so attendees can listen to the music in their car while watching the band perform from the safety of their car. Shakers Smoke Shack BBQ truck will be onsite for any attendees wishing to purchase food. This concert is free and open to the public. (County Line Community Band, 2020)
The County Line Community Band is a versatile musical organization that uses the modern concert band repertoire and set up to entertain San Antonio and the surrounding communities. This versatility allows the band to perform a variety of music in different genres.
Anthony Michael Hall’s Summer Drive-In Film Festival continues this weekend. Photo: EVO Entertainment Group, used with permission.
EVO Entertainment Group® is excited to announce Anthony Michael Hall’s Summer Drive-In Film Festival taking place over four weekends in July and August. Anthony Michael Hall, known for films like The Breakfast Club, Weird Science, 16 Candles and more will be hosting the film festival. Each evening will offer a double-feature presentation of two films shown outdoors at the EVO® Drive-In experience. The festival will take place at EVO Entertainment’s Schertz, Texas and Kyle, Texas locations. (EVO Entertainment Group, 2020)
The Summer Drive-In Film Festival schedule: Weekend 2 – July 24 & July 25 (sold out)
John Hughes Comedy Classics #2 – The Breakfast Club / National Lampoons Vacation
Location:
Friday, July 24 at EVO Schertz
Saturday, July 25 at EVO Kyle
Weekend 3 – July 31 & August 1
Rudy / The Goonies
Location:
Friday, July 31 at EVO Schertz
Saturday, August 1 at EVO Kyle
Special Guest: Sean Astin
Weekend 4 – August 7 & August 8
The Iconic Duo – Terminator 2 Judgement Day / War Machine
Location:
Friday, August 7 at EVO Kyle
Saturday, August 8 at EVO Schertz
Special Guest: Robert Patrick
Weekend 5 – August 14 & August 15
AMH & RDJ: The Iconic Duo – Hail Caesar / Johnny Be Good
Location:
Friday, August 14 at EVO Kyle
Saturday, August 15 at EVO Schertz
Throughout the screenings, guests will have the ability to purchase food and beverage, merchandise, autographs and more via EVO’s mobile app. During the intermission between the two films, guests will also enjoy a 45-minute interactive Q&A with Anthony Michael Hall and guests plus the opportunity to have a professional photo taken with the celebrities. In order to promote a safe environment, questions for the Q&A will be submitted via EVO’s mobile app or in writing. Guests that partake in the photo opportunity will be asked to wear a mask up until the photo is taken and photos will be available for download through EVO’s website. The use of personal phones for photos will not be permitted in an effort to limit the number of surfaces being touched during the photo opportunity.
All tickets are priced at $25.00 per vehicle and can be purchased online. Tickets are valid only for the weekend and location chosen and shown on the tickets. Guests must purchase a separate ticket for each event they wish to attend, there are no all-inclusive ticket options. Tickets are non-refundable.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic EVO Entertainment has taken extra precautions to better ensure the safety of its staff and guests. To learn more about EVO’s safety procedures visit EVO Cinemas online.
La Cantera Resort & Spa. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness at La Cantera Resort & Spa announced today that it is expanding its services as phase two of its Tranquil Transitions reopening. In addition to hair and nail appointments, guests can now select 60-minute massage and facial treatments. Quenche Juicery will be available with a new menu of healthy bites and re-imagined juice blends and cocktails. (Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness, 2020)
Loma de Vida’s Tranquil Transitions initiative includes social distancing, sanitization efforts, contact-free services where applicable and many more. These protocols follow the guidance provided by the CDC, industry associations and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations, therefore limiting occupancy levels in the Spa. Reservations are required and no additional guests will be allowed.
Before entering Loma de Vida, guests will receive a touch-free temperature reading; if your temperature is 100 degrees or higher, spa personnel will request you to reschedule after 14 days post fever. All guests will be required to wear masks. Additionally, the Spa’s Pool and Gym is limited to 50 percent capacity.
Loma de Vida’s Tranquil Transitions initiative for the wellbeing of associates and our guests includes:
Community Care Coordinators to assist guests with physical distancing reminders and application of sanitizer to high touch surfaces
Gentle reminder signage encouraging hand washing and social distancing
Masks are required in all areas of the facility except on the pool deck or in the Solarium and they will be required during Massage; gloves also will be offered
The Saline Vitality Pool and Himalayan Salt Stone Sauna, along with the lovely patio and resting areas will be open in the Solarium. The Steam Room will be closed until further notice.
There will be no cash transactions and all retail sales are final with a no return policy. Associates will assist in gathering items in the retail boutique. Moving forward you will not be allowed to have food, glass bottles, or electronic devices in the solarium.
La Cantera Resort & Spa is situated on a 550-acre tranquil oasis near the city’s finest attractions including shopping, dining, amusement parks, the River Walk and Hill Country adventures. Discover inspiring settings at the resort’s five sparkling pools, two championship golf courses, Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness – a 25,000 sq. ft. destination spa and 12 incredible dining options. La Cantera Resort & Spa presents an unparalleled level of relaxed sophistication. The 496-room resort offers an insightful concierge staff to help uncover authentic San Antonio experiences, activities for young travelers and private pool cabañas. The Villas feature 34 highly appointed guest rooms and suites nestled within the Hill Country. A boutique resort experience coupled with the benefits of a full luxury resort. SEVEN, a 46-room “adults only” guest floor experience includes complimentary valet, personal concierge, private check-in and pool access for guests 21 and over.
The first official day of Spring is March 19 but flowers of all kinds have been blooming for weeks. For anyone who loves flowers and nature, there is a new tulip farm that just opened last month in La Vernia. Texas Tulips is a family-owned “you pick” tulip farm in La Vernia, TX just 30 minutes south of San Antonio. This is the ideal road trip to get some much needed fresh air, spend time with family and friends and pick your own tulips to create a custom made bouquet. There are thousands of tulips to choose from at only $2.50 a stem and the flowers are then wrapped in pretty paper and the stems are put in flower gel. Entrance fee is $5 per person. Additional information as well as farm rules and regulations are available online.
We visited the Saturday morning after Valentine’s Day to be able to spend some time outdoors and the opportunity to create our own unique bouquet. The trip there did not take long but it took awhile to find the farm since it is in the outskirts of town. They provide a basket for guests’ convenience and it comes in handy once the picking starts. There are indeed many varieties to choose from and it is impressive to see the many colors available but I was expecting the location to be bigger. It was early in the day but the crowd was already growing and while it is the picture-perfect location for Instagram worthy shots, some of the guest were trampling the greenery around the tulips and access was limited due to lingering groups. Regardless, I got to pick the colors I wanted and ended up with a small bouquet of one red, one yellow and one white tulip and took the necessary pictures to show off our visit. The return trip home took an hour and they were already wilting but once placed in a vase with fresh water and plant food, they perked right up.
The overall trip was pleasant enough to recommend it to nature lovers. A chance to pick your own bouquet is a unique experience and more people should try it. It appears to be a popular place so my advice is to go early in the day because the traffic can get overwhelming. Parking is free so the parking lot was full by the time we left and it took us twenty minutes of idling just to get to the exit. Perhaps the owners underestimated the traffic they would get because the entrance gate is only one way. Hopefully this will be fixed in the near future. One major drawback is that it is not pet friendly; it would have been nice to be able to take our dog. The primary location is in Dallas. Business hours are 10a.m. to 6p.m. seven days a week and they expect to be open through early March, depending on the weather.
Texas Tulips – San Antonio
15122 FM 775
La Vernia, TX 78121
(940) 440-0232
Texas Tulips – Dallas
10656 FM 2931
Pilot Point, TX 76258
Old West Christmas Light Fest is now open through Christmas Day. Photo: Google
Holiday magic comes to life at Old West Christmas Light Fest in Boerne. Set in an Old West town, it is brimming with lights, music, games, activities and flavor. Experience holiday glow and some of the best Christmas lights in the San Antonio area in a true Texas setting where Santa and his Holly Jolly Herd of longhorns are ready to pull his sleigh across Texas. Delight in a synchronized light show set to music, play laser tag in the lights, escape holiday stress with family fun in the Old West’s Christmas Escape Rooms and snap sweet pictures in Candyland. Bring family, friends and camera: pictures with Santa are always free at Old West Christmas Light Fest. (Old West Christmas Light Fest, 2019)
Old West Christmas Light Fest is open from 6p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday through Sunday evenings until Sunday December 15 then every night December 19 through 25, including Christmas Eve and Christmas night.
Hinojosa Family Lights has taken over the ranch this year. Come see the magic that features Christmas classics and surprise songs in a synchronized Old West Light Show. The show is included in admission to Old West Christmas Light Fest and runs continuously. Escape holiday stress in one of the Old West’s Christmas Escape Rooms. With two holiday-themed rooms, guests can make Christmas memories with friends and family while trying to beat the clock. Or save Christmas by playing Laser Tag in the Lights, electronically defending holiday fun surrounded by the glow of thousands of Christmas lights. There is also a Candyland Instagram room where guests can snap share-worthy shots all season long and holiday cooking decorating classes. Two special nights of romance will take place on December 8 and December 15 with “Romance Under the Lights” with a host of local romance writers greeting fans and getting in on the holiday fun. Fill your holiday gift list by shopping the Old West merchants and fill your belly with flavors from a variety of food trucks on site each night. No matter what you choose, a night at Old West Christmas Light Fest is one to remember. Every night features music, with beer and wine at the bar and hot cocoa and s’mores by the campfire. Santa is at his favorite ranch to hear holiday wishes through Christmas Eve and photos with Santa are free.
Tickets are available online and are $15 per person ages six and older and children five and under are free. Family 5-packs are available for $60. Members of the military, active duty, guard, reserves and all retired service members, as well as first responders and their immediate families receive a $5 discount. Season passes are $45 per person. Onsite parking is included.
Enchanted Springs Ranch
242 Hwy 46 W
Boerne, TX 78006
Take exit 540 off of I-10 and travel three miles west
Pearl’s May events begin this Thursday with First Thursday. Photo: Matt Buikema, used with permission.
Pearl is excited to present its May programming including The Farmers Market 10-year anniversary, a Cinco de Mayo celebration, the First Thursday Night Market and a Memorial Day party to honor the members of the armed forces who have passed. (Pearl, 2019)
First Thursday Night Market – May 2 from 4p.m. to 8p.m.
First Thursday Night Market returns to Pearl for the month of May. Visitors can shop with their favorite local Farmers Market vendors and artisans while enjoying music by regional performers. Jose Amador and TERRA NOVA will perform at Pearl Park from 5:30p.m. to 7:30p.m. and Mariachi Las Coronelas Trio in Pearl Parkito from 4p.m. to 8p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
Cinco de Mayo – Sunday May 5 from 4p.m to 7p.m.
In honor of Cinco de Mayo, Bottling Department will host live music by El Tallercito de Son in Pearl Park and Fletcher’s Hamburgers will be serving carnitas all day. The Bar at the Bottling Department will also feature agave wine “Margaritas.”
Farmers Market 10 Year Anniversary Celebration – Saturday May 18
Pearl’s Farmers Market will celebrate its 10th anniversary this May. Since 2009, the market has grown to include 50 plus vendors representing the best in produce, meats, dairy, eggs and artisan foods from a 150-mile radius. Pearl’s market is the largest “producers-only” operation in San Antonio. San Antonio Botanical Gardens and CHEF (Culinary Health Education for Families) will offer demonstrations and activities for families, Wide Awake Creative will feature a produce-inspired photobooth and Artist Katy Sosa’s Keep Calm Y Dream On will offer an interactive art making station. The anniversary celebration will include live music and cupcakes from Bakery Lorraine. During the month of May, Pearl restaurants will showcase menu items featuring produce from Farmers Market vendors. All activations are free and open to the public.
Memorial Day Celebration- Monday May 27 from 2p.m. to 4p.m.
In honor of members of the armed forces who have passed, Pearl and The Bottling Department will have a crawfish boil by Bud’s Southern Rotisserie. There will be live music by the Gulf Coast Playboys, and more. Guests will be able to enjoy music and food while playing in the sun and Gustav’s Geysers.
Float Fest 2019 will take place in Gonzales and tickets are now on sale. Photo: Chad Wadsworth, used with permission.
Float Fest, the only festival in the world to combine the Texas tradition of floating the river and live music, recently announced a new venue for its 2019 festival. It will take place on Saturday July 20 and Sunday July 21 and will be moving to Gonzales, TX, which is about an hour outside of Austin as well as about an hour outside of San Antonio. The new location provides a greater proximity for Houston fans since it is about two hours from Houston. (Float Fest, 2019)
The festival will have all the amenities of floating the river, camping and live music, with the property being three times larger than past festivals. With river access to float being on-site at this year’s festival, no more shuttles are needed, which means immediate access to the water upon arrival. The camp grounds are a pecan orchard, with beautiful 200+ year old trees that provide tons of shade right by the Guadalupe River as well as larger camping sites with 20×20 spaces available. The festival also includes Improved traffic flow with multiple exit points. The new venue is a private ranch located in Gonzales county, just a few miles away for convenience with amenities such as hotels, restaurants, retail, supermarkets, and more.
Weekend tickets, day tickets and a limited amount of VIP tickets are now available for purchase online. Attendees will be able to enjoy a highly curated mix of alternative, rap, indie rock and EDM performers with two main stages that will offer fans a chance to catch every moment of main stage action with non-overlapping sets.
The 2019 Float Fest headliners Major Lazer, Portugal. The Man, Gucci Mane, Kaskade, Zeds Dead, Ice Cube, Big Gigantic and The Flaming Lips will close out the festival each night, performing popular crowd favorites. Other artists include Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Grouplove, Big Boi, Jungle, St. Lucia, Houndmouth, G Love & Special Sauce, Missio, The Floozies, Goldfish, Sego and Cowboy Diplomacy.
Gates to float the river will open at 8a.m. and tubing tickets can be purchased separately online; everyone must have a concert ticket to float the river. Held on the sprawling Guadalupe River on a private ranch, the festival grounds are quintessential to Central Texas. The festival features ample on-site parking and immediate access to the Guadalupe River. Float Fest will also have over 35 local unique food vendors for attendees to enjoy.
Additional features at Float Fest 2019 include:
• VIP lounge with complimentary Wi-Fi
• VIP side-stage viewing decks on both stages
• Early camping load in, offering patrons the opportunity to arrive Friday, July 19, set up their campsite, float the river and kick-off the party a day early
• Early wristband pick up at off-site locations
• Showers on the campgrounds
• Shade & Arcade Lounge: All new shade and arcade lounge with 24-hour weekend access of 30 assorted arcade games along with chilly-cool AC and complimentary Wi-Fi ($35 day passes and $50 weekend passes to access this lounge)
• An expanded General Store with tubing accessories such as phone pouches, tubes, and more
• Lockers for storage.
Each year, Float Fest also organizes a river cleanup project, Keep the River Clean, through partnerships with local businesses. Float Fest cleanup efforts include mesh biodegradable trash bags available for free with tubes for floating, River Wranglers on canoes to help take trash bags, trash receptacles available after tubing at shuttle pick up stations, and the Float Fest crew cleaning up the river before, during, and after the festival with divers and boats to ensure a safe and clean zone.
Float Fest
2855 South US Highway 183
Gonzales, TX 78629
Tickets go on sale this Tuesday April 23. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Circuit of The Americas (COTA) announced last week that they will welcome two world-renowned musical acts to the Super Stage at the FORMULA 1 2019 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX. On Saturday, November 2, 20-time GRAMMY® nominated and international pop icon P!NK, who is sure to ‘get the party started’ and give fans an unforgettable performance, will take the Super Stage at COTA. The night prior, Friday, November 1, GRAMMY® Award-winning band Imagine Dragons will start the weekend on a high note after the first day of qualifying races. (Circuit of the Americas, 2019)
Tickets for the FORMULA 1 2019 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX, set for November 1-3, will go on sale Tuesday, April 23 at 1a.m. online at Circuit of the Americas.
Currently in the midst of her extended Beautiful Trauma World Tour, P!NK brings her truly spectacular show to the Super Stage at COTA Saturday night of USGP weekend. P!NK is known for her powerhouse vocals, uplifting anthems and showman stage skills. Since her debut in 2000, P!NK has released seven studio albums, one greatest hits album, sold over 50 million album equivalents, over 75 million singles, and over 2.4 million DVDs worldwide and has had 15 singles in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (four at #1). Her eighth studio album, Hurts 2B Human, is set for release April 26 via RCA Records and is available for pre-order today.
Imagine Dragons will bring the crowd to their feet on Friday night of the Grand Prix weekend when they bring their limitless passion and genre-bending music to Austin, Texas. Imagine Dragons has emerged as one of the biggest and most compelling rock bands in the world. The Las Vegas-based group released their latest album, Origins, in November 2018 and have seen great chart-topping success with the powerhouse single “Natural” and epic balladry of “Bad Liar.”
COTA will once again offer the rain plan guarantee. Should it rain over 1.5 inches within the 24 hr period leading up to the race, all three-day RESERVED seats purchased before August 31 will get a 105% of ticket price back. Three-day race tickets, which include access to both headlining concerts along with other featured entertainment, start at $175. Sunday-only bleachers and Sunday-only Main Grandstand tickets will also be available for purchase, along with premium on-track viewing upgrades for both concerts.
“We’re thrilled to welcome P!NK and Imagine Dragons to the Super Stage for this year’s United States Grand Prix. COTA is proud to host such an exciting, non-stop weekend of entertainment, bringing together the best of racing, through Formula 1 USGP, and music in welcoming these internationally-renowned artists to the Live Music Capital of the World.” – Bobby Epstein, founder and chairman of COTA.
Circuit of the Americas
9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd.
Austin, TX 78617
Tickets are now on sale for Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic at the Circuit of the Americas. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
C3 Presents and Circuit of The Americas (COTA) are proud to announce the return of Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic to Circuit of The Americas. The legendary Willie Nelson plays host to one of America’s most celebrated festivals and the 4th of July Picnic returns to COTA for the fifth year. (Circuit of the Americas, 2019)
The 46th edition of the picnic will take place at the Circuit of The Americas’ Austin360 Amphitheater on Thursday, July 4th. The all-day event on America’s birthday features performances from artists on two stages, including Willie Nelson & Family, Luke Combs, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Alison Krauss, Jamey Johnson, Steve Earle & The Dukes, Hayes Carll, Colter Wall, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Gene Watson, Billy Joe Shaver, Johnny Bush, Folk Uke, Raelyn Nelson Band and The Casey Kristofferson Band.
This year’s 4th of July Picnic will again feature two stages: the main Austin360 Amphitheater stage and a second stage located on the Grand Plaza. The Grand Plaza will have picnic tables where fans can eat, drink, celebrate and watch their favorite artists, as well as a shopping area featuring a variety of Texas-based vendors. There will also be a special fireworks display to commemorate the show and celebrate America’s birthday.
Tickets are priced at $99.50 for the GA Pit Section and Reserved Seat Section in front of the stage. Reserved bowl tickets are $79.50-$99.50 and $45.00 for H-E-B General Admission Lawn. There are also a limited number of special VIP packages available for sale featuring premium tickets within the Austin360 Amphitheater, access to the Luck Lounge, with complimentary Anheuser-Busch offerings and limited-edition commemorative event t-shirts. Packages are priced starting at $199. All tickets are now on sale online through Ticketmaster, the Circuit of the Americas and Live Nation or by phone at 1-800-745-3000.
Standard parking lots at Circuit of The Americas open at 10a.m. while gates to the Austin360 Amphitheater will open at 11a.m. Standard parking is included in the price of the ticket. Premium parking, bus parking, RV parking, as well as campsites are also available for purchase at the time tickets are purchased.
Circuit of the Americas
9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd.
Austin, TX 78617
For the first time, A Día del Nino celebration is coming to the Pearl this April. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
April at Pearl is setting up to be a busy one with various activities planned for the whole family. Programming for the month includes Poetry at Pearl, a Mi Golondrina retail pop-up, the First Thursday Night Market, Bidi Bidi Party, a Battle of Flowers After Party and Día del Niño. Also, Gustav’s Geysers have reopened at Pearl Park, making it the perfect destination for spring time fun. (Pearl, 2019)
Poetry Month at Pearl in April – Various activations throughout Pearl Campus all month
In honor of National Poetry Month, Pearl will celebrate the art of the written word with various poetry-themed activations throughout the property. Pearl has commissioned local poets to create works in collaboration with select stores. Celebration of Things: Window Poems features the work of three San Antonio Poet Laureates and three Texas Poet Laureates; poems are installed on the storefronts of The Tiny Finch, Niche, Local Coffee, Bakery Lorraine, LeeLee, Vintage Bouquet Bar and The Twig. Typewriter Rodeo will also be at the First Thursday Night Market on Thursday, April 4, where Poem Wranglers will create free, custom poetry for visitors on their vintage typewriters. The Twig will have a book signing with Kari Anne Holt and Sean Petrie of the Typewriter Rodeo where they will sign copies their recent publication “Typewriter Rodeo: Real People, Real Stories, Custom Poems.” All events are free and open to the public.
Mi Golondrina Pop Up – March 5 – June 1 from 11a.m. to 5p.m.
Mi Golondrina, a collection of handcrafted high-end artisan clothing and accessories made in Mexico, returns to Pearl. Guests can shop the collection at the Pearl pop-up store, located next to Niche and The Sporting District.
First Thursday Night Market – Thursday April 4 from 4p.m. to 8p.m.
First Thursday Night Market returns to Pearl for the month of April. Visitors can shop with their favorite local Farmers Market vendors and artisans while enjoying music by regional performers. Mojo-Ramba will perform at Pearl Park from 5:30p.m. to 7:30p.m. and. St. Duke’s in Pearl Parkito from 4p.m. to 8p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
Bidi Bidi Party – Tuesday April 16 from 6p.m. to 9p.m.
Pearl will host a Bidi Bidi Party on Tuesday, April 16 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. at Pearl Park. DJ Manolo Black will spin the best of cumbia and Latin music to honor the Queen of Tejano. The event is free and open to the public with food and drinks for sale at the Bottling Department.
Battle of Flowers After Party at Pearl – Friday April 26 from 12:30p.m. to 5p.m.
Pearl will host its annual Battle of Flowers After Party at Pearl Park. Guests can enjoy specials from the Bottling Department while dancing along to Sound Cream and DJ Catwalk. The event is free and open to the public with food and drinks for sale at the Bottling Department and Southerleigh Oyster Bar.
Día del Niño – Tuesday April 30 from 4p.m. to 6p.m.
Since 1925, Día del Niño is an annual celebration in Mexico honoring children and this year, Pearl brings the celebration to Pearl Parkito. Pearl will honor this tradition by partnering with the Instituto Cultural de México (ICM) to bring an evening of bilingual storytelling, traditional Mexican games, face painting, and more. Día del Niño is free and open to the public with food and drinks available for purchase throughout Pearl property.
Pearl
303 Pearl Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-7260
The first official day of Spring is March 19 but flowers of all kinds have been blooming for weeks. For anyone who loves flowers and nature, there is a new tulip farm that just opened last month in La Vernia. 
SA Examiner 