Tag: Rivercenter Mall

Celebrate World Space Week 2026: Smithsonian Starstruck Experience at Rivercenter

Smithsonian Starstruck invites communities worldwide to explore the universe together this World Space Week. Photo: Smithsonian Starstruck, used with permission.

Celebrate World Space Week in San Antonio with Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience

This World Space Week, Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience is inviting audiences around the globe to explore the universe together during Family Space Week – a special celebration taking place October 4–10. (Smithsonian Starstruck, 2026)

Across participating Starstruck venues in Washington D.C., San Antonio, Denver, Chicago, London, Melbourne, São Paulo, and Lisbon, guests are invited to journey deep into the cosmos through immersive exploration, STEM-inspired content, and special giveaways.

Kicking Off With Free Family Sunday at Starstruck

At the heart of the celebration is Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience, where guests travel through galaxies, encounter extreme exoplanets, and witness the life cycle of stars through real astronomical data brought to life.

Free tickets will be made available on Sunday, October 4 with Free Family Sunday, a special kickoff event offering free admission to Smithsonian Starstruck for one day only.

Important Note: Free tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will no longer be available once fully claimed.

From young explorers to grown-up stargazers, Free Family Sunday is designed to turn curiosity into discovery. Families can explore the science behind the stars and take home space-inspired goodies.

Event Details & Visitor Information

  • Opening Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
  • Location: The Shops at Rivercenter, Lower Level (San Antonio, TX)
  • Duration: ~40 minutes
  • Recommended Age: 10+

Accessibility Features

Developed in close collaboration with the Smithsonian Office of Visitor Accessibility, Starstruck incorporates accessible features to ensure a welcoming experience for all:

  • Closed captions & visual descriptions
  • Wheelchair-optimized viewing
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Complimentary companion access
  • Fully accessible venues and trained staff

What to Expect: A Walkable, Interactive Cosmos

Developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), Starstruck draws on decades of astronomical research to translate scientific data into a fully immersive, interactive, and walkable universe.

Built from real astronomical data, Starstruck is far more than an exhibition—it is a cosmic journey allowing guests to activate their senses as they touch, hear, and navigate the wonders of the universe like never before.

Highlight Features:

  • Travel Alongside Space Telescopes: Journey aboard the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory.
  • Explore Deep Space: Encounter extreme exoplanets, witness the birth and death of stars, and explore the immense scale of galaxies and black holes.
  • Humanity’s Place in Science: Gain a deeper understanding of our place in the universe through smart, transportive entertainment.

A Full Week of Cosmic Discovery

Family Space Week continues beyond the Sunday kickoff event with:

  • Special Ticket Offers: A limited-time promotion offering 20% off admission throughout World Space Week.
  • Giveaways & Partnerships: Local radio giveaways, STEM-inspired social content, and community partnerships across participating cities.

“World Space Week is about celebrating the curiosity that space sparks in all of us. We created Starstruck to inspire young people to ask big questions, get excited about science, and see themselves as part of the future of discovery.”

— Randall Smith, Astrophysicist at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

About Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience

Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience is a 3D interactive, virtual reality experience that begins at Earth’s observatories and launches visitors into the universe. Translating real data from SAO, NASA, and ESA, Starstruck brings Smithsonian science and storytelling into a transportive format, extending the Institution’s mission of sharing knowledge far beyond its physical museums.

Starstruck is part of Fever’s growing portfolio of original immersive experiences, designed to make extraordinary scientific discoveries accessible and tangible for everyone through a seamless blend of education, storytelling, and cutting-edge technology.

¡VIVA! at Mexico Ceaty: A 5-Day Mexican Independence Day Fiesta in San Antonio

The celebration will include live music, themed cocktails, and a grand finale. Photo: Katie James, used with permission.

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day on the San Antonio River Walk with ¡VIVA! at Mexico Ceaty, a five-day cultural and culinary fiesta running Saturday, Sept. 12, through Wednesday, Sept. 16. (Mexico Ceaty, 2026)

Created by acclaimed Chef Jason Dady, Mexico Ceaty is a 25,000-square-foot immersive dining and entertainment destination inside Rivercenter. The week builds from a high-energy weekend kickoff to a mariachi-filled finale across The Plaza, Dos Cantinas, and beyond.

Event Schedule & Highlights

  • ¡VIVA! Weekend Kickoff | Saturday, Sept. 12 (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
    • Kick off the festivities in The Plaza with live mariachi, featured drinks, food specials, and a dedicated photo moment.
    • Explore artisan goods, imported foods, and cookbooks during a special activation in The Mercado marketplace.
  • Mexican Breakfast: Independence Edition | Sunday, Sept. 13 (8:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
    • Enjoy live mariachi music while dining on signature specials at Dos Cantinas, including Pozole Verde a la Alcorta, house-made Barbacoa & Big Red, and fresh Conchas with Mexican Hot Chocolate from Dulce & Aroma.
    • Sip on brunch cocktails like the CDMX Mimosa, Bloody Maria, and Carajillo.
  • The ¡VIVA! Build Up | Monday, Sept. 14 & Tuesday, Sept. 15 (All Day)
    • Keep the celebration going with Independence-themed food and drink specials available throughout Mexico Ceaty as the countdown to Sept. 16 continues.
  • Mexican Independence Day Celebration | Wednesday, Sept. 16 (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
    • The main event features a festive ¡VIVA! Hour followed by live mariachi performances and entertainment.

Location & Access

  • Venue: Mexico Ceaty at Rivercenter
  • Address: 849 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78205 (River Walk Level; enter near Fat Tuesdays or Holey Moley)

About Chef Jason Dady & The Restaurant Group

Since 2001, James Beard Award semifinalist and Food Network veteran Chef Jason Dady, alongside his brother Jake and wife Crystal, has helped redefine San Antonio’s culinary landscape. Named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy Chef Ambassador in 2025, Dady operates nine acclaimed concepts:

  • Mexico Ceaty: Immersive dining and cultural destination on the River Walk
  • Tre Trattoria: Tuscan-Italian dining
  • Two Bros. BBQ Market: Classic Texas pit barbecue
  • Range: Premium Tuscan steakhouse
  • Roca & Martillo: Tuscan-meets-Texan cuisine
  • Tre Pizzeria: Authentic pizza and pasta in Boerne
  • Ice Ice Dady: Hawaiian shaved ice at The Rock at La Cantera
  • Lil’ Bros BBQ Shack: Backyard pitmaster pop-up at The Rock at La Cantera
Mexico Ceaty at Rivercenter. Photo: Katie James, used with permission.

San Antonio Restaurant Weeks + Mexico Ceaty’s Summer Fiesta: What to Know

Jason Dady Restaurants bring value driven menus to Restaurant Weeks. Photo: Katie James Collection, used with permission.

San Antonio foodies, mark your calendars! August is packed with incredible dining deals, new culinary hotspots, and a festive weekend celebration you won’t want to miss. Here is everything you need to know to make the most of the season.

Culinaria’s August San Antonio Restaurant Weeks (Aug. 8–29)

San Antonio Restaurant Weeks is back for its summer edition. Running from August 8 through August 29, this bi-annual, 15-year tradition showcases the best of the city’s culinary scene. With over 100 participating spots, it’s the perfect time to explore top-tier dining at approachable prices. (Culinaria, 2026)

Chef Jason Dady Concepts

Chef Jason Dady’s acclaimed lineup is offering special three-course prix fixe menus for $30 per person at lunch and $55 per person at dinner. (Jason Dady Restaurant Group, 2026)

  • Tre Trattoria – Featuring signature dishes like the Smoked Gouda White Truffle Radiatore.
  • Roca & Martillo – Try the classic Tuscan Bolognese.
  • Range – Don’t miss the Herb-Crusted Ora King Salmon.
  • Tres Arcos at Mexico Ceaty – Offering San Antonio-Style Cheese Enchiladas. Bonus: This marks Tres Arcos’ very first Restaurant Weeks since opening in April!

Reservations for all Jason Dady concepts can be booked online.

More Must-Try Spots

  • Ladino – Serving an exclusive prix-fixe dinner menu.
  • Mezquite – Offering both lunch and dinner prix-fixe menus.

Reservations for both Ladino and Mezquite are available via OpenTable.

Want to see the full lineup? For a complete list of participating restaurants and menus across San Antonio, visit San Antonio Restaurant Weeks online.

Shop & Celebrate: Mexico Ceaty’s Summer Send-Off Fiesta (Aug. 7–9)

Combine Tax-Free Weekend back-to-school shopping at Rivercenter Mall with a weekend-long celebration at Mexico Ceaty. Shop all day, then enjoy live entertainment, food, and tax-free artisan goods:

  • Live DJ: Catch the vibes at Dos Cantinas on Saturday from 6 PM to 9 PM.
  • Mariachi Performance: Enjoy live mariachi music on Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to Noon.
  • Weekend Mexican Breakfast: Served Saturday & Sunday (8 AM to 2 PM) at Dos Cantinas, featuring Huevos Rancheros, Chilaquiles Tradicionales, Avocado Tostadas, and more.
  • Mercado Deals: Merchandise in The Mercado is included in Tax-Free Weekend, making it the ideal time to stock up on artisan goods and local items.