Celebrate Fiesta at Otto’s Ice House with limited-time cocktails, Tejano music, and exclusive metals. Photo: Otto’s Ice House, used with permission.
Viva Fiesta! 3 Must-Visit San Antonio Events This Week
If you’re still looking for the perfect way to celebrate Fiesta, San Antonio is delivering in spades. From ice house hangouts to high-end champagne dinners, here are three ways to soak up the spirit of the season. (Otto’s Ice House, Pearl, Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2026)
1. Sip and Celebrate at Otto’s Ice House
Chef Levi Goode’s newest concept, Otto’s Ice House, is going all out with seasonal flair. Whether you’re hunting for a free collectible medal or a refreshing drink, this is your go-to spot.
The Drinks ($12):
River City Rosè: Vodka, honeysuckle liqueur, lemon, strawberry, and sparkling water.
Como la Flor: A smoky-sweet blend of Tequila, mezcal, orgeat, lime, and Aperol.
The Swag: Spend $40 or more to snag an exclusive Fiesta medal for FREE, or purchase one for $10.
The Party: On Friday, April 24, catch live Tejano music immediately following the Battle of Flowers parade.
When: Now through Sunday, April 26 Where: 111 Newell Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78212
2. Viva Pearl: Family Fun in the Heart of the City
For those wanting a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere,Viva Pearl returns this Friday. It’s the perfect post-parade landing spot to keep the energy high.
The Activities: Get creative with maraca painting and papel picado postcard making.
The Atmosphere: Browse curated local vendors and enjoy live musical performances throughout the evening.
The Food: Local food vendors will be on-site serving up South Texas favorites.
When: Friday, April 24 | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Where: 303 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215
3. An Elevated Alternative: Lanson Champagne Dinner
If you’re looking to escape the crowds for a more intimate, sophisticated evening, head to Signature Restaurant at Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa.
Chef John Carpenter has designed a seven-course tasting menu specifically paired with five selections from Lanson Champagne. Highlights include:
Hamachi with watermelon yuzu granita.
Scallop & Caviar in a champagne beurre blanc.
Texas Wagyu Ribeye and Gulf Redfish.
Malva Pudding to round out the evening.
When: Thursday, April 23 | 6:00 PM Where: Signature Restaurant (La Cantera Resort & Spa) Booking: This is a one-night-only event with limited seating. Find more details and book your table here.
Pro Tip: If you’re heading to the Battle of Flowers parade on Friday, plan your route early! Both Otto’s and Pearl are expected to be busy immediately following the festivities.
The Secret Garden Room at High Praise Rooftop Bar at InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk. Photo: InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk, used with permission.
Celebrate Mother’s Day in San Antonio: Special Events and Experiences to Make Her Feel Loved
Mother’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a heartfelt celebration of the women who nurture, guide, and inspire us. Observed in many parts of the world, this special day is dedicated to honoring mothers and maternal figures for their enduring love and countless sacrifices. Whether through a handwritten note, a bouquet of flowers, a shared meal, or a quiet moment of connection, people celebrate in many meaningful ways.
This year, several of San Antonio’s finest hotels and resorts are offering curated experiences and special events designed to make Mother’s Day truly unforgettable. Here’s a round up of where to take Mom for a memorable celebration:
Dates: May 9–11, 2025 Location: Four Brothers Restaurant
Four Brothers, Omni La Mansión del Rio’s Southern-inspired eatery, will be hosting a limited-time Mother’s Day Brunch and serving a specialty cocktail called the ‘I Raised You.’
Celebrate Mom with a jazzy brunch and vibrant rooftop experience at the InterContinental.
Brunch at Cavalier:
Classic brunch dishes with live music from The Dirty River Jazz Band.
A Kendra Scott pop-up just outside the restaurant—perfect for last-minute gift shopping.
After Brunch:
Head up to High Praise rooftop bar to enjoy The Secret Garden Room—a lush, seasonal pop-up bar with over 10 custom cocktails inspired by spring and nature.
Take in the views and snap the perfect Mother’s Day photo with the San Antonio skyline as a backdrop.
Special Offers: Now through May 12 Gift Card Promotion: Available until May 8
Start Mother’s Day early at Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa, where wellness meets indulgence. Give Mom the gift of self-care with one of their rejuvenating packages:
The Essential Duo
The Glass Skin Glow
Or let her choose with a flexible Hiatus Gift Card
Each option is designed to help her relax, recharge, and feel her absolute best on her special day.
For those looking to make Mother’s Day a full-on experience, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk offers a perfect blend of indulgence, style, and serenity.
Brunch at Landrace: A Feast for the Senses
Treat Mom to a decadent prix-fixe brunch at Landrace, the hotel’s riverside restaurant known for its thoughtful flavors and elegant setting.
Relax & Unwind: Rooftop Luxury and Spa Bliss
After brunch, keep the celebration going:
Lounge poolside in a rooftop cabana with panoramic views of the San Antonio skyline.
Visit Thompson Spa for signature treatments designed to restore, relax, and elevate her day.
Whether she wants a culinary escape or a peaceful retreat, Thompson San Antonio offers a refined way to celebrate the mothers and mother figures in your life.
Plan Ahead
Mother’s Day is a time to show love and appreciation. Be sure to reserve early—these experiences are limited and sure to fill quickly!
Signature restaurant at La Cantera Resort & Spa. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.
La Cantera Resort & Spa, the award-winning destination set atop the highest elevation point in San Antonio, has welcomed a new trio to the kitchen of its Signature Restaurant. Lead by San Antonio local John Carpenter as executive chef, the team also includes Executive Sous Chef Jaime Torres and Pastry Chef Stéphane Leopoldo. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2022)
Since joining Signature in September of last year, Chef Carpenter has united with Chef Andrew Weissman. The result is a new menu with some of Weissman’s greatest hits, plus new creations by Chef Carpenter and Chef Torres like the Hamachi Crudo and Spanish Octopus.
While their paths crossed most recently at Signature, Carpenter was inspired by the four-time James Beard-nominated Weissman long before. “Ten years ago, I visited Andrew Weissman’s Osteria Il Sogno and had an eye-opening experience. That meal taught me a lot about keeping things simple and letting the ingredients shine. I still consider it one of the best meals of my life.” Now, Carpenter is bringing that guiding principle to the seasonally driven fare at Signature.
Chef Carpenter and Chef Torres have worked together since 2015 when Carpenter was the Chef at San Antonio’s Culinary Institute of America restaurant, then-known as NAO. The two say that guests can look forward to the Signature experience they already know and love: beautiful scenery, high end service and delicious, traditionally inspired food made with fresh ingredients. They also say guests can expect a few surprises with Asian and Latin American influences gleaned from their own culinary adventures making its way to their plates.
“Joining the team at Signature is an incredible opportunity for me. I’ve really enjoyed the creative process behind our new menu and am energized by the different style of service we offer here. Signature’s unique, French-brigade style in the kitchen is exciting and collaborative for us and for the guests looking into our open kitchen. I’m looking forward to exploring what we can do in the future while staying true to the spirit of Signature.” – Executive Chef John Carpenter.
One hundred percent of the proceeds of the Teddy Bear Brunch will go to the Children’s Bereavement Center. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.
In observance of Children’s Grief Awareness Month, La Cantera Resort & Spa is hosting the ultimate Teddy Bear Brunch experience at Signature Restaurant at La Cantera Resort & Spa on Saturday November 13 from 10a.m. to 2p.m., reservations required. Benefitting Children’s Bereavement Center, this brunch aims to educate, advocate and raise awareness about the needs of grieving children, teens, and their families by focusing on the good works of Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2021)
For most children and adults, the Teddy Bear is a symbol of love and security, a source of comfort when they sleep and a form of protection when they are awake and feeling vulnerable. Build-A-Bear Foundation has donated 100 Teddy Bears to the Children’s Bereavement Center via the Teddy Bear Brunch. La Cantera is hoping to match that gift by asking guests to bring a brand-new Teddy Bear for donation to the Center.
Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas is so much more than a place where grieving children go to heal; it is a place of transformation. The Center serves thousands of children, caregivers, and community members through ongoing counseling, education, and support groups provided at no cost to the children and families served. Because Teddy Bears are an important part of the mission at Children’s Bereavement Center, every child starts their journey at the Center with a bear, to remind them that they are not alone in their journey through grief.
The Resort’s goal is to collect 100 Teddy Bears matching the Build-A-Bear Foundation donation for a total of 200 bears for the Center’s Holiday gift exchange with the children they serve.
One hundred percent of proceeds from the Teddy Bear Brunch will benefit Children’s Bereavement Center. Tickets are $75 for adults, $45 for children, please call Signature 210-247-0176, Tuesday through Sunday after 1p.m. to make reservations.
Poached Eggs & Salmon at Signature, Inspired by Chef Andrew Weissman. Photo: Signature, used with permission.
Signature, Inspired by Chef Andrew Weissman, one of the fine dining choices at La Cantera Resort & Spa is now offering a weekday Signature Hour and a weekend Signature Brunch. For those looking for a charming and relaxed Hill Country culinary experience, Signature offers dinner from Monday through Saturday from 6p.m. to 10 p.m., Signature Hour from Tuesday through Friday from 4:30p.m. to 6 p.m. and Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations for dinner and brunch are recommended but not required and can be made by calling (210) 247-0176. (Signature, 2017)
The cocktail menu at Signature Hour changes weekly to showcase the mixology mastery of the restaurant with a rotating menu of hand-crafted specialty cocktails, beer and wine. The bar has approximately 50 scotches from single-malt to blended, including the rare Gaelic scotch Ice God, with only 30,000 bottles existing in the world. The vast bourbon and rye collection includes many hard-to-find selections, including Hibiki 21-Year-Old and Whistle Pig Boss Hog Single Barrel. Signature Hour has menu options that include a savory selection of menu favorites such as the ever-popular Deviled Egg Potato Salad, Gold Leaf Risotto, Signature Petite Burger with fried egg and pickles, charcuterie and new items such as Mumbai-Style Lamb with curry and Black Truffle Laneh and La Reve Wasabi Oysters. Prices range from $5 to $15. Drink prices range from beer for $5 and wine and hand-crafted Signature cocktails for $7.
Chef Andrew Weissman has teamed up with Executive Chef Laurent Rea to create a French-inspired weekend Brunch menu with Texas influences. The menu offerings include an authentic French toast made with challah bread, a true New England-style lobster roll and French style omelet and diners can choose between mixed-mushroom, lobster, crawfish or smoked salmon, prepared with fresh herbs grown in Signature’s garden. Texas influences include a breakfast burger stacked with Swiss hash browns, apple-smoked bacon atop a house-made brioche roll, creamed chipped beef on a house-made biscuit and Blueberry buttermilk pancakes with warm maple syrup and apple-smoked bacon. Fresh cocktails include a house-made Bloody Mary made with yellow tomato juice, designed to complement brunch offerings.
Signature
16401 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 247-0176
Executive Chef Laurent Rea and General Manager Patrick Bean are new to Signature restaurant. Photo: Signature, used with experience.
La Cantera Resort & Spa recently announced the appointment of new Executive Chef Laurent Rea and General Manager Patrick Bean to Signature restaurant. A world class concept, Signature is inspired by Chef Andrew Weismann and Chef Rea and Patrick Bean hope to expand on his unique vision for the resort’s freestanding restaurant and bar. Part of the vision includes creating a gracious, timeless and relaxed Hill Country experience for guests looking for non-traditional alternatives to upscale dining. Weismann began his career in Europe and now back in San Antonio, he has opened seven popular and critically acclaimed restaurants including La Rêve, which was recognized by The New York Times, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine magazine and other renowned publications. Signature is open from 6p.m. to 10p.m. for dinner and reservations are recommended but not required. (Signature, 2017)
Executive Chef Laurent Rea was featured in Best Chefs in American in 2013 and has previously worked in Venice, Italy; Strasbourg, France; Great Britain, New Mexico and Texas. General Manager Patrick Bean is a Texas native who uses classic techniques and Texas touches. The menu includes some of the world’s best ingredients, such as lavender, rosemary and prickly pears picked from Signature’s own backyard. A staff beekeeper cultivates La Canter’s own signature Texas honey and even though the local and organic ingredients may change with the season, quality, flavor and artistry are always a priority in the kitchen.
Signature
16401 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 247-0176
SA Examiner 