A Guide to Living in San Antonio (Feb. 13th - Feb. 19th)
Hey y’all,
Cory here.
If this past week has felt like a weather roller coaster, you’re not alone. One day, we’re getting hints of spring, and the next, winter is making sure we don’t get too comfortable just yet.
But if there’s one thing we can count on, it’s that the season of outdoor festivals, patio dining, and weekend adventures is right around the corner.
This week, we’ve got a packed lineup of events, timely recommendations (including some last-minute Valentine’s Day ideas), and a feature that might just inspire you to rethink your weekend plans.
Let’s dive in.
❤️ Feature of the Week: 10 Last Minute Valentine's Day Recommendations
1. Drinks with a View – Sip cocktails at The Moon’s Daughter, a rooftop bar with stunning city views.
2. Cook Together – Stroll through Pullman Market at the Pearl and grab ingredients for a cozy home-cooked meal, plus a great bottle of wine.
3. King William Stroll & Dinner – Walk along the scenic King William District & River and pick a spot for dinner—Liberty Bar, Bar Loretta, Rosario’s, or Maverick.
4. Sporty & Silly Fun – Play a round of mini-golf at the new Holey Moley in the mall—yes, really!
5. Adult Night at The DoSeum – Tickets are still available for Adult Nite: Valentine’s Day, a playful, interactive night at San Antonio’s children’s museum—minus the kids!
6. Tower Bar Date – Skip the restaurant, but grab a drink with an unbeatable skyline view at The Tower of the Americas Bar.
7. Casual but Fun on St. Mary’s Strip – Start with a glass of wine and sourdough bread at Little Death, then grab casual but top-tier takeout at Curry Boys BBQ or Singh’s.
8. Drive-In Movie Date – A little road trip can be romantic, right? Head to Stars & Stripes Drive-In in New Braunfels for a classic Valentine’s movie under the stars.
9. Classic Movie & Dessert – Pick a theater with reclining seats, like Alamo Drafthouse, then follow up with dessert at Lick Honest Ice Creams.
10. A Staycation Escape – Feeling ambitious? Book a last-minute night at Hotel Havana, Thompson San Antonio, or Hotel Emma for a special getaway without leaving town.
📆 This Week's Picks:
🐮 Idle Beer Hall’s First Rodeo Weekend
Idle Beer Hall is celebrating Our First Rodeo with two back-to-back events this weekend, packed with great food, live music, and some cowboy-worthy fun.
🥩 Valentine’s Mixer & Steak Dinner | Wednesday, Feb 14 | 7PM
Pre-order a steak dinner from Buddy’s Big Trouble and enjoy a complimentary Pendleton Midnight Manhattan with your meal. Whether you’re bringing a date or rolling in with friends, this Valentine’s mixer is open to all. Live music by Drew Brown kicks off at 8PM.
🐂 Rodeo Night | Thursday, Feb 15 | 8PM
Show off your cowboy skills with a lasso competition at 7PM, then take on the mechanical bull at 8PM. Taco brunch starts at noon, and Buddy’s Big Trouble will serve up a dinner menu at 8PM. Live music from Corey Weaver runs from 9-11PM. Plus, score free Pendleton and Topo Chico swag!
📍 414 Brooklyn Ave, San Antonio, TX
🐄 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Continues!
The rodeo is still in full swing, bringing live music, livestock competitions, rodeo events, and plenty of entertainment to the city. Whether you’re in it for the bull riding, carnival fun, or the Swifty Swine Pig Races, there’s something happening every day.
📍723 Frost Bank Center Drive, San Antonio, TX 78219
Check out the full schedule and plan your visit.
🔮 Looking Ahead:
🎈 The Big Bounce America – This one’s for the kids—or let’s be honest, for the whole family! The Big Bounce America, the world’s largest touring inflatable event, is coming to San Antonio.
We’re taking our 1- and 3-year-old because, well… how could we not? With massive inflatable bounce houses, giant slides, an air-filled sports arena, and even an out-of-this-world ball pit, it’s set up to be an absolute blast. Sessions are divided by age groups, so there’s fun for toddlers, bigger kids, and even adults-only sessions if you’re looking for an excuse to jump around.
📍 Location: South Texas Area Regional Soccer Complex
📅 Dates: February 28 - March 2
🎟 Tickets & Info: The Big Bounce America
If you’re thinking about going, grab your tickets soon—this is already sell out!
🌅Sunset at The Espee – The upcoming music festival at the Espee is coming up in March, and single-day passes are still available—at half off through Feb. 17!
If you’re like us and love Austin-based Spoon, then Friday, March 7 might be the day for you, with Band of Horses, Aly & AJ, and The Droptines also on the lineup. Meanwhile, Saturday, March 8 brings a genre-mixing lineup with Santigold, Warren G, Allen Stone, more. If either lineup speaks to you, snag your tickets before prices go up!
🎟 Get Tickets: The Espee
🎧 One Watch/Listen: How a Baggage Handler Became One of San Antonio’s Most Iconic Artists
WATCH/LISTEN HERE🖼️ (Re) Discover Something New: Hopscotch
If you haven’t been yet, Hopscotch is an immersive art experience in downtown San Antonio, featuring 15 large-scale, interactive installations from local, national, and international artists.
Spanning 20,000 square feet, it’s a space designed for curiosity, creativity, and play, making it an engaging date spot or weekend outing. Alongside the exhibits, Hopscotch also offers a full bar serving specialty cocktails, Texas craft beer, and non-alcoholic drinks inspired by the art on display.
📍 Find them at: 711 Navarro St. #100, San Antonio, TX
🌱 Texas Nature Journal: Pollinatives is Open for Spring!
San Antonio’s go-to spot for Texas native plants, Pollinatives, is officially open for the season! If you’re planning a spring refresh for your yard or garden, now’s the perfect time to check out their selection of pollinator-friendly, Central Texas native plants—all grown to thrive in our unique climate.
📍 Where: 101 South St., Converse, TX 78109
🕘 Spring Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
🔗 Check out Pollinatives on Instagram
Pollinatives specializes in native plants that support local ecosystems and wildlife, making them a great choice for both experienced and beginner gardeners. Their inventory will continue to expand through March, so keep an eye on their updates for new arrivals.
🤑 Ensemble Texas readers get 10% off their purchase when they use the discount code ENSEMBLETX.
If you make it out to any of this week’s events or try out a recommendation, I’d love to hear how it went! Hit reply and let me know what stood out—whether it was a great meal, a fun surprise, or something that should be on the list again in the future.
And if you’re enjoying this newsletter, consider forwarding it to a friend, a neighbor, or anyone who loves staying connected to what’s happening in San Antonio. A simple share goes a long way in helping more people experience and appreciate what makes this city special.
Lastly, if you or your business want to support local storytelling and reach engaged San Antonians, let’s connect. Reply to this email or reach out at sponsor@ensembletexas.com to start the conversation.
Until next time,
Cory
