A Guide to Living in San Antonio (Feb. 20th - Feb. 26th)
Hey y’all,
This week is a tale of two seasons—the coldest air of the year is here today, with Friday and Saturday looking just as brisk. But by Sunday? We’re in for a spring preview, with temperatures climbing fast.
So, for the next couple of days, it’s a good time to hunker down. But as soon as the weekend ends, San Antonio will be back to late-winter mode, and it’ll be a great time to get outside and explore.
Cheers,
Cory
🔋 Feature of the Week: Texas Just Hit a Winter Power Record—And Renewables Played a Big Role
Texas just sustained its highest winter power load ever, hitting 80.5 gigawatts as subfreezing temperatures swept the state. But here’s what might surprise you: 38% of that power came from renewables—31% from solar and 7% from wind.
For a state often associated with oil and gas, Texas is actually leading the nation in renewable energy. As of late 2024, Texas had:
• 42,000 MW of wind power
• 22,000 MW of solar farms
• 6,500 MW of utility-scale battery capacity
That’s nearly 80% more combined solar, wind, and battery capacity than the next largest stat
The 2021 winter storm left millions without power, exposing serious weaknesses in Texas’ grid. Since then, the state has added significant battery storage and expanded its renewable capacity, helping to stabilize supply and meet surging demand.
While the grid is still evolving (and political debates over energy sources continue), it’s worth recognizing: Texas shows that renewables aren’t just an add-on—they’re a core part of keeping the lights on.
📆 This Week's Picks:
🚯 Basura Bash – Rescheduled! 🚨
📍 Where: Various locations along San Antonio’s waterways
⏰ When: Saturday, March 8, 2025 | Morning start times vary by location
🎟 Cost: Free to volunteer!
The 30th annual Basura Bash, San Antonio’s biggest one-day waterway cleanup, is now happening on March 8th. Join River Aid San Antonio and volunteers across the city in removing tons of trash from our creeks, rivers, and lakes. Whether you go solo or gather a team, this is a hands-on way to keep our waterways clean and thriving. Cold weather may have delayed it, but that just means there’s more time to sign up!
💃 Fandango at the Alamo
📍 Where: Plaza de Valero, The Alamo
⏰ When: Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025 | 1 PM - 4 PM
🎟 Cost: Free!
Step back in time and celebrate Fandango at the Alamo, a lively community dance party rooted in Texas history. Traditionally, fandangos were social gatherings filled with music, dancing, and festivities—and legend has it that the Alamo garrison held one just before the infamous siege in 1836. Now, you can enjoy live music, dancing, family activities, and great food from local trucks at this free event. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair and soak up the atmosphere at the newly reopened Plaza de Valero.
🎨 Third Thursday at Blue Star
📍 Where: The Upstairs Studios at Blue Star Arts Complex
⏰ When: Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 | 6 PM - 10 PM
🎟 Cost: Free!
If you’re willing to brave the cold, Third Thursday at Blue Star promises an evening of compelling art, poetry, dance, and installations across multiple studios. Highlights include Snow Moon, a poetry and collage exhibit, Ten Days in the Big Easy, a stunning watercolor collection by Carolina Flores, and Aháuh: Mi Cuerpo, an exhibit by Guillermina Zabala featuring live dance. With closing receptions, open studios, and new works on display, it’s the perfect chance to immerse yourself in San Antonio’s art scene.
🎨 Confluence of Cultures: Nuestra Gente, Cultura y Comida
📍 Where: Culture Commons Gallery, 115 Plaza de Armas
⏰ When: Now open through January 16, 2026 | Tues–Fri, 9 AM - 5 PM
🎟 Cost: Free!
A must-see new art exhibition is now open, telling the story of San Antonio’s cultural fusion through the work of 20 local artists. Confluence of Cultures: Nuestra Gente, Cultura y Comida explores the deep history of this city—its indigenous roots, Spanish influences, and the culinary traditions that make it a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. The exhibition blends paintings, sculptures, and installations to highlight how cultures have shaped San Antonio’s identity.
It’s here all year—but don’t let that be an excuse to put it off!
🔮 Looking Ahead:
♻️ Circular Economy Happy
📍 Where: La Tuna Icehouse & Grill, 100 Probandt St.
⏰ When: Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
🎟 Cost: Free!
Hosted by Circular San Antonio and the San Antonio Business and Economics Society (SABES), this informal gathering is a great chance to meet like-minded folks, learn about circularity projects in the city, and discover ways to get involved. Drinks and food are available for purchase.
🎧 One Watch/Listen: Texas Schools Are Underfunded—Can Business Leaders Help?
This last week on bigcitysmalltown, host Bob Rivard sits down with Mario Barrera and Luis Rodriguez to break down Texas’ public school funding crisis. With local schools at a financial breaking point, San Antonio’s business leaders are stepping in—pushing lawmakers to prioritize education.
WATCH/LISTEN HERE🎷 (Re) Discover Something New: Jazz, TX–A Cozy Night of Live Jazz
Maybe it’s the cold weather, but something about jazz just feels at the moment. If you haven’t been to Jazz, TX, consider this your sign to book a dinner + show for a warm, intimate night of live music. My wife and I love this spot—the mix of top-tier musicianship, great cocktails, and Texas-inspired cuisine makes for a perfect night out.
Founded by bandleader and pianist Doc Watkins, Jazz, TX sits underground at the Pearl Brewery and brings in a mix of local and touring musicians playing everything from big band swing to blues and Latin jazz. It’s one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another time—wood-paneled walls, soft lighting, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to settle in for a long evening.
Upcoming Shows to Consider:
🎤 The Copa Kings (Fri, Feb. 21) – Swing classics from Ella to Sinatra.
🎷 Saxophone Colossus (Tue, Feb. 25) – Tribute to jazz legend Sonny Rollins.
✨ Vintage Vegas Night (Wed, Feb. 26) – Rat Pack-style crooning.
🎹 Champian Fulton (Thu, Feb. 27) – Acclaimed jazz pianist & vocalist.
🎭 New Orleans Night (Fri, Feb. 28) – Mardi Gras vibes with a brass-heavy set.
Booking Tip: Weekend shows sell out fast—plan ahead or check for last-minute tickets!
🔗 See the lineup & book tickets
🌼 Texas Nature Journal: The Underrated Early Bloomer—Agarita
It still feels like winter (just step outside today), but we all know how quickly things shift in Texas. Spring is right around the corner, and while most people think of Texas Mountain Laurels, Redbuds, and Mexican Plums as the first signs of the season, there’s another early bloomer worth celebrating—Agarita (Mahonia trifoliolata).
With its profuse, bright yellow blooms and delightful fragrance, Agarita quietly marks the arrival of spring across the Hill Country. These tough, drought-resistant evergreens not only provide early nectar for pollinators but also later bear tart red berries that birds (and foragers) love.
If you want to see Agarita in action, two of my favorite spots in San Antonio are Crownridge Canyon Park and Phil Hardberger Park—both excellent places to catch these golden blooms along the trails.
A few Agarita facts:
- Loves sunny edges but tolerates partial shade
- An early-season nectar source for pollinators
- Drought-resistant & thrives in rocky limestone soil
- A great understory shrub for a native landscape
If you see one, take a moment to stop and breathe in the fragrance—it’s a small, fleeting joy of early Texas spring.
If you check out any of this week’s events or try one of the recommendations, I’d love to hear how it went! Hit reply and let me know—was it a great meal, a fun surprise, or something worth featuring again?
And if you’re enjoying the newsletter, share it with a friend who loves exploring San Antonio. A simple forward helps more people connect with the city and discover what makes it 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
