A Guide to Living in San Antonio (Jan. 16th - Jan. 22nd)
Hey y'all,
Cory here.
While this week has been milder, don’t get too comfortable—next week’s forecast shows that winter isn’t letting up anytime soon, with Tuesday shaping up to be the coldest day of the week.
If you missed last week’s edition, we shared some of our favorite ways to enjoy San Antonio when it’s chilly, so be sure to revisit those recommendations as you prepare for the return of sweater weather.
In this week’s newsletter, we’ve got a fresh mix of can’t-miss events, good reads, and local spotlights to keep you inspired and connected in San Antonio.
Let's jump in.
🌟 Feature of the Week: Winter Restaurant Weeks
When: January 18 – February 1
Starting this Saturday January 18 and running through February 1, 2025,
Winter Restaurant Weeks is the perfect excuse to explore San Antonio’s vibrant culinary scene.
This bi-annual event offers prix fixe menus at over 100 participating restaurants, with three-course options for brunch ($25), lunch ($20-$30), and dinner ($35-$55).
It’s an excellent opportunity to revisit old favorites or try something entirely new while supporting local businesses.
Some of my top picks that I saw participating include: Battalion, Bliss, Box St. All Day, Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, Camp Outpost, Full Goods Diner, Ladino, Maverick Texas Brasserie, Mezquite, Naco Grayson, Pharm Table, and Southerleigh Fine Food.
Explore the full list of participating restaurants and plan your next culinary adventure here. Make your reservations early—spots fill up quickly!
📆 This Week's Picks
👟 MLK March 2025
When: Monday, January 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM
Where: Starts at Martin Luther King Jr. Academy, 3501 Martin Luther King Dr., and ends at Pittman-Sullivan Park
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at San Antonio’s annual MLK March—one of the largest in the country. The march kicks off at 10 AM, with participants gathering as early as 9 AM. After the march, enjoy a community celebration at Pittman-Sullivan Park, featuring live multicultural performances, food vendors, and a youth area.
Pro Tip: This year’s keynote speaker is Arndrea Waters King, with music from gospel and jazz performers. VIA will provide free bus services from Freeman Coliseum and St. Philip’s College to the march site from 8-10 AM and return trips from 12-3 PM.
Plan B: In case of icy weather, the event will relocate to the Alamodome. Stay tuned for updates on Sunday evening!
For more details, visit San Antonio MLK Commission. If the event holds, my family and I might see you there!
🍴 Bexar Bones Scratch Kitchen Takeover at Beacon Hill Market
When: Tuesday, January 21, 6 PM
Where: Beacon Hill Market & Deli, 1717 Blanco Rd
Bexar Bones Scratch Kitchen is taking over the kitchen at Beacon Hill Market & Deli for one night only! Enjoy creamy poblano green spaghetti, rich bone broth caldo de res, black bean & Oaxaca tacos, and fresh-pressed tortillas made with nixtamalized MEX corn.
🎶 School of Rock at Charline McCombs Empire Theatre
When: Friday, January 17 - Sunday, January 19
Showtimes: Friday at 7:30 PM, Saturday at 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM, Sunday at 2:00 PM
Where: Charline McCombs Empire Theatre
Tickets: Starting at $29
Featuring a live youth cast and unforgettable songs, this production is a can’t-miss for music lovers of all ages. My son loved the movie (unfortunately our weekend plans already conflict 😭).
Get your tickets here. 🎸
🌌 Cosmic Creatures Market
When: Saturday, January 18, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Where: The Cherrity Bar
Explore the Cosmic Creatures Market, an artist showcase featuring vendors with cute, spooky, alien, alternative, and horror-themed creations. This free event is open to all ages and includes performances, raffle prizes, and an outer space-themed costume contest!
More info here.
🌊 Salado Creek Clean-Up with River Aid San Antonio
When: Saturday, January 18, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: Sir Winston Street (Maps Location Here)
Kick off the year by helping restore Salado Creek with River Aid San Antonio. This hotspot near Churchill High School collects litter and bulky items fast, with over 5,000 pounds recovered in past efforts. Even 30 minutes of your time makes a difference.
More Info here.
Interested in learning more about River Aid San Antonio? Check out our feature on the Ensemble Texas Podcast here.
💎 (Re) Discover Something New: The Carver Community Cultural Center
For over a century, the Carver Community Cultural Center has been a cornerstone of San Antonio’s East Side, celebrating the diverse cultures of our world with an emphasis on African and African-American heritage. Originally built in 1918 as a community center for African Americans, it evolved into a vibrant cultural hub that has hosted legendary artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington. When the Carver faced demolition in the 1970s, the community rallied to preserve it, demonstrating the collective power of civic pride. Today, it continues to enrich San Antonio through its performances, educational programs, and community outreach.
This Friday, the Carver hosts Ranky Tanky with Lisa Fischer, a remarkable concert blending soulful Gullah music with the dynamic, Grammy-winning voice of Fischer, known for her work with the Rolling Stones and Luther Vandross. It’s the perfect chance to experience the Carver’s legacy firsthand while enjoying world-class artistry.
📅 When: Friday, January 17, 2025, at 8 PM
📍 Where: Jo Long Theatre
🎟️ Tickets: Start at $42 (Purchase here)
📖 One Read: Has San Antonio Had Success in Combating Homelessness?
Amid rising homelessness nationwide, San Antonio stands out as a success story, boasting the lowest unsheltered count among major Texas cities. This Commentary published in the San Antonio Report highlights how collaborative efforts, like Haven for Hope’s no-turn-away policy for families, have made a significant impact.
READ MORE🌱 Texas Nature Journal: Restoring San Antonio’s Westside Creeks
San Antonio’s Westside Creeks Restoration Project is already underway, breathing new life into Martinez, San Pedro, Apache, and Alazán creeks. Funded by a federal water resources bill passed in 2024, this ambitious initiative will transform 11 miles of concrete channels into vibrant natural waterways. The project aims to restore native grasses, wildflowers, trees, and healthy water flow, while also enhancing flood protection for local neighborhoods.
Timelines to Watch:
• Planning Phase: Restoration planning is expected to be finalized by late 2025.
• Construction Begins: Work on the creeks is slated to start in early 2026, with some segments opening as early as 2027.
• Project Completion: The full restoration is anticipated to wrap up by 2030.
This effort does more than beautify the city—it’s a critical move toward water cycle stabilization and climate resilience. Restored waterways recharge aquifers, reduce drought conditions, and lower wildfire risks. Beyond their ecological benefits, these creeks will offer green spaces for San Antonians to enjoy and reconnect with nature.
If you check out any of this week’s picks or take inspiration from something else, reply to this email and let me know how it went—I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
Also, if you’re enjoying this newsletter, please consider sharing it with a friend or family member who might appreciate staying in the loop with everything San Antonio has to offer.
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Until next week,
Cory
