A Guide to Living in San Antonio (Jan. 30th - Feb. 5th)
Hey y'all,
Cory here.
With our freezes behind us, late winter in San Antonio is starting to hint at spring. Mornings still call for a jacket, but the afternoons are warming up, making it the perfect time to start looking ahead—whether that’s planning for outdoor adventures, digging into new projects, or just appreciating the slow seasonal shift.
This week, we’re keeping things rolling with a packed lineup of events and insightful reads.
Let’s get into it.
🚔 Feature of the Week: San Antonio is Getting Safer?
The headlines might not say it, but crime is dropping in San Antonio. This data came from a presentation by the San Antonio Police Department, which was obtained by Express-News.
• Violent crime in the city’s “hot spots” dropped 37% in the first year of SAPD’s focused policing strategy.
• Citywide violent crime fell 7% last year.
• Homicides dropped 22.6%, from 164 in 2023 to 127 in 2024.
• Property crimes decreased 7.7%, with motor vehicle thefts seeing the largest decline—nearly 35%.
• Kidnappings dropped 23.9%, while reported sex offenses fell nearly 20%.
This downward trend in crime follows a nationwide pattern in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, all of which reported declines in homicides last year.
Despite these positive trends, the way crime is reported often shapes public perception more than the actual numbers. The Express-News report, while packed with statistics showing significant crime reductions, seemed to struggle with presenting this as a clear positive in headlines or framing.
If the data supported a negative trend, might they have made that apparent in their headlines? I'm making a guess, but I'd guess so.
The takeaway? Crime is down in San Antonio, and while perception often lags behind reality, these numbers are worth paying attention to.
📆 This Week's Picks:
🐂 Western Heritage Parade & Cattle Drive
📍 Where: Houston St, from Milam Park to Broadway
🕚 When: Saturday, February 1, 10:55 AM
Kick-off rodeo season with the Western Heritage Parade & Cattle Drive, a San Antonio tradition celebrating our city’s cowboy roots. Watch as Texas longhorns make their way through downtown, alongside authentic wagons, mounted infantry groups, and heritage organizations. The parade honors the region’s Western legacy and is a must-see spectacle.
Looking for more? Stick around Market Square for live music, food vendors, and the Vaquero Cook-Off happening later in the day.
🤠 Keep the Rodeo Spirit Going at Legacy Park
📍 Where: Legacy Park, 103 W Houston St
🕛 When: Saturday, February 1, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
🎟️ Cost: Free!
After the Western Heritage Parade & Cattle Drive, head over to Legacy Park for the Yeehaw Market, a celebration of all things Western with local vendors, cowboy-inspired goods, and fun activities for the whole family. Test your skills on the mechanical bull, take part in the Quick Draw Contest, and enjoy live country & Tejano hits from DJ Georgie V.
It’s a perfect way to cap off the parade and dive into rodeo season!
🐉 Lunar New Year at Pearl
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Pearl Park on Sunday, February 2, from 11 AM – 2 PM! This free, family-friendly event will feature traditional dragon parades, cultural performances, red lanterns, and more festivities to ring in the Lunar New Year. Expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with celebration, good fortune, and community spirit.
📍 Where: Pearl Park
📅 When: Sunday, February 2, 11 AM – 2 PM
🎟️ Cost: Free!
Find more details: Pearl Events
🦞 Crawfish Boil at Idle Beer Hall
📍 Where: Idle Beer Hall & Brewery, 414 Brooklyn Ave
🕒 When: Sunday, February 2, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
It’s crawfish season, and Idle Beer Hall is kicking off the first boil of 2025! King’s Cajun. Grab a cold beer, dig in, and enjoy a family-friendly afternoon of good food, drinks, and music.
🚴 (Re) Discover San Antonio on Two Wheels
With San Antonio’s Bike Network Plan officially adopted, there’s never been a better time to explore the city on two wheels. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just getting started, consider checking out some of the best bike-friendly routes we already have:
• The Howard Peak Greenway Trails – Over 80 miles of connected, scenic trails that run along the city’s creeks.
• The Mission Reach – A stunning 8-mile stretch along the San Antonio River, connecting four of the city’s historic missions.
• Southtown & the San Pedro Creek Trail – A great mix of urban and nature cycling, with plenty of spots to stop for a bite or drink.
As San Antonio expands its bike infrastructure, these routes will become even more connected, making cycling a safer and more enjoyable option. And, if you’re curious about how the city plans to improve biking, check out the details of the new Bike Network Plan here: SABikeNetwork.com.
📖 One Read: The San Antonio Botanical Garden’s Big Plans for the Future
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is kicking off its 45th anniversary year with an ambitious 10-year master plan, promising big changes for one of the city’s most beloved green spaces. Whether you’re a frequent visitor or haven’t been in a while, this is the perfect time to rediscover the Garden as it prepares for an exciting future.
READ HERE🕊️ Texas Nature Journal: The Power of Wetlands & World Wetlands Day
Wetlands are some of the most vital yet underappreciated ecosystems on Earth. They provide clean water, protect against floods, and store carbon more efficiently than even tropical forests. Despite their importance, wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate—over 60% of them have already been lost worldwide.
San Antonio is home to some incredible wetland habitats, including the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, a critical stopover for migratory birds. As we celebrate World Wetlands Day on Friday, February 2nd, it’s the perfect time to learn more about these essential ecosystems and how we can help protect them.
To mark the occasion, the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is offering free entry all day from 8 AM – 4 PM. Visitors can explore the wetlands, learn about native pollinator plants, and see firsthand how these environments support biodiversity in our region.
📍 Mitchell Lake Audubon Center
📅 Sunday, February 2nd, 8 AM – 4 PM
💰 Free Entry
If you’ve never visited before, now’s the perfect time. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, nature enthusiast, or just someone who loves being outside, this is a great opportunity to reconnect with San Antonio’s natural spaces and recognize the role wetlands play in keeping our environment healthy.
If you make it out to any of this week’s events or discover something new from the picks we shared, I’d love to hear about it! Hit reply and let me know what stood out, what surprised you, or even what you’d recommend for next time.
And if you’re enjoying this newsletter, consider sharing it with a friend, a neighbor, or anyone who loves exploring what makes San Antonio special. Word of mouth is the best way to keep this growing community connected.
Lastly, if you or your business want to support local storytelling and reach engaged San Antonians, we’re always looking for great partners. Reply to this email or reach out at sponsor@ensembletexas.com to start the conversation.
Until next time,
Cory
