A Guide to Living in San Antonio (Oct. 24th - Oct. 30th)
Hey y'all,
Cory here.
Welcome to your Thursday Guide to Living in San Antonio.
Here's this week's list of timeless and timely recommendations to help you connect better with the Alamo City.
This weekend, San Antonio celebrates Dia de Los Muertos (although the actual holiday falls on Nov 1. - Nov 2.), and right on the tail of that, Halloween!
So today, we'll be sharing some summaries of our previous recommendations (plus a few new ones), so you can make sure you're prepared!đ
If you want to read up on the events in a little more depth, you can find our previous newsletters here:
- Dia de Los Muertos đ
- Halloween đ
As always, don't hesitate to reply with your own tips and recommendations (I'll be happy to feature them in a future newsletter) or if you'd like to say "hello."
Enjoy!
âď¸ Featured Recommendations of the Week:
đ¨ Amalia Mesa-Bains - Archaeology of Memory
If youâre looking for a perfect exhibition this season, Amalia Mesa-Bains: Archaeology of Memory is a must-see. Running through January 12, 2025, this retrospective at the San Antonio Museum of Art is the first to showcase the full breadth of Mesa-Bainsâs career, an influential Chicana artist known for her pioneering work with altar installations.
Her multimedia installations reflect sacred traditionsâaltar installations, ofrendas, descansosâand explore themes like life, death, family, migration, and womanhood. This exhibit beautifully captures the essence of Dia de Los Muertos with over forty pieces that celebrate cultural memory and resilience.
When: Now through January 12, 2025
Where: San Antonio Museum of Art, Cowden Gallery
đ Spurs Basketball is Here!
Itâs time to tune in and support the San Antonio Spurs as they kick off their 2024-25 NBA season! Whether youâre a lifelong fan or new to the team, thereâs no better time to get behind the Spurs. Their exciting season starts with an opening night home game against the Houston Rockets on Saturday, October 26 at 7:30 PM at the Frost Bank Center (although their season opener is in Dallas tonight!).
Catch the action, show your support, and be part of the energy that makes basketball season in San Antonio special.
When: Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 7:30 PM
Where: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
đ This Weekâs Events:
đ Top Dia de Los Muertos Events in San Antonio
Dia de Los Muertos River Parade. Friday, October 25, 2024, at 7 PM on the San Antonio River Walk. Decorated barges, altars, and costumed riders on the river. Grab tickets fast if there are any left! Buy Tickets Here
Muertos Fest at Hemisfair. Saturday, October 26 (10:30 AM - 10:00 PM) Sunday, October 27 (12:00 PM - 9:00 PM). 80 altars, live music, art vendors, and processions. Learn More Here
Dia de los Muertos Festival at La Villita. Friday, October 25 - Sunday, October 27, 2024. Free event with art exhibits, the largest La Catrina, and family workshops. Learn More Here
DĂa de Muertos @ Rinconcito de Esperanza. Friday, November 1, 2024, from 4 PM to 10 PM. Community altars, live performances, vegan food, and a neighborhood procession. Learn More Here
đ Halloween Events in San Antonio
San Antonio Botanical Garden â Happy Frights & Haunting Night: Throughout October (Happy Frights: 5 PM, Haunting Nights: 8 PM). Family-friendly fun and spookier nighttime trails through November 2nd. Buy Tickets Here
San Pedro Playhouse Presents: The Rocky Horror Show: Running through October 31st. Dress up, sing along, and participate in the cult-classic experience. Buy Tickets Here
Local Ghost Tours: Explore San Antonioâs haunted history with these spooky tours:
Zoo Boo at San Antonio Zoo: Family-friendly fun with pumpkins, animal encounters, and spooky areas. More Info Here
Six Flags Fiesta Texas â Fright Fest: Thrilling rides and Halloween scares throughout the park. More Info Here
SeaWorld Spooktacular: Kid-friendly Halloween fun with shows and trick-or-treating. More Info Here
đ¨ Cochineala: Halloween Festival of Nature & Art
Presented by the San Antonio River Foundation, this free, family-friendly event celebrates the spooky side of nature and art. Held at Confluence Park the festival features unique activities like:
- Monarch Butterfly Tag & Release
- Halloween Puppy Yoga
- Photos with The Donkey Lady
- Spooky Video Games
- Pedal-Powered Smoothies
- Screening of Gremlins 2 at 8:30 PM
When: Friday, October 25, 2024, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Where: Confluence Park, 310 W Mitchell St, San Antonio, TX
Cost: Free!
đď¸ San Antonio CityFest 2024
Presented by the San Antonio Report, CityFest 2024 brings four days of dynamic conversations focused on city-building, local issues, and civic engagement. Running from Monday, October 28 to Thursday, October 31, the festival features panels, live podcasts, and discussions with leaders shaping the future of San Antonio. Some events include:
⢠The Future of Downtown panel (Monday morning)
⢠Former San Antonio Mayorsâ Luncheon (Tuesday at the Witte Museum)
⢠Arts & Culture Happy Hour (Wednesday evening at Elsewhere Bar)
⢠Civic Engagement Event (Thursday morning with KLRN)
Whether youâre interested in urban development, arts, or local politics, CityFest offers plenty of engaging sessions. Events are ticketed, so be sure to grab yours in advance.
đ (Re)Discover Something New:
San Antonioâs newest bar and entertainment venue, River North Ice House, has officially opened. Located just minutes from the Pearl and downtown, this laid-back spot is inspired by the classic South Texas icehouse tradition.
Whether catching a game on the big screen, enjoying live music, or relaxing with a seasonal cocktail, River North Ice House offers something for everyone.
With both indoor and outdoor seating, food from local favorite Chicken Buzz, and a dog-friendly atmosphere, itâs a great place to gather with friends any time of day. Check it out!
Where: 317 W. Jones Avenue, San Antonio, TX
đ One Read: HOAs Demanding Green Grass?
READ MOREđłď¸ Did You Know? Early Voting is Underway in Texas!
Early voting for the upcoming elections has begun in Bexar County, and the turnout is already breaking records! With 46,820 in-person ballots cast on the first day, thatâs a 41% increase from the 2020 election.
Nowâs the time to make your voice heard on local, state, and federal levels.
You can vote at any of Bexar Countyâs 51 early polling locations, which will remain open until Friday, November 1st. Remember, early voting not only helps avoid the lines but ensures youâre participating in shaping the future of your community.
For more details on where to vote, whatâs on the ballot, and important voting deadlines, check out the San Antonio Reportâs Voting Guide.
đąTexas Nature Journal: Fall Aster
If youâre looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant to add late-season color to your Texas landscape, the Fall Aster might be perfect for you.
Also known as aromatic or wild blue aster, this perennial thrives in Central Texas with its vibrant purple and yellow blooms that last well into the autumn months.
The Fall Aster not only enlivens your garden with stunning color, but itâs also a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterfliesâfilling an important gap in the ecosystem as food sources dwindle toward the end of the growing season. It grows well in rocky or sandy soils, making it perfect for San Antonioâs dry, limestone-rich terrain. Plus, its dense, mounding growth helps prevent erosion and can be paired beautifully with other native plants like Texas Mountain Laurel, Zexmenia Daisy, and Chili Pequin.
Learn more about planting, caring for, and even propagating Fall Aster in my latest Texas Nature Journal video entry.
đĽ Rapid Fire Recs
đââď¸ Haunted Swim at San Antonio Natatorium â Dive into Halloween fun with swimming, treats, crafts, games, and a haunted house! Donât miss the costume contest at 6:30 PM and a screening of Disneyâs Halloweentown at 7:00 PM. October 25th, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM at San Antonio Natatorium. Learn more here.
đď¸ Last Chance Market at Rose Hip Market â Get your Halloween shopping done while supporting local vendors at this spooky market. October 26th, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Rose Hip Market, 116 W Olmos Dr. Learn more here.
đž Paw Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure â Any parents out there? Join Chase, Marshall, Skye, and the gang as they save Adventure City in this live, action-packed show. Expect catchy tunes, heroic action, and tons of interactive fun! October 26th & 27th, various showtimes at Majestic Theatre, San Antonio. Buy tickets here.
Whew! It's a jam-packed couple of weeks here in SA. Be sure to enjoy it!
If you check out any of these spots or events, reply to this email and let me know what you thinkâIâd love to hear about your experience.
Also, if you're enjoying this newsletter, please share it with a friend.
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Until next time,
-Cory
