Below is a list of select events happening in the San Antonio area. Have a local event you would like Focus On San Antonio to promote? Email all the details to eortiz@journalist.com
ART
Dec. 12
Centro Cultural Aztlan will host its annual Virgin of Guadalupe exhibition, which features different kinds of artistic representations of this secular icon created by local artists. The Dec. 12 opening reception will include music, refreshments, and an opportunity to shop for handcrafted, unique holiday gift items from local artists and makers. The exhibit ends Jan. 20. 1800 Fredericksburg Road.
Now through Dec. 31
Sala Diaz is hosting, “What We Leave Behind,” an exhibit of Hilary Rochow’s ceramic works and ink drawings through which the artist investigates the complex territory between preservation, loss, memorial, and remembrance. Open by appointment. (210-275-4903)
Now through Jan. 4, 2026
San Antonio Museum of Art is hosting “Larry Bell: Improvisations,” an exhibit of the American contemporary artist’s works, which contain and reflect industrial materials and processes. The display includes floating glass cubes, collages, works on canvas, and glass sculptures that explore the optical qualities of light and surface. 200 E. Jones St.
Now through Jan. 4, 2026
Contemporary at Blue Star is hosting the 35th annual Blue Star Red Dot art show and sale fundraiser, featuring dozens of original works by local artists. Patrons may browse art works online or in person. Proceeds go to benefit Contemporary at Blue Star’s various programs and initiatives. 116 Blue Star St.
Now through Jan. 5, 2026
The DoSeum will host “You’re Invited to Birthday Cake Mountain,” an exhibit that DoSeum’s 2025 artist-in-residence Liza Fishbone created to help celebrate the children museum’s 10th anniversary. A 1,500‑square‑foot gallery is turned into a whimsical, interactive world inspired by the joy of birthdays and the wonder of all things birthday cake. Children and families may wander through a forest of candles, decorate their own birthday cakes and stroll around a radiant sunflower sun. The exhibit runs through Jan. 5. Entry by regular museum admission. 2800 Broadway St.
Now through Feb. 1, 2026
McNay Art Museum is hosting “Sandy Skoglund: Enchanting Nature,” an exhibit of the artists’ works that blend with handmade objects, found materials, and live models to create visually striking scenes. 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave.
Now through May 10, 2026
Witte Museum is hosting “Unseen Oceans,” a special visiting, multimedia exhibition that takes visitors on a journey from the sunlit surface of the sea to its mysterious depths. Guests will meet the tiniest and biggest organisms, control a virtual submersible, traverse displays of marine species that light up in brilliant hues under special lighting conditions, examine cutting-edge tools and see how scientists are using sonar, laser, robotics and AI to map the ocean floor and protect endangered ecosystems worldwide. Continues through May 10. Museum admission plus a special $6 exhibit ticket. (Reduced admission available to families receiving SNAP benefits.) 3801 Broadway St.
Now through Aug. 30, 2026
Ruby City is hosting “Sensing Meaning, Abstract Painting,” a selection of 20-plus artists’ works from the mid-20th century through today that explore the art of abstraction. The exhibition runs through Aug. 30. Admission is free. 150 Camp St.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Dec. 12-13
Community members are invited to visit the San Antonio Zoo for the grand opening of Congo Falls, the zoo’s newest attraction that brings gorillas back to the zoo for the first time in more than 30 years. Congo Falls is a two-acre immersive gorilla environment containing three distinct habitats, landscaping, unique water features such as a three-story waterfall, education zones, and the Mays Family Silverback Peak, the world’s tallest gorilla tower with skyline views. The zoo hosts drone shows at 8 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13 when 400-plus drones will light up the sky in a tribute to gorillas and conservation. The Dec. 13 ribbon-cutting ceremony begins at 10 a.m. Entry is free for zoo members; regular admission applies to all other guests.
Dec. 13
A celebration of the Semmes Public Library’s 20th anniversary starts with a short ceremony, and will include a goat petting zoo, balloon art, outdoor yard games, crafts, a photo booth, and light refreshments. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Admission is free. 15060 Judson Road.
Dec. 16
The city of San Antonio will hold a dedication ceremony for the new World Heritage Architectural Gateway, which now welcomes visitors to the World Heritage Trail, a historic route that links the five Spanish colonial missions. The gateway was created by local artists Jacob Tovar and Ruth Buentello. 9 a.m. Admission is free. 421 Roosevelt Ave.
