Things to Do In and Around San Antonio (April 30-May 10)

The Great Texas Airshow returns to Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph on May 2 and 3. It’s free and open to the public. (Photo courtesy of the Great Texas Airshow)

Below is a list of select events taking place 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.

STAGE

April 30, May 2

Opera San Antonio performs Rossini’s famed comic opera, “The Barber of Seville.” In this tale, a resourceful barber named Figaro helps Count Almaviva with disguises to trick Dr. Bartolo, the guardian of his young charge, Rosina, in an effort to romance her. 7:30 p.m. April 30 and May 2. Tickets start at $36. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle

May 2

Alamo City Arts presents a performance of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Our Lady of the Lake University Thiry Auditorium. 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets: $30-$45. 411 SW 24th St.

May 2, 3

Teatro Audaz San Antonio presents its second Festival Audaz, featuring original one-act plays from Nuestras Historias, live music, stand-up comedy, visual art, food trucks, vendors and artisans and more. 4-10 p.m. May 2 and 3. Tickets: $30 two-day pass, $20 per day; discounts available for students, military and seniors. SAY Si, 1310 S. Brazos St.

May 2, 3

Magik Theatre performs “Dragons Love Tacos,” a play about a boy and his dog who learn the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of what types of tacos to serve dragons. 2 p.m. May 2 and 3. Tickets: $25-$30. San Pedro Playhouse, 800 W. Ashby Place

May 8,9

Children’s Ballet of San Antonio will perform “Don Quixote,” based on the famed Spanish novel centered around the misadventures of Don Quixote, a comically delusional knight. 7 p.m. May 8, and 2 p.m. May 9. Tickets start at $42.70. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St.

MUSIC

May 2

The public is invited to a grand concert being offered at the 65th national Sangerfest, a gathering of hundreds of singers from across North America in a celebration of German choral music and song. 4 p.m. Admission is free. Lila Cockrell Theater, 900 E. Market St.

May 2

Renowned Mexican ensemble Luis Villa y su Trío Palenque will present “Serenata a las Madres: a Heartfelt Tribute,” a musical tribute to mothers everywhere. 7 p.m. Tickets: $40-$45. Cave Without a Name, 325 Kreutzberg Road, Boerne

Luis Villa y su Trío Palenque return to Cave Without a Name in Boerne for another pre-Mother’s Day concert May 2. (Photo courtesy of Cave Without a Name)

CINEMA

May 2

San Antonio’s World Heritage Office will offer a screening of the Disney/Pixar movie, “Luca,” at Mission Marquee Plaza. Food trucks will be available. Visitors may bring their pets, lawn chairs or blankets. 7 p.m. Admission is free. 3100 Roosevelt Ave.

WELLNESS

Each Saturday

Wellness at The Tobin is a weekly series of fitness and exercise classes designed to nurture the body and mind. Classes are held from 10-11 a.m. Saturdays at the Will Naylor Riverwalk Plaza. Dress and equip yourselves accordingly. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle.

LITERARY

May 9

Julia Parker will sign copies of a children’s book that she co-authored, “The Kitten Conductor,” during the on-site San Antonio Ford Model T Show. Parker was inspired to write the book from her childhood memories of riding the Brackenridge Park Eagle Train, and seeing a family of cats living in the park. Her grandfather, John Parker, was the train engineer in the 1950s. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. Texas Transportation Museum, 11731 Wetmore Road

SPECIAL EXHIBITS

Now through May 10

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. Museum admission plus a special $6 exhibit ticket. (Reduced admission available to families receiving SNAP benefits.) 3801 Broadway St.

Now through July 6

“Otherwild’ is an immersive exhibit featuring the works of artist Patrick Shearn and his studio, Poetic Kinetics, who are renowned for turning public spaces into areas of magic, movement, and awe. Visitors will engage two sections. One is Flora Borealis, a custom Skynet installation that uses ultra-lightweight materials to mimic the flowing movement of birds and fish. The other section, Enchanted Trees, is a sculptural grove of 10 imaginary species that celebrate nature’s diversity. Entry with garden admission. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place.

ART EXHIBITS

Now through May 2

“What Am I to You? A Surreal Exploration on Femininity in the Modern Era.” is an exhibit that allows local artist Andrea Jacobson to answer “the regressive nature of women’s rights and the rise in accepted misogyny in leadership.” She will display pieces of original art that “capture the contemporary zeitgeist surrounding womanhood by subverting the traditional female figure and replacing it with inflatable dolls, an unsettling yet powerful symbol of the persistent reduction of women to sexualized objects.” The exhibition, which helps the host venue to build upon momentum on the East Side’s contemporary art scene, runs through May 2.  Admission is free. Casa Arte Del Sol, 1512 E. Houston St.

Now through May 10

San Antonio Museum of Art is hosting “Maya Blue: Ancient Colors, New Connections,” an exhibition of objects from Mesoamerica that illuminate how blue was used and conceived in ancient Maya visual culture. Entry with museum admission. 200 W. Jones Ave.

Now through May

The celebration of Alamo Colleges District’s 80th anniversary continues with “Made by You,” an exhibit of original artworks created by ACD employees, retirees, and alumni. The exhibit is showing through May at the San Antonio College Visual Arts Center, 299 W. Dewey Place.

Now through May 10

Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Night of Artists Exhibition and Art Sale, now in its 25th year, features 250-300 new works of contemporary Western art. This year’s featured artists include Thomas Blackshear II, Kevin Chupik, Donna Howell-Sickles, Ed Natiya, Gladys Roldán-de-Moras, and Xiang Zhang. Special programs offered throughout the exhibit. Entry with museum admission. 210 W. Market St.

Now through May 12

A miniature art exhibit, featuring small pieces of original art from local artists, is on display throughout the interior of Encino Branch Library. The exhibit ends May 12, when community members are invited to a 6:30 p.m. awards ceremony to celebrate the participating artists. 2550 E. Evans Road.

Now through June 7

Contemporary at Blue Star is hosting a Contemporary Art Month series of exhibits: photographer Roman Franc’s “Groups Collective,” and “Mini Art Museum” a display of extra small scale artworks by dozens of artists. Admission is free. 116 Blue Star.

Czech photographer Roman Franc’s photos of groups and communities are being shown in a solo exhibit, “Groups Collective,” through June 7 at Contemporary at Blue Star. (Image courtesy of Contemporary at Blue Star)

Now through June 18

The local classical music group Agarita is presenting the exhibition, “The Living Edge: Contemporary Craft in Texas” at the Agarita Loft, a Southtown gallery. This exhibit features works by local artists who expand craft traditions through textiles, wood, metal, ceramics, and hybrid media. Art work sales proceeds support the participating artists and Agarita. A series of concerts and other activities will take place at the Agarita Loft for the duration of the exhibit, which closes June 18. Admission is free. 724 S. Alamo St., Suite 2

Now through June 30

Mexican American Civil Rights Institute is hosting “You Have the Right! Mexican Americans and the Due Process of the Law,” an exhibit explores three renowned court cases involving Mexican Americans and Mexican-perceived individuals. The cases have proven significant to the interpretation of the Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendments, and helped to shape interpretation of due process of U.S. law. The exhibit ends June 30. Public viewing is available 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. and by appointment on weekdays. Admission is free. MACRI, 2123 Buena Vista St.

Now through July 5

McNay Art Museum is hosting “Mystic Threads,” Angelica Raquel’s exhibit that features fiber-based work inspired by a familial and regional cultural history rooted in folklore. Entry with museum admission. 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave.

Now through July 19

ArtPace is hosting individual exhibits of works from artists currently participating in ArtPace’s 2026 International Artists-In-Residence program: Việt Lê, Mel Chin, Violette Bule, and Aleesa Pitchamarn Alexander. All exhibits run through July 19. Admission is free. 445 N. Main Ave.

Now through Aug. 30

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.

Now through Aug. 30

“A Postmodernist Says ¿Que?” is an exhibition that explores the Latinx experience framed within various realms of humor as a way for individuals and groups to connect to and understand each other. The exhibit runs through Aug. 30. Admission is free. Centro de Artes, 101 S. Santa Rosa St.

Now through Jan. 15. 2027

“Built on Legacy: Artists of San Antonio” is an exhibit that features paintings, prints, installations, and more from 23 artists, living and deceased, reflecting San Antonio’s artistic community over the last 50 years. Admission is free. Centro de Artes Culture Commons gallery, 115 Plaza de Armas.

Now through May April 23

San Antonio College is hosting its annual juried exhibit of works by SAC visual arts students. The works include drawings, prints, photos, sculptures, paintings, designs and digital media. Admission is free. 950 Lewis St.

May 1-3

AnArte Gallery and Studio will have a pop-up launch party 5-7 p.m. May 1 featuring an array of pet-inspired pieces, with live painting by local artist Gio DiZurita. Guests will also have the chance to select an artist to create a portrait of their pet. The full exhibit can also be viewed 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 2-3. Proceeds to benefit Spay-Neuter-Inject-Protect San Antonio. Admission is free. 7959 Broadway St., Suite 202

May 2-30

Bihl Haus Arts will host an opening reception 6-9 p.m. May 2 for “Signs of Life,” a collection of local artist Ben Ortiz’s art works that feature public or iconic signage around San Antonio. The exhibit ends May 30. Admission is free. 2803 Fredericksburg Road

May 3

An opening reception will be held 2-5 p.m. May 3 for “Illustrated Voices,” an exhibition that showcases 12 San Antonio artists with diverse illustrative styles and voices. The display continues through May 25. Admission is free. Beacon Midtown Gallery & Studios, 1136 W. Woodlawn Ave.

May 7-Aug. 9

McNay Art Museum will host “Garden Party: Nature on Paper,” an exhibition that explores how humans live with and shape the natural world. The display features prints, drawings, photographs, paintings and sculpture from the McNay’s permanent collection. Entry with museum admission. 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 

SPECIAL EVENTS

April 30-May 3

Helotes Festival Association holds Cornyval, the city’s biggest annual multiday festival, which pays tribute to the area’s farming heritage, and serves as a fundraiser for local nonprofits, churches and civic organizations. Cornyval includes a carnival with rides, games and food, a PRCA rodeo, mutton bustin’, swine races, live music, a family play area, magic shows, Chicken Bingo and more. Plus, a Cornyval Parade takes place from Leslie Road to Old Town Helotes from 10 a.m.-noon May 2. Gates open: 5 p.m.-midnight April 30 and May 1, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. May 2, and noon-8 p.m. May 3. Admission: April 30 — $10 ages 13-up, $5 ages 2-12; May 1 and 2–$20 ages 13-up, $10 ages 2-12; May 3–free for all ages. Admission does not guarantee rodeo seating, which is first come, first served. Helotes Festival Grounds on Leslie Road.

May 1-10

The Kendall County Fairgrounds will be the site for Cirque Ma’Ceo, a touring, European-style equestrian show that blends acrobatics, aerial, dance, and equestrian arts with a timeless story, all performed in an Italian Big Top Theater. Showtimes 7 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 1 p.m. Sun., and 4 p.m. May 2, 3 and 9. Tickets: $35 adults, $20 children. 1307 River Road, Boerne

The traveling show Cirque Ma’Ceo will mix theater, acrobatic acts and equestrian arts across multiple performances May 1-10 at the Kendall County Fairgrounds in Boerne. (Photo courtesy of Cirque Ma’Ceo)

May 2

Viva Science SA is a community celebration of local academic institutions and departments, nonprofits, businesses and other organizations that are working to advance science. Visitors can engage and enjoy experiments, crafts and treats. Parking is available for free in the surface lots; paid parking garage spaces also are available. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. UT San Antonio H-E-B Student Union Ballroom, 1 UTSA Circle

May 2

The annual Barkitecture features dog houses custom-built by local high school students. The dog houses will be judged in competition, and be available for purchase. The event also includes a silent auction, vendors, a classic car show, and pet adoption opportunities. Proceeds will benefit area pet rescue and nonprofits. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. King of Padel, 314 Nolan St.

Barkitecture, a free, family friendly event happening May 2 at King of Padel, an East Side padel venue, will feature local students’ custom-built dog houses, which will be auctioned to benefit local pet/animal nonprofits. (Photo courtesy of Barkitecture)

May 2

Celebrate the Kentucky Derby at The Rock at La Cantera with “Rockin’ Race Day: From Doxies to Derby.” Visitors can catch Derby Day coverage all day on the big screen at Frost Plaza in preparation for the Run for the Roses. But another form of races, involving Dachshunds, will take place alongside live music, pet adoption opportunities, vendors, photo opportunities, themed refreshments and interactive festivities. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best Kentucky Derby attire. Noon-8 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Frost Plaza, 1 Spurs Way

May 2

The annual Saengerfest offers live music, family-friendly activities, shopping, food, and wine and craft beer samples in the heart of New Braunfels. Noon-10 p.m. Admission is free. Main Plaza, 500 Main Plaza, New Braunfels

Saengerfest, one of New Braunfels’ biggest annual festivals – and free events – takes place May 2 at Main Plaza. (Courtesy of New Braunfels Convention and Visitors Bureau)
May 2

May 2

Conservation Society of San Antonio presents “Hemisfair: Past, Present and Future,” a panel discussion and guided tour involving local historians, architects and preservationists who will talk about the historic structures that make up Hemisfair, and how the area will figure into the park’s current redevelopment and future Project Marvel project. 10 a.m. Admission: $10 CSSA members and students, $15 non-members. 643 E. Nueva St.

May 2, 3

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the “Golden Knights,” will be featured in the Great Texas Airshow at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. There will be plenty of other aerial demonstrations, as well as static displays and support from all branches of the military. Additionally, a Military Appreciation Day observance will be held May 1 for all U.S. Department of War ID cardholders, and include a STEM fair featuring cyber events and activities, along with aerial practice demonstrations. Department of War ID cardholders can take free shuttle buses from Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland and JBSA-Fort Sam Houston on May 2 and 3. Gates open 9 a.m. each day. Admission is free. 

May 3

YMCA of Greater San Antonio will present Siclovia, where Broadway Street from Mulberry Avenue to McCullough Avenue will be off limits to vehicular traffic so that cyclists, walkers, skaters, runners and pet owners can take a stroll, enjoy some exercise and explore the neighborhood. There will be stages for fitness classes, vendors with refreshments and information on community resources, children’s activities and live entertainment all along the route. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free.

YMCA of Greater San Antonio’s spring edition of Siclovia was postponed from April 12 to May 3. It will unfold on Broadway Street from Brackenridge Park into downtown. (Photo by Edmond Ortiz)

May 6

The city of New Braunfels will have an open house where residents can learn more about upcoming transportation projects happening in the West End of New Braunfels, including improvements to Water Lane and West San Antonio Street, interim improvements to the San Antonio Street/Spur intersection, sidewalk construction and upgrades on Peach, Plum and Grape avenues, and final upgrades on San Antonio Spur. 6-8 p.m. Westside Community Center, 2932 I-35 S. Frontage Road, New Braunfels

May 8

The Gunter Hotel will celebrate what would have been the 115th birthday of famed blues musician Robert Johnson with a variety of events that are open to hotel guests and the community. Johnson recorded one of his two albums in Room 414 of the downtown hotel in 1936. The celebration begins with a panel discussion about Johnson and his legacy 4-5 p.m. in the Gunter’s newly unveiled Studio Lounge. Admission is free, but space is limited and registration is required. A free birthday party follows 5-6 p.m. in the hotel lobby, featuring cake, coffee, a set of Johnson’s works, and a poem reading. RSVP is required. A live music concert featuring Sue Foley, The Peterson Brothers and Nicky Diamonds takes place 7:30-10 p.m. in the hotel’s Crystal Ballroom. Tickets start at $40. A Bar 414 blues jam session wraps up the festivities 9 p.m.-noon. RSVP is required. 205 E. Houston St.

May 9

The 17th annual Paseo Por El Westside is a public event meant to celebrate and help preserve West Side culture and history through musical performances, interactive games, vendors, workshops, poetry readings, community partners and more for ages. Plus, guests can visit Museo del Westside, which opened last fall. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. Rinconcito de Esperanza, 816 S. Colorado St.

May 9

The San Antonio Asian Festival, a celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, will feature an array of traditional foods, musical and dance performances, and more. 4-10 p.m. Admission: $15 general, free for kids ages 12-under. Hemisfair Civic Park, 210 S. Alamo St.

May 9

The San Antonio Duck Derby encourages community members to adopt a rubber duck and enter a race down the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River in an effort to raise funds for three local nonprofits: Kingdom for Kids, Snack Pak 4 Kids SA, and Spay-Neuter-Inject-Protect San Antonio. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free for spectators; $10 to enter a duck into race. Pearl Amphitheater, 303 Pearl Pkwy.

May 9

The Harvest Center will present the “Health Is Your Wealth” conference and health fair. The health fair will feature free blood pressure and glucose level screenings, body measurements, free blood/sugar/oxygen monitors, and raffles and refreshments. There will also be presentations on heart health, diabetes, wellness and maintenance, dental and vision care, grief management, health insurance and other topics. 9 a.m.-noon. Admission is free. 1815 S. W.W. White Road

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