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.
CINEMA
May 14
San Antonio River Foundation offers a screening of the documentary film, “The River and the Wall,” which explores the Rio Grande, and how continued construction of the border wall could affect ecosystems and communities along the river. A panel discussion precedes the movie screening. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. 7 p.m. Admission is free, but RSVP is required. Confluence Park, 310 W. Mitchell St.
May 16
San Antonio World Heritage Office will offer a free screening of the movie, “How to Train Your Dragon.” Guests may bring a blanket or lawn chair. Pets are welcome. Food trucks will be available. The screening starts shortly after sunset. 7 p.m. Admission is free. Mission Marquee Plaza, 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 16
Aldo Marquez, also known as Aldo the Author, will sign copies of “Smiles in the Sky / Cielo de Risas,” a bilingual sing-along picture book that he also illustrated. Marquez will also perform songs from the book. 11 a.m. Admission is free. Barnes & Noble La Cantera, 15900 La Cantera Pkwy., Bldg. 27
STAGE
Now through June 7
Classic Theatre of San Antonio presents “Steel Magnolias,” the renowned tale of a group of strong, witty women who bond in a small Louisiana beauty salon. Many shows are already sold out, so check the event website for available performances. Tickets start at $33. San Pedro Playhouse, 800 W. Ashby Place
May 14-15
Extended Run Players perform “Spoon River Anthology,” a play based on Edgar Lee Masters’ series of short, free-verse poems that are inspired by the epitaphs of permanent occupants of a cemetery in a fictional Midwestern town. 2:30 p.m. May 14 and 15. Admission by suggested $20 donation (cash or check at the door); free for University of the Incarnate Word students and staff. UIW Cheever Theatre, Coates Theatre Building, 4301 Broadway St.
May 15-31
Boerne Community Theatre hosts performances of “Helen On Wheels,” a tale of a feisty, gun-toting, whiskey-drinking Oklahoma grandmother who rejects her son’s wishes to move, and fights with the local sheriff while she tries to maintain her independence. 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat., and 2:30 p.m. Sun., May 15-31, and 7:30 p.m. May 28. Tickets: $20 adults; discounts available for students, seniors, first responders and military. 907 E. Blanco Road, Boerne
May 16
Alamo City Arts Academy will host an end-of-season party and open house, with a showcase of students’ talents. 6 p.m. Admission is free, but RSVP is encouraged and suggested $5 donations are welcome. 2800 N.E. Loop 410, Suite 305
May 16-17
San Antonio Youth Ballet performs “Giselle,” which tells the story of a peasant girl who falls for a nobleman only to have her lover betray her. After madness and her sudden passing, Giselle fights to defy a ghastly fate, and struggles to protect and save her former suitor from beyond the grave. 5 p.m. May 16 and 2 p.m. May 17. Tickets start at $49. Lila Cockrell Theatre, 900 E. Market St.
MUSIC
Weekly
Otto’s Ice House is hosting Local Wednesdays, a free all-ages live music series highlighting San Antonio artists. Genres range from Americana to country. Shows are held 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays through May. Admission is free. 111 Newell Ave.
May 14
Harlandale Independent School District will hold its music elementary festival, featuring performances by students from eight HISD elementary schools. 6 p.m. Admission is free. Boggess Center, 12121 Loop 410 access road.
May 15-17
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center presents the 44th Tejano Conjunto Festival, the nation’s oldest event dedicated to Tejano and conjunto music. Visitors can enjoy performances from iconic and established musicians as well as rising musical acts in the genres. There will be performances 6 p.m.-midnight May 15, noon-midnight May 16, and noon-10 p.m. May 17 at Rosedale Park, 340 Dartmouth St. The Sunday night finale features an international tribute to the late conjunto legend Flaco Jimenez. The tribute is curated by festival founder Juan Tejeda and GCAC director Cristina Ballí, and includes Grammy Award-winning ensemble Los Texmaniacs and guest artists from Texas, Mexico and around the world. Tickets: May 15: $20; May 16: $25; May 17: $15; three-day pass: $50.
May 16
South Texas Symphonic Orchestra will present “We Hold These Truths,” a program of works from American composers such as Copland, Ellington and Souza in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary. 4 p.m. Admission is free; $20 VIP seating available. University of Texas at San Antonio Fine Arts Building, 1 UTSA Circle.
May 16
Children’s Chorus of San Antonio will present “Lights! Camera! Singing!,” an array of notable songs from famed Broadway and Hollywood musicals. 4 p.m. Tickets: $23-$51. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle
May 17
San Antonio Brass Band presents its annual spring brass spectacular, and a debut performance of the newly formed San Antonio Youth Brass Band. 4 p.m. Admission is free. St. Mary’s University, 1 Camino Santa Maria
May 17
San Antonio Community Wind Ensemble will present “Milestones and Masterworks,” a celebration of the ensemble’s 10th anniversary. The group will perform works by composers such as Maslanka and Ticheli. 2:30 p.m. Admission is free, but suggested $10 donations are accepted. Texas A&M University–San Antonio, 1 University Way
May 17
Heart of Texas Concert Band presents its annual talent showcase, featuring a variety of performances by the group’s six conductors and three soloists. 3 p.m. Admission is free, but suggested $10 donations are welcome. LEE High School Performing Arts Center, 1325 Montview Drive.
May 17
Music historian and educator Robert Rivera Ojeda and Urban-15 present “A Tribute To The Mexican American Orquesta, The History and Influences on Music by Mexican American Musicians.” Ojeda’s Bronze Band will help to trace the history and development of Mexican American music across a 50-year span. 3 p.m. Admission is free but RSVP is encouraged. 2500 S, Presa St.
May 23
Castle Hills Community Organization will hold its first Concert on the Commons of 2026, with a performance by acoustic duo Colton’s Kin. Attendees may bring their own snacks, as well as a blanket or a lawn chair. Some refreshments will be offered for sale. 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. Castle Hills Commons, 207 Lemonwood Drive
SPECIAL EXHIBITS
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
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 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.
Now through May 25
Beacon Midtown Gallery & Studios is hosting “Illustrated Voices,” an exhibition that showcases 12 San Antonio artists with diverse illustrative styles and voices. Admission is free. Beacon Midtown Gallery & Studios, 1136 W. Woodlawn Ave.
Now through May-30
Bihl Haus Arts is hosting “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
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.
Now through June 18
Local classical music group Agarita presents the exhibit, “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 5
San Antonio Museum of Art is hosting “New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations,” an exhibition of works of four African artists that enable visitors to explore the traditional festive event known as the masquerade. Entry with museum admission. 200 W. Jones 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. 9
McNay Art Museum hosts “Garden Party: Nature on Paper,” an exhibit 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.
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. 9, 2027
The Witte Museum is hosting “The Witte Museum: 100 Years,” an exhibition that shows visitors how the institution has interpreted and shared the story of Texas through natural history specimens, cultural artifacts, Texas art, and global collections. Admission by museum entry fee. 3801 Broadway 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.
May 15
An opening reception will take place for local artist Mauro de la Tierra’s exhibit, “Una raíz del Barrio” (A Root of the Neighborhood), which explores the themes of cultural legacy, community and de la Tierra’s ties to his native East Side neighborhood. 6-9 p.m. Admission is free. Carver Community Cultural Center, 226 N. Hackberry St.
SPECIAL EVENTS
May 14
The 30th Zoo La-La raises funds for the host organization, San Antonio Zoo. The event offers samples of food from 50-plus local restaurants, alongside beer and wine samples, and live music headed up by famed groups Tag Team and Digital Underground. 7-10:30 p.m.; VIP entry starts at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $132. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St.
May 15
The city of Cibolo restarts its Cibolo Summer Nights series of free family friendly programming. May 15 offers “Touch-A-Truck,” where community members can explore large and specialty vehicles up close. The first 100 children get a free safety vest. 6:30 p.m. Cibolo Multi-Event Center, 200 S. Main St.
May 16
Community members are invited to help celebrate the grand reopening of Petit Cowboy, the newly renovated riverside property formerly known as Heidelberg Lodges. The event includes: complimentary drinks from producers such as Desert Door Texas Sotol, Carabuena Tequila, Volada Vodka, Johnnie Walker, and Star Republic Brewing; food from the likes of Tacos Papi Grande, Go’Shen Point BBQ, Lyssie Lou’s Cookie Co., and Popcorn Paul; and pop-ups from local brands such as Cosmic Plant Co., Le Petit Ranch, and Bush Dog Creative. Guests will also be able to enjoy live music, a panel discussion featuring the co-founders of French Cowboys, the hospitality group behind Petit Cowboy, complimentary tastings from Petit Cowboy’s new food and beverage menu; photobooth and postcard stations, free swag, and a raffle. 5-10 p.m. Admission is free, but RSVP is required. 1020 N. Houston Ave., New Braunfels
May 16
San Antonio Train Show features toy and model trains of all scales as well as operational train layouts. There will be drawings for door prizes. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $9 adult, $12 family. Parkhills Baptist Church, 17747 San Pedro Ave.
May 16
Cool Crest Miniature Golf, a renowned Deco District miniature golf course that reopened under new ownership in March, will host a formal grand opening celebration. There will be live music, rotating happy hour specials, raffle prizes and more. 1-9 p.m. 1402 Fredericksburg Road
May 16
Rainbow Gardens, a noted local nursery, will host a 50th anniversary celebration complete with free food, free vendor samples, free face painting for kids, giveaways, and free tote bags while supplies last. Local gardening groups and experts will also be in attendance. Festivities will happen 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at both Rainbow Gardens locations, 8516 Bandera Road and 2585 Thousand Oaks Drive. Admission is free.
May 16
Leon Valley Historical Society invites the public to a celebration of the birthday of Harriet Onion, a pioneering resident of the community that eventually became Leon Valley. The event takes place on the grounds of the historic Huebner-Onion Homestead and Stage Stop. The family friendly open house will include games, crafts, cake, paletas, a farm and ranch exhibit, and a scavenger hunt. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Admission is free. 6613 Bandera Road, Leon Valley
May 16
Local nonprofit Fuerza Unida will hold a community tree celebration to mark the work of the organization’s Under La Sombra program, which plants trees around inner city neighborhoods to provide more shade and greenery. The event will include food, music, and representatives for organizations. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free. 710 New Laredo Hwy.
May 16
The city of Kirby will launch its Kirby Cares initiative with a beautification effort. Residents interested in taking part in the citywide effort can meet at Friendship Park, 5801 Binz Engleman Road, at 9 a.m.
May 22-25
The River Walk Memorial Day Artisan Show features dozens of local artisans selling handmade pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, paintings, beadwork, and more along the River Walk extension between Market, Commerce and St. Mary’s streets. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. May 22-24, and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. May 25.
May 24
San Antonio Toros, a revived Continental Football League team that once operated decades ago, is back in action. The “new” Toros kick off their inaugural season with a home preseason game vs. the Tennessee Hornets. 7 p.m. Tickets start at $10. Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium, 893 E. Hildebrand Ave.
