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.
MUSIC
Now through July 19
The 30th Cactus Pear Music Festival offers free classical music concerts at the University of the Incarnate Word’s Diane Bennack Concert Hall, and Carver Center’s Jo Long Theatre. See event link for details.
The festival was founded in 1996 by violinist Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio, San Antonio Symphony’s then-concertmaster who recalls enjoying a cactus pear margarita on the River Walk and thinking of a way for symphony musicians to stage classical music performances during the summer offseason.
CPMF also is designed to help make classical music more accessible to people who may not otherwise get to enjoy it live. Additionally, the festival offers a summer young artists’ education program that culminates in a July 17 concert.
July 17
North East Wind Symphony will present its season finale, “A Night at the Ballet,” a program of works from famed ballets and composers, such as Tchaikovsky’s “Pas De Deux” and finale to “Swan Lake,” and Prokofiev’s “Dance of The Knights” from “Romeo and Juliet.” 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. Madison Hills Baptist Church, 15413 O’Connor Road
July 17
The city of Balcones Heights will present the 33rd Balcones Heights Jazz Festival, opening with trumpeter Ilya Serov, and featuring headliner and saxophonist Tom Braxton. Food trucks will be on site. Attendees may bring their lawn chair. 7:30 p.m. Admission is free; RSVP is encouraged. Wonderland of the Americas Mall amphitheater, 4522 Fredericksburg Road
SPECIAL EXHIBITS
Now through Aug. 16
The Witte Museum is hosts “The Robot Zoo,” an installation that turns familiar creatures such as a chameleon, a platypus and a housefly into larger-than-life mechanical marvels, showing how nature works through engineering. Entry with museum admission. 3801 Broadway St.
Now through Sept. 7
The San Antonio Zoo is hosting Zoorassic Park, a display of 22 animatronic dinosaurs, including Tyrannosaurus Rex, a velociraptor, and a triceratops. Visitors can learn about the prehistoric creatures, how they moved and ate, and even get a photo op with them. Entry with zoo admission. 3903 N. St. Mary’s St.
Now through Sept. 7
The DoSeum hosts “Dinosaurs in Motion,” which features 14 life-size, interactive dinosaur sculptures crafted from recycled metal. Visitors are invited to engage directly with the mechanics behind each piece using levers, pulleys and remote controls to set the massive kinetic sculptures in motion. Here, guests, especially youngsters, can learn how to channel their curiosity and creativity. Entry with museum admission. 2800 Broadway St.
Now through Sept. 27
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory co-presents Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience, which offers a VR journey through the cosmos. Visitors can feel like they are using the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory to look deep into space and encounter extreme exoplanets and galaxies, and explore the vastness of the universe. Guests can order tickets by date and time. Admission: $24 general; discounts available for children, students, seniors and groups. The Shops at Rivercenter (lower level on the Alamo side below H&M), 849 E. Commerce St.
STAGE
Weekly
Woodlawn Comedy at Woodlawn Theatre presents Friday Night Lights. Each Friday night features standup comics or improv comedy activities. Ages 21-over allowed. Seating is first-come, first-served. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20. 1920 Fredericksburg Road
Now through July 19
Teatro Audaz presents performances of “Con Mis Manos/With My Hands,” a bilingual production about how a Hispanic family comes to grips with their mother dying from cancer. 7:30 p.m. July 16 and 17, and 2:30 p.m. July 19. Tickets: $25 general, $35 VIP; discounts available for students, seniors, military and educators. SAY Si, 1310 S. Brazos St.
Now through July 26
San Pedro Playhouse hosts performances of the renowned musical “Evita,” which chronicles the rise of Eva Perón from a poor, ambitious teenager to the powerful First Lady of Argentina. Shows 7:30 p.m. Thu.-Sat., and 2 p.m. through July 26. Tickets: $35-$60. 800 W. Ashby Place
Now through Aug. 2
The Magik Theatre hosts performances of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” based on Eric Carle’s beloved story about a caterpillar’s journey from hatching to metamorphosis into a butterfly. Tickets start at $26. Check here for times and other details. 420 S. Alamo St.
CINEMA
July 17
Boerne Parks and Recreation will offer a free screening of “Zootopia 2” at the Boerne city pool. Festivities start at 7 p.m. 106 City Park Road, Boerne
July 18
Slab Cinema will offer a free screening of “Zootopia 2” at sunset. Admission is free. San Pedro Springs Park Pool, 2200 N. Flores St.
WELLNESS
Weekly
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
July 22
Local author and beer historian Jeremy Banas will discuss and sign copies of his new book, “Lone Star Beer: A History of Two Iconic San Antonio Breweries,” which chronicles the complicated, not-so-straight history of the iconic Lone Star Beer brand and local brewing heritage. There will also be a display of Lone Star Beer artifacts. 4-7 p.m. Admission is free. Otto’s Ice House at Pearl, 111 Newell Ave.
ART EXHIBITS/SHOWS
Now through July 18
Centro Cultural Aztlan is hosting the exhibition, “Infinity Square,” featuring works by local artists Louis Vega Treviño and Ben Mata. Their works examine and illustrate the use of color, balance, rhythm, and geometry. Admission is free. 1800 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 103
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. Admission is free. 445 N. Main Ave.
Now through July 25
Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio co-presents “Americans and the Holocaust,” a traveling exhibit that explores the United States’ reaction to the outbreak of World War II in Europe, Nazi Germany’s treatment of Jews, how much did the U.S. government know about the expanding Holocaust, and whether President Roosevelt’s administration could have done more to stop it sooner. Admission is free. Central Library (first floor gallery), 600 Soledad St.
Now through July 31
El Esplendor Del Arte Chicano, a show featuring a selection of art works from the personal collection of Ricardo and Harriett Romo, is extended through July 30. Art show proceeds benefit local nonprofit SAY Si. 1310 S. Brazos St. Host venue open noon-6 p.m. Mon.-Thu.
Now through July 31
Alamo Colleges District hosts “From the West Side to the World: Un Homenaje a Flaco Jiménez,” an exhibit honoring the life and legacy of Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez, the legendary accordionist who helped to shape the growth and evolution of conjunto music and Tejano culture, and share those aspects with the wider world while keeping true to his West Side origins. The exhibit is open to all and runs through July 31. Admission is free. Alamo Colleges District ACCESS Building Common Ground Gallery, 2222 N. Alamo St.
Now through July 31
Patrick Heath Public Library is marking the United States’ 250th anniversary with a display of patriotically themed quilts created by the Cibolo Creek Quilters Guild. Some quilts are also on display next door at Boerne City Hall. Admission is free. 400 block of North Main St. (Boerne City Hall/library campus)
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. 7
San Antonio Art League and Museum hosts a new exhibit, “Summer Reflections,” which features original works by eight local artists that use color, light and imagery to capture the summer season’s warmth, vitality and energy. Admission is free. 130 King William St.
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. Admission is free. Centro de Artes, 101 S. Santa Rosa St.
Now through Sept. 24
Visitors may watch local artist Rubio, Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival’s first artist-in-residence, live-paint at Luminaria’s newly opened headquarters during regular studio hours 5-9 p.m. Thu.-Fri., and 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sat. and Sun. now through Sept. 24. His art is available for purchase. The 2026 edition of Luminaria is planned for Nov. 14 along West Houston Street downtown. 207 E. Travis St.
Now through Oct. 26
San Antonio Museum of Art hosts “Canvas to Clay: Georgia O’Keeffe and Maria Martinez to Mata Ortiz and Tonalá.” Featuring paintings by O’Keeffe and ceramic vessels by Martinez, including works from Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, and Tonalá, Jalisco, this exhibit explores both artists’ cultural and natural inspirations, which transcend the U.S./Mexico border. Free with museum admission. 200 E. Jones Ave.
Now through Dec. 18
Mexican American Civil Rights Institute hosts “Somos Americanos: Our American Story,” an exhibit chronicling noted Mexican-American trailblazers who have lived out the nation’s highest democratic ideals through public service, civic leadership, and acts of valor. Viewable 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Wed.-Fri. or by appointment. Admission is free. 2123 Buena Vista St.
Now through Jan. 4, 2027
Briscoe Western Art Museum hosts “Selena Forever/Siempre Selena,” an exhibit featuring San Antonio photographer John Dyer’s images that celebrate the life and career of the late Tejano star Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. The Briscoe will offer a screening of the feature biopic “Selena” July 19. Entry with museum admission. 210 W. Market St.
Now through Jan. 9, 2027
Witte Museum hosts “The Witte Museum: 100 Years,” an exhibit that shows how the institution has interpreted and shared the story of Texas through natural history specimens, cultural artifacts, Texas art, and global collections. Free with museum admission. 3801 Broadway St.
Now through Jan. 15. 2027
The exhibit “Built on Legacy: Artists of San Antonio” 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 30, 2027
Institute of Texan Cultures hosts “Pure Conjunto: Border(less) Sound,” an exhibit of photos, instruments, posters and other artifacts that demonstrate the power of Conjunto music, and how it was shaped by German and Eastern European immigrants, and influenced by Tejano communities drawing on Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican traditions. Entry with museum admission. 111 W. Houston St., Suite 121.
Now showing
The Beacon at Midtown hosts “The Printmakers’ Process,” an exhibit of drawings, matrices, misprints, and other works by Celeste de Luna. The pieces demonstrate how printmaking is often misunderstood, and how objects present potential despite being overlooked and discarded. Admission is free. 1136 W. Woodlawn Ave.
July 23
“Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story,” an exhibit of 100-plus rare paintings, sculptures, saddles, weapons, and maps from U.S. and Mexican collections, opens with a preview party 6-8 p.m. Party tickets: $35 museum members, $55 non-members. The exhibit fully opens to the public July 24 and runs through Jan. 18, 2027 (free with museum admission). Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Weekly
The city of San Antonio offers Downtown Thursday, a series of family friendly, public block parties that serve as a way for residents and visitors to experience different parts of downtown. Programming after 5 p.m. includes music, art, culture, complimentary light bites and beverages, kids’ activities and more. The Local SATX micro‑transit service will also offer transportation from other downtown locations to the event each time. Free parking will be available in the City Tower Garage, 60 N. Flores St. after 5 p.m.
July 17
City of New Braunfels will have a World Environment Day celebration, a family friendly event with ecological education, hands-on crafts, games, a DJ, splash pad fun and a foam party. 4-7 p.m. Admission is free. Fischer Park (hilltop pavilion), 1935 Hilltop Summit Road
July 18
City of Windcrest invites community members to a Family Fun Jubilee, which was rescheduled from July 11. It is a free event that will feature vendors, giveaways, arts and crafts, a photo booth, water slides, live music and pet adoption opportunities. At sunset, attendees can enjoy a screening of “Captain America: The First Avenger.” Visitors may bring their blanket or lawn chair. 4:30-10:30 p.m. Admission is free. Takas Park, 9310 Jim Seal Drive, Windcrest
July 20
The city of Shavano Park will hold a town hall on a water acquisition fee proposed by the town’s water advisory committee. The purpose of a potential water acquisition fee is to fund the purchase of 150 acre-feet of Edwards Aquifer water rights at a cost of $1.6 million. Residents will learn more about the fee and current Shavano Park water rates. City officials are proposing two versions of such a fee: $37 for all 683 water customers or a $30 charge for all 683 water customers plus a tiered fee for water ratepayers reaching the Tier 3, 4, 5, or 6 monthly rates. 6 p.m. Shavano Park City Hall, 900 Saddletree Court
July 20
The city of Universal City and Homes for the Homeless Pets will have a dedication ceremony for the Rainbow Bridge memorial, which is meant to honor pets who have died. Visitors may leave a pet collar as a tribute to a beloved pet who has passed. Patterned after a public rainbow bridge in North Carolina, Universal City’s rainbow bridge offers a place for reflection, remembrance and celebration. 4 p.m. at Cibolo Trail (next to the disc golf course parking lot), Universal City
July 21
San Antonio District 9 City Councilmember Misty Spears’ office will hold a town hall about the city’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. 6-7 p.m. Brookhollow Library, 530 Heimer Road
July 22
Scenic Loop Helotes Creek Alliance will have a community meeting, with updates on the proposed Guajolote Ranch development, and current watershed conditions and other issues affecting the area. 6:30 p.m. Grey Forest Clubhouse, 18249 Sherwood Trail, Helotes
July 24-26
Electric Wizard Tattoo will host the fourth annual Tats for Tails, an event where visitors can get a flash design from noon-8 p.m. July 24-26. Flash designs start at $100, with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area. Designs can be done in color, black, or as an outline. This pricing applies to arms and legs and may be adjusted for other placements. Happy hour tattoos will be available at randomly selected times throughout the weekend, with all proceeds from those hours donated to HSNBA, which also will have adoptable dogs on site 6-8 p.m. daily during the event. Additionally, Electric Wizard Tattoo will collect donations for HSNBA through the end of the month: unopened wet or dry dog and cat food, plastic cat carriers, cleaning supplies, cat litter and shallow litter pans, pet toys, collars, leashes, and tough dog chew toys. 880 Elliot Knox Blvd., Suite 100, New Braunfels
July 25
Friends of the Universal City Public Library will have an event to celebrate the UCPL’s 40th anniversary. There will be a cutting of a cake followed by light refreshments. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free. Universal City Public Library, 100 Northview Blvd.
July 25
San Antonio City Council District 3 office will co-host a back-to-school health and resource fair where local young families can receive free school supplies, vaccinations, health screenings and community resources. Attendees may also enjoy games, entertainment, play spaces, and raspas. 8-11 a.m. Child Advocates San Antonio, 1956 S. W.W. White Road
