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
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
Aug. 28-Sept. 12
Overtime Theater hosts performances of “Rise and Fall,” a thriller about two colleagues who are forced to engage in a form of psychological warfare while locked together in a room. Each night, the actors will play a different character. 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat. through Sept. 12. Tickets: $10. 4335 Vance Jackson Road, Suites 103-104
Now through Aug. 30
San Pedro Playhouse presents Classic Theatre of San Antonio’s performances of “The Seagull,” an adaptation of Chekhov’s drama that follows a group of artists, lovers, and dreamers as they grapple with ambition, heartache, and the passage of time. Final available shows are 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27 and 29. Tickets: $55 adults; discounts available. 800 W. Ashby Place
Now through Sept. 5
Boerne Community Theatre hosts performances of the musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” which explores life through the eyes of Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang. 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat., and 2:30 p.m. Sun. through Sept. 5, plus 7:30 p.m. Sept. 3. Tickets: $20-$24. 907 E. Blanco St., Boerne
CINEMA
Aug. 29
Mexican American Civil Rights Institute is presenting a free screening of two episodes from the renowned documentary series, “Chicano! History of the Mexican-American Civil Rights Movement,” which chronicles the struggle for equality and social justice of the Mexican American community in the United States in the 1960s and `70s. The event will include filmmaker Hector Galán and other special guests for a post-screening conversation. 1:30 p.m. Little Carver Civic Center, 226 N. Hackberry St.
Sept. 5
San Antonio’s World Heritage Office will present a free screening of “The Lego Batman Movie” at Mission Marquee Plaza. The family and pet friendly venue opens at 7 p.m. The movie starts a little bit after sunset. Attendees may bring their blanket or lawn chair. Food trucks will be on site. 3100 Roosevelt Ave.
MUSIC
Sept. 4
San Antonio Parks Foundation co-presents Jazz in the Garden, a concert with the Richard Oppenheim Quartet as it performs a tribute to Sonny Rollins. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Attendees may bring a blanket or lawn chair. 6:30-9 p.m. Admission by suggested $5 donation. Japanese Tea Garden, 3853 N. St. Mary’s St.
LITERARY
Aug. 28
McKenna’s Book Fair will feature kid-friendly storytimes, crafts, snacks, and a visit from friends with the organization Canine Classmates. Every child can go home with a free book. 9 a.m.-noon. Entry with museum admission. McKenna Children’s Museum, 801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels
Aug. 28
Sociologist Avelardo Valdez will sign copies of and discuss his book, “Homeboys Forever,” which follows the lives of two local Hispanic men as they deal with the lasting consequences of having been former gang members. There will be light refreshments. 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. Guadalupe Latino Bookstore, 723 S. Brazos St.
SPECIAL EXHIBITS
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
Witte Museum hosts “Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs,” an exhibit that explores how the world’s first vertebrates achieved powered flight. Free with museum admission. 3801 Broadway 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.
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 accordingly. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle.
Now through Aug. 31
San Antonio Botanical Garden hosts Dog Days of Summer. Pet owners can bring their dog(s) on a leash or in a carrier between 8 a.m. (7 a.m. for SABG members) and noon any day now through Aug. 31 for $5 per canine. Pup cups will also be available. Free admission is available during these times for SABG members. 555 Funston Place.
ART EXHIBITS/SHOWS
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. 5
San Antonio Art League and Museum is hosting “One People, Many Paths: Sacred Art of Altars.” an exhibit of works by 50-plus artists who are displaying their personalized “nichos,” all created the same size and shape. This artistry is popular in the Southwest and has long been a vital part of San Antonio’s heritage. All altars are available for purchase through an auction. The exhibit is on view through Sept. 5. Admission is free. 130 King William 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 Nov. 8
McNay Art Museum hosts “A People’s History: The American Experiment on Stage.” Inspired by the United States’ 250th anniversary, this exhibit explores theater’s role in telling the evolution of America through maquettes and set and costume designs from a range of iconic productions, such as “Hair,” “Hamilton,” “The Color Purple,” “In the Heights” and “Porgy and Bess.” Entry with museum admission. 6000 N. New Braunfels 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. 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 Jan. 18, 2027
“Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story” is an exhibit of 100-plus rare paintings, sculptures, saddles, weapons, and maps from U.S. and Mexican collections. Free with museum admission. Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St.
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
Larry Graeber’s free exhibit “Silent Drift” has paintings, sculpture and works on paper depicting subjects of experiences and encounters. Central Library Gallery, 600 Soledad St.
Sept. 3-30
Centro Cultural Aztlan will host an opening reception for “Cultural Imagination Across Generations,” an exhibit of local artists and photographers images of quinceañeras, birthdays, religious observances, and quiet scenes of domesticity, all of which captures moments of daily ordinary life and unique extraordinary events in Tejano and Chicano communities. The event is happening in conjunction with FotoSeptiembre, a monthlong celebration of photography with various in-person and online exhibits happening through September. This exhibit runs through Sept. 30. 6-9 p.m. Admission is free. 1800 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 103
SPECIAL EVENTS
Weekly
The city of San Antonio is extending its Downtown Thursday series of family friendly, public block parties through the end of 2026. Each Thursday night, residents and visitors are encouraged to experience different parts of downtown. Programming after 5 p.m. includes music, art, culture, free light bites and drinks, kids’ activities and more. The Local SATX micro‑transit service offers transportation from other downtown locations to the event. Free parking is available in the City Tower Garage, 60 N. Flores St. after 5 p.m. The Starhill Players and The Experience are this week’s scheduled bands.
Aug. 27
Texas Department of Transportation will have an open house on planned improvements coming to the Loop 410/U.S. 281 area, where work is anticipated to begin later this year. Community members may view drawings and get more information on the construction timeline, project plan, and other details. 5-7 p.m. Walker Ranch Senior Center, 835 W. Rhapsody Drive.
Aug. 27
The city of San Antonio will hold a public meeting on ways to better connect near-East Side neighborhoods with downtown. Residents, merchants and other stakeholders are invited to offer feedback towards potential short- and long-term projects where motorists, pedestrians and cyclists can better navigate Interstate 37, which has long been a physical barrier between the East Side and downtown assets such as Hemisfair. 3:30-6:30 p.m. ZerNona Black Community Center, 333 Martin Luther King Drive.
Aug. 27
World Affairs Council of San Antonio will present “Standing In Our Truth: Voices of Race, Identity and Resilience,” a program inspired by human rights activist Julie Beth and her memoir, “Standing in My Truth: A Woman’s Plea to Stop Racism and Hate.” Beth will join a panel discussion focused on multiculturalism and community connection. 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is encouraged. Carver Community Cultural Center, 226 N. Hackberry St.
Aug. 31
Texas Department of Transportation will have an open house on planned improvements coming to the Loop 410/U.S. 281 area, where work is anticipated to begin later this year. Community members may view drawings and get more information on the construction timeline, project plan, and other details. 5-7 p.m. Castle Hills City Hall, 209 Lemonwood Drive
Sept. 4-6
San Japan 17 is the region’s largest anime and gaming convention. The event features a cosplay contest, panel discussions, different forms of entertainment, a variety of games, a dealers’ hall with a range of pop culture merchandise, an artists’ hall featuring anime and pop culture celebrities meeting fans, and much more. Check the convention website for details. Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 900 E. Market St., and Grand Hyatt San Antonio Riverwalk, 600 E. Market St.
Sept. 4-7
The River Walk Labor Day Weekend 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. Sept. 4 and 5, and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 6 and 7.
Sept. 6
Divine Providence Catholic Church will host a parish festival with food, live music, games, a raffle and more. 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. 5667 Old Pearsall Road
Sept. 6
A market happening in the Northwest Side neighborhood of Crown Ridge will feature a variety of local vendors selling handmade items, ranging from apparel and accessories to home decor and foods. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. Crown Ridge Event Center, 6909 Camp Bullis Road
