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
Now through 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
Sept. 10
San Antonio World Heritage Office will present Arts in Play’s performance of a staged reading of scenes from Frederico Garcia Lorca’s “The House of Bernarda Alba.” The drama centers around Bernarda Alba, who upon her second husband’s death, imposes a years-long mourning period, which prevents Alba’s five daughters from forming relationships outside of their home. Seating is first come, first served. 6-8 p.m. Admission is free. World Heritage Center, 3106 Roosevelt Ave.
Sept. 11
New Braunfels Performing Arts will present “A Murder a Gatsby’s Gala,” a special fundraiser featuring live music, a four-course meal, and an interactive murder mystery set at a lavish 1920s party. 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $75 individuals, $600 for table for eight. Stelzenhaus on the Wurstfest grounds, 120 Landa St., New Braunfels
Sept. 11-Oct. 3
Overtime Theater hosts performances of “flowerboy,” a story of queer love, addiction, and losing one’s self at a nightclub. 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat., Sept. 11-Oct. 3. Tickets: $20 general; discounts available for students, seniors, military and teachers. (Attendees may pay what they can Sept. 17; mimosa matinee set for Sept. 27.) 4335 Vance Jackson Road, Suites 103-104
Sept. 13
Turnip Ensemble Theater will begin its second season with a free public devising workshop, an interactive activity where participants of all live performance experience levels can explore the local theatrical troupe’s collaborative theater-making process. Anyone can participate. 2-4 p.m. McNutt Co-Lab at UT San Antonio Southwest Campus, 300 Augusta St.
Sept. 18-Oct. 11
Wonder Theatre presents performances of “The Addams Family Musical” where the spotlight falls on daughter Wednesday who asks her father Gomez not to tell her mother Morticia about her new “normal” boyfriend. 7:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat., and 3 p.m. Sun. through Oct. 11. Also, 2 p.m. Oct. 3. Tickets: $35 adults; discounts available for seniors, military, first responders, students, children and educators. Wonderland of the Americas Mall, 4522 Fredericksburg Road, Suite A-90, Balcones Heights
CINEMA
Sept. 12
H-E-B Cinema on Will’s Plaza presents a free screening of the movie “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.” In this graphic novel-inspired comedy, a slacker musician must battle his new girlfriend’s seven evil exes in order to win her heart. 7 p.m. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle
Sept. 19
San Antonio’s World Heritage Office will present a free screening of “Selena” 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.
LITERARY
Sept. 12
Lauren Burns will discuss and sign copies of her book, “Stolen: A True Story – Kidnapped, Rescued, Redeemed,” which chronicles Burns’ experience being abducted by her own father at age 7 and taken to another country. There, Burns is rescued, but upon returning to the United States, she and her mother hide in fear as they try to rebuild their lives. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Admission is free. The Twig Book Shop, 306 Pearl Pkwy., Suite 106
Sept. 12
The Boerne Bookshop hosts Author Alley, a multi-author mini-book fair each second Saturday. Noon-3 p.m. Admission is free. 153 S. Main St., Suite 120, Boerne
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. 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.
ART EXHIBITS/SHOWS
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.
Now through Sept. 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. Admission is free. 1800 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 103
Now through Oct. 3
San Antonio Street Art Initiative is hosting “Everybody’s Playhouse: Pee Wee Takes Over Chestnut” at 313 Chestnut St. More than 25 local artists created all sorts of works inspired by Pee-Wee Herman, his famed television show “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse,” and his classic film “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure,” which includes a brief, memorable stop at an iconic San Antonio landmark. The art works are on display through Oct. 3.
Sept. 16
A group of local artists, artisans, designers and makers such as Rhonda Bell Studio, Mary James Fine Art, Megan Curiel Fine Art, Hana Camille Art, and Grace Hamilton Pottery will gather in the Monte Vista neighborhood to demonstrate their skills and offer their original creative works. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Admission is free. 228 W. Mulberry Ave while discovering work from local San Antonio artists, artisans, designers, and makers.
MUSIC
Sept. 11
KSYM Radio will celebrate the 35th anniversary of its Third Coast Music Network show with a party at Sam’s Burger Joint, an event that will include live music from local and Texas bands, a raffle and more. 6-10 p.m. 330 E. Grayson St.
Sept. 11
Local chamber music group Agarita kicks off a new performance season by playing Stephen Prutsman’s score to Buster Keaton’s 1925 silent comedy film, “Seven Chances,” as the movie is screened for the audience. The movie is about a young man who needs to marry his girlfriend…or someone else…by 7 p.m. or risk losing his $7 million inheritance. 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but RSVP is required. Jo Long Theatre at the Carver Community Cultural Center, 226 N. Hackberry St.
Sept. 13
Pearl’s Stable Hall presents a mariachi showcase in celebration of Dieciséis. It’s a day filled with performances by mariachi groups from across Texas, including Mariachi Campanas de America, Mariachi Azteca de America, Mariachi Aguila Brackenridge High School, Guadalupe Mariachi Academy, Mariachi Las Alteñas, and Mariachi Vargas. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission is free. Pearl Park and Pearl Amphitheater.
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.
Now through Sept. 13
The city of San Antonio, Bexar County and San Antonio River Authority is presenting the 11th World Heritage Festival, a multi-day celebration of San Antonio’s multicultural heritage and the historic Spanish colonial missions, which collectively are an UNESCO World Heritage Site. A range of public events are scheduled at each mission. See the festival website for details.
Sept. 11
City of New Braunfels will hold a ceremony marking the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Activities begin at 7:25 a.m. with members of the New Braunfels Fire Department and New Braunfels Police Department Honor Guard. They will march from the downtown Central Fire Station on Hill Avenue to Main Plaza for a ceremony that starts at 7:40 a.m.
Sept. 12
The 9/11 Heroes Run 5K welcomes runners, ruckers, and walkers of all ages and fitness levels to honor first responders and others who saved lives during and following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, and uniformed personnel who took part in military action afterward. The event begins at 7 a.m. at McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road
Sept. 12
Garden Ridge Market Days, held each first Saturday, involves dozens of area farmers, ranchers, crafters, artisans and foodmakers. This edition of Market Days serves as an appreciation for first responders with a chance for attendees to meet local public safety personnel, and youngsters to check out emergency vehicles. There are also kids’ activities, live music and pet adoption opportunities. 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Admission is free. Northeast Bible Church, 19185 FM 2252.
Sept. 12
A Native American powwow, featuring local native groups, arts and crafts, and traditional powwow dancing and music will be held at the Navajo Civic Center. Anyone may attend. 1-10 p.m. Admission is free. 2600 Rigsby
Sept. 12
The DoSeum invites young families to its “Big Day of Play,” when visitors can literally get down and dirty – in a fun, messy way. Guests get to take part in messy science experiments, roll around in a mud pit, play with bubble foam, explore different textures and sensations in the museum’s sensory station, and create a messy mural. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Entry with museum admission. 2800 Broadway St.
Sept. 12
Avenida Guadalupe Association will present the 45th annual Dieciseís de Septiembre Parade, celebrating Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule. The West Side neighborhood parade features several local arts and cultural groups, nonprofits, schools and businesses. The event’s honorary grand marshal is retiring Police Chief William McManus. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of Brazos and Guadalupe streets, and proceeds west, north and east to the corner of Brazos and Cesar Chavez Boulevard. A “cool-off” party with free aguas frescas and paletas will take place noon-3 p.m. at Plaza Guadalupe, 1327 Guadalupe St.
Sept. 12
Windcrest’s fourth 9/11 Remembrance Race features a 5K run and a 1-mile walk with awards being presented to participants in different age groups. The race begins at 8 a.m. at Takas Park Civic Center, 9310 Jim Seal Drive, Windcrest. All registration proceeds benefit the Windcrest fire and police departments.
Sept. 12-13
El Grito y Fiestas Patrias is the city’s official Dieciséis de Septiembre celebration of the 216th anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain. Visitors to Market Square will get to enjoy various food booths, artisans, and live entertainment. A special ceremony and cultural program takes place 6-9 p.m. Sept. 12. Profits will be donated to LULAC, a foundation that supports students of Hispanic origin to continue their studies. Noon-11 p.m. Sept. 12 and noon-9 p.m. Sept. 13. Admission is free. 514 W. Commerce St.
Sept. 19-20
Alamo Orchid Society will present its annual orchid show and sale in an event featuring a variety of orchids, tropicals, art and garden goods and gifts. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 19 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 20. Admission is free. San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave.
