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
Oct. 2-3
Urban-15 Dance Group will hold its annual Manhattan Short Film Festival, screening 10 new short films from around the globe. Screenings to be offered at 7 p.m. Oct. 2 and 3. Attendees can enjoy complimentary refreshments. Admission: $20 advance, $25 at the door. 2500 S. Presa St.
Oct. 10
San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation hosts a free screening of the movie “Hocus Pocus” in City Cemetery No. 1. Complimentary popcorn will be available. Attendees may bring a lawn chair or blanket. The screening also celebrates the office’s ongoing work with the Cemetery Steward Program, a group of volunteers who care for and preserve city-owned cemeteries. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. The cemetery is located on Paso Hondo Street between South Monumental and South Palmetto streets.
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 Oct. 3
Overtime Theater hosts final performances of “flowerboy,” a story of queer love, addiction, and losing one’s self at a nightclub. 8 p.m. Oct. 2 and 3. Tickets: $20 general; discounts available for students, seniors, military and teachers. 4335 Vance Jackson Road, Suites 103-104
Now through Oct. 3
MacArthur High School’s Brahma Theatre Co. will perform “Lord of the Flies,” based on William Golding’s novel, which follows a group of young boys who survive a plane crash on an uninhabited island. There, the boys’ efforts to properly govern themselves while awaiting rescue go disastrous. 7 p.m. Oct.1-3. Tickets: $8. 2923 MacArthur View
Now through Oct. 4
Boerne Community Theatre hosts final performances of “Any Body Home?” a farce where a real estate broker’s attempt to sell a condo goes sideways, starting with the dead owner on the sofa. 8 p.m. Oct. 2-3 and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 4. Tickets: $24 adults; discounts for seniors, military and students. 907 E. Blanco Road
Now through 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
Oct. 2-31
San Pedro Playhouse will host performances of the classic musical-comedy “Little Shop of Horrors,” where shy florist Seymour discovers a unique little plant that grows with very special needs. Check the website for showtimes. Tickets: $53 adults, $33 children ages 12-under, $43 seniors, first responders, military. 800 W. Ashby Place
Oct. 3-25
Magik Theatre opens its new season, in its recently renovated home venue, with performances of “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.” Based on Laura Numeroff’s titular picture book, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” is about a boy whose peaceful afternoon of cookies and comics is interrupted by a mouse whose tiny request grows into an adventure. On Oct. 3, an opening day party in Hemisfair starts at 3:30 p.m. and is followed by a 5 p.m. performance. Regular showtimes 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sat., and 3 p.m. Sun. through Oct. 25. (Educator Appreciation Day performance Oct. 4; attendees may pay what they wish Oct. 11.) Tickets: $26.50-$33.50. 420 S. Alamo St.
Oct. 10
Alamo City Arts students present their Fall Festival of Dance, including “Carnival of the Animals,” where live music and dance bring to life Saint-Saëns’ famed suite. Also, Alamo City Dance Co.’s Elite Competition Team gives a demonstration, and principal dancers Sasha Krukova and Nurlan Kinerbayev will perform excerpts from the organization’s upcoming spring production of “Don Quixote.” Refreshments will be available. 7 p.m. Admission is pay-what-you-can. 2800 NE Loop 410, Suite 307
LITERARY
Oct. 3
The annual Boerne Book Festival will have author panel discussions and book signings centered around Texas and U.S. Southwest-based writers and books. There will also be vendors and book sales. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. Patrick Heath Public Library, 451 N. Main St., Boerne
Oct. 4
Book Nerd hosts a Banned Books Week event that features a panel on censorship, an overview of recent legislation that encourages censorship, and a preview of the 2027 Texas Legislature. 4:30 p.m. Admission is free. 2211 NW Military Hwy., Suite 118
Oct. 9-10
Friends of the New Braunfels Public Library will hold its annual used book sale fundraiser with proceeds benefiting all New Braunfels libraries. 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 10. Admission is free. New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave.
Oct. 10
Friends of Encino Library will have a used book sale that includes used CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, paperbacks, and children’s books. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. Encino Library, 2515 E. Evans Road
SPECIAL EXHIBITS
Now through Nov. 29
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. Family Space Week Oct. 4-10 includes free admission (while ticket supplies last) all day Oct. 4, and other family-friendly activations, special ticket offers, local radio giveaways, STEM-inspired social content, and community partnerships. The Shops at Rivercenter (lower level on the Alamo side below H&M), 849 E. Commerce St.
Now through Nov. 2
“Jardín de las Catrinas” blends art, plants, and tradition across the San Antonio Botanical Garden, as visitors get to explore eight larger-than-life catrinas created by local artist Regina Moya. Surrounded by thousands of colorful, living plants and thousands of marigolds, each catrina is inspired by nature, Mexican traditions, and refranes—traditional sayings that share wisdom passed down through generations. Entry with garden admission. 555 Funston Place
Now through Nov. 1
San Antonio Zoo’s 40th Zoo Boo is a daily, family friendly celebration of fall and the Halloween season. There is daily trick-or-treating, themed food and seasonal treats, entertainment, a spider rainforest with real spiders, interactive animal experiences, and the debut of Fiesta de los Muertos. The latter, inspired by Dia de los Muertos traditions, features three themed realms with large-scale artistic displays and special photo opportunities. Entry with zoo admission for the general public; free for zoo members. 3903 N. St. Mary’s St.
Now through Feb. 7
The Witte Museum is hosting “Gather ‘Round the Table: Texas Food Traditions,” an exhibit that explores the ingredients, people, and cultural exchanges behind familiar Texas foods. The exhibit also includes interactive areas where guests can make their own plate of Texas foods, visit a model icehouse, and learn how Texans have grown, prepared and distributed their food for market through the decades. Special exhibit ticket required. 3801 Broadway 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 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.
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. 1
Sala Diaz will host Anthony Rundblade’s exhibit “Paranoid Style Vital Farms,” which is viewable during certain weekend afternoon hours or by appointment. Check the gallery website for details. 517 Stieren St.
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.
Oct. 1-2
An art show featuring several local artists is taking place alongside a voter registration drive. Oct. 5 is the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 3 midterm elections. 6:30-10 p.m. Admission is free and open to all. 108 Blue Star
Oct. 3
Local artist Vincent Valdez., ACLU of Texas artist-in-residence, will display pieces that he has drawn, inspired by the contemporary American scene. Attendees may take home prints of Valdez’s drawings to share with their community. 2 p.m. Admission is free. Guadalupe Latino Bookstore, 1300 Guadalupe St.
MUSIC
Oct. 4
Heart of Texas Concert Band begins a new performance season with “Viva San Antonio!” a presentation of musical selections celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. The band will be accompanied by Mariachi Gallos de Oro, Alamo City Ballet Folklorico, and clarinet soloist Mark Wolocki. 3 p.m. Admission is free, but $10 donations are accepted. Steele High School Auditorium, 1300 FM 1103, Cibolo
Oct. 4
South Texas Symphonic Orchestra has its first community show, featuring selections from Tchaikovsky, Copland, Steward, and the musical “West Side Story.” 2 p.m. Admission is free. UT San Antonio Recital Hall, 1 UTSA Circle
Oct. 4
Boerne Concert Band performs a free concert celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, with the show featuring a wide selection of Latin music. 4 p.m. Boerne High School auditorium, 1 Greyhound Lane
Oct. 7
Gunter Hotel’s Studio Lounge Sessions is a series of an intimate live music series showcasing local and regional artists in the Studio Lounge. Conjunto star Santiago “Jimmy” Jimenez Jr. performs 7-9 p.m. Oct. 7. Tickets: $20. Afterward, local musician and Dirty River Jazz Band member Chris Alvarez invites local musicians to bring their own instrument for an improvisational jazz jam 9-11 p.m. in the hotel’s Bar 414. Admission is free. 205 E. Houston St.
Oct. 10
Burleson Yard Beer Garden hosts the 210 Music Festival, featuring more than 10 local acts, as well as several local vendors, artisans and makers.3-11 p.m. Admission is free, 430 Austin St.
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 Oct. 2
San Antonio Startup and Week is the annual, weeklong celebration of San Antonio’s startup community. Several free panel discussions, special presentations, social gatherings, pitches and more events involve local entrepreneurs, founders, operators, engineers and investors sharing stories and information about starting a venture and growing it. Most sessions are held at Texas Public Radio, 321 W. Commerce St., The Rand office building, 110. W. Houston St., and Central Library, 600 Soledad St., all within a short distance of one another in downtown.
Oct. 3
The 11th annual Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival is an interactive, family friendly event where attendees can check out nature-based activations and educational exhibits, help to tag monarch butterflies, and traverse an obstacle course and a maze. There will also be plant and tree giveaways, hands-on nonprofit activities, live music and food. The event is happening, rain or shine. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free; RSVP is encouraged. Brackenridge Park Pecan Grove
Oct. 3
New Braunfels Fire Department will host an open house at Fire Station No. 7. Guests may tour the facility, explore NBFD vehicles, meet local firefighters, and enjoy fun activities. 9-11 a.m. 357 FM 306.
Oct. 3
Japan-America Society of San Antonio will present the Aki Matsuri fall festival that is all things Japan. Attendees can explore Ikebana (flower arranging) and Bonsai displays, visit informational tables for local Japanese community organizations, and enjoy authentic cuisine, music and cultural performances. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. Camargo Park, 5738 Castroville Road
Oct. 4
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church hosts its parish festival, including food, live music, a silent auction, a petting zoo, games, a vaccination clinic, a plant sale, a blessing of the pets (3 p.m.) and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. 4201 DeZavala Road
Oct. 6
Neighbors Together/National Night Out is an annual event where residents join local businesses and organizations to raise awareness of public safety, and to laud the spirit of community. Events are organized by local city governments, neighborhood associations and homeowner associations, and take place prior to sunset. Activities are family friendly and typically include crime prevention tips and resources, opportunities to meet local emergency first responders and representatives promoting community resources. In some cases, Neighbors Together happenings resemble block parties. Look online for your nearest city government, neighborhood association or homeowner association for details on a Neighbors Together activity.
Oct. 8-11
The annual Gruene Music and Wine Festival is a celebration of Texas and Americana music, and Texas-made beer and wine. Robert Earl Keen. Shane Smith and the Saints, and Dos Borrachos (Kevin Fowler and Roger Creager) are the headliners. Proceeds benefit United Way of Comal County. Check the event website for details. 1612 Hunter Road, New Braunfels
Oct. 10
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center will have a free workshop, “Who Were the Aztecs?” where attendees can find out more about the Aztec people, their language, culture and beliefs. 2-4 p.m. Guadalupe Latino Bookstore, 1300 Guadalupe St.
Oct. 10
St. Anthony’s Knanaya Catholic Parish hosts Little India Fest, a family friendly event that showcases traditional Indian musical and dance performances, food, arts and crafts, as well as games and health exhibits. 4-10 p.m. Admission is free. Oxford United Methodist Church, 9739 Huebner Road
Oct. 10
Avenida Guadalupe Association will co-present Fiesta Alegria, a family friendly event that wraps up Hispanic Heritage Month. There will be live music, food, dance, arts and crafts, vendors, community health resources, and more. 4-11 p.m. Admission is free. Plaza Guadalupe and 1314 Guadalupe St.
Oct. 10
Great Northwest Community Improvement Association will have its 16th car show, featuring all kinds of trucks, motorcycles, and classic cars from all eras. There will also be food and a raffle. Proceeds will benefit the organization’s 2027 scholarship fund, which supports three scholarships for high school seniors who reside within the association’s neighborhoods. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Exhibition fee: $15-$20; admission is free for spectators. 9014 Timber Path
Oct. 11
The fourth annual Viva Mexico Women’s Festival offers live music, dance, culture, community, food trucks, craft vendors in an event celebrating powerful women and powerful voices. 3-9 p.m. Admission is free. Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave.
GOVERNMENTAL/ELECTION MEETINGS
Oct. 3
Bexar County Elections Department will host an open house and poll worker job fair. Visitors may meet elections department staff, learn more about the elections process, and explore opportunities to serve as a poll worker. Guests can also check their voter registration status, register to vote, update their voter registration, or resolve suspense voter registration issues. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 1103 South Frio St.
Oct. 7
The Chamber Schertz-Cibolo-Selma Area will host a public forum involving Schertz City Council candidates running in the Nov. 3 elections. 6:30-8 p.m. Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Pkwy.
Oct. 7
Local nonprofit Health Collaborative invites residents from San Antonio neighborhoods between Interstate 35, Port San Antonio and U.S. 90 to an informational meeting about a new community study exploring how pollution from these activities may affect air quality, breathing, and the health of people living in nearby neighborhoods. Complimentary dinner will be provided. 6 p.m. RSVP here. Nerio Plaza, 1014 Peabody Ave.
PUMPKIN PATCHES
Oct. 1-31
Bulverde Pumpkin Patch has plenty of activities for children and adults, including games, a putting green, a calf roping station, an obstacle course, a hay bale maze, a “monster bus,” sack races, and hayrides. The patch is open 3-7 p.m. Mon.-Thu., and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Attendees get charged $30 for a monthlong membership pass, regardless of number of occupants. 3800 West Ammann Road, Bulverde
Oct. 2-31
Universal City Parks Partners presents Universal City’s official community pumpkin patch. It’s open 4-8 p.m. Mon.-Thu., and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Special events are scheduled during the month, such as Heroes Weekend Oct. 3-4 (first responders, demonstrations, superheroes and scavenger hunts), Rodeo Day Oct. 10 (mini-carnival games and petting zoo), Kids’ Day Oct. 17, Family Fun Day Oct. 24, and Wine on the Vine, a ticketed event Oct. 16. Admission is free. 2160 Universal City Blvd.
Oct. 9-31
Bracken United Methodist Church will host its pumpkin patch with special activities happening throughout the month, including a visit from the Once in a Wild mobile zoo Oct. 10. Patch is open 4-6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends. Admission is free. 20377 FM 2252
Now through Nov. 1
Gruene Pumpkin Festival transforms Gruene Mini Golf into a pumpkin patch with fall-themed bounce houses, a corn pit, unique photo opportunities, train rides and more. 3-10 p.m. Mon.-Thu., and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Tickets start at $15.1632 New Braunfels St.
Now through Nov. 1
Good News Lutheran Church’s pumpkin patch includes special events all month, such as movie nights, market days, a blessing of the animals, as well as trunk-or-treating on Halloween. There are also hayrides and barrel train rides. Admission is free. 11020 Old Corpus Christi Hwy.
HAUNTED HOUSES/MAZES/FARMS
Now through Oct. 27
Sundrop Springs, a 22-acre farm, offers a monthlong fall festival with hayrides, a fall-themed maze, jumping pillow, corn clay pit, live entertainment, and more. Sundrop Screams also has a Pumpkin King’s Trail, a hillbilly hayride, and a haunted hay maze from 7-10 p.m. Admission: $19 for ages 12; $14 for ages 4-11; free for children 3 and under. 953 Hueco Springs Loop Road, New Braunfels
Now through Nov. 1
Circle N Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch features a corn maze inspired by “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,” alongside a petting zoo, a corn pit, a pumpkin patch, tractor tire climb, games, refreshments and more. Circle N Maze is open on weekends through Nov. 1 and is located in La Vernia. Check the website for details.
Now through Nov. 1
Owl Creek Farm/Nightmare at Owl Creek is, by day, a family friendly Halloween season destination filled with pumpkins, a petting zoo, pony rides, hayrides, games, vendors, food, and haunted trails – without the monsters. The scene gets dark at night when six different haunted doll trails come alive with lurkers waiting in the woods. Owl Creek Farm, 12355 W. Military Drive.
Now through Nov. 8
The 13th Floor offers multiple areas filled with different kinds of scares, from “Friday the 13th” icon Jason Voorhees stalking visitors to a journey through a decaying cityscape. There are other spooky activations, and two themed secret bars. Tickets start at $32.99. 1203 E. Commerce St.
OTHER SPOOKY SITES
Now through Oct. 31
The DoSeum hosts Halloween everyday in October as families can explore galleries filled with playful decorations, pose at Halloween-themed photo stations and shake their bones during hourly “BOOgie breaks.” Guests who snap a picture at a photo station and upload it can enter a weekly raffle for a free DoSeum membership, or a free renewal if they are already members. Spooky workshops and member activities also take place on select days throughout the month. The monthlong celebration ends with a Halloween trick-or-treating event. 2800 Broadway St.
Now through Nov. 1
Natural Bridge Caverns host Cavern Bat Fest. Each weekend, visitors can enjoy fall-inspired, family friendly activities, including a mini-hay maze, scavenger hunt, dressing a scarecrow, live entertainment, photo opportunities, yard games. Entry is part of cavern admission. There is free trick-or-treating set for Oct. 31.
