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.
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. The Shops at Rivercenter (lower level on the Alamo side below H&M), 849 E. Commerce 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.
Nov. 20-Jan. 10, 2027
San Antonio Botanical Garden will host “Illuminate” for a third year. Evenings during the holiday season, visitors can view glowing, colorful displays. Entry is available via timed tickets 5-9:30 p.m. Adults: $29.99, children ages 4-up: $26.99, admission is free for children under 3. Discounts available for SABG members. 555 Funston Place
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 Nov. 15
Boerne Community Theatre will perform “Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty,” Five actors play more than 20 roles in this comedic adventure about Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson and Irene Adler as they confront Moriarty and his network of henchmen.7:30 p.m. Thu., and 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat., and 2:30 p.m. Sun. Tickets: $20-$24. 907 E. Blanco St., Boerne
Now through Nov. 15
North East School of the Arts theater students perform “Frozen: The Broadway Musical,” based on the hit Disney animated film. 7:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat., and 2:30 p.m. Sun. Tickets: $15-$50. L.E.E. High School Performing Arts Center, 1400 Jackson Keller Road
Now through Nov. 22
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center presents performances of “Las Comadres de Morales Street.” Set in San Antonio’s West Side, writer Irene Chavez’s play follows a tight-knit group of neighbors whose lives are intertwined by friendship, family, and the everyday fight to hold on to their community, which is beset with challenges such as gentrification and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 8 p.m. Thu.-Sat., and 3 p.m. Sun. through Nov. 22. The Nov. 12, 15 and 22 shows are sold out. Tickets: $15. SAY Si Black Box Theater, 1310 S. Brazos St.
Nov. 12-15
Woodlawn Pointe will host performances of “Thank You for Being a Friend – A Golden Girls Parody.” Male actors portray Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia in three episodes inspired by the classic 1980s sitcom. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12-14, and 3 p.m. Nov. 15. Tickets: $20. 702 Donaldson Ave.
Nov. 15-16
Turnip Ensemble Theater performs “Inheritance,” a darkly humorous play that follows two brothers who grapple with their father’s recent death, confront buried wounds and ask themselves whether they are doomed to repeat the past. Presented as a staged reading, this original production invites audiences to become a key part of the play’s development. 2 p.m. Nov. 15 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16. Admission: $20 general; $10 students, $15 military, first responders, seniors. McNutt Co-Lab at UT San Antonio, 300 Augusta 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 Dec. 5
Bihl Haus Arts debuts its Veterans Day art exhibition and market. The exhibit features works by local artistic veterans, as well as students from the organization’s Forward! Arts veterans program. Admission is free. Inside The Sorento Apartments gates, 2803 Fredericksburg Road
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. 3, 2027
San Antonio Museum of Art hosts “Samurai Spirit: Swords, Accessories, and Paintings,” an exhibit that explores Japanese samurai and their appreciation of finely honed skills in forging and polishing steel to make weapons of lethal beauty. This exhibit features two key 14th century swords, and other samurai weapons and objects important to traditional Japanese culture. Entry with museum admission; free for museum members. Also can be viewed during Bexar County Free Hours 4-7 p.m. Tue., and 10 a.m.-noon Sun. 200 E. Jones Ave.
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. 24, 2027
McNay Art Museum hosts “Mountain–Hour–Face,” an exhibit of South Korean artist Suki Seokyeong Kang sculptures, paintings, textiles and poems, which reflect immersive environments that are shaped by rhythm and the natural world. Entry by museum admission. 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave.
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 Feb. 26, 2027
Alamo Colleges District is hosting “La Línea/The Line: Works by Vincent Valdez,” an exhibit of works by San Antonio artist Vincent Valdez, ACD’s inaugural artist-in-residence. The exhibit brings together more than two decades of Valdez’s work exploring lineage, memory, inheritance and cultural history through painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture. Admission is free and open to the public .Alamo Colleges District ACCESS Building, 2222 N. Alamo 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 through June 14, 2027
Briscoe Western Art Museum will host “Kathy Sosa: Revolutionary Women of Texas and Mexico,” an exhibit of more than 30 works created by San Antonio artist, author and former advertising business leader Kathy Sosa. The paintings, mixed media works and sculptures highlight women who shaped Texas and Mexico as participants, survivors, cultural transmitters, laborers, activists, mothers, revolutionaries and community leaders. Entry included with museum admission. 210 W. Market St.
Now showing
Centro de Artes, celebrating its 10th anniversary, hosts “Mercado/Material,” an exhibit that features artists who use vibrant imagery and popular culture to address themes of their Latinx cultural identity and consumerism. Admission is free. 101 S. Santa Rosa St.
Nov. 14
The annual Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival is a nighttime event featuring musicians, visual artists, dancers, performance artists, poets and other kinds of artists demonstrating the skills and displaying their works set against an illuminated canvas setting. Lively activities will be happening at several destinations between Houston, Commerce, Santa Rosa and Camaron streets. 6 p.m.-midnight. Admission is free.
Nov . 14
Briscoe Western Art Museum will host the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival, a free community celebration of local Native American heritage. The event includes live powwow dancing and drum circles, native artist demonstrations, hands-on crafts, and storytelling. Visitors will also gain admission to Briscoe’s exhibits and New Cinematic Experience. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 210 W. Market St.
Nov. 14
Carriage House Gallery will host a 23rd anniversary celebration. Guests can enjoy wine, champagne, hors d’oeuvres, live music, art, and drawings for gift certificates. 2-6 p.m. Admission is free. 110 Rosewood, Boerne
Nov. 14
The city of San Antonio will have a 10th birthday party for its Centro de Artes Gallery, This free event will feature family friendly. artist-led activities, such as piñata-making, picture frames from aluminum cans, printmaking, gratitude flower bouquets, a tour of the “Mercado/Material” exhibit, and a tree giveaway. Noon-5 p.m. 101 S. Santa Rosa St.
CINEMA
Nov. 14
Slab Cinema will have a free screening of the movie “Night at the Museum” at the Alamo. The film starts at sunset. Attendees may bring a picnic, blanket or lawn chair.
Nov. 16
Slab Cinema will have a free screening of the movie “Eat Pray Love” at Pearl Park. The film starts at 6:30 p.m. Attendees may bring a picnic, blanket or lawn chair. 303 Pearl Pkwy.
LITERARY
Nov. 14
Robert Harris will discuss and sign copies of his book, “The Life and Times of Trigger Lee Harris,” which covers the author’s bond with his beloved late dog, whose death prompted a wave of remembrance of Robert Harris’ late son, Tyler. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Admission is free. The Twig Book Shop at Pearl, 306 Pearl Pkwy., Suite 106
MUSIC
Nov. 13
Punk bank Prince Daddy and The Hyena perform at The Rock Box. Opening bands Combat and Walter Etc. are also on the bill. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $27.1223 E. Houston St.
Nov. 15
Post-hardcore band Wolf & Bear brings its “A Hill to Die On” tour to San Antonio. Bands Coletta and Origami Button are also on the bill. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $23. The Rock Box, 1223 E. Houston St.
Nov. 18
Pop rock band The Wrecks bring their “Finally Outside” tour to town. The bands Worry Club and Kid Sistr open the night. 7 p.m. Tickets: $27. The Rock Box, 1223 E. Houston St.
Nov. 14
Brackenridge Park Conservancy and Disco Alfresco will present Cumbiaween, a night of cumbia music and dancing in a Halloween setting. (This event is rescheduled from Halloween weekend.) Revelers are invited to come costumed, and enjoy Gio Chamba giving a live psychedelic cumbia performance, alongside DJ Ella Ella. There will also be food trucks, and a night market with local vendors. Guests can bring their lawn chair, blankets, and a cooler. Vendors will offer alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. 6-10 p.m. Tickets: $15-$25 adults, free for children ages 15-under. Sunken Garden Theater, 3875 N. St. Mary’s St.
Nov. 14
City of Alamo Heights will hold its inaugural chili cookoff, which will include games, music, and television screens showing the day’s college football games. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. Heights Pool and Kellyanne Park, 250 Viesca Ave., Alamo Heights
Nov. 22
Heart of Texas Concert Band will present “Motion Picture Classics,” a suite of famed compositions that accompany iconic cinematography from some of Hollywood’s most famous movies such as “Star Wars” and “Lawrence of Arabia.” 3 p.m. Admission by $10 suggested donation. Lanier High School auditorium, 1514 Durango Blvd.
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 Nov. 15
One of New Braunfels’ biggest annual parties, the 65th Wurstfest is a celebration of German culture, with a variety of food booths, beer, carnival rides and games, a marketplace and music. Check the event website for ticket prices, gate times and more. (Admission free Nov. 9-12) Wurstfest grounds, 178 Landa Drive, New Braunfels
Nov. 14
Build San Antonio Green will present the 24th annual Solar Fest, a free, family-friendly celebration of innovation and resilience. Community members and local experts explore solar power, energy efficiency, transportation, water conservation, and smart ways to make homes more sustainable and eco-friendly. There are giveaways, and a Solar Quest contest for prizes. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The Greenline, 2532 Sidney Brooks
Nov. 14
Día del Árbol is San Antonio’s Arbor Day celebration. Take home a free tree (while supplies last), explore interactive demonstrations and crafts, participate in nature activities, and learn helpful tree care tips and resources. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Admission is free. Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave.
Nov. 14
Brackenridge Park Conservancy will have its third annual Brack Bash, a family friendly celebration of one of San Antonio’s biggest, oldest and most beloved public parks. Guests can enjoy a vintage car show, live music, a petting zoo, face painting, community partners, food and beverages available for purchase, and more. Noon-3 p.m. Admission is free. Sunken Garden Theatre, 3875 N. St. Mary’s St.
Nov. 14
The Japanese Tea Garden will host a special ceremony where a delegation of master tea artisans from Shizuoka, Japan, will demonstrate Temomi. The rare art of hand-rolling Japanese tea. Recognized for its cultural significance in Japan, Tenomi is a painstaking process that requires artisans to carefully hand-roll and shape tea leaves over heated tables, leaning on precision, patience and skills developed over decades of training. Shizuoka is Japan’s largest tea-producing region. The San Antonio visit is part of the Temomi Tea Masters’ Texas Tour, which is designed to preserve Japanese tea traditions, introduce audiences to premium Japanese teas, and boost cultural ties between Japan and Texas. Attendees can enjoy tea tastings and other cultural activities. Demonstrations: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; community and cultural festivities: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free, but RSVP is required. 3853 N. St. Mary’s St.
Nov. 15
SAMMinistries will present its 26th Empty Bowls fundraiser. This free community event showcases bowls created by local artisans, as well as live music, raffle prizes, food and fellowship. Each bowl purchased comes with a serving of soup, symbolizing a basic meal, often a staple for shelters and soup kitchens. The benefit is meant to increase awareness of homelessness and food insecurity. Guests may buy other artisan-crafted pieces from potters, glassblowers, and woodturners. 11.a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free; VIP tickets available. UTSA Southwest Campus, 300 Augusta St.
Nov. 16
The public is invited to the grand reopening event for the San Antonio Public Library’s Texana Resource Center at the Central Library downtown. Following the completion of a $4.5 million, bond-funded renovation project, the TRC houses the Texana/Genealogy Unit, which contains collections and resources in topics ranging from San Antonio and South Texas history to genealogy. The Texana Resource Center features new and improved spaces. Monday’s event includes the unveiling of the center’s first historical exhibit. “Hassett Ranch: A Tejano Family Story” which will be on display until November 2027. Events and programs, including family history workshops, genealogy-themed lotería, and lectures are scheduled all week. 1 p.m. Admission is free. 600 Soledad St. (sixth floor)
Nov. 20
A Trans Day of Remembrance event will be held to celebrate the lives of transgendered people, and remember trans individuals who died due to anti-trans violence. The event will include a resource fair, open mic readings, a candlelight vigil, and the unveiling of an exhibit of works by local queer and nonbinary Korean-American artist, Salgu Wismath. 6-9 p.m. Admission is free. Travis Park United Methodist Church, 230 E. Travis St.
VETERANS DAY
Nov. 14
The city of San Antonio’s Veterans Day event includes live entertainment, interactive activities, and veteran-embracing organizations and businesses offering resources and services. Noon-6 p.m. Admission is free. Civic Park at Hemisfair, 210 S. Alamo St.
Nov. 14
Greater Randolph Area Veterans Council will present Universal City’s 56th annual Veterans Day parade, which steps off at 10:30 a.m. at Pat Booker Road and Universal City Boulevard, and will proceed to Byrd Boulevard.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
Now through Nov. 12
Centro Cultural Aztlan celebrates its 49th annual Día de los Muertos with an altares y ofrendas exhibit, honoring loved ones through altars created by local artists and community members. Admission is free. 1800 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 103
Now showing
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is displaying ofrendas and altars made by center staff, friends and supporters 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue.-Sat. at the Latino Bookstore, 1301 Guadalupe St.
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Nov. 12
The city of Windcrest invites residents to its Christmas Dedication Tree lighting ceremony at the corner of Jim Seal and Crestway drives. This year’s Dedication Tree theme honors Windcrest businesses. Activities include photos with Santa, a DJ, and hot cocoa and cookies. 6 p.m. Admission is free.
Nov. 14
Get into the holiday spirit with the Jingle Jolly Christmas Festival, a family friendly festival filled with activities such as free photos with Santa Claus, a kids’ train ride, a bounce house, snow, food and festive treats, music, dancing and a holiday vendor market. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is free. Retama Park, 1 Retama Pkwy., Selma
Nov. 20
The public is invited to check out the annual illumination of Christmas lights across downtown New Braunfels, and greet Santa Claus. There will also be a holiday vendor market. 6-9 p.m. Admission is free. 500 Main Plaza, New Braunfels
Nov. 21
University of the Incarnate Word will host the 40th edition of Light the Way, a community celebration that helps to kick off local holiday season festivities. The opening event includes an outdoor market, live performances from UIW musical and spirit groups, food trucks, a kids’ ornament hunt, a giveaway tent, and a children’s activity area with holiday-themed crafts, train rides and a chance to meet Santa Claus. At sunset, there will be a ceremony leading up to the activation of thousands of Christmas lights campuswide. A fireworks show ends the event. 3-9 p.m. Admission is free. 4301 Broadway St.
Nov. 21
Midtown Business Association presents the 48th Alamo Heights Holiday Parade and Fun Run. Festivities begin with a 1-mile race and fun run that goes from Alamo Heights High School, 6900 Broadway St., to the Alamo Heights Pool, 250 Viesca Ave. A holiday parade kicks off at 5:45 p.m. and follows the same route. Afterward, attendees are invited to enjoy refreshments, a vendor park and other activities at the city pool complex. Admission is free.
GOVERNMENT/INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS
Nov. 16
The city of San Antonio will gather public input in a meeting about a public art project at San Pedro Springs Park. Attendees may meet six local artists who have created proposed artworks, which also will be on display for community feedback. 6-7:30 p.m. VIA Metropolitan Transit boardroom, 1021 San Pedro Ave.
Nov. 17
The Texas Department of Transportation will hold an open house at the Schertz Community Center about a proposed project that could bring a flyover ramp interchange between Farm Roads 3009 and 78 between Cibolo and Schertz. 5-7 p.m. 1400 Schertz Pkwy.
Nov. 18
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization will hold an open house about its efforts to update its Mobility 2050 transportation plan for the San Antonio region. 5:30 p.m. Patrick Heath Public Library, 451 N. Main Ave., Boerne
