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 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. Tickets: $20 general; discounts available for students, seniors, military and teachers. (Mimosa matinee set for Sept. 27.) 4335 Vance Jackson Road, Suites 103-104
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
Sept. 26
Society of Professional Journalists San Antonio Chapter presents its annual Gridiron satirical fundraiser show where local journalists and communications specialists perform sketches inspired by the biggest local, national and global news of the past year. This year’s theme is “Stranger Times: Writing the Upside Down.” Beverages will be sold. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $30. UTSA Downtown Campus Buena Vista Theater, 512 Buena Vista St.
Sept. 30-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. Sept. 30-Oct. 3. Tickets: $8. 2923 MacArthur View
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.
CINEMA
Sept. 26
San Antonio River Authority marks National Public Lands Day with the Wild and Scenic Film Festival, which features short films that highlight the beauty of nature and the importance of protecting our lands and waters. There will also be local arts, crafts and food vendors, live music, and interactive nature-themed art and activities. Attendees may bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, bug spray and water bottles. 6:30-10:30 p.m. Admission is free. Confluence Park, 310 W. Mitchell St.
Sept. 27
McNay Art Museum will mark National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day with a screening of the first three episodes of the award-winning television miniseries, “Angels in America” as part of its exhibition A People’s History: The American Experiment on Stage. Adapted from Tony Kushner’s heralded play, “Angels In America,” the miniseries is set in the mid-1980s, and follows the lives of six New Yorkers impacted by the emerging AIDS epidemic and its social and political implications. The screening will be followed by a community awareness panel discussion focused on the history, activism, and current challenges surrounding HIV/AIDS. 1-5 p.m. Free with museum admission (free for museum members and Museum for All cardholders)
LITERARY
Sept. 25-26
Friends of Universal City Library will have a used book sale benefiting the library 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 25 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 26 at the library, 100 Northview Blvd., Universal City
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 Sept. 30
Centro Cultural Aztlan is hosting “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.
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.
Sept. 24; 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
Sept. 25-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.
Sept. 26
MujerArtes’ 31st anniversary exhibit and sale, “Mujeres de Barro: que Cargan, Que Sirven, Que Crían, y Que Sostienen,” celebrates the art, culture and history of the MujerArtes Women’s Clay Cooperative. This opening reception includes members’ original clay art, music and refreshments. All artworks are up for purchase with proceeds benefiting the cooperative. 7 p.m. Admission is free. MujerArtes Cooperativa de Esperanza, 816 S. Colorado St.
MUSIC
Sept. 25-26
San Antonio Parks Foundation presents the 43rd Jazz’SAlive, featuring local talent, military musicians, and nationally renowned acts all performing contemporary jazz in a free, family friendly music festival that benefits the parks foundation. Refreshments will be sold. 4-11 p.m. Sept. 25 and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 26. Hemisfair Civic Park, 210 S. Alamo St.
Sept. 26
Cibolo Center for Conservation continues the Moondance Outdoor Concert Series with the Lost Mule Band. Attendees may bring a cooler, and a blanket or lawn chair. 7 p.m. Tickets: $15-$25. Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Road, Boerne
Sept. 30
North East School of the Arts students will perform instrumental music in a presentation of tunes from the Beach Boys’ seminal album “Pet Sounds” and other original works inspired by humans’ relationships with animals. 7 p.m. Tickets: $5. L.E.E. High School Performing Arts Center, 1400 Jackson Keller Road
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
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. 27
Comal County Fair and Rodeo is highlighted by plenty of activities, including a traditional parade, a pet parade, a carnival, a livestock show and competitions, agriculture and conservation exhibits, children’s programming, and more. Comal County Fair and Rodeo grounds, 701 E. Common St., New Braunfels
Sept. 26
Spay-Neuter-Inject-Protect San Antonio presents its 19th Race for the Rescues fundraiser, featuring 5K individual runs where participants can run with their dog or without. There are also 5K run/walks for children under age 14 (with their dog or without). 8-10 a.m. Fees vary. Alamo Heights Pool, 250 Viesca Ave.
Sept. 26
Castle Hills Community Organization will have a public celebration of the city of Castle Hills’ 75th anniversary. The free, family friendly party will have an 1980s theme, and include live music, a food truck, snacks and refreshments, games and other festivities. 6-9 p.m. The Commons (next to Castle Hills City Hall), 209 Lemonwood Drive
Sept. 26
The 10th annual RE/MAX Skylight Balloon Fest is a daylong, family friendly event with an arts and crafts market, food trucks, aerial acrobats, martial arts demonstrations, live music, presentations about prehistoric creatures from “Dinosaur” George, a dueling piano show, and a kids’ zone that includes bounce houses, pony rides and a petting zoo. The main attraction features eight colorful hot air balloons that will launch at 7 a.m. Those balloons will remain inflated but illuminated via glowing flames at sunset to wind up the day. Gates open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Tickets: $17.50 adults, $11.50 children ages 3-12; free admission for ages 0-2. Retama Park, 1 Retama Pkwy., Selma
Sept. 26
Texas Public Radio will host Recycled Recordings, a fund-raising sale of classical and jazz vinyl records and CDs, as well as books that appeal to public radio fans. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. 321 W. Commerce St.
Sept. 26
Local “Star Trek” fans can celebrate the show’s 60th anniversary with a “visit” to Quark’s Bar at Tobin Library at Oakwell. The community room is transformed into the entertainment hub of Deep Space Nine, complete with mocktails, “Star Trek” trivia, a chance to play show-themed games, and an exhibit from the U.S.S. Bexar show fan club. 2-4 p.m. Admission is free. 4134 Harry Wurzbach
Sept. 26
Cibolo Center for Conservation presents Family Birding Day, an event where visitors interested in birds can learn binocular basics, how to identify common local birds using print and digital resources, tips for spotting more birds on the trail or at home, and easy ways they and their family can help protect birds. Binoculars will be available to borrow, but guests are welcome to bring their own. Attendees are urged to wear comfortable clothes for spending time outdoors and bring a water bottle. 9-11 a.m. Registration is $30 per family and limited to 15 families. Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Road, Boerne
Sept. 26
Brackenridge Park Conservancy will have its fifth annual fall family fishing day, a free, family-friendly event along the San Antonio River. Texas Parks and Wildlife will stock the river with more than 600 fish, giving young anglers plenty of opportunities to make a catch. There will be hands-on fishing lessons from Fin Addict Angler Foundation. Families may bring their own rods and bait, or borrow rods, reels and bait from Fin Addict for a $10 contribution. Pre-registration is available here. Prizes will be awarded to anglers ages 16 and under for the first fish caught and largest fish caught. No fishing license is required. 9 a.m.-noon. Brackenridge Park Joske Pavilion, 531 Brackenridge Way
Sept. 26
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center will host a guided walk where visitors can learn how native plants help birds during their fall migration. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Admission is free but RSVP is encouraged. 10750 Pleasanton Road
Sept. 26
A fall festival will be held at River City Ace, including a farmers’ market, a free yoga class, vendors selling homemade foods, arts, crafts and other items, a pizza-making workshop, and pet adoptions. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free. 813 Cibolo Valley Drive, Suite 170, Cibolo
Sept. 26-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.
Sept. 27
Downtown West and the Institute of Texan Cultures will present “Puro Conjunto: Strings of Tradition,” a special event inspired by the ITC’s current “Pure Conjunto: Border(less) Sound,” exhibit. Experts from the Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame and Museum will discuss the history, culture and evolution of conjunto music. There will also be live music performances, and local vendors. Noon-2 p.m. Tickets: $10 adults; $5 seniors, military, youths ages 5-17; free for kids under age 5 and UTSA students. 111 W. Houston St., Suite 121.
Sept. 28
San Antonio Independent School District will have a public information meeting about the district’s proposed property tax increase and bond package elections, both of which will be held Nov. 3. 5:30 p.m. SAISD Central Office, 514 W. Quincy St.
Sept. 28-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. 1
City of Converse will facilitate a town hall for residents ahead of the city’s Nov. 3 election, where Converse voters may choose to opt out of VIA Metropolitan Transit service. 6-8 p.m. Converse Community Center, 407 S. Seguin Road
Oct. 2
Bexar County Heritage Center will have a discussion about the historic Alameda Theater, its past and what will happen at the downtown venue when it reopens. Anyone may attend. 9-11 a.m. Bexar County Courthouse double-height courtroom, 100 Dolorosa St.
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. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free; RSVP is encouraged. Brackenridge Park Pecan Grove
Oct. 3
Kirby Fest is the city of Kirby’s inaugural community celebration of the town’s military active-duty personnel and veterans, emergency first responders and their families. Festivities begin with a 5K run/walk/ruck/bicycle ride 9-11 a.m. The main festival follows from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. with a car show, a kids’ zone, community resource fair, food, local vendors and live music. Some proceeds benefit Intrepid Care. Admission: $10 general; $30 for 5K participation; $20 car show entry. Friendship Park, 5745 Binz-Engleman Road, Kirby
Oct. 3
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. 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.
