https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/ The best articles on the web en-us Copyright 2026 by me RebelMouse JS Custom Feeds Mon, 21 Sep 2026 00:00:00 EDT San Antonio Texas Local News Breaking News Sun, 20 Sep 2026 23:06:01 EDT 15 https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8zMTczMjk4My9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc5MTg2NjAwMn0.XSOu0dzguUpOcAg4R2FqPvmknNgrwi83nJv4HyuqEMc/image.png?width=210 https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/ San Antonio Texas Local News https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/arts/george-w-bush-paintings-book/ George W. Bush has a new book of oil paintings coming out in March 2027 that features portraits of political prisoners and dissidents.]]> 2677886792 Sun, 20 Sep 2026 11:00:05 EDT Associated Press Arts popular San Antonio Texas Local News https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/city-life/popular-stories-charles-butt-richest/ Editor's note: It's time to catch up on the top San Antonio news of the week, including a look at the latest Forbes 400 and hard times for a massive area dancehall. Read on for our most popular stories, then plan your weekend right here. ]]> 2677887480 Sat, 19 Sep 2026 13:00:05 EDT Arden Ward City Life popular San Antonio Texas Local News https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/entertainment/shaun-sheep-beast-movie-review/ Since his introduction over 30 years ago, the Aardman Animations character Shaun the Sheep has been almost as popular as the studio’s flagship characters, Wallace and Gromit. There is never a shortage of trouble Shaun can get into as he leads his flock and proves to be a thorn in the side of his farmer and Bitzer, the farmer’s loyal sheepdog. 2677886667 Fri, 18 Sep 2026 18:00:04 EDT Alex Bentley Entertainment San Antonio Texas Local News https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/travel/sophies-gasthaus-michelin-key/ Sophie’s Gasthaus, an eight-suite property housed in a historic 1900s estate, joins these other Texas stays on the list:]]> 2677886418 Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:00:04 EDT Eric Sandler Travel San Antonio Texas Local News https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/hudson-house-opening-alamo-heights/ Hudson House will open its first San Antonio location in the revamped Nix Health building at 5307 Broadway.

The East Coast-inspired concept hails from Vandelay Hospitality Group, a prolific restaurant company known for several concepts including Jack & Harry’s and Drake’s Hollywood. Since its 2017 debut in Dallas’ tony Highland Park neighborhood, it has expanded to 11 locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Houston.]]> 2677886300 Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:00:04 EDT Brandon Watson Restaurants + Bars popular San Antonio Texas Local News https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/city-life/waymo-resumes-service-after-flood/ Waymo is once again picking up San Antonio passengers. The ride-hailing app says that it has made significant software updates that will allow its fleet to better respond to the area’s unpredictable weather.

Launched in late February, Waymo was new to the San Antonio market when one of its cars attempted to navigate a flooded street. Although the car was unoccupied during the deluge, the company suspended local service. The incident came just a few days after Waymo introduced rides to the San Antonio International Airport.

In May, another car was stranded in Atlanta after a heavy downpour. Although that vehicle was quickly recovered, Waymo responded by voluntarily pulling all of its 3,791 nationwide vehicles.

After an audit of potential flood zones, the company began gradually reintroducing the service this summer to less flood-prone markets like Phoenix and Los Angeles. Alamo City’s fleet has been autonomously traveling local roadways for a few weeks, but has not been available to customers.

“Safety is our highest priority at Waymo, both for people who choose to ride with us and those with whom we share the streets,” said spokesperson Chris Bonelli in a statement.

Among the changes made to Waymo’s systems are adjusted alerts that quickly react to changing weather conditions like heavy rainfall. Software has also been updated to improve the vehicle’s ability to detect floodwaters and adjust its navigation.

Waymo’s San Antonio presence of a few dozen cars is still relatively slim compared to other markets like San Francisco, where it operated hundreds of vehicles. Unlike in Austin, the company does not have a partnership through Uber. Locals curious about the service must download the Waymo app and get on a waiting list.]]> 2677885505 Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:30:05 EDT Brandon Watson City Life popular San Antonio Texas Local News https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/taco-blvd-reopens-stone-oak/ Taco Blvd says renovations are finished at its 18360 Blanco Rd. location, and it is now back in business.

“We’ve been working hard to give our place a fresh new look while keeping the same tacos and flavors you’ve known and loved for years,” wrote the taquería in an Instagram post.

Specializing in tacos like bistek and al pastor, Taco Blvd became an instant obsession with local influencers when it first opened in 2018. It followed up with an Alamo Ranch location in 2021 that garnered just as much acclaim.

But this summer, local food fanatics were left wondering if the mini-chain was gone for good. In June, Taco Blvd said it was temporarily closing the Stone Oak outpost for renovations, but did not give a timeline. Adding to the confusion: The phone number for the outpost was disconnected, and the brand mysteriously limited comments on the original Instagram post.

Around the same time, the Alamo Ranch location permanently closed. Both the Google Business and Yelp profiles list the restaurant as shuttered, and a photo posted on the San Antonio Restaurants Facebook group in July showed that signage was removed.

Meanwhile, the group created an Instagram page for a third location, dubbed Taco Blvd Cantina. That account, which launched with the Empire State Building engagement meme, has not posted in 11 weeks, but the 100 N Santa Rosa St. restaurant is still listed on the website.

And throughout the summer, Taco Blvd operated a food truck at newish cocktail lounge Casa de Tapas (8123 Broadway) next door to the old Bentley’s Bar in Alamo Heights. According to social media, that truck is still serving piratas. CultureMap has contacted the restaurant to clarify the situation, but has not yet received an answer.
]]> 2677885013 Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:00:04 EDT Brandon Watson Restaurants + Bars popular San Antonio Texas Local News https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/home-design/southern-living-idea-house-fredericksburg/ The 2026 Southern Living Idea House opens for public tours on September 18 in Fredericksburg, bringing the magazine's long-running showcase-home series to the Hill Country.]]> 2677884793 Fri, 18 Sep 2026 09:30:04 EDT Kimberly Reeves Home + Design San Antonio Texas Local News https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/fashion/best-halloween-costume-shops-rentals/ Odyssey fit, but no one wins contests without stepping it up. Want to bewitch the crowd at your spooky soirée? Try our favorite San Antonio costume shops on for size.

Hex Appeal by Hocus Pocus Halloween
If Spirit Halloween’s rows of animatronic ghouls are too overstimulating, head to this North Side alternative for a ready-made costume. The Hex Appeal name nods to the selection of sexy women’s costumes, which range from a “swat hottie” to a minxy mushroom that would make The Last of Us an entirely different tale. Elsewhere, men can cosplay gladiators or Pennywise, couples can be cookies and milk, and kids can be almost anything thanks to a variety of morphsuits.

Starline Costumes
This Broadway staple is where San Antonians go when they want to take Halloween up a notch, offering next-level fits for rental or purchase. The costumes range from fairy tale gowns to bulging superhero suits, but the shop specializes in mascots. Choose from a variety of familiar characters or (should budget allow) create your own. The shop even offers custom cleaning services, if you’ve ever wondered where the Spurs Coyote goes for a spa day.]]> 2677877837 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 18:00:04 EDT Katherine Stinson Fashion + Beauty Where to Shop San Antonio series San Antonio Texas Local News https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/entertainment/resident-evil-review/ Barbarian and Weapons), writer/director Zach Cregger has established himself as one of the top horror filmmakers working today. His unique methodology involves taking audiences down familiar pathways before veering off into unexpected areas that feature copious amounts of gore and comically bizarre visuals.]]> 2677875418 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:30:04 EDT Alex Bentley Entertainment San Antonio Texas Local News https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/two-greeks-grill-opening/ conquer one of world history’s most fearsome warriors — at least when it comes to dinner time. Two Greeks Grill is now open in the former home of Genghis Grill at 1903 N. Loop 1604 E.]]> 2677875144 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:00:04 EDT Brandon Watson Restaurants + Bars popular San Antonio Texas Local News https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/city-life/best-childrens-hospitals-2026-ranking/ U.S. News and World Report's 2026-2027 Best Children's Hospitals.]]> 2677867685 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 13:30:05 EDT Amber Heckler City Life popular San Antonio Texas Local News https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/cuarto-de-kilo-burgers-reopening/ Cuarto de Kilo is back on San Antonio’s dining scene. The famed Mexican burger joint is now serving its beastly burgers at 12370 Potranco Rd.

“This actually isn’t the first time in San Antonio,” said co-owner Álvaro Aguilar in an Instagram video. “Our first chapter here taught us [that] bringing Quarter Kilo to a new market was a challenge. Some things worked, and some things taught us that we needed to be better. So we listen, we learn, and we go to work.”

Friends Álvaro Aguilar and Miguel Pérez founded Cuarto de Kilo in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2010, using recipes from Aguilar’s mother. The name made it clear that it wasn’t another smash burger joint.

After opening 30-plus more locations in Mexico, Aguilar set his sights on a U.S. expansion. He quietly opened the Bandera Road outpost in June 2023.

It took almost a year for the concept to receive any notice outside of word of mouth, but eventually Cuarto de Kilo drew raves for a stripped-down menu of burgers, fries, and rings. Soon, social media took notice, snapping shots of the chain's unique rotating grills and monster offerings like a half-pound barbecue cheeseburger topped with onion rings.

The Helotes outpost shuttered in November 2025. At the time, the restaurant only said it was moving to a “bigger and better” location. In the video, Aguilar said the concept also built a “stronger team” and had a “clearer” vision.

Part of that seems to be a rebranding. While the former sign advertised that Cuarto de Kilo was grilling up mesquite burgers, the new one advertises its main claim to fame. Right on top of the restaurant name, in all caps, the sign now reads “big burgers.”]]> 2677873681 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:00:06 EDT Brandon Watson Restaurants + Bars popular San Antonio Texas Local News https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/quest-texas-best-2026-finalists/ H-E-B is entering the final leg of its annual grocery games. The San Antonio-based supermarket chain has narrowed down the finalists for its annual Quest for Texas Best competition. 10 innovative Texas entrepreneurs were chosen from a record-breaking 978 entries representing more than 500 companies spread across the Lone Star State.]]> 2677873008 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:30:05 EDT Brandon Watson Restaurants + Bars popular San Antonio Texas Local News https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/city-life/texas-book-festival-2026-authors/ Texas Book Festival, a huge celebration of books and authors in Austin, has announced its full list of authors who will make an appearance in 2026. The festival will take place at multiple venues downtown on November 14 and 15.

More than 280 writers are on the lineup, including Pulitzer Prize winners Hernan Diaz, Andrew Sean Greer, Daniel Kraus, and Colson Whitehead, plus National Book Award winners Elizabeth Acevedo and Patricia Smith. A press release also draws attention to internet personalities Mychal Threets and John Kanell.

Folks who are following the festival's announcements already knew about some authors thanks to a July preview, but that only showed off less than seven percent of who's to come.

Of course, all of the books or authors have something to do with Texas. Many also have San Antonio ties, including first City Poet Laureate Carmen Tafolla, Trinity University professor Jenny Browne, book cover designer Cloud Delfina Cardona, Nowhere Bookshop owner Jenny Lawson, multi-disciplinary healer Xelena González, and novelist Jason Stone.

For books that deal directly with Texas and Texan topics, notable additions include Wild Women for Good: Stories of Conservation in Texas by Jennifer L. Bristol; My Big Book of Texas: All That's Great About the Lone Star State! by C.S. Jennings; One State Under God: A History of Religion in Texas by Joseph L. Locke; The Best "Stories from Texas": Some of Them Are True! by W. F. Strong; and The Selena Reader: Remembering the Queen of Tejano by Yndalecio Isaac Hinojosa.

Texas foodies will also have much to chew on. Among the featured culinary personalities are Nixta Taqueria owners Sara Mardanbigi and Edgar Rico, Suerte and Este chef-owner Fermin Núñez, Veracruz All Natural owners Reyna and Maritza Vazquez, and pitmaster Evan LeRoy. The latter will appear with senior writer and food critic at Texas Monthly, Paula Forbes, who worked with Cured’s Steve McHugh on his debut cookbook.

Almost every event at the Texas Book Festival is free to attend and open to the public. (The exception is two ticketed events with Colson Whitehead and Patrick Radden Keefe.) Much of the festival is set up like any book fair, with rows and rows of books on display outside near the Capitol and authors on hand for questions and signings. Other events include cooking demonstrations, a "Lit Crawl," and more. The schedule will be available to browse on the festival's website in October.

Texas Book Festival is a nonprofit for fostering literacy, ideas, and imagination, plus funding school reading programs, Texas public libraries, and events throughout the year.]]> 2677872596 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 09:00:04 EDT Brianna Caleri City Life popular Travel News San Antonio Texas Local News https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/entertainment/weekend-events-9-17-2026/ Mrs. Doubtfire or conjure a date night at the Texas Paranormal Fest. Check out the top seven things to do in San Antonio this weekend. For a complete list of events, click over to our calendar — and beware of run-by fruitings. ]]> 2677864489 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:00:06 EDT Paige Turner Entertainment San Antonio Texas Local News https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/travel/dolly-parton-corn-maze-robstown/ Rockin’ K Farms, about two hours from San Antonio near Corpus Christi, has built a massive corn maze in tribute to the country music icon, who passed away in late August.

The maze is one of 20 U.S. attractions designed by Utah-based The MAiZE Inc. The corn maize consulting company has gone viral in recent years for its campaigns honoring some of Nashville’s biggest stars, including Reba McEntire in 2023, Luke Bryan in 2024, and Lainey Wilson in 2025.

"We are beyond humbled to honor Dolly's legacy, joining the world in mourning the passing of a true American treasure," said MAiZE founder Brett Herbst in a release. "Dolly's impact on the world and her love for farming is immeasurable, and our corn maze tributes now take on new meaning and significance.”

The Robstown maze features a profile of the late singer sporting her signature big, blonde hairdo. A guitar and butterfly — Parton’s personal symbol since childhood — complete the image.

Once inside the labyrinth, guests at Rockin’ K will be able to hunt for clues and play an interactive trivia game testing their knowledge of all things Dolly. Throughout the fall season, visitors will also be able to pose for photo ops, take part in storytelling sessions, and listen to live music.

Fittingly, the corn maze honor Parton’s philanthropic work as much as her musical legacy. Each participating site will donate a portion of their proceeds to Imagination Library, the singer’s nonprofit literacy program that provides free books to children from birth to age five.

The charitable contribution might have been one reason Parton gave the project her blessing, even though she sometimes shied away from tributes.

“I’m grateful for the support of my Imagination Library and am excited to invite people out to get lost in this year’s country music corn maze for a little fun, laughter, and a real good reason to get lost,” Parton said in a statement prior to her death.

In addition to the Dolly corn maze, visitors to Rockin’ K will also find plenty of other family friendly fun, including mini golf, slides, a petting zoo, paintball, and backyard games. There’s also festival food and a pumpkin patch for those who want to carve out their own Parton homages at home.

The Dolly Parton corn maze is open September 26 through November 7 and included in regular Rockin’ K admission ($19.61 online). Hours are noon-10 pm on Saturdays and noon-7 pm on Sundays, except for Halloween night, when the farm closes at 5 pm. Rockin' K Farms is located at 5385 County Rd 52 in Robstown.]]> 2677868632 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:15:05 EDT Brandon Watson Travel Entertainment News San Antonio Texas Local News https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/entertainment/conservation-society-cancels-niosa-2027/ A Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA).

“NIOSA is a beloved tradition, and this decision was not made lightly,” wrote the organization. “We are taking this time to pause and re-evaluate how we can deliver the best possible experience for our organization, community, volunteers, and partners who have made this event possible year after year.”

Although the annual party’s roots stretch back to 1936, the first official NIOSA festival took place in 1948. Since then, it has been one of Fiesta’s most well-attended events, and an essential stop to chow down on iconic foods like chicken on a stick.

In August, however, organizers revealed they were restructuring. At the time, they gave it a positive spin.

“We’re hitting the reset button to completely rethink San Antonio’s premier Fiesta event, ‘A Night In Old San Antonio’,” the Conservation Society said in an August post. “Right now, we feel we can dream bigger. So, we’re redesigning the experience from the ground up, and we can’t do it without your voice.”

The restructuring was spurred by construction at La Villita, NIOSA’s yearly venue. The event, set to run April 20-23, 2027, would have lost Maverick Plaza and Villita Assembly Hall — 43 percent of its overall footprint. The conservation society said it wanted to take the opportunity to set the event up for future success by streamlining operations and eliminating two staff positions.

It’s unclear how long the NIOSA pause will last. CultureMap has reached out to the Conservation Society for updates.]]> 2677869047 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:00:05 EDT Brandon Watson Entertainment News San Antonio Texas Local News https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/entertainment/metallica-alamodome-2027-tickets-date/ Rock legends Metallica are returning to the Heavy Metal Capital of the World. The band will play a May 22, 2027 set at San Antonio’s Alamodome as part of the seemingly never-ending M72 world tour. 2677867679 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:30:05 EDT Brandon Watson Entertainment San Antonio Texas Local News https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/salata-first-location-new-braunfels/ Salata, the Houston-based chain known for its healthier approach to takeout, is opening its first location inside the city at the former Coleman plant site at 766 FM 306.

The concept is similar to other build-your-own chains. Guests start with a base of greens, then festoon the salad (or wrap) with dozens of toppings ranging from sun-dried tomatoes to jicama. Proteins include vegan options like tofu and quinoa and meats such as salmon, chipotle shrimp, and pesto chicken.

Dressings are a little more creative than some of its competitors. Along with staples like buttermilk ranch and herb vinaigrette, Salata offers ginger lime, jalapeño avocado, white miso, and simple lemon juice. Sides include baked pita strips, seeded croissants, and a pair of soups: tomato basil and chicken tortilla.

Salata founder Berge Simonian stumbled into the restaurant business, taking a detour from engineering school at the University of Texas at Arlington to help his parents open a Houston deli. There, he saw that orders for the salad bar far outpaced orders for the other fare.

Although his first venture on his own — a panini restaurant called Hot Press — failed, he soon returned to the salad idea. Salata was launched in 2005 and has grown to over 90 outposts nationwide in 5 states.

The closest location to the upcoming New Braunfels site is in Cibolo. The chain has also made inroads in San Antonio with four restaurants.

Salata has not yet announced the location, but new Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation project filings state that work on the 2,388-square-foot eatery will wrap up in March 2027. CultureMap has reached out to the chain for more details.
]]> 2677867253 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:45:03 EDT Brandon Watson Restaurants + Bars popular