In a city whose climate ranges from slightly sassy to fully antagonistic, spring holds a special place on the San Antonio calendar. The streets become more verdant, embroidered linen returns to the closet, and even homebody locals have the urge to go, go, go.

Still, maximizing Alamo City’s temperate months takes a little planning. Savvy citizens have already started collecting medals for Fiesta’s two-week bacchanal, and CultureMap will deliver much more coverage in the coming months. Until then, fill the gaps in the calendar with our preview of the city’s most promising coming attractions.

The McNay Art Museum's 70th anniversary
Starting Thursday, February 8
This long artistic affair will last through and beyond the spring season, kicking off with Founder's Day. This day of programming will mostly focus on Marion McNay in a tour, a talk, a workshop, and more.

¡Viva! SA Race
Saturday, March 2
The Junior League of San Antonio’s annual jaunt sprints through one of the city’s most beloved attractions, Missions Park. The race is open to all ages, with 1K, 5K, and 10K tracks available to challenge both seasoned and novice runners.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
Friday, March 8
What started as a single performance by Black dancers in the late ‘50s has become a global cultural phenomenon. 60 years later, the troupe is just as revelatory, breathing new life into the classics and presenting startlingly modern works.

St. Patrick’s Festival, River Parade, and River Dying
Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17
Though some see the holiday as an excuse for mischief, this city-sanctioned celebration is much more of a family friendly affair. Revelers can enjoy live music and vendors on both days at La Villita, then jostle for a spot downtown or at Museum Reach on March 16 for two processions of the annual parade. Even the River Walk gets into the act, sporting buckets of eco-friendly emerald dye.

Le Creuset Factory to Table Sale
Thursday, March 21 to Sunday, March 24
Buy tickets now to take part in this home goods extravaganza offering deep discounts on the coveted French brand. Read more about the perks here.

San Antonio Folklife and Dance Festival
Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24
A celebration of San Antonio’s rich cultural heritage, this long-running festival revolves around the joy of international folk dancing. Artisan food and craft vendors round out the offerings.

Valero Texas Open
Monday, April 1 to Monday, April 8
The stars of the PGA Tour will descend on The Oaks course near the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa for a week of nail-biting play.

Age of Armor at the San Antonio Museum of Art
Tuesday, April 2
Although this exhibition of treasures from the Worcester Art Museum kicks off on February 16, a later showing on April 2 offers an opportunity to take a special guided tour from 5:30-6:30 pm. Reflect on the artistry of protective garments from the late Middle Ages and Renaissance, then settle in for an Italian feast at Tre Trattoria.

Bad Religion and Social Distortion at Boeing Center at Tech Port
Friday, April 19
Before Travis Barker kept up with the Kardashians, Bad Religion and Social Distortion defined the pop-punk sound. Break out an old patched jean jacket and earplugs.

Ford Mariachi Festival
Tuesday, March 23 to Thursday, March 25
Music fills the air as mariachi bands and Folklorico dancers from local schools and colleges float on the San Antonio River Walk. The free event occurs nightly between 6-8 pm.

Bianca del Rio Dead Inside Comedy Tour at the Tobin Center for the Comedy Tour
Thursday, April 25
The RuPaul’s Drag Race champion brings an acerbic wit to a two-hour set, 8-10 pm. Though she claims to be dead inside, this seasoned performer will even laugh at her own expense.

The Seasoned Woman at Carver Community Cultural Center
Friday, May 3
This can’t-miss collaboration features San Antonio’s first Black poet laureate, Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson, and Syrian opera singer Lubana Al Quntar. Poetry and music meld as the pair explore jazz standards reimagined through their personal influences.

The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) at Magik Theatre
Saturday, May 4 to Sunday June 2
This thrilling adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic book will delight all ages. Check out the schedule for special events night, including American Sign Language and sensory friendly performances, a pay-what-you-wish staging, and student matinees.

Tejano Conjunto Festival
Wednesday, May 15 to Sunday, May 19
From exciting up-and-comers to living legends, this 42-year-old tradition brings the best conjunto musicians in the world to Rosedale Park and the Guadalupe Theater.