Romancing the season
Fall for a new routine with these 6 seasonal date ideas in San Antonio
Now that kids are back in school, adults can go wild. And in this case, going wild means doing totally normal things alone. Whether you're part of a couple breathing a sigh of relief, or the most single you've ever been — just appreciating how quiet public places are during the day now — there are plenty of opportunities to connect with other cuties who also can't wait for fall.
CultureMap knows that coming up with new things to do isn't easy — but getting used to your same old haunts is. Here are five date ideas that will inspire couples to get up and go before these opportunities move on, from annual festivals to seasonal cooking. Some are very limited, but others are a little more forgiving.
Here are some rotating and one-night only options coming up this fall for date night, a girls' night out, or even just a chance to reconnect to yourself. (Treat yourself!)
Free Food Fridays at Wurst Behavior
This St. Mary's Strip gem from the masterminds behind Curry Boys BBQ is a good option for shaking things up without worrying about clearing your schedule ahead of time.
Wurst Behavior has rotating free food options on Fridays, as long as you buy an ice-cold beverage from their bar. Since it's about to be beer season, you know what to do; or try the Passion Fruit Sake slush. You can partake in whatever the cooks are serving up; For example, a recent option was pulled pork bulgogi sliders.
The food festivities typically start around 7:30 pm until they sell out, so check the Wurst Behavior Instagram page for updates on what they're cooking up next.
Beer and good times at Parktoberfest (One night only)
Get into the Oktoberfest spirit a few weeks early thanks to the free Parktoberfest event at the Koehler Pavilion, located along the banks of the San Antonio River at Brackenridge Park.
Now in its 12th year, Parktoberfest includes live German music courtesy of Beethoven Männerchor, free craft beer samples, and food and drink options available for purchase. Expanding from the usual Oktoberfest offerings, this event also brings jazz from the Dirty River Jazz Band, artist vendors, and more.
Admission is free and open to the public. The event will be held on Sunday, September 24, from 2-5 pm.
A night of music with the San Antonio Philharmonic
The musicians of the San Antonio Philharmonic have no trouble filling the First Baptist Church downtown with the melodious tunes of sweeping classical symphonies that'll feel like you took your ears out for a picnic.
With a full slate of guest performers for the upcoming 2023-2024 fall season, a night out with the Philharmonic can be the start of a classy date night, with affordable ticket prices and plenty of dining options nearby. Consider grabbing dinner before or after at Ladino or Carriqui at the Pearl, Landrace at the Thompson, Ocho at the Hotel Havana, or Tokyo Cowboy on East Commerce Street.
Tickets ($35-75) are available via thundertix.com. Students with valid IDs can get $10 off an hour before the show if they buy the tickets in person.
Foodie Enthusiast Classes with Chef Brian West
After months of eating out, it might be time to get used to making your own eats again. As this writer can personally attest, taking a foodie enthusiast classes under the expert tutelage of Chef Brian West is well worth the money. (Legend has it, he once beat the host of Restaurant Impossible at his own cooking game while West was serving as the show's operational chef.)
Not only does Chef West provide the recipes (that you can take home) for each class, he guides you through the cooking process with straightforward instructions and demonstrations. See if you and your date work well together, or if you can at least have fun creating a beautiful disaster.
There's no room for snotty culinary vibes at Chef West's culinary cooking school, aptly titled West Point, in Stone Oak. Not only does the design of West Point Culinary School evoke a sense that you're cooking in a good friend's home, but you get to enjoy a glass of wine or beer as you craft your own culinary masterpiece.
Classes are $99 per person. More information is available at chefbrianwest.com.
Themed fall fun at Pedrotti's Ranch (One day only)
Not to be too on-the-nose, but adopting a couple of pumpkins to paint or carve is the cutest fall date activity. Pedrotti's Ranch in Helotes is pairing its pumpkin patch with an entire fall festival.
On Friday, October 13, the third annual festival will also include a rodeo, live music, a petting zoo, and food and drinks. Proceeds benefit Hometown Hero Outdoors, a nonprofit for give first responders and military personnel opportunities to be outside and build community.
Tickets ($20 general admission, $10 kids, other deals) are available at pedrottis.com.
Garden to Table Chef Series
If you've never had a chance to check out the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, make a date out of it by strolling around the lush floral landscape as the plants find some relief after a long, hot streak. Then take a seat at one of the two Garden to Table chef series coming up in September and October.
On September 13, Chef Berty Richter of Ladino will be spearheading the four-course fresh tasting menu, featuring plants from a one-acre garden on the San Antonio Botanical Garden premises. It doesn't get more seasonal than that. Next up, Carriqui's Executive Chef Jaime Gonzalez is taking over with his own menu on October 11.
For tickets ($125) and to reserve your spot, visit sabot.org.
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Brianna Caleri contributed to this article.