A pre-Halloween block party happening on the edge of downtown San Antonio will showcase a neighborhood revival along the San Antonio River. The first River North Block Party, co-presented by the city of San Antonio, Centro San Antonio, and others, will take place from 1:30-6 pm on October 26, in the parking lot on 8th Street across from Make Ready Market.
The party is free and open to the public, and will include refreshments, entertainment, and kids’ activities. But the bash will really be an exhibition of a growing number of residents and merchants living, working, and playing in the River North neighborhood, which lies along the San Antonio River and lower Broadway Street, between I-35 and Houston Street.
In recent years, River North has come to house a vibrant mix of apartments, lofts, restaurants, businesses, and arts organizations connecting Pearl and the city’s main central business district.
Local business owners and representatives for area organizations such as the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) said the redevelopment of the River North has helped to make the neighborhood a walkable, bicycle-friendly destination for families, young professionals, tourists, and others seeking a variety of recreational amenities.
SAMA hosts various community events in addition to art-related programming.San Antonio Museum of Art/Facebook
NOLA Brunch and Beignets is one of the culinary newcomers to River North, having recently relocated to a renovated Broadway building from the North St. Mary’s strip area. Melissa Villanueva, NOLA’s operations manager, says River North appealed to owners Pieter and Susan Sypesteyn because it is similar to the North St. Mary’s area, where NOLA had flourished.
Villanueva says engaging neighbors, a central location, ease of access, and parking lot availability were all factors in the Sypesteyns’ decision to move.
“The revitalization of the neighborhood added to the allure in that we would be one of the first restaurants in, and we'd be able to see the area grow around us,” says Villanueva. “We'd make an impact in the area with the guests we serve and staff we employ. About a quarter of our staff live in the area, and we're happy that we can affect change in this part of San Antonio.”
NOLA Brunch and Beignets relocated this summer from Tobin Hill to the River North neighborhood.NOLA Brunch and Beignets/Facebook
The local venture Empty Stomach Group, which owns several centrally located restaurants and bars, is in the process of relocating the popular Southtown eatery Hot Joy to River North. Empty Stomach founder Chad Carey says River North has a lot of momentum when it comes to community revival, much of which has followed the development of the Museum Reach portion of the Riverwalk.
Recent years have seen the arrival of culinary and entertainment options such as El Camino food truck park, jazz lounge River Sun, Commonwealth Coffeehouse and Bakery, and two dog-centric hangouts: Hops and Hounds, and Kiki’s Coffee and Spirits.
Those businesses and planned newcomers have joined established River North staples such as Elsewhere Garden Bar and Kitchen, Paramour, Porta Rossa Bar, Ocho, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, Maverick Dog Park, and two brewpubs, Back Unturned and Roadmap.
The magical Elsewhere Garden Bar and Kitchen.Elsewhere Garden Bar and Kitchen/Facebook
The Make Ready Market, a significant redevelopment within River North, features Idle Beer Hall and Brewery, Mila Coffee, a community event space, and a food court with options ranging from fresh-pressed juices and smoothies to Venezuelan cuisine. In 2024 one of its eateries, Thai Bird, was voted by CultureMap readers as the year's best new restaurant in a bracket-style contest.
“The neighborhood has residential density, different businesses, a lot of energy, and people who want to see and be with other people,” says Carey.
Carey also compliments local developer AREA Real Estate, which has led redevelopment of River North, and even has its office in the community.
“It’s a great piece of real estate and a great landlord who’s great to work with,” says Carey.
Carey also envisions the Broadway and East Jones Avenue area, between SAMA and Maverick Park, becoming a hot spot on the edge of downtown.
“It’s the next place in town that you’ll want to be,” he added.
Elsewhere owner Terrin Fuhrmann says River North offers a mix of urban energy and natural beauty, with the San Antonio River adding an extra scenic vibe. Elsewhere was ahead of the curve, launching along the Riverwalk before the development boom.
“The neighborhood blends modern development with historic character, packed with trendy spots to eat, drink, and hang out, all surrounded by green spaces. Its location near downtown, plus the walkability and river views, make it a go-to for young professionals looking for a place to work and play,” says Fuhrmann.
Finally, Emily Neff, the Kelso Director at SAMA, says the museum has long had a positive impact on River North. When SAMA opened more than 40 years ago, the area was sparsely populated and had a handful of businesses.
"SAMA’s presence helped spark the development you see today, and as a neighborhood anchor and cultural magnet for the city, we welcome the current chapter of growth,” Neff says.
Event details for the block party are available on Facebook. Anyone is invited to join, with no RSVP needed.
