Weekend Event Guide

Here are the top 7 things to do in San Antonio this holiday weekend

Clear your calendars for the holiday weekend ahead for concerts, cultural festivities, and more can’t-miss happenings. Frolic in the sunflowers at Traders Village or see top musical talent live on some of the most-loved stages in Alamo City and beyond. Check out the top seven things to do in San Antonio this weekend. For a full list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, May 25

Briscoe Western Art Museum presents "Southwest Rising: Contemporary Art and the Legacy of Elaine Horwitch" Preview Party
Be among the first to view the newest Briscoe Western Art Museum exhibition showcasing the collected works of late American art dealer Elaine Horwitch. Esteemed guests Bisco President and CEO Michael Duchemin, Ph.D., and curator of "Southwest Rising" Dr. Julie Sasse will be in attendance among the partygoers. Tickets to the preview party include complimentary valet, specialty cocktails, light bites, beer, and wine.

Friday, May 26

Traders Village presents Sunflower Field
A seasonal San Antonio tradition is back in full bloom for locals and visitors alike to experience. Traders Village features 10 acres of sunflower fields lining paths and mazes for guests to wander through at their leisure. Other activities include a petting zoo, photo opportunities, and an inflatable slide. The sunflower field will open through June 18. For more information, visit tradersvillage.com.

Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club presents Jamie Kennedy
Entertainer and multihyphenate talent Jamie Kennedy takes up weekend residence at The Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club. Kennedy is best known for his roles in Wes Craven’s Scream and Scream 2, which catapulted him to scene-stealing fame. Shows are scheduled through May 28.

An Evening with Brian McKnight
Singer-songwriter and R&B star Brian McKnight serenades fans live in concert at Majestic Theatre for one night only. McKnight has released 19 albums throughout his 25-year career and is a 16-time Grammy-nominated artist. He’s best known for hit songs like “Hold Me” and “Anytime.” Get seating information on Ticketmaster.

Saturday, May 27

Spoon in concert
Spoon comes to New Braunfels’ Whitewater Amphitheater in support of their 2022 album, Lucifer on the Sofa. The Austin-based band is best known for songs like “Inside Out” and “Don’t You Evah.” Get additional concert information on Ticketweb.

UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures presents Asian Festival
The University of Texas at San Antonio invites visitors to the downtown campus for the first Asian Festival since the pandemic. Guests can feast on authentic food while enjoying multicultural performances, crafts, music, and more. Get a schedule of events and festival tickets at asianfestivalsa.org.

Kool & The Gang in concert
Groovin’ soul band Kool & The Gang comes to San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre in support of their 2021 album, Perfect Union. The musical band of biological brothers and longtime friends is behind timeless classics such as “Get Down on It” and “Ladies Night” and has amassed fans around the world since forming in 1964. Buy tickets on majesticempire.com.

Photo courtesy of Brian McKnight

Brian McKnight performs live in concert at Majestic Theatre this Friday.

events Things to do in San Antonio event-planner comedy nature arts galleries museums concerts live music festivals

après pickle

San Antonio pickleball venue unveils courtside igloos and themed bar

Photo courtesy of Chicken N Pickle

The Texas weather means we can have pickleball year-round, but our igloos are made of plastic.

Pickleball might not bring feelings of coziness to mind, but a San Antonio sports venue is flipping the script for the holidays. Guests at Chicken N Pickle will still be able to play pickleball this winter, but they can also retire into an après-pickle outdoor igloo with themed cocktails and other holiday specials, starting November 22.

The transparent plastic igloo tents are gaining popularity in nightlife, especially at restaurants, bars, and hotels. They give patrons a novel and cozy way to enjoy a "private" room on their night out, and the seasonality keeps it fresh and logistically manageable.

An unexpected fellow on the bandwagon is the College Station-founded chain Chicken N Pickle, which does have a sports bar and restaurant, but the main draw is indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, as well as other games like cornhole, ping pong, and bocce.

At Chicken N Pickle, guests must be at least 21 years old to reserve an igloo — or to jump in on a first-come, first-served basis.

The "Merry and Bright" tent has a more modern Christmas look.Photo courtesy of Chicken N Pickle

Photos from the venue show winter foliage and ornaments outside, creating a festive entry. Inside, there appears to be a small couch, additional seating, a coffee table, and knickknacks that make the space feel like a cozy living room. There are at least two different tent configurations to choose from, and both fit up to eight people.

Of course, sitting in an igloo is more fun with themed drinks, and there are 11 cocktails and martini flights to choose from via the bar's larger holiday pop-up, which also features its own extravagant decorations inside. (Among them: too many mini trees and branches to count.)

Those include creations like Wake Up Frosty with Ketel One, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, cold brew, real Madagascar vanilla, and espresso beans; or Northern Lights blueberry-infused Bombay Sapphire Gin, Giffard Blackberry Liqueur, real blackberry, lemon juice, egg whites, blackberries, and edible glitter. Folks less into wintery drinks can also order beer, wine and other drinks.

All the Chicken N Pickle locations have different holiday setups, but they're all full of festive stuff.Photo courtesy of Chicken N Pickle

Reservations in the Holiday Hideaway pop-up all include a charcuterie board and red pepper hummus dip.

Chicken N Pickle is located at 5215 UTSA Blvd. The Holiday Hideaway will be open until December 31, and the igloos will continue accepting guests through mid-February of 2025.

pickleball holidays pop-ups