SUMMER BUMMER
Sudden shutter of underground East Side club rocks San Antonio
Snake Hill Social Club will close on August 5.
During a summer marred by bar and restaurant closures, the sun is setting on yet another concept. After two years of quietly operating in Government Hill, Snake Hill Social Club will shutter permanently on August 5.
Owner Jess Garcia announced the move in an earnest social media statement, thanking the DJs, performers, and staff who worked at the club. Although no reasoning was offered for the move, the post hinted that it was caused by an issue with the space and that the team was looking for a new home.
"We know this is sudden but that's only because we were trying to exhaust every option we had at our disposal,” Garcia wrote. "It's hard to put into words the memories and friendships we've created through this space and how sad we are to be leaving."
During its run, Snake Hill became a hub for marginalized art forms. Its eclectic approach to booking embraced underground metal, punk, hip-hop, and drag. One of the few venues offering all-ages shows, it also seized on generational obsessions, hosting dance nights themed around emo and Charli XCX’s Brat.
Although sudden, the closure was not wholly unexpected. In April, Garcia ran a GoFundMe campaign for the bar after a series of slow months. The intro admitted that Snake Hill was behind on “some very major bills.”
True to form, the venue will not go out quietly. Snake Hill is booked with shows through the final Monday with karaoke, live music, and more.
