Giving back
12 can't-miss charitable events happening in San Antonio this fall
Cooler temps aren't the only thing to look forward in San Antonio this fall. Social calendars in the Alamo City are filling up quickly with fall charitable events that let you dance (and give!) the night away. Strut your stuff on a runway, draw on public property, or sit back and enjoy legendary R&B and soul acts — all to benefit local nonprofits and charities.
These 12 must-attend charitable events offer plenty of opportunities to have fun and make a difference at the same time. Find even more ways to party with a purpose in our charity events calendar, part of CultureMap's Charity Guide, highlighting organizations that make our communities a better place.
Know of a charitable event that deserves the spotlight? Submit it here. You can also submit a charity to be included in our guide.
North Star Mall presents 14th Annual Canstruction Design/Build Competition— September 9-21
Seven teams of professionals from the San Antonio chapters of the American Institute of Architects and the Society for Design Administration will have 12 hours on September 8 to build showstopping sculptures using approximately 30,000 cans of food. Industry professionals and special guests will judge the designs as they remain on display from September 9-21 at North Star Mall. Participating retailers will also accept canned food donations from the public throughout the competition, which will be donated to the San Antonio Food Bank.
7400 US 281 Access Rd.
Art Institute of San Antonio presents Fashionable Feast— September 12
The Fashionable Feast is the Art Institute of San Antonio's opportunity to showcase the work of culinary and fashion students, while also raising funds for its educational programs. Tickets are $30 for students, $65 for general admission, and $100 for VIPs. The event kicks off at 6 pm.
1746 Lockhill Selma Rd.
YWCA’s 10th Annual Women of Influence Luncheon— September 24
YWCA San Antonio will honor the Alamo City's first lady, Erika Prosper Nirenberg, with the Empowering Woman Award and community leader Rosie Castro with the Woman of Influence Award during this special luncheon. The organization's primary fundraising event supports its various programs, which aim to promote empowerment and self-sufficiency. The program runs from 11:30 am to 1 pm.
307 Pearl Pkwy.
Junior League of San Antonio presents Fall Fest— September 28
Junior League's inaugural fall festival will include a kids' parade, Touch-A-Truck experiences, shopping, food options, and more at Hemisfair. Admission is free, but ticket prices vary by activity. Proceeds will go toward Junior League causes, which generally support women, children, and families.
434 S. Alamo St.
THRU Project's Sparkles and Spurs Gala— September 28
Advocating for foster youth, the nonprofit's biggest fundraiser of the year requires cowboy boots — and a giving spirit. According to the organization, half of the homeless population and 80 percent of the prison population in the U.S. were once in foster care. THRU Project seeks to reverse that trend with the help of live music, silent and live auctions, wine pull, and raffle prizes. Individual tickets start at $250, and the party starts at 6:30 pm.
4100 N. New Braunfels Ave.
Child Advocates of San Antonio Presents Gallery of Hope— October 3
Child Advocates of San Antonio's annual Gallery of Hope exhibit tells the story of how the organization delivers children from abuse and neglect. The collection of photographs illustrates the special relationship formed between advocates and children. Tickets start at $200, and the event begins at 6 pm.
3801 Broadway St.
Kinetic Kids’ Hootenanny— October 11
Kinetic Kids offers 230 programs that provide sports and recreational activities for children with special needs. The gala, complete with Heads 'n' Tails, live and silent auctions, dinner, and more, serves as the organization's biggest fundraising event each year. In 2018, the event raised more than $300,000. Individual tickets cost $200, and the party starts at 6:30 pm.
123 Pearl Pkwy.
Artpace San Antonio’s 16th Annual Chalk It Up— October 12
Contemporary art will transform downtown San Antonio during the annual Chalk It Up. This special event invites members of the community to participate in the making of public murals or freestyle their own work using chalk. Chalk It Up offers visibility to emerging artists and supports Artpace's educational initiatives. Teams of up to 10 people can get creative with an 8-by-10-foot sidewalk canvas, with a $50 registration fee.
Houston Street and Main Avenue
Voices for Children of San Antonio presents Badges, Bags & Bling— October 16
Three child advocate organizations — Voices for Children, The 100 Club, and Bexar County Children's Court — are banding together to host the first-ever Badges, Bags & Bling event, where high-end bags and jewelry will be modeled and later put up for auction to assist families touched by child abuse and children of fallen law enforcement and emergency responders. Tickets are $125, and the event starts at 5 pm.
100 W. Houston St. 21st floor
San Antonio Beer Festival— October 19
Have your pick of more than 400 premium and craft beers from more than 125 breweries around the world at San Antonio's original beer fest. Founded in 2005, the beer experience helps fight hunger in South Texas with a potion of proceeds benefitting the San Antonio Food Bank. All guests must be 21 and older (have to show ID) and general admission tickets are $45, plus fees. And do note, pets aren't allowed.
701 Nolan St.
Tobin Center presents Fifth Anniversary Gala featuring Gladys Knight— October 24
Tickets for the nonprofit performing arts center's gala dinner are sold out, but there's still a chance to catch the event's big guest, "Empress of Soul" Gladys Knight. Tickets range from $100-$200 and support the organization and its efforts to remove barriers in the community to the arts and arts education. The show starts at 8 pm.
100 Auditorium Cir.
The Carver Development Board presents Cavalcade of the Stars featuring Johnny Gill— October 26
The development board's annual fundraiser brings R&B legend Johnny Gill, in support of the Carver's School for Visual and Performing Arts' artist residency/master class program, summer camps, Carver Community Cultural Center's education programs, and more. Tickets start at $175, and the event kicks off at 5:30 pm.
900 E. Market St.