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Artful experiences, comedic commentary, and a little bit of bubbly are on our agenda over the next few days. Enjoy brunch by Landrace with sparkling wine on the barges at Go Rio, or see comedian Joe Gatto live for a night of laughs. Check out the top five things to do in San Antonio this weekend. For a full list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, June 1

McNay Art Museum presents "Big Little Stage"
Explore a selection of small-scale and large-scale models of stage productions, known as maquettes, at the McNay Art Museum’s newest exhibition. Featured small-scale maquettes include a miniature Hanging Gardens of Babylon (1860) by Victor St. Leon and a substantial ship’s prow by William Dudley for Billy Bud (1976). Large-scale pieces displayed include the Trojan Horse by Helen Pond and Herbert Senn for Les Troyens (1972) and a futuristic set by Ralph Koltai for Shakespeare’s Othello (1985). Following opening weekend, this exhibition on display through February 2024.

Friday, June 2

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts presents Josh Gates: An Evening of Legends, Mysteries and Tales of Adventure
Explorer and Discovery Channel star Josh Gates shares stories of his most notable adventures, and insights on famous mysteries live at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Fans can expect an immersive and exciting recount of Gates’ global journeys and discoveries with sharp detail. Ticket options include general admission and a VIP meet and greet package offering.

Majestic Theatre presents Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy
Joe Gatto brings his comedic talents to the stage for an evening of certain laughter. He’s best known for his improvisational roles in hit shows Impractical Jokers and The Misery Index, both of which require thick skin and an impenetrable sense of embarrassment. Check out majesticempire.com for ticket details.

Max Stalling in concert
Country music singer-songwriter and Texan Max Stalling takes the stage at Gruene Hall for one night only. He’s best known for his live projects, including a full-length DVD, and hits songs “The Pila Song” and “Ping Pong, Pool.” General admission tickets are available at thundertix.com.

Sunday, June 4

Joe Gatto

Joe Gatto takes the Majestic Theatre stage on June 2.

Thompson San Antonio Bubbles + Bagels Brunch on a Boat
Float into the new week ahead on an effervescent cloud of boozy bubbles at this brunch-inspired Thompson San Antonio boating event. The swanky hotel’s restaurant, Landrace, is now offering a brunch experience complete with sparkling sips on the historically famous Go Rio river barges. Get more information and tickets on Eventbrite

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Tune into the virtual CultureMap Tastemaker Awards Thursday at 7 pm.

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

Weekend Event Guide

You could stay at home and enjoy a quiet retreat from the daily grind, but this action-packed Alamo City agenda won’t make it easy. Raise a glass to the culinary talent of San Antonio at our premiere event, the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, or get your regular weekly helping of live entertainment at Majestic Theatre and Rosedale Park. Check out the top seven things to do in San Antonio this weekend. For a full list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, May 18

CultureMap San Antonio 2023 Tastemaker Awards
Our annual celebration of the top bar and restaurant talent in San Antonio returns with equal parts flavor and fanfare. Tickets to this signature tasting event and awards ceremony grant access to bites, samples, and specialty cocktails, plus a chance to meet and mingle with the biggest names and rising stars in the local food and drink industry. Check out our San Antonio Tastemaker Awards site to learn more.

Mission Marquee Plaza Outdoor Family Film Series: Grease
Bring your blankets, picnic snacks, and lawn chairs to Mission Marquee Plaza for an evening of family-friendly cinema al fresco. Attendees can enjoy an outdoor screening of Grease, starring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. Other highlights include a performance by the Wonder Theatre’s Premier Performance Group and a classic car show hosted by the Push Rods Car Club. Food trucks will also be onsite to take orders from hungry guests. Admission to this event is free and open to the public.

San Antonio Botanical Garden presents "Lush: Twilight in the Garden"
Relax, unwind, and indulge at another installment of the after-hours entertainment series at San Antonio Botanical Garden. This month’s activities are inspired by the theme Rosé and Roses, and will include extended garden hours, live music, entertainment, a signature beverage, and an array of floral displays for ambiance. For more information and to snag your tickets, visit sabot.org.

Friday, May 19

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center presents the Tejano Conjunto Festival
The first and longest-running conjunto festival in the country is back for another year of Texas musical tradition. The three-day festival at Rosedale Park includes headliners Ricky Naranjo y Los Gamblers, Tony Tigre Saenz, Los Texmaniacs featuring special guest Flaco Jimenez, and more than 20 other performers hailing from nearly every region in the Lone Star State. Visit guadalupeculturalarts.org for more information.

Majestic Theatre presents Rain: A Tribute To the Beatles
Relive the iconic moments and songs from the Beatles’ Rooftop Concert and their hit album Abbey Road live at this tribute performance. Audiences can expect a musical journey through one of the band’s most pivotal eras, complete with theatrics and beloved fan-favorite tunes. Tickets for both showtimes are available on Ticketmaster.

CultureMap Tastemaker Awards

Tastemaker

The San Antonio CultureMap Tastemaker Awards take place at Briscoe Western Art Museum this Thursday, May 18.

The Pan-African Cultural Community presents Message to the People: A Story of Malcolm X
The life and words of Malcolm X take center stage in front of a live audience at Ella Austin Community Center. This production blends elements of both classical and musical theater together for a poignant historical dramatization. Audiences will enjoy original music, photographs, and vivid glimpses into the mind and memory of this important figure in Black and American history. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

Tobin Center presents Matteo Lane: The Al Dente Tour
Comedian and podcast host Matteo Lane performs live at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, with fresh material as part of his national tour. The New York-based entertainer has an impressive comedic roster, including appearances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night with Seth Meyers, HBO's Crashing, and Will & Grace. Visit tobincenter.org for more information.

Photo courtesy of Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

Broadway, ballet, Wynonna Judd, and more raise the curtain on the Tobin Center's 2023-2024 season

Standing ovation!

The Tobin Center's 2023-2024 season has officially been announced, and we've got all the details for you.

The highly-anticipated return of the Tobin Dance Series alone warrants a trip to the entertainment venue downtown (it's a close walk down the street from the Thompson San Antonio hotel), with Ballet San Antonio kicking things off with Beauty and the Beast on October 14.

Then, a comedic production from the Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo dance troupe arrives on January 18, 2024, followed by a one-night only performance from the internationally-acclaimed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Pilobolus - Re-Creation toround out the dance series.

More of a musical person? The Tobin Signature Series for 2023-2024 includes the San Antonio premiere of Jagged Little Pill, Jesus Christ Superstar, My Fair Lady, Hairspray, the Cher Show and Pretty Woman.

Subscribers to the Tobin Signature Series (packages that includes a ticket to each musical noted above) do unlock a special perk – access to presale tickets until May 24 for a one-night only special event with the one and only Mandy Patinkin (the public onsale is May 26).

If you still can't get enough Broadway belting content at the Tobin, the entertainment venue is also introducing a new, educational series called Curtain Talks and Cocktails in the Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater, essentially the Tobin's black box theater. Presented as a series of four educational lectures across the 2023-2024 season, the Curtain Talks and Cocktails season will only set you back $35 for all four lectures! (Each individual lecture is $10 a piece).

Not one to stop there with top-tier theater content, the Tobin is also hosting 100A Theater Productions. Perfect for fans of plays as opposed to musicals, 100A Theater Productions will be presenting two fully-staged productions of the plays The 39 Steps and Crimes of the Heart, in addition to four staged readings of four other plays including Kiss of the Spider Woman.

Another certified Tobin center event with a capital E is the annual Tobin Center Annual Benefit Concert, which always has an A-list celebrity guest (past guests at the concert include Lionel Richie, Paul McCartney, Dolly Parton, and more).

This year, the guest of honor at the November 9 event is five-time Grammy Award winning singer Wynonna Judd.

For full details about the Tobin's 2023-2024 season and to purchase tickets, visit tobincenter.org. And remember, that is the only legitimate website for Tobin Center tickets – any other website is a third-party, and they will likely resell tickets above face value.

Although guests aren't required to purchase a full subscription to a Tobin Center series (you can purchase tickets to shows individually), the bonus of subscribing is that you get a discount on your order.

Here's to another exciting season of content at the Tobin, one of the city's premiere performance venues.


Photo by Alexander Devora Photography

Here are the top 5 things to do in San Antonio this weekend

Weekend Event Guide

A fairy tale comes to life on stage, movie credits roll under the stars, and live music fills local venues in the Alamo City. Check out the top five things to do in San Antonio this weekend. For a full list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, May 11

Children's Ballet of San Antonio presents Sleeping Beauty
Photo by Alexander Devora Photography

Children's Ballet of San Antonio presents Sleeping Beauty on May 12.

McNay Art Museum presents "Off the Wall: Posters as Art"
A treasured and highly-curated collection of posters by some of the lithographic art form’s most striking talents are on display at the McNay Art Museum. Visitors can explore Charles Gesmar’s Mistinguett, a number of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s posters, and more works from Alphonse Mucha, Pierre Bonnard, and others. Following opening weekend, the exhibition is on display through July 30.

Tobin Center presents An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee
Musical duo and standalone stars David Foster and Katharine McPhee bring their virtual Instagram show to a live audience at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. The set list includes a variety of hit songs from Foster’s writing repertoire made famous by stars like Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Michael Bublé. Get ticketing details at tobincenter.org.

Friday, May 12

The Children's Ballet of San Antonio presents Sleeping Beauty
The romantic story of a slumbering princess who is awakened by true love’s kiss receives Broadway-level treatment at the Majestic Theatre. Audiences will be captivated by a blend of dance, live music, special effects, and interactive elements during this enchanting performance. All ages are welcome. Shows are scheduled through May 13. For tickets, check Ticketmaster.

Billy Porter in concert
Multi-hyphenate entertainer and icon Billy Porter comes to Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in support of his first pop music concert tour. Fans can enjoy a 90-minute performance that shares moments of Porter’s life through songs like "Love Is on the Way" and "Love Yourself.” For ticket availability and seating options, check tobincenter.org.

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts presents Cinema on Will's Plaza
Round up a few friends or family members and enjoy a free movie night under the stars at The Plaza at the Tobin Center. This month’s featured Cinema on Will’s Plaza film is Billy Elliott the Musical. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and bring their own lawn chairs or blankets to ensure good outdoor seats. A full bar and concessions will be available to make the movie night complete. For a schedule of movie screenings, visit tobincenter.org. Admission is free.

Photo courtesy of Natural Bridge Caverns

Largest cavern in Texas excavates new tour for explorers in San Antonio

HIDDEN WONDERS BELOW

Texan spelunkers now have a new cave to explore at the state’s largest cavern, located on the edge of San Antonio. Natural Bridge Caverns’ newest tour, Hidden Wonders, will open to the public on May 12. This new tour comes less than a year after the last expansion, so visitors who have not been recently have much to explore for the first time.

Development of this second cavern has been in the works since 2017. It was previously sealed under the Earth’s surface, perfectly encapsulating the natural environment and its beautiful, unique formations. The new tour will allow visitors to access an area that was previously accessible only by cavers.

“In developing this area of the cavern system, we have both pursued and established best-case practices for working in this delicate environment,” said Natural Bridge Caverns president Brad Wuest in a statement. “Our goal is to give visitors a stunning view of the cavern like never before, without impacting its beauty.”

The multi-million dollar expansion into never-before-seen areas of the cave will feature state-of-the-art lighting and a unique sound and light show. Public passageways expanded by 1,100 feet with a new stainless steel bridge that crosses the cavern’s deepest area.

Additionally, a new 5,700-square-foot dome chamber, entitled the Ballroom, has been constructed to serve as an event space. For the light show, a viewing area called the Box Canyon will serve as the show's natural theater.

Wuest explained that certain aspects of developing the cavern had been a challenge, such as the depth of the new touring area. Fortunately, they were able to construct a new exit tunnel "with minimal impact on the cavern."

"We used best-in-class techniques and developed new ones to make it work," he said. "We took the time to do it right. The result speaks for itself.”

To exit the Hidden Wonders tour, visitors will take a glorious ride on a pioneering conveyor system ride, the Belt Assisted Transport, to the surface through the newly constructed tunnel.

“We plan to showcase the science behind the beauty of this once hidden cavern on our tour,” said Wuest. “With Hidden Wonders’ many enhancements, we have an opportunity to both educate and entertain.”

More information about the new tour can be found on naturalbridgecaverns.com. The visitor's center at the caverns is located at 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio.

Photo by Julieta Cervantes

Here are the top 5 things to do in San Antonio this weekend

Weekend Event Guide

Stimulate your senses with the help of these highly-engaging and hyperlocal entertainment options. Bask in the sounds of a classical duo or get lost in a land of living sculptures at the San Antonio Botanical Garden’s newest exhibition. Check out the top five things to do in San Antonio this weekend. For a full list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, May 4

Broadway in San Antonio: To Kill a Mockingbird
The classic and poignant literary story by Harper Lee comes to life on the stage at Majestic Theatre. This production stars Emmy Award-winning actor Richard Thomas, who plays small-town lawyer and main character, Atticus Finch. Performances are scheduled through May 7.

Friday, May 5

Laugh Out Loud San Antonio presents Donnell Rawlings
Comedian and actor Donnell Rawlings takes up a brief residence at The Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club. He’s best known for his numerous appearances as memorable characters on Comedy Central’s iconic Chappelle’s Show. Check out seating options on the ticketing website.

Charlie Robison in concert
Gruene Hall welcomes country music singer-songwriter Charlie Robinson to the stage for one night only. The sixth-generation Texan hailing from Houston has released nine albums throughout his career. He’s known for songs like “My Hometown” and “Big City Blues.”

Sunday, May 7

Musical Bridges Around The World presents Musical Evenings at San Fernando Cathedral: Expedition
This unusual combination of cellist Boris Andrianov and classical guitarist Dimitri Illarionov is marked with the seal of true genius. Inspired by innumerable and stimulating intercultural encounters, the duo combines classical music and folk tunes in a musical expedition all over the world. The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required for entry.

San Antonio Botanical Garden presents Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon a Time
Massive and imaginative plant sculptures make their debut in the Lone Star State at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Guests to this living exhibition can get up close and personal with towering sculpture pieces depicting a dragon, a mermaid, a peacock, and more. For more information, visit the garden website

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Richard Thomas in the national tour of To Kill a Mockingbird
Photo by Julieta Cervantes

Broadway in San Antonio: To Kill a Mockingbird comes to life at the Magic Theatre.

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Endless creativity of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse keeps superhero story in overdrive

Movie Review

The blast of pure fun that was 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse accomplished several goals, but none more important than reclaiming the character from being part of just the Marvel Cinematic Universe. By not participating in the never-ending connecting stories of the MCU, the filmmakers could do whatever they wanted, first and foremost using Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) instead of Peter Parker as its main character.

It was also at the forefront of multiversal storytelling that has become the rage in the MCU and elsewhere. Given the multitude of Spider characters that have existed in the comics over the years, it was uniquely suited to telling a story with people from multiple universes. That concept is taken to the nth degree with Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, a film that has seemingly limitless levels of creativity.

Miles, having separated from Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson), and other Spider-people at the end of the first film, is doing well as the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, casually protecting people from threats big and small. But when a highly unusual villain named The Spot (Jason Schwartzman) proves especially tricky, a series of events has Miles follow Gwen into a portal where he encounters every other Spider character in existence.

Lest you think that’s hyperbole, among the people he meets are Jessica Drew/Spider-Woman (Issa Rae), Miguel O’Hara/Spider-Man 2099 (Oscar Isaac), Hobie Brown/Spider-Punk (Daniel Kaluuya), Ben Reilly/Scarlet Spider (Andy Samberg), and Spider-Man India (Karan Soni), and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Revelations made while meeting all of them lead Miles to a whole new understanding of himself and the multiverse in general, with far-reaching consequences.

The filmmakers, once again led by writers/producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, fill the screen with so many visual elements that at times it can be overwhelming, but in the best possible way. Unlike most animated films, there are multiple different styles employed throughout, and never knowing what to expect gives the film a kineticism that borders on manic, although it always stops short of being incomprehensible.

The storytelling is much more complex this time around, no surprise since it involves so many more characters. But the personal stories of each of the Spider characters, especially Miles and Gwen, maintain a grounded nature that keeps the plot anchored even while delving into increasingly fantastical territory.

Although this film deals with some darker themes, there is still plenty of humor to be had. The intersection of so many Spider characters highlights their differences, and the way they interact can’t help but be entertaining. Miles is still a 15-year-old kid, and the way he navigates the world(s) has a lightness to it that is a sharp contrast to the various adults in his life.

Moore, who’s not as well-known as some of his co-stars, has proven to be the perfect voice for Miles, making him relatable and powerful at the same time. Everyone else gives similarly great performances, although the fact that many of them are famous for their non-voicework doesn’t really play a factor in how well they come across here.

A third film, Beyond the Spider-Verse, is teased with a cliffhanger, and unlike other franchises where multiple films are unnecessary, there are no such reservations here. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse equals the success of the first film, and there is no doubt that the filmmakers will bring the same level of attention to detail to the end of the trilogy.

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Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is now running in theaters.

Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation

Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.

7 go-to Father's Day spots for every type of San Antonio Dad

POP CULTURE

Despite all the propaganda that Father’s Day requires a slab of brisket, no two Dads are exactly alike. This year, treat him to something a little more curated. Whether he likes a dry aged steak lavished in butter or a simple sandwich paired with a quality brew, we have you covered with a spot for every Pop.

For the hop head: Alamo Beer Co.
Backyard barbecues seem fun on paper, but who wants to deal with all the heat and flies. This year, focus on the best part: the beer. The Alamo menu includes something for every type of drinker — poundable lagers, citrusy IPAs, and everything in between. The hearty food, a mix of fan favorites like nachos, sausage sandwiches, and soft pretzels, is ready for game day.

For the weekend warrior: Burnt Bean Co.
If the Old Man has wanderlust, take him on a road trip to one of Seguin’s brightest treasures. Chefs Ernest Servantes and David Kirkland pull off a rare feat — making food accessible enough to please everyone in the family while showing enough culinary finesse to be a finalist for this year’s James Beard Awards.

For the sports fiend: McIntyre’s
We’re not saying this Southtown spot can be seen from space, but it has enough glowing flatscreens to be seen for miles. Plus, the drink menu is varied enough to keep even fair-weather fans fueled. The beer menu ranges from domestic standbys to local craft brews to a propriety lager. The cocktails skip complicated drink craft in favor of the tried-and-true. Peruse the menu over a couple of rounds of cornhole.

For the amateur mixologist: Pastiche
If your Dad has a freezer full of specialty ice cubes and a cabinet stocked with various tinctures and bitters, he’ll have a blast at this East Side haunt. The cocktails — made with fortified wines, rare European spirits, and unique liqueurs — are the perfect prelude to a Father’s Day dinner — and tinkering inspiration for weeks to come.

For the plant-based pop: Pharm Table
Let’s face it, most of Alamo City’s vegan fare is hardly suited for a special occasion. Still, at least one place delivers in the clutch. From a smoked mushroom take on Nikkei ceviche to a lentil kitchari tempered by a coconut cilantro chutney, the worldly selections at this Southtown café feel like a proper celebration, especially when paired with a thoughtful wine flight.

For the meat and potatoes man: Range
Chef Jason Dady works with ranchers from the heartland to Central Texas to deliver some of the city’s best cuts of beef. The rest of the menu will leave Dad equally as spoiled. Skipping tweezered garnishes and fussy techniques, Dady tells a story of classic American cooking — from a creamy wedge with avocado mousse to traditional sides like potato confit and grilled asparagus.

For the barbecue stan: Reese Bros BBQ
A favorite of Texas Monthly, Bon Appetit and CultureMap readers, Reese Bros. could have gotten too big for its britches. Instead, the staff serves smoked meats with a welcoming smile. It’s easy to see why they are happy. They have easy access to arguably San Antonio’s best brisket, sausage, ribs, and sides. And they get to wear the joint’s cool Dad merch all day.

For the fine dining fanatic: Up Scale

Caviar deviled eggs with a fleck of gold leaf, lobster tagliolini, a very tony Beef Wellington…this year, Dad is getting fancy. Few San Antonio restaurants lay out the red carpet like this Southtown spot. Consider this the go-to if he insists on footing the bill.

Fine dining chef unpacks nostalgic pop-up concept at Grayson Street bar, plus more top stories

Hot Headlines

Editor’s note: It’s that time again — time to check in with our top stories. From pop-up concepts to Hill Country getaways and cool local pools, here are five articles that captured our collective attention over the past seven days.

1. Fine dining chef unpacks nostalgic pop-up concept at popular Grayson Street bar. The Memorial Day popup was hopefully just the start of a new series the chef hopes to hold monthly.

2. Breathtaking Hill Country hideaway is lone Texas star on Vrbo's top 10 vacation homes in the U.S. The Hill Country Riverfront Hideaway was the only Texas home chosen on Vrbo's list.

3. 7 San Antonio icons star in new Texas Monthly book documenting most influential Texans of last 50 years. To commemorate the publication's 50th anniversary, they've collected stories and photographs of 50 iconic Texans.

4. These 6 San Antonio museums are offering free admission for military families all summer long. The Blue Star Museums program begins yearly on Armed Forces Day in May and ends on Labor Day.

5. Summertime is here in San Antonio — beat the heat at these cool local pools. Mourn the loss of cool weather and beat the heat (in style) at these local pools.