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Photo courtesy of San Antonio Botanical Garden

There’s no shortage of live music in the Alamo City in the days ahead, and this roundup is proof. Catch a show by Air Supply or Aleks Syntek; Musical performances continue at the San Antonio Botanical Garden and during National Day of the Cowboy. Check out the top seven things to do in San Antonio this weekend. For a complete list of events, go to our calendar.

Thursday, July 20

San Antonio Botanical Garden presents "Lush: Twilight in the Garden"
The after-hours entertainment series at the San Antonio Botanical Garden continues. This month’s activities are inspired by the theme "Dueling Pianos" 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, go to sabot.org.

Friday, July 21

Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club presents Jay Pharoah
Actor and comedian brings new material to the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club as part of his stand-up tour. Pharoah rose to fame due to his myriad celebrity impressions and his six-year stint on Saturday Night Live. Shows are scheduled through July 23. For table availability, go to improvtx.com.

Saturday, July 22

Briscoe Western Art Museum presents the annual National Day of the Cowboy celebration
Giddy up and get down to the Briscoe Western Art Museum to celebrate all things cowboy. The free community event will include live music in the McNutt Sculpture Garden, artist and cowboy demonstrations, crafts, a chuck wagon with cowpoke-approved eats, and much more. Attendees are encouraged to don their best Western-inspired apparel to pay homage to the cowboys and cowgirls — past and present — who influence the state’s culture and history. This event is open to the public.

Sunday, July 23

Musical Bridges Around The World presents "The Quilt: A Living History of African American Music" red carpet premiere
The Carver Community Cultural Center hosts the red carpet premiere "The Quilt: A Living History of African American Music." Attendees can explore the many music genres born and formed by African American history and culture for an afternoon of educational entertainment. For more information about the documentary film, visit musicalbridges.org. Admission to this premiere is free and open to the public.

Tobin Center presents Air Supply in concert
Rock duo Air Supply performs live at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in support of their The Lost In Love Experience tour. They have recorded 23 studio albums throughout their nearly 50-year career and have racked up hits including “Sweet Dreams” and “All Out of Love.” Go to tobincenter.org for more information.

Aztec Theatre presents Aleks Syntek in concert
Mexican singer-songwriter Aleks Syntek performs live in concert for one night only. The “Aqui Estoy Yo” singer comes to Aztec Theatre in support of his 2021 album, Anatomía del Amor. Fehr Rivas joins Syntek as a special guest. To get tickets to this show, go to Live Nation.

Lush: Twilight in the Garden
Photo courtesy of San Antonio Botanical Garden

San Antonio Botanical Garden invites revelers for "Lush: Twilight in the Garden" on July 20.

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Photo courtesy of Dean Z

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

Weekend Event Guide

Silver screens and big stages are having major moments on our agenda in the days to come. Settle in for film screenings at the return of CineFestival or catch Peso Pluma in concert. Check out the top seven things to do in San Antonio this weekend. For a complete list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, July 13

Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center presents CineFestival San Antonio
This year’s CineFestival San Antonio features an extended program for film fans of the Alamo City and beyond. Film festival highlights include 31 screenings, 15 feature films, and 99 short films. Attendees can enjoy a special 30th-anniversary screening of Blood In, Blood Out, directed by Taylor Hackford on opening day, and the San Antonio premiere of the documentary Going Varsity in Mariachi, directed by Alejandra Vasquez and Sam Osborn on closing night. Programming continues through July 16. Admission is free and open to all ages. For a full schedule of events and ticket information, go to guadalupeculturalarts.org.

Friday, July 14

The Great Divide in concert
Gruene Hall welcomes country music group The Great Divide to the stage. The group known for songs such as “Pour Me a Vacation” and “Never Could” comes to the San Antonio area in support of their 2022 album, Providence. Get more show details at gruenehall.thundertix.com.

Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club presents Mike Epps
Actor, comedian, and longtime entertainer Mike Epps comes to San Antonio to flex his stand-up chops. He’s best known for his role as Day-Day Jones in the Friday series and for his appearance in The Hangover, as “Black Doug.” For a full list of shows and ticket availability information, go to improvtx.com.

Saturday, July 15

The Shops at La Cantera presents the Bastille Day French Festival
Celebrate Bastille Day in full, French-inspired flair at The Shops at La Cantera. The all-day festival will feature a pétanque tournament (like bocce) of 22 Texas-based teams as the cornerstone event. Drinks and small bites from San Antonio eateries including Sur La Table, Mon Chou Chou, and Luciano’s will be available for purchase. Get a full schedule of events on frenchfestivalofsanantonio.com. Admission is free and open to the public.

Solas Dance Theatre presents A Midsummer Night's Dream
The whimsical Shakespearean play A Midsummer Night's Dream undergoes a retelling through contemporary ballet at this special production. Solas Dance Theatre performers will bring the timeless and nostalgic story to life with two consecutive shows that all ages can enjoy. For tickets and more details, visit the dance troupe's website.

Dean Z: The Ultimate Elvis in concert
Groove to the timeless top hits of Elvis Presley at this high-energy tribute concert. The Charline McCombs Empire Theatre stage will set the scene for a musical journey through Elvis’ 20-year career, including moments from his infamous Las Vegas performances of the 1970s. Fans can expect a production supported by 11-piece band with a horn section, background vocals, and video content. Get more details on Ticketmaster.

Sunday, July 16

Dean Z
Photo courtesy of Dean Z

Charline McCombs Empire Theatre presents Dean Z: The Ultimate Elvis on July 15.

Peso Pluma in concert
Mexican rapper Peso Pluma performs live in concert at AT&T Center for one night only. Pluma is known in the Latin music industry for chart-topping songs such as “Por Las Noches” and “Chanel.” He brings his "Doble P" tour to San Antonio in support of his 2022 album, Sembrando. Select your seats on Ticketmaster.

Joe Gatto/Instagram

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

Weekend Event Guide

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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Photo courtesy of Brian McKnight

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

Weekend Event Guide

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.

Brian McKnight
Photo courtesy of Brian McKnight

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

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa

Hill Country resort hosts fun whodunnits for guests eager to embrace their inner Sherlock

The butler did it?

Crime is afoot at the Cactus Oak Tavern, and the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa needs your help to find out whodunnit.

From May 27 to August 12, the San Antonio resort will be hosting an interactive murder mystery every Saturday at the Cactus Oak Tavern. Doors open at 6:45 pm with the event itself starting promptly at 7 pm sharp. Each $60 ticket includes the ability to participate in solving the murder mystery of the night (and yes, the theme of each week's murder mystery will rotate!) full access to an open bar, and a selection of appetizers.

There will be prizes for guests who correctly guess the murderer as well! (Whoever pulls off the most convincing "I'm not the murderer" act of the night may also win a prize for their Academy Award-winning acting skills.)

You don't actually have to stay at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa in order to reserve a spot (or two) at one of the Saturday murder mystery events. However, if you do book a staycation there, you'll get to enjoy $50 million dollars worth of recent renovations.

Another option to extend the night after the murder mystery is solved is by dining in at one of the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa's in-house restaurants. Guests can choose from two options if mystery-solving stirs up your appetite: For anyone craving classic bar fare, head to Charlie's Long Bar, which features a menu full of comfort food favorites, from nachos, ribs, pulled pork tacos, fish and chips, and more. Charlie's serves food until 10 pm on Saturday nights (they're open until midnight otherwise.)

Option two is for the fine dining foodie guest: Antler's Lodge is open Saturday nights until 9:30 pm and features a menu full of wild-game centric cuisine, from a wild game sausage trio appetizer to main courses like chili coffee rubbed elk tenderloin, multiple cuts of fine steak, and more.

In other words – if you're looking for a fun, full Saturday night this summer, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa has you covered.

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.

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CultureMap Emails are Awesome

Official Texas Fashion Week sashays into San Antonio with top emerging designers

BURSTING AT THE SEAMS

Few among us have the clout to sidle up to Anna Wintour on Loewe’s front row, but one doesn’t need the ear of the legendary editor-in-chief to gain fashion inspiration. As Paris Fashion Week winds down in October, the locally hosted Texas Fashion Week is just kicking off.

The annual affair — the official fashion week of the state’s emerging fashion industry — strutted into San Antonio on October 1 and will inspire through October 7 with a full slate of runway shows, educational programs, and glamorous celebrations. A collaboration between the state nonprofit Texas Fashion Industry Initiative and the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the event aims to give promising designers a chance to showcase their ideas.

KLRN’s TV studios at 501 Broadway will be the epicenter of four days of presentations highlighting inspiring new collections. The shows kicked off with a college night featuring Lillian Jenae Designs, Brøc, and Aubrey Frey Apparel, labels created by Texas university students.

“Texas Fashion Week aims to provide a platform for emerging designers to showcase their innovative designs, including students,” said Texas Fashion Industry Initiative Vice President Saige Thomas in a release. “Fashion students deserve a chance to stage their work as well, without the standard financial limitations holding them back.”

In addition to soaking in wardrobe inspiration, local fashionistas can enjoy fashion and beauty panels, a high school sustainability competition, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. An educational program on October 2 covers topics such as branding and drag.

The jam-packed days lead up to the Texas Fashion Industry Awards at the Tobin Center on October 6. A curated brunch at Kiki’s Coffee on October 7 gives gala guests one last chance to congratulate the winners.

The full schedule of events can be found at texasfashionindustry.org. A limited number of all-access and single-day passes are still available.

Comedian Chris Tucker returns to road after a decade with a stop in San Antonio

Comedy Comeback News

Comedian Chris Tucker will make San Antonio's Majestic Theatre one of the stops on his first major tour in North America since 2011, performing at the venue on Thursday, November 2.

The 33-city" Legend" Tour 2023 will kick off in Charleston, South Carolina on September 8, continuing through January 12.

This new date in San Antonio was added due to high demand, as well as a second date in Houston (November 4-5). Tucker will also perform in Irving on November 1.

"I started my career doing stand-up in comedy clubs and it's stand-up comedy that prepared me for all of my movie roles," said Tucker in a statement. "I'm looking forward to getting back to my roots. I love performing live, there's nothing like the energy of a live crowd and making people laugh."

Tucker’s career began in the early 1990s when he became a favorite on Russell Simmons’ HBO Def Comedy Jam. He is best known for his role in the Rush Hour action-comedy film franchise, as well as Friday and The Fifth Element.

He's been in only a few films since the Rush Hour series ended, but recently had a prominent role opposite Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Viola Davis in Air.

Tickets will be available on Tuesday, October 3, at 10 am on Ticketmaster.

THE LEGEND TOUR DATES (*new show):

  • Fri Sep 08 – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center
  • Sun Sep 10 – Norfolk, VA – Chrysler Hall
  • Wed Sep 20 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace
  • Fri Sep 22 – Memphis, TN – The Orpheum Theatre Memphis
  • Sun Sep 24 – Durham, NC – DPAC
  • Sat Sep 30 – Oakland, CA – Paramount Theatre-Oakland
  • Tue Oct 03 – Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre
  • Wed Oct 04 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater
  • Thu Oct 05 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
  • Sat Oct 07 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Pantages Theatre
  • Tue Oct 10 – Columbus, OH – Palace Theatre Columbus
  • Wed Oct 11 – Cincinnati, OH – Aronoff Center
  • Thu Oct 12 – Cleveland, OH – State Theatre at Playhouse Square
  • Wed Oct 18 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia
  • Thu Oct 19 – Pittsburgh, PA – Benedum Center
  • Sun Oct 22 – Baltimore, MD – Hippodrome at France-Merrick Performing Arts
  • Thu Oct 26 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
  • Wed Nov 01 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
  • Thur Nov 02 — San Antonio, TX — Majestic Theatre*
  • Sat Nov 04 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
  • Sat Nov 05 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center*
  • Tue Nov 07 – Oklahoma City, OK – Criterion Theater
  • Wed Nov 08 – Kansas City, MO – Music Hall Kansas City
  • Tue Nov 14 – Jacksonville, FL – Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts - Moran Theater
  • Wed Nov 15 – Orlando, FL – Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
  • Fri Nov 17 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
  • Sat Nov 18 — New York, NY — Beacon Theatre*
  • Wed Nov 29 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre
  • Sat Dec 02 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
  • Mon Dec 04 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre
  • Thu Dec 07 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
  • Tue Jan 09 – Toronto, ON – Meridian Hall
  • Fri Jan 12 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre

Hopdoddy mooves toward regenerative meats, nixing plant-based substitutes

86 the Beyond Patties

Hearty Central Texas-based chain Hopdoddy Burger Bar has unveiled a new lineup of regenerative burgers that are supposed to be better for the planet and the consumer.

The term ‘regenerative burger’ could cause a few head-scratches: Some may think of lab-grown or 3D-printed meat, while others think of plant-based alternatives but it’s neither. It is grass-fed meat, sourced a bit differently. "Regenerative farming" is a term used to describe farming and grazing practices that claim to restore and rebuild degraded soil, resulting in better-quality air and water.

Hopdoddy’s vice president of culinary Matt Schweitzer explained that it all began with with a sense of obligation to do better as a brand for the consumers and the ecosystem.

“We felt like we could really take a stand and look to move our entire supply chain in a regenerative fashion, so we could really be proud of the work we’ve done and we could hopefully leave the animals, the farmers, the ranchers, the native grasslands, and our planet a better place than before we started,” says Schweitzer.

The new menu items include the "Roosevelt Burger" with grass-fed regenerative bison; the "Nashville Hot Sandwich" with regenerative raised chicken; the "Regenerative Royale," which is a play on a classic double quarter-pounder with cheese; the "Mother Nature" with grass-fed regenerative beef; and the "Buffalo Bill" also uses regenerative bison, but appears not to be grass-fed.

The five burgers are available at all Hopdoddy locations nationwide. The beef and bison are sourced from Texas-based regenerative company Force of Nature, while the chicken is from Cooks Venture.

With this launch, Hopdoddy removes all plant-based meat substitutes from its menu, significantly reducing the options for vegans and vegetarians. The company felt the ingredients and ethos of the alternative meats — describing some such as Beyond Meats as "falsely advertised" regarding nutrition in a press release — no longer aligned with its values and mission. However, the house-made veggie patty remains on the signature "El Bandito" burger.

Schweitzer says the regenerative burgers have received positive feedback, as people are excited to know where their food comes from, how it gets to their table, and what type of impact it causes. Regarding the future of regenerative meat, he says there is no doubt it could become mainstream soon.

“I think the flavor profile, the eating experience, the story, the mission, the purpose, really speaks for itself," says Schweitzer. "So, I really think it’s a matter of time until 'regenerative' is talked about in the same way that 'organic,' or 'sustainable,' or those type of buzzwords are talked about."

To further show its commitment to regenerative agriculture, Hopdoddy is also one of the sponsors of Common Ground, a documentary about the pioneers of the regenerative movement, premiering October 4 in Austin. The "uplifting" film, according to a release, features well-known actors Laura Dern, Rosario Dawson, Jason Momoa, Woody Harrelson, Ian Somerhalder, and Donald Glover, emphasizing that this motley crew does share one thing in common: a strong belief in regenerative agriculture.

For more information about the new regenerative burgers, visit hopdoddy.com.