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

Weekend Event Guide

Photo by Alexander Devora Photography

Ballet, comedy, and fighting competitions top our list of must-attend happenings in Alamo City. Witness the stories of Swan Lake and Cinderella come to life through dance, or laugh along with comedian Felipe Esparza. Check out the top five things to do in San Antonio this weekend. For a full list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, March 23

World Ballet Series: Cinderella
The beloved fairytale of Cinderella is brought to life on the Majestic Theatre stage for one magical evening. This production includes a cast of 40 ballet dancers, more than 150 hand-sewn costumes, and choreography by Marina Kessler. For tickets, click here. This event is suitable for audiences of all ages.

Friday, March 24

Briscoe Western Art Museum presents Night of Artists
Celebrate the artists that showcase Western art during this special philanthropic evening. This signature event will include the work of artists who helped establish the Briscoe Western Art Museum and serves as an evening to explore the museum and honor the works within. Splurge on your tickets to this fundraising event and get a full program schedule here.

Saturday, March 25

The Ballet Conservatory of South Texas presents Selections from Swan Lake
The classic tale of good versus evil unfolds at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Audiences can enjoy a Swan Lake production performed by the talented members of the Ballet Conservatory of South Texas Company. Tickets for both performances are still available.

UFC Fight Night San Antonio: Marlon Vera vs Cory Sandhagen
After four years, the UFC® is back in San Antonio with two matchups. Fans can experience No. 4-ranked bantamweight contender Marlon Vera against No. 5-ranked Cory Sandhagen and No. 3-ranked Holly Holm against No. 6 Yana Santos in the co-main event. For tickets, visit the event website.

Felipe Esparza: The BigFoo Tour
Comedian and actor Felipe Esparza comes to Majestic Theatre for two back-to-back live shows. He’s best known for his recurring appearances on Superstore and The Eric Andre Show and was the 2010 winner of Last Comic Standing. View seating options on the ticketing website.

Photo by Alexander Devora Photography

The Ballet Conservatory of South Texas presents Selections from Swan Lake.

Photo courtesy of San Antonio Botanical Garden

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

Weekend Event Guide

Experience the sounds of the city with the help of these must-attend musical happenings. See The Zombies live in concert or groove to music under the stars at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Check out the top five things to do in San Antonio this weekend. For a full list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, March 16

The San Antonio Botanical Garden presents "Lush: Twilight in the Garden"
A new after-hours entertainment series is in full bloom at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. This month’s activities are inspired by the theme "Luck in Lush" 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.

Ben Rector in concert
Singer-songwriter Ben Rector performs live at the Majestic Theatre in support of his album, The Joy of Music. Rector has released seven studio albums and has topped the charts with songs like “Brand New” and “Love Like This.” For seating availability, visit Ticketmaster.

Friday, March 17

Druski: Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda Tour
Comedian and Internet personality Druski takes his brand of comedy on the road as part of his first-ever, headlining comedy tour, Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda. Fans can experience his blend of skits, storytelling, and social media-infused content at Majestic Theatre live and in person. Visit the Ticketmaster for more information.

Saturday, March 18

The Zombies in concert
Legendary British psych rock band The Zombies comes to San Antonio for one night only. The group behind hits like “She’s Not There” and “Indication” performs at the Aztec Theatre in support of their new album, Different Game. They will be joined by special guest AJ Smith. Get ticket information via Live Nation.

Sunday, March 19

Photo courtesy of San Antonio Botanical Garden

San Antonio Botanical Garden invites revelers for "Lush: Twilight in the Garden" on March 16.

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts presents "Yamato: The Drummers of Japan"
See the spotlight shine on Japanese Taiko drumming during this special performance by Yamato. This storied drumming group hails from Asuka-mura Nara Prefecture, also known as the “hometown of Japan,” and has traveled to 54 countries in the almost three decades since its formation. A select number of tickets are still available at tobincenter.org.

Photo courtesy of Dino Safari

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

Weekend Event Guide

Immersive and interactive entertainment are making the perfect case to explore all that the city has to offer in the days ahead. Spend a day outdoors with your pups and friends flying kites at McAllister Park, or visit the prehistoric land of the dinosaurs at the now-open "Dino Safari: A Walk Thru Adventure." Check out the top five things to do in San Antonio this weekend. For a full list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, March 9

Broadway in San Antonio: Hairspray
The bold musical about race relations and a girl’s dream of dancing in 1962 Baltimore takes the Majestic Theatre stage this week only. Audiences can expect iconic moments like appearances on the Corny Collins Show and songs like “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” For seating options and ticket information, visit sanantonio.broadway.com.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation presents "Uncork for the Cure"
Sip a sizable selection of fine wines and spirits paired with signature plates at this philanthropic culinary experience. Highlights include live music, silent and live auctions, and appearances by some of the city’s finest chefs at San Antonio Botanical Garden. Splurge on your tickets for this special Cystic Fibrosis Foundation benefit evening at cff.org.

Friday, March 10

Dino Safari: A Walk Thru Adventure
Explore what it would have been like to walk amongst the dinosaurs like the T. Rex of North America and the African Spinosaurus at this prehistoric event. Guests will get the chance to dig up fossils, enjoy a virtual reality experience, and discover at this immersive, walk-through exhibition. For ticket availability, check dinosafari.com. Following opening weekend, Dino Safari is open through September 4.

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts presents"Our Planet Live In Concert"
Experience the Emmy-nominated Netflix documentary series Our Planet like never before at this immersive film event. This in-concert screening will be accompanied by a live orchestra and features the narration of legendary broadcaster David Attenborough. Tickets for both nights of the production are still available at tobincenter.org.

Saturday, March 11

Photo courtesy of Dino Safari

Dino Safari: A Walk Thru Adventure introduces visitors to dinosaurs up close.

San Antonio Parks Foundation presents the 16th Annual Fest of Tails Kite Festival & Dog Fair
Head outside with two- and four-legged friends alike to McAllister Park for a day of kite flying, live entertainment, dog-friendly vendors, and more activities. This kite festival and dog fair will also offer a range of services for interested pet owners and dog enthusiasts from local animal welfare organizations and businesses. Admission is free and open to the public.

Photo courtesy of Ballet San Antonio

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

Weekend Event Guide

Stimulate the senses with the help of these engaging entertainment opportunities in Alamo City. Go inside classic films at the Disney Animation: Immersive Experience or feast on the finest crawfish at Battle of the Boil. Check out the top five things to do in San Antonio this weekend. For a full listing of events, visit our calendar.

Friday, March 3

Disney Animation: Immersive Experience San Antonio
Experience what it’s like to be inside some of the greatest films by Walt Disney Animation Studios at this special Lighthouse Artspace activation. Visitors can literally step into the art of films like Encanto, Zootopia, The Little Mermaid, and more with the help of advanced projection and multimedia effects. View ticketing options here. This experience is open through May 29.

Marisela in concert
Marisela, also known as The Latin Madonna, performs live in concert at the Majestic Theatre. This special evening will feature a variety of selections from her enduring career, made notable by her status as the only Spanish singer to take over the Top 10 of Billboard with songs from the same album. Explore ticketing options here.

Ballet San Antonio presents Alice in Wonderland
Journey with Alice and get lost in the whimsical world of Wonderland during this captivating production. Audiences will experience a fusion of visual artist Luis Grané’s surrealist projection and choreographer Brian Enos’ classical and contemporary movement for a fantastical evening of dizzying proportions. For tickets, go to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts website. Shows are scheduled through March 5.

Saturday, March 4

Saint City Culinary Foundation presents Battle of the Boil
Feast on all the crawfish you can eat at this old-school, boil-inspired block party. Guests can enjoy live music, drinks, and a variety of crawfish boil creations by some of the best culinary talent in San Antonio. Tickets are still available.

McNay Art Museum presents "Womanish: Audacious, Courageous, Willful Art"
Enjoy a curation of artwork by women spanning more than 90 years, acquired by the McNay from 2010 to the present. This exhibition celebrates and redefines the term “womanish” and its oftentimes derogatory connotations through works of portraiture, abstraction, landscapes, and more created by women artists. Get more information here. Following opening weekend, the exhibit will be on display through July 2.

Photo by Marty Sohl

Ballet San Antonio presents Alice in Wonderland this weekend.

Photo courtesy of San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

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

Weekend Event Guide

Rodeo competitions, live dazzling dance routines, and the best brunch of the year make an undeniable case to get out and explore the entertainment our city has to offer. Check out the top five things to do in San Antonio this weekend. For a full listing of events, go to our calendar.

Thursday, February 23

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
The 18-day annual San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo nears its end at the AT&T Center for another year of action-packed excitement, entertainment, and competition. Highlights of the last show and rodeo days of the year include classic rodeo competitions including barrel racing and bull riding, as well as a junior livestock show, live music, fair foods, and more. Check out our previous coverage and for a schedule of events, go to the rodeo website.

Friday, February 24

San Antonio Spring Home & Garden Show
Get home decor and design inspiration, DIY tips, expert advice, and more at the San Antonio Spring Home & Garden Show. Guests to the marketplace can connect with industry experts, shop home-related products and services, engage in an expert gardening activation, and enjoy immersive displays to inspire future home improvement projects. This season’s show will also feature appearances by celebrity guests Ati Williams and ShenShen210. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the event website. The show is open at the Alamodome through February 26.

Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club presents D.L. Hughley
Comedian, radio personality and actor D.L. Hughley brings his humor to the stage at The Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club. Acclaimed as one of the Original Kings of Comedy, his career spans decades and he’s best known for his sitcom, The Hughleys. For tickets, click here. Performances are scheduled through February 26.

Saturday, February 25

San Antonio Current presents United We Brunch
Brunch with the best Alamo City restaurants for a midmorning bite at the return of United We Brunch. This elevated morning of eats takes place at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Highlights include a vast array of brunch samples, breakfast cocktails, live music, DJ sets, and more. Attendees will also get the opportunity to vote on the best brunch cocktail and brunch bite for an added flavor of friendly culinary competition. Buy tickets here.

Photo courtesy of San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is coming to an end.

Dancing with the Stars Live
Witness some of America’s favorite dancers bust a move at the Majestic Theater. This new production will feature routines in every dance style performed by some of the show’s most-loved pros and special guest star appearances. Ticketing information for this evening of energetic entertainment can be found here.

The Expedition School/ Facebook

Kayak and paddle board rentals make a splash at 2 San Antonio lakes

FLOAT YOUR BOAT

This spring, the fun at Elmendorf Lake and Woodlawn Lake parks is set to be a whole lot splashier. The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department has approved a license agreement for non-motorized watercraft rentals with Austin-based The Expedition School, bringing rentable canoes, single and tandem kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards to park visitors.

The newly approved agreement also incorporates programming such as adaptive paddling, health and wellness programs, camps, and professional water safety courses. Visitors can look forward to activities catering to a wide array of abilities.

Founded in Austin in 2006, the outdoor education institution devotes itself to providing its clients the best and safest quality outdoor education experiences. With its expansion to San Antonio, The Expedition School is excited to offer the same to all Alamo City residents.

That includes providing adaptive paddles for intellectually and developmentally disabled, blind and visually impaired, and deaf populations. The specialized gear attaches to watercraft to support the paddle's weight, eliminating stress on the shoulders, back, and joints. The adaptation allows people with limited strength or endurance to enjoy previously inaccessible water sports.

"We are thrilled to see people of all abilities kayaking and enjoying outdoor activities at Woodlawn Lake Park and Elmendorf Lake Park," said Homer Garcia III, Director of San Antonio Parks and Recreation, via a release.

But that's not The Expedition School's only nod to inclusivity. The two locations at Woodlawn Lake Park and Elmendorf Lake Park will also serve as outdoor schools for youth. The school's team-building events will allow groups to build camaraderie, trust, and communication skills while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the parks.

The school is also committed to environmental stewardship. Since its inception, it has picked up over 10 tons of trash and four tons of recycling in and around Austin's Lady Bird Lake. Every program The Expedition School provides is dedicated to leaving the area cleaner than it was found, ensuring that park visitors can enjoy pristine surroundings.

"The Expedition School is more than a kayak rental vendor," says Garcia. "They are community partners and environmental stewards who will provide accessible recreational opportunities and educational programming for our residents."

Though Parks and Recreation did not share a hard launch date for the rentals and programming, the action is expected to kick off this spring. Locals can keep up with developments on the Parks and Recreation website.

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Property Showcase

San Antonio rent prices increased 7 percent from 2022, plus more top stories

Hot Headlines

Editor’s note: It’s that time again — time to check in with our top stories. Here are five articles that captured our collective attention over the past seven days.

1. San Antonio rent prices increased 7 percent from 2022, report finds. Despite rent increases showing small improvements month-over-month, overall prices in the San Antonio area are still on the high side from the previous year.

2. Popular San Antonio doggy daycare opens new location in Alamo Ranch. The award-winning Dogtopia has gained so much love from the local community thanks to its thoughtful design approach and programming.

3. Bask in local artistry with the inaugural San Marcos Studio Tour in April. The inaugural, self-guided San Marcos Studio Tour will feature more than 50 artists all across San Marcos and the surrounding area.

4. Own a piece of Utopia with this Hill Country riverfront retreat listed for $2.5M. This secluded, tree-filled, riverfront estate boasts nine guest cabins and "the Fortress," a historic lodge that can sleep 12 guests.

5. Blockbuster Western art exhibition and sale stampedes into San Antonio. The Briscoe Western Art Museum's annual Night of Artists Exhibition and Sale returns to San Antonio March 24 through 25.

These 6 San Antonio brunch spots are worth a return visit (or two)

brunch hunches

Anyone who says magic doesn't exist clearly hasn't snagged a coveted reservation at the Box Street Social for brunch. It's one of the local spots that nails that sacred ritual, brunch with the besties: a magical experience where Monday doesn't exist and stress is forbidden.

Here are some of our top local brunch spots that'll leave both your appetite and your soul satiated (even when Monday actually hits.)

Box St. All Day
Not only does Box St. All Day look like the dreams that Instagram reels are made of, it's got a high quality menu to match, courtesy of chef and co-owner Edward Garcia III. The all-day brunch restaurant (at 623 Hemisfair Blvd, Ste 108) offers hearty options like strawberry cheesecake French toast, steak-eggs and frites (the fries alone are dangerously delicious), the Box St. Brekky sandwich made with house-made bread, and more. Pair your meal with one of its cute coffees, cocktails, or zero-proof cocktails, and save room for plenty of pictures with your brunch buddies before you leave — the details in the decor have a sophisticated feminine flair, thanks to Box Street's innovative creative director Caroline Garcia-Bowman. Reserve on Toast.

Full Belly
Tucked away in its own cozy corner of the world in the Stone Oak/1604 area is Full Belly Cafe + Bar. Where else can you order a plate of pecan pie French toast while gazing at an incredible hand-painted mural of classic animated characters like Jessica Rabbit, Marvin Martian, Stewie Griffin and more brunching together? Executive chef James Moore also serves up plenty of savory brunch options if you don't have a sweet tooth, like the pork belly benny or a baked eggs and toast plate with roasted garlic and thyme cream. Reserve at fullbellysa.com.

Ocho
Did you know that Chef Kirk of Ocho, Hotel Havana's in-house restaurant, is the only local chef to win an episode of Food Network's Chopped? Brunch at Ocho is also a photo-worthy experience, where brunch items like pan de platano (banana bread), plantain cakes con carnitas (plantain pancakes), and more are served up to guests with a side of San Antonio sunlight, given that Ocho is located in a beautiful (and air-conditioned!) glass conservatory. Reserve on Resy.

The Hayden
The Smoke Shack might be the best spot to get your brisket fix on Broadway, but The Hayden is the spot to be for brunch. You can't miss The Hayden's classic retro sign right in the center of The Boardwalk on Broadway. The interior lives up to the welcoming feel of a Jewish deli, complete with menu options from executive chef Bill Corbett like fried chicken and latke waffles, or a bagel and lox. And don't worry — if you're craving the comfort of pancakes, The Hayden's got you covered with The Hayden pancake stack, among other options. Reserve at buzztable.com.

Vegan Avenue on Main
Chef Griselda Muñoz's entirely vegan menu will make believers even out of the most dedicated meat eaters. The cinnamon roll "bettermilk" pancakes have to be tasted to be believed. (Yes, even the sweet cream in the pancake is dairy free!) If you're missing a classic breakfast sandwich but trying to stay meat-free, try Vegan Avenue's "Honee-Butter Chick'n sandwich" with vegan eggs and crispy, fried plant-based chicken. If you're not near Vegan Avenue but craving its vegan breakfast tacos, you can also get your fix at Vegan Avenue's sister restaurant on TPC Parkway, Plantology. Reserve at squareup.com.

Barbaro
One of the best hair-of-the-dog cocktails in town is Barbaro's delicious Garibaldi, a simple concoction of Campari and orange juice, but you can't go wrong with the "Keep It Coming" Bloody Mary bar and Mimosas: For $15, you can alternate between the two until you've had your fill. Soak up Saturday night with eggs Barbaro (two poached eggs on homemade focaccia, Benton's country ham, hollandaise, and spinach) or dive into a skillet pancake (whipped lemon ricotta and seasonal berries, plus extra fine bacon, ricotta salata, and maple syrup).

The 8 best bars in San Antonio have the right mix

MEET THE TASTEMAKERS

Though it's easy to quaff a decent cocktail almost anywhere in Texas, San Antonio's watering holes offer a little something special. Maybe it's the friendliness of the patrons trading rounds with complete strangers. Maybe it's the prescience of the bartenders who know hundreds of regulars' orders. That generosity of spirit is found at almost every spot in town.

But the best of the best mix in something extra — inventive flavor profiles, enveloping atmosphere, and an "it" factor that is hard to define. But we know it when we drink it — we've seen it in all the nominees CultureMap Tastemaker Award for Bar of the Year perhaps too many times.

So, we salute the unassuming dive bars, the swanky lounges, and happy hour haunts. Alamo City wouldn't be half as fun without them. Join us in raising a glass to our finalists below, then pop a cork as we name the winner at the Jack Guenther Pavilion at the Briscoe Museum on May 18. Buy tickets now before they sell out.

Amor Eterno
It's there in the name. This Southtown lounge delivers everlasting romance courtesy of velvet curtains, fuchsia lighting, and orchids languishing on the edge of coupes. The atmosphere gets a little steamier after a couple Bella Noche shots. Suddenly, disco thumps through the speakers, inamoratos file in, and the back booth becomes the most inviting spot in Alamo City.

Bar Loretta
At many upscale restaurants, the cocktail menu is an afterthought. List a serviceable Old Fashioned, add a martini, and call it a day. Not so at this endearing Southtown spot. Though guests can certainly swan with a Gatsby-era Mint Julep, the originals really bring the fireworks. A Lucinda Williams homage, Junebug vs. Hurricane, balances strawberries with Peychaud's bitters. Mariachi Static burns the house down with a dash (or three) of hot sauce.

George's Keep
The three-martini lunch may be a thing of the past, but still, the Éilan Hotel's resident bar knows how to get down to business. Leather banquettes and hunter-green wainscoting set the scene for some hard bargaining of what patrons will order next. Heady tipples like George's signature mix of VSOP Cognac, Cointreau, and lemon keep the deals flowing, even if they are just on Ameritrade.

Hotel Havana - Havana Bar and Ocho
This artfully designed downtown property knows a thing or two about chiaroscuro. The darkness comes from the dimly lit basement at Havana Bar, where peccadillos slink into the shadows. Blazing light illuminates Ocho upstairs, refracted through the turquoise accented panes of a glass conservatory. All revelers have to do is follow their mood.

La Ruina
In a tequila-obsessed town, this East Side hideaway has made a name by focusing on rum. Former Modernist owners Gerry Shirley and Olaf Harmel stir up a vacation's worth of concoctions, from tiki classics like Mai Tais to Brazilian bombshells like Caipirinhas. Steal the tropically wallpapered booth if you can get it. Rum was meant for languor.

Pastiche
Don't be surprised if you see the occasional cat slumbering at this louche East Side bar. Felines know a thing or two about posh surrounds. Guests will purr just as loudly over co-owner Benjamin Krick's sly barcraft. The back bar is an apothecary stocked with hard-to-find European spirits, cordials, and fortified wines — all used in some of the most unexpected cocktails in the city.

The Moon's Daughters
Perched atop the glittering Thompson Hotel, this rooftop lounge is usually recommended for the breathtaking downtown view. The interior offers just as much scenery. San Antonio's see-and-be-seen set sprawl on the luxe furniture, sipping CBD-infused cocktails and nibbling Mediterranean bites. The hospitality program isn't all just for show, of course, but it never hurts to gild the lily.

Three Star Bar
As much fun as it is to clink Baccarat, most days, we'd rather crush cans. For a weekday drink, it's hard to beat the wood-paneled slump of a neighborhood bar. This Grayson Street dive lets guests loosen their belts over craft beers and shots. The new ownership — Los Angeles-based Pouring With Heart — tinkered a bit with the drink menu but kept the meat and potatoes.

Photo by TX Troublemaker

It's all about love at Amor Eterno

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