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San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo/ Facebook

And we’re off. San Antonians have barely had the chance to catch up on post-holiday emails before filling up the calendar again with annual traditions. The first, of course, is the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, the nearly month-long celebration of mutton bustin’, live music, and fried food.

The latter holds a particular fascination — and it’s sacrilege to suggest that rodeo revelers shouldn’t sample a rattlesnake corndog, bacon bomber, or a deep-fried Snickers. But let’s face it, giving a little bit of uh uh during the Nelly set takes more than empty carbs.

What to do? Build a foundation by eating a proper meal at a nearby or on-premise restaurant. Consider this a pregame plan for putting more yeehaw into your visit. Fuel up for a long day of fun, then let’r buck.

Cherrity Bar
Take advantage of this eatery’s rambling patio on sunny days to share Japanese street food like gyoza, yakitori, and crunchy karaage. Snuggle up inside during a cold snap with a bountiful bowl of ramen. The tonkotsu always hits with a generous slice of pork belly. Then there’s the umami slap of the tantanmen. Whichever way you go, start with an Old Fashioned for that preshow oomph.

Con Huevos
It’s almost impossible for newcomers to break into the local taco pantheon. However, owner Hugo Garcia was more than fit for the task (yes, 2019 still counts as "new" in the city’s taco game). Traditional fillings like picadillo and carne guisada have uncommon zip, and the flour tortillas perfectly seesaw between the fluff and chef. And should one down too many Bud Lights during a rodeo jaunt, there’s no better restorative than fideo loco.

The Dakota
Food aside, this East Side icehouse is as snug as an old sweatshirt. That alone makes it a welcome respite before being dazzled by carnival lights. But it also dishes out solid comfort food like pizza, tacos, and loaded fries. Yes, that’s the type of bar food one craves with a pint. The Dakota does it one better, mixing shishito peppers with kielbasa and spooning Wagyu chili on a Frito pie.

Dignowity Meats
This is Texas, dagnabbit, and we like our burnt ends. Perhaps that’s why this East Side shack throws them in any dish imaginable. The beefy bits crown a baked potato loaded with sharp mac ‘n’ cheese and anchor a melt with the unexpected crunch of sliced pear. They festoon corn chips and potato rolls and can be munched alone by purists. That’s probably enough, but we haven’t gotten to the must-try hot chicken.

The Frontier Club
Don’t miss a minute of the action by grabbing a bite at this on-site restaurant, conveniently located in the Hall of Fame breezeway. Though it is open to the public for weekday lunch, spring for a membership to enjoy the raucous honky-tonk nights. It’s $100 and benefits the Junior Livestock Auction and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Scholarship Fund. Three real ones can be invited as guests.

The Magpie
The little bistro that could paused in January for a refresh, so there’s no word yet on what menu chef Jŭngsūk “Sue” Kim has dreamed up for its return. Past hits have included luscious lamb ragu, chili-flecked pork belly, and airy milk bread. Expect the same mix of European and Asian flavors served during the February bookings — paired with one of the city’s most captivating wine lists.

Surtierra Cantina
There’s not much information available about this new food court attraction. But it will serve Surtierra Tequila, the San Antonio Rodeo’s official libation. That’s good enough.

Sweet Yams
Bring a little balance to your rodeo diet by lunching at this health-minded spot. From veggie po’boys to blackened salmon, the menu has plenty of giddy up — though it is hard to resist the gooey three-cheese mac. Even that is gluten-free, and the sides are both decadent and vegan. A little lightness is a blessing before a spin on the Zipper.

Tucker’s Kozy Korner
Nudie suits, patchwork poly shirts, and fuchsia Rocky Mountain jeans. This East Side staple has probably seen it all. Trapped in midcentury amber and with an impeccably curated jukebox, it’s the perfect time warp hangout before seeing a nostalgia act like Bret Michaels or Ronnie Milsap. Pan-Asian treats like brisket eggrolls, pork dumplings, and bún bowls are relatively new but take nothing away from the retro glamor.

Van de Wall Fajita Corral
Hundreds of volunteers dish out tons of steak, chicken, and brisket tacos at this long-running attraction adjacent to the food court, all in service of the San Antonio Livestock Exposition Inc. Scholarship Fund. Plus, there's ribs! Yes, Belinda Carlisle, heaven is a place on earth.

Courtesy of Project Pollo

San Antonio's popular vegan fast-food chain announces 15th location

Tastes like Pollo

Project Pollo is really spreading its wings: The popular plant-based chicken chain announced its 15th location in Texas, coming soon to 9390 Huebner St. in San Antonio.

Opening in August, the medical district spot will be the sixth San Antonio location for the growing chain, which celebrates its two-year anniversary this fall.

A ribbon cutting on August 18 will commemorate the official opening with the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, while a grand opening will take place on August 20. The lucky first 50 guests will win gift cards granting free Project Pollo for a whole year.

Can't wait that long? A soft opening will commence at the new location on August 9, showcasing the new full menu, including the famous crispy, plant-based "chickn" sandwiches, popcorn chikn, loaded fries, oat-based macaroni and cheese, creamy milkshakes, and much more.

Named one of the top 15 vegan fast-food chains in the U.S. by VegNews, Project Pollo is the brainchild of Lucas Bradbury, who appeared on Shark Tank earlier this year.

The company has been ruffling industry feathers with its unprecedented growth since it first launched, and is no doubt part of the reason San Antonio made a recent list of the top 20 vegan cities in the U.S.

With a combination of plant-based affordability, convenience, and sustainability, the company markets itself as one that "gives a cluck," with a motto of people over profits (though with 12 locations already, they seem to be doing just fine on the latter, too).

Photo by Paul Bardagy

Iconic Texas restaurant Fonda San Miguel unveils innovative chef duo

Fonda News

Last week may have marked the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, but Texas' iconic interior Mexican restaurant Fonda San Miguel celebrated more than Cinco de Mayo. Ahead of its 47th anniversary, the legendary Austin staple of authentic Mexican cuisine announced two co-chefs now at the helm of the historic restaurant.

Co-founded in 1975 by Tom Gilliland and late chef Miguel Ravago, Fonda San Miguel was the first Austin restaurant to focus on authentic cuisine from interior Mexico. Ravago’s recipes were inspired by his grandmother’s kitchen, and he was known as a master of authentic Mexican food and a giant in the Texas culinary industry. He passed away in June 2017 following a battle with lung cancer, and the two new co-chefs will be the first to fill his post at Fonda San Miguel.

“No one could ever replace Miguel,” says Gilliland in a release. “He wore many hats and filled multiple kitchen roles in a way only he was capable of. It felt right to hire not one, but two skilled chefs to carry on his legacy.”

The two new chefs are Mexico City native Carlos Monroy and sourcing expert Blanca Zesati. Formally trained at the Colegio Superior de Gastronomia, Monroy boasts a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts with a specialization in regional Mexican cuisine. He most recently served as executive chef of Servido, a Mexico City catering company known for servicing celebrity clients such as Shakira, Dua Lipa, and Paul McCartney.

“I want to continue showing the world that Mexican food is more than tacos, burritos, and quesadillas,” Monroy says. “Fonda San Miguel is the perfect place to do that. What Tom and Miguel built almost 50 years ago has stood the test of time and will continue to live on. Our customers are already familiar with the beauty of Mexican cooking, and I am humbled to carry on the tradition.”

Although born and raised in Chicago, Zesati likewise boasts Mexican roots. Her most recent post was as executive sous chef at Austin’s renowned Miraval Resort & Spa, where she spent eight years creating inventive menus for guests with dietary restrictions. Zesati spearheaded a fully organic menu program that changed nightly and provided complete nutritional information to guests. Her extensive experience with procuring unique ingredients has made her an expert ingredient curator and a frequent partner of niche producers throughout the city.

“I’m excited to learn more about my own culture through food,” Zesati says. “My dad is from Mexico, so we visited often growing up. I want to see how I can incorporate what I’ve learned over the course of my career with what I know about my family’s heritage, and hopefully bring Austin some healthier, plant-based Mexican food along the way.”

Gilliland attributes Fonda San Miguel’s longevity to its ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to its core identity, which is part of the motivation behind hiring these two innovative new chefs. He is equally excited about Monroy’s mastery of Mexican breads such as pan dulce as he is about Zesati’s experience crafting creative, organic menus.

“Over the last decade, I’ve noticed a marked increase in guests with dietary restrictions,” says Gilliland, “Vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free — and what those people might not know is that those options already exist. Authentic Mexican cooking is largely plant-based, so that’s what Blanca’s focus will be; researching, sourcing, and incorporating those dishes into Fonda San Miguel’s menu.”

Ultimately, Gilliland tasked both Zesati and Monroy with expanding the existing Fonda San Miguel menu while retaining the restaurant’s core offerings.

“The new items aren’t replacing anything,” he says. “But I’m confident adding them will help us be more approachable to more people. I’ve been around long enough to know that the best way to create an enduring legacy is to continue evolving, continue pushing the envelope and consistently make everyone feel welcome, seen and loved.”

Fonda San Miguel is located in Austin at 2330 W. North Loop Blvd. Guests can visit fondasanmiguel.com to make reservations.

The legendary Mexican restaurant announced new co-chefs and an expanded menu.

Fonda San Miguel
Photo by Paul Bardagy
The legendary Mexican restaurant announced new co-chefs and an expanded menu.
Photo courtesy of SweetFire Kitchen

10 festive San Antonio restaurants making Christmas dinner merry and bright

Season's Eatings

With the flurry of gift buying, decking the halls, and baking cookies for the annual exchange, Christmas dinner can add unnecessary stress. It’s enough to make anyone say, “bah humbug!” Luckily, these 10 San Antonio restaurants still have slots open for the big day. Skip the cleanup and the prep work and put the wonder back into the most wonderful time of the year.

Boudro’s Texas Bistro
This longtime bulwark against the touristy River Walk puts a Hill Country spin on the Dickensian holiday feast with its prix fixe offering, featuring herb-crusted prime rib and sticky toffee pudding. Those wanting something a little less Victorian can order from the regular menu — a treasury of Southwestern hits like pollo asado, blue crab tostadas, and tableside guacamole. $45. 11 am-10:30 pm.

Frederick’s Bistro
This Alamo City staple spreads holiday cheer with a festive menu available both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Go classic with a walnut Roquefort salad, glazed ham, and a mango creme brulee or break the Yuletide rules with Vietnamese dumplings and Norwegian salmon with a Champagne artichoke velouté. Either way, don’t forget to sample the impressive wine menu for some extra cheer. A la carte. 4-9 pm.

Kona Grill
Roll into Christmas Day with this upscale chain’s sushi selection, ranging from crowd-pleasers like the spider to originals like the artsy Picasso. Featured dishes — available for eat-in or take-out service — include a filet with lobster cream and miso asparagus, honey-glazed ham, and macadamia-nut-crusted turkey breast. Kids’ meals are also available for the tikes. A la carte. 10 am-midnight.

OstraMokara Hotel & Spa
The Italian-American Feast of the Seven Fishes traditionally occurs on Christmas Eve, but who’s to say it can’t be celebrated on the big day? This elegant eatery at the Mokara Hotel & Spa reels in holiday revelers with catches like ahi tuna carpaccio, fruits de mer pasta, and applewood-roasted salmon with smoked duck succotash. The eggnog cheesecake will have the sugar plum fairies doing the Woah. A la carte. 5-10 pm.

The Palm Restaurant
Those who appreciate a good holiday pun will no doubt want to flock to the Mrs. Clausmopolitan, this downtown steakhouse’s holiday take on the 1990s’ most iconic drink. Follow that with a hearty prix fixe featuring a 26-ounce prime rib and choice of salad or soup, or opt for a take-home dinner for two with lobster and chateaubriand. What’s better than feasting in jammies? $99-$175. 11:30 am-11 pm.

Supper American Eatery
This contemporary American eatery in the stunning Hotel Emma has decked the halls for a memorable Christmas feast. Indulge in seasonal treats like salt-and-vinegar Brussels sprouts, roasted chicken breast with a spinach crepe, and wood-grilled sirloin sauced with tomato chimichurri. For drinks, one can’t go wrong with the Creation menu, a selection of original cocktails pleasurable to any palate. A la carte. 5-11 pm.

SweetFire Kitchen — La Cantera Resort & Spa
Instead of suffering on the in-laws’ air mattress, book a luxe retreat at the La Cantera Resort & Spa. After opening gifts and taking the requisite wintertime selfies, head over to the in-house restaurant. The prix fixe meal includes choices like rosemary and citrus turkey, rosemary and garlic roasted prime rib, and porchetta with fig and walnut chutney. $70 for adults and $32 for children. 10 am-10 pm.

Texas de Brazil
Have yourself a meaty little Christmas at this downtown churrascaria, which offers all the bread, salads, sides, and desserts one can handle. Of course, the slow-roasted cuts are the main attraction. Devour filet mignon, lamb chops, pork ribs, chicken breast, or Brazilian sausage, then waddle over to nearby Travis Park to take in the light display, glide on the ice rink, or take part in the holiday lotería hunt. A la carte. 4-9:30 pm.

Tributary — Marriott Rivercenter
Christmas dining often comes at a premium, so it’s refreshing to see this Marriott Rivercenter restaurant’s nod to taxed holiday budgets. Save some cash for New Year’s Eve by enjoying a festive trio of Christmas favorites, including a shaved root vegetable salad, sorghum glazed ham, and Texas pecan pie served a la mode. $35. Noon-10 pm.

Zocca Cuisine d’Italia — Westin Riverwalk
Say “Buon Natale” at this River Walk favorite, known for its modern takes on Italian cuisine. Pasta is, of course, a mainstay here, whether it’s a luscious tagliatelle in Bolognese or more kid-friendly spaghetti with meatballs. For a more casual dinner, opt for a pizza or panini or create an appetizer spread. Mozzarella sticks bring joy to the world any time of year. A la carte. 7 am-11 pm.

Gigi's Deli/ Facebook

Where to eat in San Antonio right now: 9 hottest pop-ups for foodies to feast on

Meals on wheels

Pop-ups have always been a thing in Alamo City. After all, the city birthed the Chili Queens, who would set up camp in plazas to sell enchiladas, chili con carne, and tamales to locals and tourists alike. The challenges of the pandemic, however, have ensured what’s old is new again. Faced with staff challenges and the need to serve outdoors, crafty chefs have revived the tradition of restaurants without walls. The menu is now more international, and the public square has shifted from parks to bars, but open-air food stands are still just as San Antonio as ever.

Dang!wich
Maray McChesney and Matt McLaughlin have already made a mark on the city’s food scene with their South Texas-inspired mixer line Bexar Tonics. Now they are shaking up the pop-up world with their Philadelphia-style sandwiches. Instead of the requisite cheesesteaks, think hoagie rolls piled high with Italian roast pork and garlicky greens or cold cuts and all the fixings — and more to come. As with their first brand, the couple has a knack for the unexpected. Even though this concept only debuted on October 9, it has already left its mark.

Gigi’s Deli
Sure, Subway has salami, but the art of the Italian sandwich in San Antonio has been neglected for far too long. Chef Matthew Garcia is doing his part to correct that with his series of pop-ups at St. Mary’s Strip wine haven Little Death. The menus change with the theme (previous pop-ups have paid homage to The Sopranos and Mean Girls), but guests can expect artisan bread stuffed with creative ingredients like roasted pork, provolone, broccoli rabe, and pickled peppers or fried zucchini, roasted garlic ricotta, and gremolata — along with a specially paired dessert. Mamma mia!

Last Place Burgers
Smash burgers are, as they say in the fashion world, having a moment in San Antonio. Few eateries take them as seriously as this roving concept — frequently found at local hot spots like Tony’s Siesta, TBA, and Jefferson Bodega. Take its latest creation, a still-unnamed burger featuring a wagyu patty loaded with chili crisp mayo, house-made pickles, butter lettuce, and a positively scandalous drape of American cheese. Owner Mark Villareal doesn’t have to take such care with his burgers, as bar patrons aren’t always known to have the most discriminating tastes. But one bite with a Lone Star tallboy easily explains why he does.

Masshole Food Truck
OK, this one may be a bit of a cheat. After all, chef Adam Bylicki’s lobster rolls can be found around town every weekend and he does park an actual truck. Still, you must follow the concept on Instagram to know where it will park next. When guests track it down, they would be wise to order St. Anthony, a Texas twist on the New England staple with sweet onion, jalapeños, and lime. Traditionalists shouldn’t balk, however. There are still pitch-perfect representations of both the Maine and Connecticut styles.

Ooyoo Pan
Owners Aldo Cortes and Nari Hodges fuse their respective Mexican and Korean heritages in this innovative pop-up concept specializing in hand-piped macarons. The adorable character cookies look great in pictures, of course, but it’s the flavors that really stand out. The couple has a knack for creative fillings like lavender Earl Grey, matcha guava, and soybean injeolmi (a variety of traditional Korean rice cake). Perhaps the cleverest of all their treats is the red bean macaron, molded in a fish shape like their waffle-like cousin bungeo-ppang.

Pumpers
Chef-driven food sometimes takes itself way too seriously. That’s why it was so refreshing when Stefan Bowers — one of Alamo City’s culinary powerhouses — debuted this smash-burger concept at the height of the pandemic. Delightfully profane, Pumpers doesn’t try to impress guests with its lexicon of global ingredients and adherence to classic techniques. Instead, guests get a damn fine burger and a jolt of R-rated humor. Though the food truck was recently sold, Bowers promises that the joint is still kicking. It’s hard to tell if the mischievous chef is really rebranding as Humperz, Shrumperz, of Frumperz. A burger by any other name would taste as sweet.

Pure Heart Foods
Proprietors Priscilla Gomez and Jessica Gaertner started this Alamo City-based company partly out of necessity. On restricted diets, the pair struggled to find commercial grain-free baking mixes that met their family’s standards. Though their products are typically reserved for lazy Sundays at home, the team frequently takes their waffle iron on the road to spots like Southwest Elixirs and Vista Brewing. There, they adorn treats with crowd-pleasing toppings like fresh berries and whipped cream or Wildflower Caramels and nuts. What better way to show that gluten-free eating can also be decadent?

Sijang Korean Corn Dogs
The State Fair of Texas as nothing on this brand-new collaboration between The Hayden sous chef Brian Reese and Extra Fine cook Eddie Barrera. Golden battered, with a hint of sugar, their takes on the popular Korean street food are slathered with Kewpie mayo, encased in ramen noodle crusts, or sprinkled with something called chicken sugar. Though the concept would be right at home in a Seoul night market, it does allow room for some puro San Anto flavor. The SA is a mad mix of XO Kewpie, pork sung (fluffy cotton-candy-like dried pork), and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.

Vegan and Sara
Vegans often get a bad rap as humorless scolds, but this recent CultureMap Tastemaker Awards nominee is pure joy. Owner Stephanie Lopez specializes in nostalgic “plant-based junk food” that brings up memories of summer afternoons spent at North Star Mall. Chicken-fried steak is transformed with cauliflower, fries are loaded with pickled onions and soyrizo, and pan-fried noodles are lightened up with plenty of broccoli and carrots. These are the universal foods of youth, made better by winking at teenaged angst. Asymmetrical haircuts are strictly optional.

Gigi's Deli brings the art of the Italian sandwich to San Antonio.

Gigi's Deli San Antonio
Gigi's Deli/ Facebook
Gigi's Deli brings the art of the Italian sandwich to San Antonio.
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What's brewing in San Antonio: 2 breweries expand while one makes a welcome return

San Antonio Brewing News

Editor's Note: With a new craft beer spot popping up in San Antonio seemingly every month, we've started a new column to track all things beer in Alamo City. Here's our roundup of everything that's brewing in San Antonio.

Openings

Based in Chula Vista, California,Novo Brazil Brewing Co. said it plans to open four new locations in 2023: three in California, and one in north central San Antonio. According to San Diego Beer News, Novo Brazil looks to occupy 10,000 square feet of space at North Star Mall. An artist’s rendering has been provided, but no opening date or other details are available. Founder Tiago Carneiro told San Diego Beer News that San Antonio offers a prime opportunity at expansion outside of Southern California: “San Antonio is a city with a lot of potential for a brand like Novo to provide great food and high-quality beers."

The Growler Exchange, a popular Alamo Heights craft beer bar which celebrated its seventh anniversary on March 25, plans to open a second location at 914 E. Elmira St. According to a recent filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the Growler Exchange will begin a four-month renovation project in early April at a small commercial building that contains a Black Swan Yoga, among other small businesses and vacant spaces. The building is located off North St. Mary’s Street, near downtown San Antonio and Man Overboard Brewing Co.

Novo Brazil Brewing Co North Star Mall

Courtesy Novo Brazil Brewing Co

An artist's rendering of Novo Brazil Brewing Co.'s planned San Antonio location at North Star Mall.

New Braunfels’ Faust Brewing Co. is making a triumphant return after closing its brewery, biergarten, and tasting room to the public in spring 2020 during the pandemic. Three years later, Faust is revealing a renovated brewery, biergarten, and tasting room at an April 1 event. Faust Brewing has undergone some major changes since spring 2020, including ending its longtime partnership with New Braunfels’ Faust Hotel, the result of new hotel ownership taking over. Former hotel owner Vance Hinton has since consolidated beer production at the brewing site at 499 S. Castell Ave., which opened in 2016. The expanded and enhanced Faust Brewing location now includes a large live music stage, a renovated tasting room, a food trailer, and the ability to book private events. But that's not all: Faust Brewing also plans to build out the rest of its property with a coffee shop and a restaurant.

Other beer news and notes

Free Roam Brewing Co. in Boerne introduced a new motivational series in February. Held every third Thursday from 6-8 pm, Men’s Night at Free Roam features an inspirational presentation from a guest speaker. Brewery representatives say Men’s Night is open to males ages 13 and up, and provides “a sense of community and camaraderie in a safe space where guys can just be guys. The February edition of Men’s Night featured motivational speaker and author John Lynch; the March edition included former Spurs star Bruce Bowen, who is now a motivational speaker and a community basketball coach.

Local actor Jensen Ackles of Supernatural and The Boys fame — and co-owner of Dripping Springs’ Family Business Beer Co. — is using his social media platform to rally beer fans in favor of some recently filed state legislation. He shared a video on Instagram about Senate Bill 752, which if passed would let Texas breweries and brewpubs deliver beer directly or indirectly to the homes of consumers in Texas or nationwide. Ackles promoted a petition being offered by the Texas Craft Brewers Guild’s Craft Political Action Committee, which says current state laws that permit wineries, retailers, and third-party apps to deliver their beverage products should also cover Texas beer producers.

Crane flies have landed ever so lightly in San Antonio, which means one thing

Insect News

The crane flies have arrived in San Antonio, and this year, they're here in droves.

Fragile, leggy, and whisper-light, crane flies are most often found around streams and lakes. But at certain times of year, they show up in urban areas, hovering and bobbing around houses and doorways.

If you live in certain areas — green, suburban areas — you've surely encountered them or seen complaints on your cranky Facebook neighborhood page. This, even though they don't bite or want to bother you in any way.

To bug experts like Janet Hurley, an Extension Program Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, their arrival means one thing: Spring is officially here.

If they seem to be in larger numbers, it's, as usual, related to weather.

"The weather has been warmer, and we've had a number of damp days," Hurley says. "We've also had an unusual 2023, with spring bouncing in and out for a couple months. They usually show up during or right before spring break. But we all joke that if you see the crane fly, you won’t be seeing freezing temperatures again."

Of all the pests Texas must endure, crane flies have to be the most innocuous. Now-retired Texas A&M entomologist Mike Merchant called them "among the gentlest of insects."

It's a myth that they prey on or are related to mosquitoes. Crane flies are larger, and unlike mosquitos, their wings do not have scales. They also don't want your blood. They live on fat reserves built up during their larval stage.

They live short but amorous lives. Their sole purpose is to mate and make more crane flies for next spring.

Hurley says that they might be a nuisance but to consider the alternatives.

"Once they're gone, the mosquitoes come in," she says.

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

Weekend Event Guide

Live entertainment is aplenty in virtually every corner of the city over the next few days. Enjoy world-class golf at TPC San Antonio or groove to the sounds of jazz at the Japanese Tea 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 30

Valero Texas Open
Some of the world’s best professional golfers will make their stand at the Valero Texas Open, ahead of the Masters, this weekend only. Fans and spectators can expect to see top players including defending champion J.J. Spaun, Jason Dufner, Francesco Molinari, and more. For a full schedule of events and to purchase tickets, visit valerotexasopen.com. Playtime is scheduled through April 2.

Opera San Antonio presents Romeo & Juliet
The timeless and tragic story of two star-crossed lovers appears before audiences at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. This Shakespearean piece receives a melodic treatment courtesy of the talented performers of Opera San Antonio. The opera is dual-language and is performed in French with an English translation. For ticketing information, visit operasa.org.

Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto
Disney favorites Frozen and Encanto are brought to life on the ice at the Alamodome. The family-friendly production will feature a sing-along of a variety of top songs from the two films, world-class ice skating, and appearances by beloved characters like Mickey Mouse and Elsa. Shows are scheduled through April 2. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.

Friday, March 31

San Antonio Parks Foundation presents "Jazz In The Garden"
Venture out into the lushness of the Japanese Tea Garden for the return of its live jazz music series. Audiences can enjoy intimate performances from local and regional artists while taking in the scenery adorned with a waterfall, koi point, and botanics. Guests are invited to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets for an optimum entertainment experience. Leashed dogs are welcome. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, visit saparks.org.

Sunday, April 2

San Antonio Parks Foundation presents Jazz In The Garden
Photo by Francisco Cortes

San Antonio Parks Foundation presents "Jazz In The Garden" on March 31.

Depeche Mode in concert
Electronic band Depeche Mode performs live at AT&T Center for one night only. The English-based group is best known for songs like “Enjoy the Silence” and “Personal Jesus” and has amassed a global audience over the span of decades. They come to San Antonio in support of their new album, Memento Mori. Select tickets are still available via Ticketmaster.