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March All Month:
Contemporary Art Month The month-long celebration of contemporary arts features more than 400 exhibitions and involves more than 50 venues. Events take place in galleries, museums, neighborhoods and studios. Some events have an admission charge. (210) 223-5310 Learn more
6: SeaWorld San Antonio Opens for 2010 Season SeaWorld San Antonio’s combination of unique animal attractions, entertaining shows that combine artistry, emotion and marine animals into amazing performances, the thrill of our state-of-the-art coasters and educational experiences for all ages make this park an exciting place to be! Admission. (800) 700-7786 www.seaworld.com
6: Six Flags Fiesta Texas Opens for 2010 Season Let the fun begin. Check out themed rides, thrilling roller coasters, attractions and shows for every age, including opportunities to meet the Looney Tunes characters throughout the visually stunning 200-acre park. Admission. (210) 697-5050 www.sixflags.com
6: Dawn at the Alamo A pre-dawn commemorative ceremony kicks off an annual weekend to honor the fallen on both sides from the Battle of the Alamo. Alamo Plaza. Free. (210) 273-1730 www.sanantoniolivinghistory.org
6-7: Remember the Alamo Weekend This event is a dramatization of the events in the final two days (March 5 and 6, 1836) of the 13 day Alamo siege by General Santa Anna's Army of Operations, played out in Alamo Plaza. Free. (210) 273-1730 www.sanantoniolivinghistory.org
13: Luminaria—Arts Night in San Antonio All manner of creative endeavors -- art, music, poetry, performance, light shows -- explode across San Antonio. The vortex is in the city center, where all the streets are closed to vehicles. Patterned after similar Paris and Madrid arts festivals, Luminaria features hundreds of local, national and international talent.
5 – 17: St. Patrick's Day Celebrations Make sure to get a good spot on the River Walk for the St. Patrick's Day River Parade and then head over to the Alamo for solemn ceremonies to honor the fallen heroes. Free. (210) 227-4262 www.harpandshamrock.org & www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
April
9-11: Poteet Strawberry Festival More than just a celebration of the strawberry, this festival is one of the oldest, most popular events in the state and is recognized as the largest agricultural festival in Texas. Located just south of San Antonio, the Poteet Strawberry festival includes concerts, dancing, rides, gunslingers, rodeo performances and of course lots of strawberries. www.strawberryfestival.com
April 15-25: Fiesta San Antonio! More than 100 unique events satisfy every taste and interest and draw spectators from around the city, nation and world. Since 1891 when the first Fiesta event, the Battle of Flowers, honored the memory of our Texas heroes, Fiesta has expanded the initial commemoration to include the recognition and celebration of San Antonio's rich and diverse cultures. Come celebrate Fiesta San Antonio! More than half of the events are FREE. (210) 227-5191 www.fiesta-sa.org
17: Splashtown San Antonio Opens for 2010 Season Splashtown San Antonio is 20 landscaped acres of cool, clean water excitement just three minutes North of downtown on IH-35 at the Splashtown exit. www.splashtownsa.com
24: Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort Opens for 2010 Season The original Schlitterbahn, in New Braunfels, just 20 minutes north of San Antonio, wins recognition, year after year, as the world's top waterpark. With over 65 acres of tube rides, water slides and uphill water coasters there is plenty of fun for the whole family. www.schlitterbahn.com
May
All Month: S.A. Dance Umbrella Celebrates Dance Month San Antonio Dance Umbrella will celebrate Dance Month with numerous performances around the city. Some of the highlights of the month long dance celebration include: "The Cloggers' Showcase,” "Dance Around the World,” and "WIP Crème.” (210) 212-6600 www.sadu.org
May – August: WNBA - San Antonio Silver Stars Go Silver Stars Go! San Antonio’s WNBA team will continue to rock the AT&T Center as they kick off their 2010 season. AT&T Center. Admission. (210) 444-5000 www.attcenter.net
1-2: Cinco de Mayo Celebrations commemorate the Mexican Army's defeat of the invading French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Events include a festival with music and food at historic Market Square, concerts and other commemorations. (210) 207-8600 www.marketsquaresa.com ( The dates for this event are tenntative. Please check market square site for more info.)
9-15: The San Antonio New World Wine & Food Festival Giving wine and food aficionados one more thing to be thankful for this May, the Festival will showcase the Alamo City's finest restaurants and chefs as well as celebrity guests from Mexico, Miami, Manhattan and all over Texas as it celebrates San Antonio as a premier wine and food destination and an important culinary and cultural gateway to Mexico and Latin America. (210) 822-9555 www.nwwff.org
13-15: Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio 10 Year Anniversary Features live performances by more than 20 of the best musical groups from traditional Conjunto to progressive Tejano. Rosedale Park. Admission. (210) 271-3151 www.guadalupeculturalarts.org
10-16: Valero Texas Open The third oldest tournament on PGA TOUR (orginated and played in San Antonio since in 1922). It has been one of the top-three most charitable PGA tournaments on TOUR for the last several years. 72-hole. Admission. (210) 345-3818 www.golfsanantonio.org
15 - 16: 9th Annual Soul Food Festival & 2nd Annual Gospel on the Plaza Competition This event kicks off with a gospel choir competition and continues with amazing food, arts, crafts, family events and more. www.lavillita.com/soulfoodfest
May 14 – August 7: Fiesta Noche Del Rio A San Antonio tradition, this performance features songs and dances of Mexico, Spain, Argentina and Texas and occurs Friday and Saturday evenings at the River Walk’s historic Arneson River Theatre. (210) 226-4651 www.alamo-kiwanis.org/FiestaNoche.html
June
TBD: TeatroFest The 5th Annual TeatroFest is a month-long festival celebrating Hispanic Theater and Performing Arts, Guadalupe Theater and other theatrical venues. Sponsored by the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. Admission. (210) 271-3151 www.guadalupeculturalarts.org
11-13: Texas Folklife Festival Join in the celebration of all things Texas at the 38th annual Texas Folklife Festival. Hosted at The Institute of Texan Cultures, this three-day cultural extravaganza brings more than 40 ethnic groups together in one place to showcase their authentic food, traditional music and dance and authentic crafts. Come celebrate your heritage and share in a Texas tradition. The Institute of Texan Cultures is located in HemisFair Park, a short walk from the Alamo and the River Walk. Contact (210) 458-2224, or www.TexasFolklifeFestival.org.
19: Juneteenth Observances throughout the city, including a picnic, festival, Freedom Fair, and cultural celebrations honoring the date, June 19, 1865, the day that Texas slaves received word of the Emancipation Proclamation. (210) 5271830 www.juneteenthsanantonio.com
July
July 4th: Fourth of July Celebration Enjoy festivals, concerts and fireworks at locations across San Antonio celebrating Independence Day. Some highlights include Freedom Fest at Market Square, an arts and crafts show along the River Walk and extravaganzas at local theme parks. www.marketsquaresa.com & www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
August
26-28: Texas Football Classic Ten of the top high school football teams in the state compete at this weekend football rumble in the Alamodome. Included schools have played in 12 state championships. Admission. (210) 207-3663 or (800) 884-3663 www.alamodome.com
14: FORD Canoe Challenge Over 90 canoe teams including local celebrities, city officials, corporate teams and Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts compete in the FORD Canoe Challenge. River Walk. (210) 227-4262 www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
Enjoy San Antonio's arts and cultural charms during Fall Art Festivals.
September
All Month: FOTOSEPTIEMBRE USA This annual international photography festival is a unique, eclectic, month-long celebration of the photographic arts. Dozens of exhibits showing traditional photographs, digital images, photography based works, photographic installations, funky camera, and alternative processes, are presented in galleries, museums, art centers and other exhibition spaces throughout San Antonio, the Texas Hill Country and in the festival’s web galleries. Free. (210) 737-8255 www.fotoseptiembreusa.com
9: Dos Equis Pachanga del Rio Ticket holders enjoy sampling culinary offerings from 20 participating River Walk establishments from 6:00pm until 8:30pm. Then, all party-goers are encouraged to go to to the Post-Party. (210) 227-4262 www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
11-13, 16: Diez y Seis Events Marking Mexico's independence from Spain, San Antonio celebrates September 16 with special events all over town including a street parade with floats and marching bands, a gala, Market Square celebrations, festivals, dance presentations and other special activities. (210) 207-8600 www.marketsquaresa.com
18-19: Jazz'SAlive Some of the nation's top jazz entertainers, along with regional and local talent, take over Travis Park and dazzle the crowd with their smooth sounds. Travis Park. Free. (210) 212-8423 www.saparksfoundation.org
October
1-2; 8-9: Oktoberfest San Antonio Head over to the Beethoven Halle & Garten to celebrate the ultimate German festival! Music, food and dancing plus German specilities like bratwurst, reubens and beer will be available to help put you in the spirit! Suggested donation is $5 at the gate. www.beethovenmaennerchor.com
15-17: International Accordion Festival - San Antonio 10 Year Anniversary A three-day festival of music, dancing, food and fun which celebrates the versatility of the accordion and accordion-based international styles of music. La Villita. Free. (210) 865-8578 www.internationalaccordionfestival.org
TBD: A Festival of Films Produced by Texas Independent Filmmakers, this event starts each year with a free public kick off party at the Cadillac Bar, 212 S. Flores. The second day of the event is held at Santikos Northwest 14 Theatre, 7600 W IH10. Filmmakers' workshops and independent movies are shown. Admission. (210) 736-FILM www.afestivaloffilms.com
TBD: AT&T Championship The PGA Champions Tour returns to San Antonio for its 24th year. Nestled within 200 acres of majestic oak trees and rolling hills, the Oak Hills Country Club is the perfect setting for this tournament and charity event. Oak Hills Country Club. Admission. (210) 698-3582 www.pgatour.com
27 - November 8: Wurstfest A unique celebration rich in German culture and full of Texas fun! During this 10-day salute to sausage, you’ll find a variety of entertainment options including a polka contest, games, rides, food and drinks on the Wurstfest Grounds in Landa Park as well as special events throughout New Braunfels and Comal County. New Braunfels at Landa Park. Admission. www.wurstfest.com
November
2: El Dia de los Muertos Translated literally as "the Day of the Dead," this Mexican cultural tradition is a celebration in which the family welcomes back departed loved ones, sharing the joys of life with them as their memories live on. Creative and respectful altars are set up around town at galleries, cultural centers, cemeteries and restaurants to commemorate loved ones who have passed on. Poetry readings, and calavera processions (participants dress as skeletons) are typical events as well. Citywide. Some events have an admission charge.
14: San Antonio Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon & ½ Marathon This one of a kind marathon features over 70 bands along the course which passes several historic missions and wraps up at the Alamodome. www.rnrsa.com
November 22 – January 6: Light the Way at the University of Incarnate Word A million twinkling lights will illuminate the night sky at the University of Incarnate Word to celebrate the holiday season in style.This walking or driving experience has been going on for more than two decades and is truly a San Antonio-style holiday event. Free. www.uiw.edu
26: Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony The day after Thanksgiving, the switch is pulled to turn on over 122,000 lights that illuminate the River Walk until New Year's Day. Decorated floats wind through the river in one of the country's only nighttime river parades. Admission for all river-level access. (210) 227-4262 www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
December
TBD: Hecho a Mano/Made by Hand Fine art exhibit and sale is open to individual artists selling their own original work. In order to maintain a high quality of traditional and contemporary crafts sold every year, Hecho a Mano/Made by Hand is a juried show. Each year an invited panel of jurors selects the participating artists. Sponsored by the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. 210) 271-3151 www.guadalupeculturalarts.org
3-19: Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias Stroll along the lush banks of the San Antonio River guided by more than 2,500 luminarias. Warmly glowing candles in sand filled bags line the walkways to symbolically mark the "lighting of the way" for the Holy Family. This centuries old tradition begins at dusk Friday, Saturday & Sunday only. (210) 227-4262 www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
TBD: Art.i.copia Locals on the lookout for creative and unusual gifts flock to the Southwest School of Art & Craft's annual shopping celebration. The setting -- a centuries-old convent on the banks of the San Antonio River -- will inspire a little holiday serenity. http://www.swschool.org/calendar.php
TBD: Bazar Sábado Just in time for the holidays, the best in folk art from Mexico is displayed for enjoyment and acquisition (on a Saturday, of course). San Antonio Museum of Art. (210) 978-8100 www.samuseum.org
31: Celebrate San Antonio Ring in the New Year San Antonio style! Enjoy spectacular fireworks, live music on multiple stages, food booths, family activities and more. On S. Alamo between Durango and Market streets; La Villita and HemisFair Park. Free. (210) 212-8423. www.saparksfoundation.org
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