As April begins, Fiesta 2019 looms closer. But before the intensity of San Antonio’s biggest 11-day celebration starts, here are some tamer activities for you to check out this weekend.
Fiesta Passion, Fiesta Fashion
Join San Antonio’s Fiesta favorites Michael Quintanilla and Graciela Carrillo at the opening reception for UTSA Institute of Texan Culture’s newest exhibit, featuring Quintanilla and Carrillo’s Fiesta fashion. Quintanilla is well-known for serving as emcee for various Fiesta events while wearing glittering Fiesta-appropriate outfits. On display will be pieces such as his vintage 1972 drum major coat covered in sequins and rhinestones as well as some of his hats from previous years. Carrillo designs dresses and outfits for Fiesta royalty, sourcing fabrics internationally and prioritizing practicality in her work. The exhibit runs from April 6 to May 5 during the institute’s regular hours. RSVP to the opening reception at 210-458-2171 or email ITCeventRSVP@utsa.edu.
Friday, 6-8 p.m.
UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd.
$0-$10
Fiesta Kick-off Pub Run
This month’s first Friday pub run is – you guessed it – Fiesta themed. Bring your best Fiesta-wear and fun-loving spirit to Moses Rose’s Hideout at 7 p.m. to begin the night. The self-guided pub crawl will make its way through 13 bars, ending up at Bonham Exchange. Must be 21 years of age and older to attend. Bring ID and cash or credit card to pay for your drinks.
Friday, 7 p.m.-2 a.m.
Moses Rose’s Hideout, 518 E. Houston St.
Free
San Antonio Book Festival
The San Antonio Book Festival is back! The festival has a full day of author presentations, panel discussions, book sales and signings, and children and teen activities planned for the whole family. There will also be food trucks available at both Central Library and Southwest School of Art. Come find new novelists and hear nationally renowned writers such as Tayari Jones, who wrote New York Times bestseller An American Marriage; USA Today Washington bureau chief Susan Page, who just published a Barbara Bush biography; and Ron Chernow, who wrote the Alexander Hamilton biography that inspired the Broadway musical hit. The full lineup can be found here, and the schedule can be found here.
Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Central Library, 600 Soledad St.
Free
Jay Science and Engineering Academy STEM Fest
The third annual Jay Science and Engineering Academy STEM Fest features hovercraft rides, robotics, rockets launches. The festival was organized by more than 250 students at the West San Antonio school. There are more than 100 activities planned for Saturday’s festival, geared toward kids in kindergarten through eighth grade. Bring the family and learn more about astronomy, physics, chemistry, and more.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jay Science and Engineering Academy, 7611 Marbach Road
Free
Kids Day in the Park
KLRN and Daniel Tiger from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood want to celebrate the Week of the Young Child on Saturday with you and your little ones. There will be games and activities for the family at San Pedro Springs Park.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
San Pedro Springs Park, 1315 San Pedro Ave.
Free
The Greenline Experience
The Greenline is bringing together kids activities, live music, and food trucks on Saturday for the whole family to enjoy. Stick around for Snow Fall, where more than 180,000 pounds of snow turns the award-winning park into a winter wonderland in the middle of April.
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Greenline, 2532 Sidney Brooks
Free
Coco: Free Outdoor Movie Night
Whether you decide to stick around at the Greenline for a few hours after Saturday’s activities or come later, there’s still more family-friendly entertainment planned for the park. Starting at 5:30 p.m., the park will screen Pixar’s Coco. Grab chairs, blankets, snacks, and whatever you may need to enjoy a movie outside.
5:30-8:30 p.m.
The Greenline, 2532 Sidney Brooks
Free
Tardeadas at the Plaza
The City’s Center City Development and Operations Department and Avenida Guadalupe Association is starting Tardeadas at the Plaza, a veritable party every first Saturday starting this Saturday and going through September. There will be live music, food, dancing, and vendors.
Saturday, 6-10 p.m.
Plaza Guadalupe, 1327 Guadalupe St.
Free
Viva Poesia: Notas Sabrosas
Kick off National Poetry Month with the fifth annual Viva Poesia: Notas Sabrosas. The Saturday event brings together different creative outlets in one evening at Mission Marquee Plaza. Viva Poesia features spoken word performances, live music, interactive art workshops, and, for the first time ever, culinary arts (the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office wanted to celebrate UNESCO’s designation of San Antonio as a Creative City of Gastronomy). The Parks and Recreation Department will also give away 500 fruit trees, starting at 6 p.m. So come ready to hear more about San Antonio’s food scene and browse local food trucks, artisan vendors, and more.
Saturday, 6-8 p.m.
Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave.
Free
San Antonio Night Live: A Youth Municipal Candidate Forum
Want to ask municipal candidates questions? Many of the folks running for office in May – including six of the 10 total mayoral candidates – are scheduled to be at Brick at Blue Star on Saturday evening to talk to voters. Expect a different sort of panel discussion, involving interactive game shows and more. MOVE Texas will also be selling their Fiesta medals (which feature a colorful moving robot!) at the event.
Saturday, 6-9 p.m.
Brick at Blue Star, 108 Blue Star
Free
Yoga at the Tea Garden
San Antonio’s Japanese Tea Garden is bringing back yoga on Sundays, taught by instructors from nonprofit Yoga Day. Yogis should gather at the garden’s pavilion for a 4 p.m. class. Donations are encouraged, and there will also be Fiesta medals for sale.
Sunday, 4-5 p.m.
Japanese Tea Garden, 200-414 Alpine
Donations encouraged
Primer Sabado! – 80s Weekend
The Historic Market Square is going back in time this weekend, all the way to the 1980s. There will be ’80s-themed live bands, artists, and food vendors.
Saturday and Sunday, 12 – 6 p.m.
Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.
Free
Starving Artist Art Show
The Starving Artist Galley of La Villita is putting on its 57th annual art show to benefit the Little Church of La Villita. More than 150 artists and vendors from across the country will display their merchandise at La Villita Historic Arts Village this weekend. There will be handmade art, jewelry, and specialty items for sale.
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
La Villita Historic Arts Village, 418 Villita St.
Free
