Still shaking off the post-Fiesta gloom? Don’t worry, San Antonio still has plenty of fun events to offer this weekend. You can observe Star Wars Day (May 4), celebrate Cinco de Mayo, or sample way too many avocados. But whatever you do, please don’t forget to vote – Saturday is an election day! Vote for City Council, mayor, and school board trustees. You can find our election guide here.
Brewing Up Texas Closing Event
On Friday, The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Institute of Texan Cultures bids farewell to the “Brewing Up Texas” exhibit, which displayed Texas beer tradition and history. Shiner Beer and other partners will have samples at the closing event, and exhibit curators can answer questions from guests about beer in Texas. Tickets cost $10 for adults; $8 for seniors ages 65 and older, college students, and military; and UTSA and Alamo Colleges students can attend for free. Must be 21 years or older to attend.
Friday, 6-8 p.m.
UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd.
$0-$10
Celebrando Tradiciones: An Authentic Dance & Music Experience
This monthly First Friday event celebrates Cinco de Mayo by honoring Mexico’s victory at Battle of Puebla over the French. Watch Guadalupe Dance Company and Mariachi Azteca de America perform ballet folklorico, Spanish flamenco, mariachi, and traditional Mexican music. The Guadalupe Dance Company wears traditional China Poblana costume, and Mariachi Azteca de America will play music honoring the history of Cinco de Mayo and Mexico. Individual tickets range from $10 to $25, while buying a table costs $125. You can purchase tickets here.
Friday, 8 p.m.
Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St.
$10-$125
Star Wars Pub Run
It’s First Friday, and it’s also the day before May the 4th, so logically this month’s pub run has been given a Star Wars theme. Pub runners have 13 bars to hit, so make sure your costume comes with comfortable shoes. The pub run starts at Moses Rose’s Hideout at 7 p.m. Bring ID, some form of money that bars will accept in San Antonio, and your best Chewbacca impression. Must be 21 years or older to participate.
Friday, 7 p.m.
Moses Rose’s Hideout, 518 E. Houston St.
Free
The Contemporary Film Series
Ruby City and Blue Star Contemporary are starting a new partnership with a free screening of Moonlight, the 2016 Oscar-winning film that explores growing up queer in Miami. The screening is free, and refreshments will be available. The Studio at Ruby City is also exhibiting works by Isaac Julien, including his 1989 documentary drama Looking for Langston, which also explores black and queer identities. Julien’s work will be on display through Aug. 11.
Saturday, 7-10:30 p.m.
Ruby City, 111 Camp St.
Free
San Antonio Avocado Fest
San Antonio chefs gather Saturday afternoon to showcase their talents with millennials’ favorite food item: avocados! The day is split into two sessions: one from 1 to 3 p.m., the second from 3:30 to 5 p.m. If you pay extra for VIP tickets, you can stay at the festival the whole time. Each general admission ticket comes with vouchers for avocado tastings, a beer token, and access to local vendors at the festival. VIP tickets grant early access to the festival as well as unlimited avocado food tastings. Tickets can be purchased here or at the door. Kids ages 10 and younger enter for free, but that only includes admission, not food.
Saturday, 2-5:30 p.m.
Alamo Beer, 202 Lamar St.
$25-$60
Kentucky Derby Watch Party
Want to feel fancy and watch horses race each other? The St. Anthony is hosting its first Kentucky Derby Triple Crown Watch Party Saturday, complete with mint juleps, live music, a hat contest, and a red carpet entrance. Tickets cost $65 per person and $100 for VIP access, which includes private cabana seating, bottle service, and more. A portion of the watch party’s proceeds will go toward the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Get your tickets here.
Saturday, 4:30-9 p.m.
St. Anthony hotel, 300 E. Travis St.
$65-$100
10th Annual Paseo Por el Westside
Explore the West Side of San Antonio at this annual event hosted by the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center. There will be neighborhood tours, workshops, live music, and food to enjoy. Community members can play lotería, watch clay pottery demonstrations, and learn how to trace family roots using San Antonio Public Library resources. Organizers encourage attendees to bring their own chairs. Admission is free. Learn more about the event here.
Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Rinconcito de Esperanza, 816 S. Colorado St.
Free
May the Fur-th Be With You
Love Star Wars? Love dogs? This is the perfect combination of those two wonderful things. Bombay Bicycle Club is raising money for San Antonio Pets Alive, with fun cocktails, outdoor bar games, raffle prizes, and more. There will also be a pet costume contest, where pooches and their humans can win $200 in Bombay Bicycle Club gift cards. And if you want to find a new pup for your home, San Antonio Pets Alive will have adoptable dogs at the event as well. So bring your furry friend (just make sure they’re leashed and up to date on their vaccinations) and your matching Han Solo costume, and get ready to support a good cause while having fun.
Saturday, 1-5 p.m.
Bombay Bicycle Club, 3506 N. St. Mary’s St.
Free
Spring 2019 Girls on the Run 5K
Bexar County’s chapter of Girls on the Run finishes its spring 2019 season with its traditional 5K race, which is open to everyone. All finishers receive a Girls on the Run towel, soaked in ice water if the day turns out to be a scorcher. The 5K starts at 9:30 a.m. Register here for $30 or onsite on race day for $35.
Sunday, 8 a.m.-noon
Comanche County Park, 2600 Rigsby Ave.
$30-$35
Viva Market Square!
Market Square is bringing out food, crafts, music, and more for the whole family to enjoy this weekend in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. And on Sunday, mariachi groups from middle and high schools will showcase their talent in a youth competition at Historic Market Square in the Mariachi Festival, presented by Univision. Enjoy free mariachi music, the party atmosphere, and celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style.
Friday-Saturday, noon-9 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.
Free
