Spring officially started on Wednesday, and we’re loving the warmer weather. There are plenty of parks and outdoor spaces in San Antonio to enjoy, though Saturday skies look a little stormy. We have a few activities rounded up here should you need some ideas on how to spend your weekend. Happy spring, and enjoy this 70-degree weather while it’s here.
Restored By Light
San Antonio’s Office of Historic Preservation is bringing Mission San José back to its glory days on Friday. The first Restored By Light event was in 2015 at Mission Concepción. At the event, the original frescoed façade is projected onto the mission – bright geometric patterns of reds, yellows, and grays. The night starts at 6 p.m. with kid-friendly activities and tours of the mission and a free concert by the USAA band and chorus at 7 p.m. At 8:15 p.m., the light show begins. Bring chairs, blankets, snacks, and anything else you may need to enjoy this event outside. There will also be food trucks at the mission.
Friday, 6-11 p.m.
701 E. Pyron Ave.
Free
15 Composers: 2 Pianos
On Friday, 15 songwriters, composers, and performers will bring their original song using only pianos at Flight Gallery. Expect to hear jazz, pop, classical, country, poetry, film score, and more at this “roundtable” style event. Though there is no ticket required to attend, donations are encouraged and all proceeds will go toward donating the pianos to lower-income schools on the near West Side.
Friday, 7:30-10 p.m.
112R Blue Star
Donations encouraged
¡VIVA! SA 5K, 10K, 1K Fun Run
The Junior League of San Antonio is putting on the 7th annual ¡VIVA! SA 5K, 10K, and Kids Fun Run at Hemisfair this Saturday. The Kids 1K starts at 8:30 a.m., the 10K starts at 9 a.m., and the 5K starts at 9:10 a.m. Post-race celebrations will include drinks, food, and prizes. It’s a “fun” run, so feel free to run alongside family, with strollers, or with your dogs. There are also prizes for the most decorated, festive shoes, and awards for best festive attire, best child festive attire, and best group attire. If you’re lazy but still want to contribute, there’s a “Race from Pillow” option as well; the event supports the Junior League’s work with more than 60 nonprofits. Register for the race here. You can also register on-site before the races begin.
Saturday, 8:30 a.m.
434 S. Alamo St.
$15-$40
2019 Fiesta Medal Function at the Junction II
Need to add to your Fiesta medal collection? The Junction Antiques in North San Antonio is hosting another medal event on Saturday. Medal designs you can expect to see include Batman, Mickey Mariachi, Dumbo, and Spurs Coyote Mariachi. Kids and pets are welcome.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
1704 Blanco Road
Free
Spring Market Day
Spend Saturday outside and head to the base of the Tower of the Americas with friends and family. There will be more than 70 local vendors to browse, as well as food, music, and a bounce house for kids.
Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
739 E. César E. Chávez Blvd.
Free
San Antonio Muslim Community Vigil
The San Antonio Muslim community on Saturday evening is showing love for and solidarity with those affected by the attack in New Zealand, where at least 50 people were killed and 50 wounded in shootings at two mosques. Along with a performance from the Santo Niño Catholic Church Choir, speakers such as Mayor Ron Nirenberg, Gina Ortiz Jones, Waheeda Kara, and more will say a few words. The vigil is open to everyone in the community.
Saturday, 7-8 p.m.
115 N. Main Plaza
Free
4th Annual Monarch Fest
The San Antonio Zoo is hosting a two-day monarch butterfly festival on Saturday and Sunday, as part of the City of San Antonio’s commitment to being a Monarch Champion City. Learn more about how to preserve monarch butterflies and get free milkweed and native nectar plant seeds to help the butterflies in their journey. There will be games and crafts as well. Festival admission is included with zoo tickets, which cost $13.35 for kids and $16.90 for adults per day, and is free for zoo members. Children 2 years and younger can enter for free.
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
3903 N. St. Mary’s St.
Included with zoo admission
Climate Change Talk
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is opening its doors to host a free climate change talk on Sunday. Climate scientist Andrew Dessler will discuss the science and policies required to address climate change. As the City of San Antonio awaits a vote on its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, Dessler’s knowledge may lend some perspective to the local impact of and response to climate change. There will be a question and answer session at the end of the talk. Seating is limited to the first 100 people.
Sunday, 1-3 p.m.
555 Funston Place
Free
10th Annual Paella Challenge
At Mission County Park on Sunday, professional chefs from Mexico, Spain, and across the U.S. will show off their culinary chops at the annual Paella Challenge. One winner will be crowned Paella Champion. Thirteen San Antonio high school culinary programs also will compete in the 8th annual H-E-B High School Paella Challenge. Proceeds go to Kitchen Campus, a nonprofit that gives middle- and high-school students opportunities to learn about nutrition and cooking. There will be food and wine from Spain, sangria, craft and imported beers, and live, family-friendly entertainment. Find tickets here.
Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
6030 Padre Drive
$25-$100
