EventsandFun to Fill YourCalendar

from RIO MAGAZINE WINTER 2023

MUSIC IS LIVE DOWNTOWN SAN ANTONIO in

Food, fun, art, shopping, history, festivals and more are always on tap in San Antonio. No matter when you visit, there are great finds to add to your list of activities to enjoy, so make your plans and do not miss a single thing. Whether you are into unforgettable flavors, fantastically crafted art, hands-on fun or a walk through history, there is something for you in San Antonio.

THE ALAMO www.TheAlamo.org

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM www.BriscoeMuseum.org

CORONA PAELLA CHALLENGE www.PaellaChallenge.com

RIVER WALK ARTISAN SHOWS www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

WITTE MUSEUM www.WitteMuseum.org

WILD WEST, WILDLIFE!

Kick off the year in a wild way at the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Wild West, Wildlife! Festival on January 1—a free community day that brings the wild side of the West to life through hands-on, family-friendly arts, crafts, stories and more on the banks of the River Walk as the museum spotlights the animals of the American West. The activities flow through the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, where you will enjoy amazing bronzes depicting the American West, and through the museum’s historic home featuring 14 galleries of art and artifacts. Make memorable wildlife crafts, experience hands-on demonstrations and enjoy special animal-themed story times. Admission to Wild West, Wildlife! is free for the entire family and includes access to the museum, where you can enjoy the work of renowned nature photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen in “A Life in the Wild” through January 29.

FROZEN FOSSILS

You can also have a wild time at the Witte Museum when Antarctic Dinosaurs take over on February 25. Uncover never-before-seen dinosaur fossils from one of the most isolated environments on Earth in this immersive experience, transporting you back 200 million years to discover what life was like in prehistoric Antarctica. Discover fossils from four Antarctic dinosaur species, get hands-on experience with real tools to learn how paleontologists had to carefully extract them from the now frozen landscape and understand how research of these fossils sheds new light on our planet’s everchanging climate and geology.

Texas Independence

When it comes to history, the Alamo is a must for visitors and locals alike, but a visit takes on extra significance during the annual commemoration honoring the anniversary of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. The 13-day siege leading up to the battle is honored from February 23 through March 6 with a series of events that brings the Alamo’s history to life, allowing everyone to step back in time and experience historic recreations and demonstrations that provide insight into the battle that inspired, “Remember the Alamo!” Special events signify each occurrence from the siege, including what started it all: the arrival of the Mexican Army, when the Texians and Tejanos realized how outnumbered they were, to “Dawn at the Alamo,” a sunrise ceremony that honors the defenders of the Alamo and the events of the morning of March 6 with readings, vignettes and a musket volley. Celebrate Texas Independence Day at the Alamo and mark your calendar for the opening of the Alamo Collections Center— the new two-story, 24,000-square-foot gallery space that will showcase even more of the Alamo’s story. The new center opens in the midst of this year’s commemoration, adding another reason to visit the Alamo.

River Walk Artisan Shows

WINTER ARTISAN SHOW:

JANUARY 13-15

Friday & Saturday: 11:00am to 11:00pm Sunday: 11:00am to 8:00pm

MARDI GRAS ARTISAN SHOW:

FEBRUARY 17-19

Friday & Saturday: 11:00am to 11:00pm Sunday: 11:00am to 8:00pm

ST. PATRICK’S DAY ARTISAN SHOW: MARCH 17-19

Friday & Saturday: 11:00am to 11:00pm Sunday: 11:00am to 8:00pm

RIVER WALK ARTISAN SHOWS

Add art to your agenda and take home fabulous handcrafted pieces during the River Walk Artisan Shows in January, February and March. Nestled on the banks of the River Walk near the Chamber of Commerce and Shops at Rivercenter, the Artisan Shows feature works from more than 40 artists. Paintings, photography, glasswork and woodwork are waiting to be discovered, along with jewelry, clothing, soaps and candles. There is something for everyone and everything is unlike anything you will find on your typical shopping excursions. And bonus: the person you are buying from is usually the talent who created what you are taking home, so chat while you shop to learn more about how they create their pieces.

CORONA® PAELLA CHALLENGE

Finally, do not miss out on the fabulous flavors of the annual Corona Paella Challenge on March 19. When the quintessential dish of Spain and culinary all-stars from San Antonio, across the country and Mexico come together, the flavors are sure to be amazing. Join fellow foodies for a beautiful afternoon featuring distinguished chefs, live entertainment, wines from Spain and sangria on the grounds of Mission County Park. Watch as chefs go head-to-head in a competition to create the most impressive and tasty paella dishes, all cooked right before your eyes. Local high school teams will also compete in the H-E-B High School Paella Challenge for an opportunity to win a trip to the Culinary Institute of America in New York City and no matter who wins, the real winners are your taste buds as you get to sample the dishes.

WRITER’S BIO:

An award-winning writer, communications expert and military spouse who enjoys unearthing new discoveries and revisiting old favorites in San Antonio, Dawn Robinette is a Certified Tourism Ambassador who loves to tell stories. You can read more of her work at Alamo City Moms.