RIO MAGAZINE 2023 Q2

By Susan Yerkes

ON THE COVER

In 1957, Fiesta Noche del Rio, an Alamo Kiwanis Production, first performed on the River Walk. Since then, the iconic show has become an annual summer tradition in San Antonio. Performances at Arneson River Theatre, along the River Walk and just steps from La Villita, treat visitors and locals to an artistry of colorful costumed dancers and rich, lush sounds that bring to life the deep roots that make San Antonio a special place to be. This year, Fiesta Noche del Rio can be seen every Friday and Saturday night from June 9-August 5 at 8:30pm. Tickets sales support nonprofits for children in San Antonio. To date, more than $2.85 million has been raised.

The San Antonio River Walk’s mission is to promote, protect and preserve the River Walk. This is done through special events, public education, social media and RIO Magazine. For more information, visit www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com.

Magazine

PUBLISHER

Louis Doucette louis@travelingblender.com

EDITOR

Trisha Hutzler trisha@travelingblender.com

BUSINESS MANAGER

Vicki Schroder vicki@travelingblender.com

ADVERTISING SALES

San Antonio: Gerry Lair gerry@travelingblender.com

Austin: Sandy Weatherford sandy@travelingblender.com

DESIGN 2 Rare Birds Creative info@2rarebirds.com

The Official

of the River Walk

EDITOR’S LETTER

The Shoulder Season in San Antonio

This time of year might be considered a shoulder season when traveling to other locales. But in San Antonio, nothing could be further from the truth. April, May and June in San Antonio are glorious months. It is our spring awakening. This time of year, everyone wants to be outside, whether it is patio dining, strolling the River Walk as the lush landscaping is sprouting, or engaging in more physical activities right in the heart of downtown. For our regular guests who are traveling Texas in search of the best fields of wildflowers or those who come to town for our annual Fiesta® extravaganza, the Alamo City will not disappoint. For those new to San Antonio, you are in for a treat!

Wildflowers are popping up along the Mission Reach, which makes a perfect backdrop while paddling the river, biking its banks, or exploring the historical missions and grand displays of public art. Supporting the arts is an important mission for San Antonio and this is evident throughout the downtown area. Live entertainment is showcased at venues that range from historic to ultra-modern. Art installations line the River Walk from the Museum Reach through downtown to the Mission Reach. There are three museums along the River Walk with rotating exhibits, as well as downtown hotels and restaurants that support local artists and traditions that are endearing to the community.

Nothing could be more traditional — or endearing — than Fiesta® San Antonio. Over 10 days, businesses and local organizations participate in the biggest, most colorful and spirited party with a purpose. More than 100 events take place throughout San Antonio with several right along the River Walk. And approximately 32,000 Chicken-on-a-Sticks are said to be consumed each year. Yes, they are that good. There is so much for Fiesta revelers to enjoy, from river parades, serenading mariachis and folkloric dancing to flower wreaths, lots of celebratory confetti and the best festival food that you will crave long after the party is over. But the truth is, there is always a party in San Antonio!

Our visitors—and locals—can easily immerse themselves in the local culture through the many world-class performances, diverse exhibits, traditional and elevated cuisine, and colorful festivals throughout the year. I hope you have the chance to experience them all!

Trisha Hutzler Editor, Rio Magazine trisha@travelingblender.com TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

submissions

Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race,

intention to make such a preference limitation or discrimination.”

Photo by Al Rendon

Hot Weather Safety Tips

SAN ANTONIO IS NO STRANGER TO HIGH TEMPERATURES. PROMISES OF WARMER WEATHER ARE HEATING UP, BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN YOU HAVE TO SUFFER.

The San Antonio River Walk is an ideal setting to enjoy the best of what the city has to offer, including its beautiful outdoors. However, it too is not immune from the sweltering sun. At Cano Health, our mission to provide superior health and wellness services also means keeping people safe, happy and healthy. Heat hazards are no exception and can include:

Dehydration Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke Cardiovascular Disorders Respiratory Issues

These conditions can pose significant risks to your health if left unaddressed. But you do not have to sweat it. Before you head out to enjoy the River Walk, be sure to take these preventative steps to keep you safe:

STAY HYDRATED

Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks.

www.CanoHealth.com

FIND A COOL PLACE

Avoid direct sunlight/heat sources and find cool or shaded areas to spend time. The River Walk has plenty to choose from!

WEAR PROPER CLOTHING

Wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing.

REDUCE CERTAIN OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES

Avoid high-energy activities outdoors during heat peaks.

It is important to remember that heat poses serious health risks. But with these tools, you can stay confident and cool. Take action to avoid heat hazards and stay well in the warm weather out on the River Walk and across San Antonio.

South Texas Cuisine Hits The Spot

Celebrate

Mother ’s D ay and Every Other Day at Restaurants A l o n g the River Walk

By Kimberly A. Suta

SOUTH TEXAS CUISINE—IT IS WHAT WE ARE KNOWN FOR IN SAN ANTONIO. IT IS WHO WE ARE THROUGH-AND-THROUGH.

In South Texas, our veins run with hot sauce. Thanks to our proximity to Mexico, a lot of our cuisine is influenced by Mexican culture, however plenty of other ethnicities settled here as well, including German, Czech, Canary Islanders, Creole/ Cajun and so many more. Not to mention, there are innumerable native ingredients that still grow wild here, such as Hoja Santa, and inspire our scratch chefs. Of course, when you consider authentic Southern fare, you cannot help but think of hearty soul food, like chicken fried steak, fried okra and mashed potatoes, and we have a plethora of that, too. If you are already hungry, then dig in!

Landrace

Four Brothers Southern Provisions

Carriqui

BOUDRO’S TEXAS BISTRO

Boudro’s Texas Bistro, located on the River Walk, is always a popular hot spot for elevated South Texas Cuisine that represents the big, bold flavors of Texas. Known for their signature Prickly Pear Margarita and tableside guacamole, it is a wonderful restaurant to take mom for lunch or dinner this coming Mother’s Day. Grab a cozy spot right along the river and feast on Boudreaux’s rich Shrimp and Grits, Blackened Gulf Fish, juicy Filet of Beef Tenderloin with Grilled Jumbo Shrimp Churrasco or their scintillating Pollo Asada.

AMBLER TEXAS KITCHEN + COCKTAILS

Located inside the stunning Hotel Contessa, Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails is a culinary tribute to Texas that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant makes an effort to showcase local ingredients and products, such as brisket from nearby Augusta Ranch and coffee beans from Merit Coffee Co.

For dinner, start your meal off right with some fried green tomatoes or char-grilled Gulf oysters, served with a pinot gris, tobacco-spiked cream, Meyer lemon and shaved parm, before diving into your main course. The offerings are pretty diverse, from Texas Akaushi steaks and bacon-wrapped meatloaf to Southern

Fried Chicken and Seafood Pappardelle with scallops, shrimp, gulf crab, house-made chorizo, roasted peppers, charred heirloom tomatoes and foraged mushrooms. Mom would be delighted to dine here for brunch on Mother’s Day. Their Southern Fried Sticky Bun lovingly slathered in sweet cream cheese is my favorite way to say, ‘I love you!’

FOUR BROTHERS

SOUTHERN PROVISIONS

Four Brothers Southern Provisions at Omni La Mansion del Rio is still fairly new and impressing guests with a refined menu of Southern and South Texas Cuisine with French and Latin influences, from a fried whole market fish to Chicken Adovada with a house-made red chile sauce or Halito’s finger-licking-good St. Louis-style Bar-B-Q ribs. I think Mom will like the Vanilla Cream French Toast for brunch, which incidentally, is served on both Saturdays and Sundays.

CARRIQUI

For a very special treat, consider taking mom to the newly-opened Carriqui restaurant at the Historic Pearl, which features food and drinks of South Texas. The environment alone is a delight in this renovated historic building that looks like it might have just been plucked out of New Orleans’ Garden District.

Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails

Supper, Hotel Emma at Pearl

Boudro’s Texas Bistro

The carriqui’s flight path, more commonly known as the green jay, is the creative inspiration behind the menu. Let it take you from the Rio Grande Valley to the Gulf Coast until it finally lands, as you might expect, right here in the Alamo City. Dine on all your regional favorites, including fajitas, enchiladas, nachos, barbacoa and brisket. My go-to is the “From the Coast” Botana Platter filled with redfish ceviche, blackened fish, shrimp quesadillas, smoked fish salad, slaw, guacamole and rice and beans. It is enough to feed Mom and a whole army of kiddos.

THE COUNTY LINE RIVER WALK

For true ‘cue lovers, you might want to make a stop at The County Line River Walk for their legendary slow-smoked Bar-B-Q, which they have been serving since 1975. You can find all the true Texas ‘cue here, including marbled 2nd cut brisket, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs, tender turkey breast seasoned with course black pepper, pulled pork, turkey and brisket sandys, coleslaw, potato salad, green beans, mac-n-cheese, pecan pie, banana pudding, the list literally goes on. The best news is, if you are visiting from out of town and fall in love, they now ship their Bar-B-Q, sauces and other products across the United States.

SUPPER

Moving on to some of our more upscale restaurants to show off for Mom, you simply cannot go wrong at Supper at Hotel Emma in the Historic Pearl. They are known for their beautifully appointed dining room, which includes patio dining overlooking the northern reach of the River Walk, and their exceptional cuisine showcasing locally-sourced ingredients. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the seasonal menu currently features impressive cuts of meat like a bone-in Berkshire pork chop and a NY Strip Steak with a red wine bordelaise and unbelievably buttery mashed potatoes. While you are there, stop off at the Sternewirth bar, also located within the hotel, for a few fancy craft cocktails.

LANDRACE

Finally, make sure to grab your reservations as soon as possible to “land” a spot at Landrace, a landmark restaurant created by James Beard Award

finalist, Chef Steve McHugh, perhaps best known for Cured at Pearl.

Landrace, which is located on the bottom floor of the new modern, luxury hotel, Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk, has a glorious dining room with outdoor dining overlooking the river, right across from the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner, cocktails and private events can all be had at Landrace.

Bread service is a must, along with any of their tasty appetizers like the Citrus Cured Tuna. There are options galore on the varied menus, which makes it a fun challenge to choose. Mains from the kitchen include Habanero Garganelli made with black garlic, pecorino and hazelnut gremolata, Wild Caught Scallops with corn and truffle orzo pasta and sumptuous Slow Cooked Beef Short Ribs with raclette grits, dino kale and jus natural. Mains from the coals range from a Wagyu Burger to a Wagyu Filet Mignon and everything in between.

For Mother’s Day brunch, I have no doubt they will have some sweet surprises, but the Blackened Shrimp Benedict or Ricotta Pancakes are guaranteed to make Mom happy.

Whichever way you go, all of these restaurants will satisfy your South Texas Cuisine cravings and ensure you stay Mom’s favorite forevermore!

WRITER’S BIO

Kimberly A. Suta of Sutapants Productions is a local and national food writer, award-winning filmmaker and publicist for the culinary industry. She is also the co-creator of Homegrown Chef, a culinary series and catering and events company, featuring our city’s best chefs and delicious eats. Kimberly also hosts River Walk Culinary Adventure Tours, walking food tours that highlight the fantastic offerings along the River Walk for both ticketed events and private groups. Go to homegrowncheftv.com/culinary-tours for details.

AMBLER TEXAS

KITCHEN + COCKTAILS

www.AmblerSanAntonio.com

BOUDRO’S TEXAS BISTRO

www.Boudros.com

CARRIQUI

www.CarriquiTx.com

THE COUNTY LINE RIVER WALK

www.CountyLine.com

FOUR BROTHERS

SOUTHERN PROVISIONS

www.OmniHotels.com/ hotels/san-antonio-la-mansion-del-rio/ dining/four-brothers

LANDRACE

www.LandraceTx.com

SUPPER

www.SupperAtEmma.com

The County Line River Walk

For booking information email Venue@DevilsRiverWhiskey.com or call (833) 379-1840.

TO EXPLORE Dare

The Devils River Whiskey Distillery is in San Antonio’s revitalized downtown district and nestled in the historic Burns Building. It is only a short walk from the iconic Alamo and thriving San Antonio River Walk area.

Visit our distillery to enjoy a one of a kind experience:

• Devils River Cocktails, Food, and Wine Available

• Nightly Live Music

• Tours & Tastings Reservations Available

• Devils River Whiskey Merchandise and Cigars

• Devils River Whiskey and Wine Bottle Purchases

• Corporate, Private Events, and Wedding Bookings Also Available

Our Devils River Whiskey captures the spirit of the water from its namesake, the Devils River.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday – Thursday: 4:00 pm – 12:00 am

Friday: 12:00 pm – 2:00 am

Saturday: 12:00 pm – 2:00 am

Sunday: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am

To schedule a tour or tasting email Tastings@DevilsRiverWhiskey.com or book online at DevilsRiverWhiskey.com/tasting-tour/

DevilsRiverWhiskey.com

Please remember to Sin Responsibly.

The MAIN Thing

By Lakendra Lewis

Before there was the Alamo, there was Main Plaza or “Plaza de las Islas,” a space marked by 18th century Spanish urban planners that consisted of streets along which government buildings, shops and houses interconnected by the backdrop of a church that became the San Fernando Cathedral. Countless festivals, rallies, parades and all the hustle of everyday living have happened in Main Plaza, which still thrives as the “People’s Plaza”—a place where the community comes to work, play and pray.

Through the oversight of the Main Plaza Conservancy, a nonprofit committed to stewarding Main Plaza and its place as the “heart of the city,” music, art and culture abound in this non-assuming square though fantastic, educational light shows, concerts and community gatherings are worth seeing when in the Alamo City. Below are some highlights of what Main Plaza has to offer, along with other suggestions of where to take in a show or art exhibit right along the River Walk. Please check the accompanying websites for ticket information, days and times.

Main Plaza, San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio | The Saga

CLICK ON THIS

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM www.BriscoeMuseum.org

MAIN PLAZA www.MainPlaza.org

RIVERWALK ANIME www.RiverwalkAnime.com

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART www.SAMuseum.org

MAIN PLAZA SAN ANTONIO | THE SAGA

This 24-minute art installation by international French artist Xavier de Richemont depicts the historical discovery of not only the settlement and development of San Antonio but also the state of Texas and our U.S. history. This story is depicted in 7,000 square feet of light, color and visual narration projected onto the façade of the San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the United States. The light show, which was put on hiatus due to scaffolding on the front of the San Fernando Cathedral, is slated to resume in late May to continue delighting audiences who travel to see it from all over the world.

EAT & PLAY

Main Plaza hosts a monthly pop-up food truck park from 11:00am to 2:00pm on select days. Spend your lunchtime on the Plaza to enjoy live music and unique eats curated by San Antonio’s Downtown Food Truck Association. See the website’s calendar to find out when these special lunches “pop up!”

FIESTA ON THE PLAZA

Saturday, April 8, 6:00 to 10:00pm

Head to Main Plaza and the San Fernando Cathedral grounds for food, live music, beer and Fiesta fun. Admission is free.

OPERA UNDER THE STARS

Friday, June 23, 7:00 to 10:00pm

This showcase features performances from Opera San Antonio’s Apprentice Artists, which concludes with the Saga light show, and demonstrates the storytelling magic of opera. The performance is free to the public in collaboration with Opera San Antonio and the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.

Main Plaza also hosts Second Saturdays. Each month has a different activity/theme, including a Mother’s Day Mercado from 6:00 to 10:00pm on May 13, so be sure to check their website for more details.

RIVERWALK ANIME

Saturday, April 15, 10:00am to 7:00pm

Sunday, April 16, 10:00am to 5:00pm

If the mere mention of series such as Dragon Ball, YuYu Kakusho and Demon Slayer make you feel ureshiii, San Antonio’s upcoming Riverwalk Anime is where you want to be. This two-day, family-friendly convention is being held downtown at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center where anime lovers will rub elbows with some of the biggest voice-over talents in the world, including voice actors Sonny Strait (Krillin), Justin Cook (Yusuke Urameshi), the cast of the popular Manga comic book series, One Piece, as well as renowned anime voice actors Zach Aguilar, Kristen McGuire, Alexis Tipton and David Matranga, just to name a few. Cosplay, did you say? Sugoi! Participants are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite anime character. But remember, costumes must be in good taste and no nudity is allowed. So, come on down to interact with your favorite voice-over celebs, get autographs, and shop the most unique vendors and artists in Texas. Daijōbu!

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM

2023 NIGHT OF ARTISTS PUBLIC EXHIBITION

Now – May 7

The museum’s annual Night of Artists is one of the premier Western art events in the world showcasing the sale of more than 270 new works of painting, sculpture and mixed media by more than 80 of today’s leading contemporary Western artists. The art from this event, which is the Briscoe’s primary fundraiser, is now open to the public for display and purchase from now through May 7, with all proceeds benefiting the museum’s full array of exhibitions, engagement and educational programs throughout the year.

Poblanos at the Plaza

SOUTHWEST RISING: CONTEMPORARY ART AND THE LEGACY OF ELAINE HORWITCH

May 26 – September 4

For lovers of art known as “New Western art” or “Southwest pop,” the name Elaine Horwitch is legendary. As a gallery director and art dealer beginning in the early 1970s, Horwitch brought experimental styles such as pop art, minimalism and conceptual art to the Southwest, and was influential in launching the careers of hundreds of artists from the region until her death in 1991. This exhibit highlights the works of some of the Elaine Horwitch Galleries’ most popular artists whose paintings, sculptures and works on paper reveal the level of art and innovation that occurred in the Southwest at a pivotal time of change. Artists featured include Tom Palmore, Billy Schenck, John Fincher, Fritz Scholder, Anne Coe, Marilyn Levine, Earl Biss, Woody Gwyn, Bob Wade and Lynn Taber.

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART (SAMA)

ROMAN LANDSCAPES: VISIONS OF NATURE AND MYTH FROM ROME AND POMPEII, Now – May 21 Strap on your Roman sandals and venture back to that ancient city during a guided tour of SAMA’s special exhibit. Visitors are introduced to the cultural and archaeological contexts of Rome via murals and landscapes that depict imaginary visions of a countryside dotted with seaside villas and rural shrines, where gods and mythological heroes mingle with travelers, herdsmen and worshippers. The exhibition features works loaned out by museums in Italy, France and Germany, many never before shown in the United States, and includes 65 wall paintings, sculptures, mosaics and cameo glass and silver vessels created in Roman Italy between 100 BC and AD 250. The exhibit is free with general admission into the museum

SONGSCAPES MUSICAL PERFORMANCE

May 12, 7:00 to 8:00pm

In celebration of “Roman Landscapes: Visions of Nature and Myth from Rome and Pompeii,” join SAMA and acclaimed soprano Bronwyn White for a recital that explores how the character of the landscape influences cultures and how that is reflected in music. Featuring songs in German, English, French and Mandarin, SongScapes Musical Performance will highlight pieces from the standard classical repertoire as well as songs by composers from traditionally under-represented populations. Admission is $15 for SAMA members and $20 for non-members.

WRITER’S BIO

Lakendra Lewis is an arts and entertainment journalist, editor and author whose articles have appeared in Edible San Antonio Magazine, The Texas Observer and San Antonio Christian Woman Magazine. She enjoys movies, music, cooking, singing and telling other people’s stories. You can contact her/read more of her stories at LakendraLewis.JournoPortfolio.com.

(Above) Briscoe Western Art Museum Artist Billy Schenck

(Left): SAMA Roman Landscapes. Photo by David Stover

SAMA SongScapes Musical Performance Soprano Bronwyn White

Briscoe Western Art Museum Artist David Bradley

A RIVER OF FAMILY FUN: SAN ANTONIO FOR KIDS

By Dawn Robinette, CTA

CLICK ON THIS

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM www.BriscoeMuseum.org

HEMISFAIR www.Hemisfair.org

LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER www.LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com/ san-antonio/

LIGGETTVILLE ADVENTURE CENTER www.Liggettville.com/ shops-at-rivercenter

MAGIK THEATRE www.MagikTheatre.org

SAN ANTONIO ZOO www.SAZoo.org

SEA LIFE SAN ANTONIO www.VisitSeaLife.com/san-antonio/

WITTE MUSEUM www.WitteMuseum.org

There is so much to do in San Antonio that the city can seem larger than life. But through the eyes of child, the city is larger than life—and includes experiences they will never forget. For an itinerary that keeps even the littlest explorers in your group happy, let the river be your guide. From bricks to beasts, under the water to high in the sky, or just a little “magik,” there is something for everyone to enjoy.

BUILD, CLIMB AND DIVE INTO FUN

There is always fun to be had at Shops at Rivercenter thanks to LEGOLAND Discovery Center San Antonio, SEA LIFE San Antonio and LiggettVille Adventure Center.

LEGO® PLAYGROUND, LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER

The Ultimate Indoor LEGO® Playground, LEGOLAND Discovery Center is stepping into a world of LEGOs with 10 LEGO play zones, two rides, a 4D cinema and MINILAND San Antonio. Built out of LEGO bricks, you can enjoy a fireworks show as you wonder at the Alamo City in a miniature LEGO version.

SEA LIFE SAN ANTONIO

Next door, SEA LIFE San Antonio transports you into an amazing underwater world through an unforgettable immersive experience. Come face to fin with starfish, seahorses, graceful rays and powerful sharks, enjoy an amazing 180° ocean tunnel and marvel at more than 20 display tanks. There is even a rockpool area where you can touch a sea creature—a must for any ocean lover.

LiggetVille Adventure Center

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

LiggettVille Adventure Center

Go from the depths of the sea to sky high fun at LiggettVille Adventure Center, home to the twolevel Sky Trail adventure ropes course with zip rails, a Sky Tykes ropes course for small children, and 10 unique and colorful Clip ‘n Climb ® walls. An action-packed activity that will get your family moving and laughing while making lasting memories, LiggettVille features heights up to 35 feet down to 3 feet off the ground for the smallest adventurers.

LASSO SOME WILD WEST FUN

Head “West” from the heart of the River Walk at the Briscoe Western Art Museum where handson, family-friendly arts and crafts showcase the fun side of the west on the first Sunday of each month. Do not miss the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, where you will enjoy amazing bronzes depicting the American West, and the museum’s historic home featuring 14 galleries of art and artifacts. From Santa Anna’s sword to Roy Rogers’ saddle, history comes to life at the Briscoe. Even better: Children 12 and under receive free admission, making the museum a great family destination.

DIG INTO DINOS

Come along on a dramatic adventure to Antarctica—one of the most isolated and dangerous environments on Earth—and dig into a breathtaking discovery at the Witte Museum: “Antarctic Dinosaurs!” Discover fossils from four Antarctic dinosaur species and get handson experience with real tools to learn how

SPLASH AND PLAY

Let the kids run and play at Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, a beautifully landscaped outdoor wonderland with interactive art installations. The public playground follows the American Disabilities Act standards so kids and adults of all ages and abilities can enjoy the park. Kids can dig in the Sand Play area and cool off in the Union Pacific Railroad Splash Pad. Hemisfair’s Super Fun Saturdays with H-E-B are returning to Yanaguana Garden every third Saturday, April 15, May 20 and June 17, from 11:00am to 3:00pm for fun and free kid’s activities with different monthly themes. And do not miss the newest addition to the park, the Toddler Play Area, extending the fun to even the smallest members of your crew.

ENJOY SOME MAGIK

While you are in Hemisfair, we dare you not to sing along during the “Schoolhouse Rock” reunion at Magik Theatre, San Antonio’s cherished, professional theatre for young audiences! Fifty years after it first aired on television, “Schoolhouse Rock Live,” the hit show that taught children everything from grammar to how to spell with rock & roll music and catchy tunes, is back on-stage April 15 to June 4. Enjoy classic songs such as “Just a Bill,” “Interjections” and “Conjunction Junction” at this fun-filled retro revue.

Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair

Magik Theatre

McNutt Sculpture Garden

Briscoe Western Art Museum

paleontologists had to carefully extract them from the now frozen landscape.

Then travel back 66 million years and meet the whole Tyrannosaur family! In the summer of 2023, the world’s most feared dinosaur, Tyrannosaurus rex, will crash out of the Cretaceous and into the Witte Museum, and the bone-crushing predator did not come alone — the entire Tyrannosaur clan is roaring to meet you. Take your family to “Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family” starting May 24.

BLOOMS, BEES, BUTTERFLIES AND BEASTS

The San Antonio Zoo is always a fantastic family destination, but this spring it becomes a kaleidoscope of colors featuring larger-than-life glass sculptures of butterflies, bees, praying mantis and more. It is a perfect way to spotlight the Zoo’s new Butterfly House where you can get up close and personal with hundreds of exotic butterflies and even a free-roaming sloth!

Through May 26, “Blooms, Bees & Butterflies” showcases the Zoo’s botanical beauty with daily activities, including animal encounters, dance parties, craft stations and educational performances.

This spring also includes Festival de Animales, celebrating Latin America’s culture, food and animals at the best Zoo in Texas during this official Fiesta event that highlights the animals native to South and Central America and San Antonio Zoo’s conservation efforts there.

In June, the Zoo is honored to host “Night Out At The Zoo,” the official kick-off event for PRIDE in San Antonio. A family-friendly ticketed event for guests of all ages to enjoy a supportive environment celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community in a wildly zoo-nique way, everyone is welcome to share in a rainbow of entertainment, community resources, animal encounters, unique vendors, live music, activations and more.

Throw in Kiddie Park — America’s oldest children’s amusement park — the Zoo Train and the Tiny Tot Nature Spot, and there is no end to the fun kids can have at the zoo.

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

Witte Museum

Festival de Animales

Photo by San Antonio Zoo

1904 A buggy in Brackenridge Park

1939 Eleanor Roosevelt at Witte Museum in Brackenridge Park

1949 Snow in Brackenridge Park

One Park,

Many Stories

By Susan Yerkes

Everybody needs an oasis, especially in today’s fast-moving world. With its rambling riverside paths and open spaces, Brackenridge Park is just that—some 400 acres of urban oasis, stretching along the banks of the San Antonio River just north of downtown. The nationally recognized San Antonio Zoo, the magnificent Witte Museum, the historic Brackenridge Park Golf Course, the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden and the Sunken Garden Theater draw visitors from near and far.

And the park itself, with its wooded trails and open fields, water features and graceful bridges, retains its natural charm. You can stroll along brushy trails dotted with public art, or watch groups of golfers playing on the first great public course in the state, longtime home of the Texas Open. Take a ride on the Brackenridge Eagle, the Zoo’s miniature train. (In the ‘70s, masked robbers on foot staged the last daring daylight train robbery in Texas.) Stroll through the gorgeous Japanese Tea Garden. Watch the passing parade of families and dog walkers, bikers and fishermen, frisbee players and sunbathers. Unpack a picnic at an old stone table by the riverbank, where colorful ducks, geese and swans drift along or waddle up to the grassy lawns. Some areas may be temporarily closed this spring and summer because of the sheer number of nesting migratory birds – mainly herons, egrets and cormorants. They are a beautiful sight, but their copious poop is a problem, so an effort to relocate them is underway, with help from Texas Parks and Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. D.A. The effort is a fascinating story in itself.

But the park has many fascinating stories, and new ones keep rising to the surface. Everywhere you go, you are walking through history. In his new book,

“Brackenridge: San Antonio’s Acclaimed Urban Park,” commissioned by the Brackenridge Park Conservancy, author and historian Lewis Fisher explained: “Brackenridge is newly ranked among the nation’s foremost cultural parks. It is one of the very few urban parks in the country whose evolution so closely reflects, layer by layer, the history and development of the city around it.”

This history started long before there was a San Antonio. There is evidence of prehistoric people who found water, food and shelter here as long as 1,200 years ago. Some Native American tribes considered the river’s source here the center of a sacred world.

In 1691, Spanish soldiers and priests discovered a verdant site for settlement on the river banks near today’s park. Soon Spanish settlers were building elaborate acequias (irrigation ditches) to carry precious river water to their fields. Two of the key acequias started in Brackenridge Park. In the late 19th century, they were incorporated into the water works for the growing city – owned by George Brackenridge, who owned the river’s headwaters, and donated the land for the park. His historic pumphouses are now on the National Register of Historic Places–and the entire park is listed there, too.

Brackenridge Park

1966- Brackenridge Eagle Train & Skyridge. Courtesy of Zintgraff - UTSA

1923 - Women with Dionicio Rodriguez faux bois sculpture

BRACKENRIDGE PARK CONSERVANCY

www.BrackenridgePark.org

BRACKENRIDGE PARK GOLF COURSE

www.AlamoCityGolfTrail.com

BRACKENRIDGE PARK PAVILION RENTALS www.SanAntonio.gov/ ParksAndRec/Parks-Facilities

JAPANESE TEA GARDEN www.SAParksFoundation.org

POLO FIELD DRIVING RANGE & FIRST TEE

www.GolfSanAntonio.org

SAN ANTONIO ZOO AND KIDDIE PARK www.SAZoo.org

WITTE MUSEUM

www.WitteMuseum.org

In 1864, Confederate commanders, cut off from supplies by union forces, built a tannery that produced 15,000 hides a year for saddles and shoes. That history was lost until recently, when the ruins were reassessed, and the story was unearthed. Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders trained on land that is now part of the Brackenridge Golf Course. Decades later, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt would visit the Witte Museum and praise the two determined women who championed it and led it for years.

The Japanese Tea Garden, created from an old quarry pit in 1916, was run by the Jingu family for four years; in 1942, after Pearl Harbor, the Jingus were evicted, and the name became the Chinese Tea Garden (the name remains on sculptor Dionicio Rodriguez’s famous entrance gate to the gardens). Forty years later, the Jingus returned as honored guests when the garden reverted to its original name. The San Antonio Parks Foundation now oversees the Tea Garden, and the Jingu House café is slated to re-open soon, run by veteran restaurateur Cappy Lawton.

In the Depression-era 1930s, crews from the national WPA (Works Projects Administration) and NYA (National Youth Administration) improved the park, building river walls, entry gates, picnic tables and enclosures that still stand today. The Texas Centennial brought more improvements, including Pioneer Hall by Witte, honoring Texas pioneers.

But city funds for improvements and even maintenance of the proud old park dwindled, and things fell into disrepair, until in 2008, the nationally respected San Antonio Conservation Society created the Brackenridge Park Conservancy, modeled on the lines of New York’s successful Central Park Conservancy. (Central Park Conservancy founder Betsy Barlow Rogers is a native San Antonian.) Working with San Antonio’s Parks and Recreation Department, the Brackenridge Park Conservancy is a steward for the park’s resources and history, and an advocate for its future.

The Conservancy’s projects and programs range from restoration of Miraflores, a once-magnificent Mexican physician’s estate that is now part of the park, to Fisher’s new Brackenridge Park book, to an in-depth Cultural Landscape Report. There are fun programs, too—Family Fishing events, Go for the Goats! (goat-powered brush-clearing), a Parktoberfest celebration and a Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival. At the same time, planning the park’s renaissance, and helping raise funds and friends to accomplish it, take center stage.

“We want to tell people there is a big effort underway here,” said the Conservancy’s interim executive director Terry Brechtel. “Keep coming back.”

WRITER’S BIO

Susan Yerkes is an award-winning journalist and travel writer based in San Antonio. She loves the Witte Museum, has a walking group at the Japanese Tea Gardens, and flies kites in the park’s open fields.

Brackenridge Eagle Train

Brackenridge Park

Japanese Tea Garden

200 S Alamo St. on the River Walk

FIESTA® ALONG THE RIVER WALK!

By Kimberly A. Suta

You never need to ask San Antonio if it is ready to celebrate, because we are always ready to celebrate! But when Fiesta rolls around each year, it is time to don flower wreaths and eye-popping colors, dress up our dogs and get ready for 10 festive days of renowned historic events unlike the world has ever seen! Fiesta takes place this year from April 20 - 30. Here is a snapshot of the River Walk-centric Fiesta events you will not want to miss.

TASTE OF THE REPUBLIC AT THE ALAMO

Thursday, April 20 6:00 to 10:00pm

Texas is home to one of the most diverse food cultures in America. Since 2017, Taste of the Republic has celebrated that culture as the VIP culinary kickoff party of Fiesta Fiesta, the official opening event of Fiesta® San Antonio. Taste of the Republic will take place at the Gardens of the Alamo. Come mingle with Fiesta Royalty and sample bites from 12 local celebrity chefs, with wine, beer and cocktails included in the $125 ticket price, a portion of which will help support the Fiesta Commission and the Remember the Alamo Foundation.

THE FIESTA ARTS FAIR

Saturday, April 22: 10:00am to 6:00pm Sunday, April 23: 11:00am to 5:00pm

The Fiesta Arts Fair is one of my absolute favorite Fiesta events featuring incredibly talented artists from all over Texas and even the U.S. This year it takes place on April 22-23 at the same location as always, the UTSA Southwest School of Art campus. Not only is this event as festive and fun as any with live national and regional music, food vendors with tasty fair food and an interactive youth art area, but with over 100 high caliber artists, it is the perfect time to select some original artwork to adorn your home. This event is ranked in the top 50 Fine Craft & Art Festivals by Art Fair SourceBook. Come and find out why!

THE TEXAS CAVALIERS RIVER PARADE

Monday, April 24: 7:00pm

As far as parades go, you probably already know our Fiesta parades are some of the best in the nation, and truly it is hard to pick just one. However, The Texas Cavaliers River Parade is invariably a treat because this parade floats, and what is cooler than that?! What began in 1941 has become a cherished tradition for friends and family. It all started when a band of

Texas Cavaliers became entranced by boats and barges decorated with flowers in the “floating gardens” of Mexico City. This so happened to coincide with the San Antonio River bend restoration, so the Cavaliers thought it would be a great idea to recreate it in the Alamo City, and they were right. Now, over 250,000 people come out each year to enjoy live music and beautifully-decorated barges covered in bright flowers and colors. This year’s parade takes place on April 24, and since 1989, funds raised go towards local children’s charities. Purchase tickets at www.TexasCavaliers.org.

FORD MARIACHI FESTIVAL

Tuesday, April 25 – Thursday, April 27 6:00 to 8:00pm

If you enjoy floats then the Ford Mariachi Festival is another great Fiesta event to check out. This year’s three-day event takes place on April 25-27 on the downtown River Walk and is free to attend.

Ford Mariachi Festival

Taste of the Republic

CLICK ON THIS FIESTA ARTISAN SHOW

www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com/events/ fiesta-artisan-show

FIESTA ARTS FAIR www.SWSchool.org/fiestaartsfair

FORD MARIACHI FESTIVAL

www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com/events/ ford-mariachi-festival

KING WILLIAM FAIR www.KWFair.org

NIGHT IN OLD SAN ANTONIO® www.Niosa.org

TASTE OF THE REPUBLIC

www.TasteOfTheRepublic.com

THE TEXAS CAVALIER RIVER PARADE

www.TexasCavaliers.org/river-parade

SAN ANTONIO ZOO FESTIVAL DE ANIMALES www.SAZoo.org/festival-de-animales

UTSA Fiesta Arts Fair

Photo by The University of Texas San Antonio

Fiesta San Antonio Food Booth

Texas Cavaliers River Parade

A Night in Old San Antonio

I encourage you to grab a margarita or ice cold beer (you can now have open containers on the River Walk) and take in the sounds and sights of this puro San Antonio music festival. River barges filled with talented Mariachi bands as well as Folklorico dancers from local schools, dressed in traditional garb, float by as you sit back and relax or stand up and dance along with them. This beloved event started in 1972, and we plan to keep dancing and singing until the river runs dry.

A NIGHT IN OLD SAN ANTONIO®

Tuesday, April 25 — Friday, April 28 5:30 to 10:30pm

This year marks the 75th anniversary of one of Fiesta’s most popular events, A Night in Old San Antonio, better known as NIOSA®, which celebrates and funds historic preservation through the San Antonio Conservation Society. This four-day-long food and drink extravaganza in La Villita, right along the River Walk, takes place on April 25-28, and seems to bring out the whole city. Go early or on family night if you have kids, because as the night ensues, the drinks flow and feet get stepped on, but it is all part of the fun, so to speak. Food lovers appreciate the diversity of food and drinks that can be had, along with a variety of entertainment and an electric atmosphere. This one is not for the faint of heart, but will likely create memories you will never forget!

FIESTA RIVER WALK ARTISAN SHOW

April 28 – 30

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

Art enthusiasts should also mark their calendars for the Fiesta Artisan Show, which takes place directly on the River Walk near the Chamber of Commerce and Shops at Rivercenter from April 28-30. This unique event allows you to experience the beauty of the River Walk while exploring stunning handmade artwork from more than 40 different artisans. Shop for jewelry, pottery, textiles, paintings, woodwork, beadwork and more. The best part is it is free to attend.

FESTIVAL DE ANIMALES

Saturday, April 29 — Sunday, 30

Of course, the San Antonio Zoo and its resident denizens had to get in on the Fiesta frivolities with an official Fiesta event of their own called Festival De Animales, which happens this year on April 29-30. The Zoo encourages you to “get wild” as you party with the animals while you feast on foods native to South and Central America, sip specialty cocktails and enjoy an array of musical performances throughout the Zoo. The festival is included with a standard Zoo admission and is free for members.

KING WILLIAM FAIR

Saturday, April 29

Finally, for me, it is not Fiesta, without strolling the charming streets of King William as it is transformed into the biggest block party in history. The King William Fair was once just a small neighborhood Fiesta event that quickly blossomed into a Fat Tuesday-esque day party with curb-to-curb people. Still, it is a wonderful event to take your family, including extravagantly costumed pets. Not only can you purchase the ubiquitous Fiesta drinks and food, but there is also an array of locally-made artisan goods. Make sure to roll out of bed in time, coffee in hand, to cheer on the neighborhood parade, which kicks off the event at 9:00am. It may not be the most elaborate of our Fiesta parades, but it is always a blast. Per usual, KWF closes out Fiesta on its last Saturday, which lands this year on April 29.

King William Fair

Fiesta River Walk Artisan Show

Festival de Animales

Photo by San Antonio Zoo

A Night in Old San Antonio

TAKE IT OUTSIDE!

By Drew Henry

KAYAK MISSION REACH

THE SAN ANTONIO RIVER FOUNDATION

MISSION REACH FLOTILLA FIESTA

Saturday, April 22, 10:00am to 2:00pm South of downtown lies the Mission Reach, the stretch of the River Walk home to San Antonio’s World Heritage Site Missions. This reach contains eight miles of hike and bike trails, grand pavilions, overlooks and new water edge landings for paddle watercraft and other outdoor recreation amenities. It is also where you can participate in the Official Kayaking Event of Fiesta® San Antonio— the Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta. Meet at Padre Park to test your skills through an obstacle course, or take a more leisurely route to enjoy the sites. This is a ticketed event, and proceeds go to preserving San Antonio’s Mission Reach. Learn more and purchase tickets at www.SARiverFound.org.

STROLL SAN PEDRO CREEK

San Pedro Creek Culture Park is an urban greenspace located on the western edge of downtown with a fascinating timeline. Thousands of years ago, the Payaya people lived along the creek, and the Spanish explorers later settled here because they recognized the creek’s potential to support a large city. In addition to historical markers, dynamic architectural design and stunning public art projects, the creek is home to over 5,000 aquatic plants, 100 shade trees and five bioswales that filter water. This urban habitat is where San Antonio’s art, culture and wildlife intersect for a one-of-a-kind stroll. Visit www.SPCCulturePark.com to learn more the rich history surrounding the creek and use the self-guided tour map to plan you visit.

The River Walk is one of San Antonio’s most vibrant outdoor spaces.

However, there is even more fun to be had besides sipping a margarita riverside, although that would also be a great way to spend the day! From kayaking to art walks to river barge tours, we have something for every level of outdoor enthusiast. Get ready to take it outside!

San Pedro Creek Culture Park

Flotilla Fiesta

CLICK ON THIS

CONFLUENCE PARK YOGA www.MobileOmTx.com/schedule

HEMISFAIR www.SAParks.org, www.Hemisfair.org

MISSION & MUSEUM REACHES ART & EVENTS www.SARiverFound.org

RIVER WALK PUBLIC ART GARDEN www.GetCreativeSanAntonio.com

SAN ANTONIO BCYCLE www.SanAntonio.BCycle.com

SAN ANTONIO RIVER FOUNDATION www.SARiverFound.org

SAN PEDRO CREEK CULTURE PARK www.SPCCulturePark.com

TOBIN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS www.TobinCenter.org

Whispers by Arne Quinze Mission Reach

The Grotto, Museum Reach Photo courtesy of Design Dudes

San Antonio BCycle; F.I.S.H by Donald Lipski Museum Reach

Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza

Confluence Park Pavilion Mission Reach

TAKE A RIVER WALK ART WALK RIVER WALK PUBLIC ART GARDEN

At the corner of Market and Alamo Streets, you will find the River Walk Public Art Garden, just steps away from Shops at Rivercenter and the Henry B. González Convention Center. The art garden is San Antonio’s newest cultural destination, showcasing a series of sculptures and wallmounted installations that convey themes of self-expression, human connectivity and social justice by both San Antonio and international artists. Visit www.GetCreativeSanAntonio.com for descriptions of the pieces currently on view, and enjoy a museum day in the great outdoors!

ART ALONG THE RIVER FROM MISSION REACH TO MUSEUM REACH

Art stretches along the San Antonio River from Mission Reach to Museum Reach. The River Walk is over 15 miles long and includes stunning installations that captivate and inspire. Along the Mission Reach, you can explore parks and nature trails lined by works like Whispers on the West River bank, just north of Mission Road, and Arbol de la Vida at Mission Espada. Downtown, you can stop at the River Walk Public Art Garden. And along the Museum Reach, you can spot some of the River Walk’s most iconic public art projects, including F.I.S.H and The Grotto. You can learn more about Art Along the River at www.SARiverFound.org.

BIKE AROUND TOWN

BCYCLE: PEDAL-ASSIST BIKE RENTALS

San Antonio is becoming increasingly bikefriendly, so renting some wheels is a great way to take in the sights. BCycle pedal-assist bikes allow you to ride twice the distance in half the time, which means you can see twice

as much! This bike-share program is designed for short trips and quick adventures around town. With individual ride times up to one hour, exploring downtown San Antonio is easier than ever. Stations are located across downtown, the Museum Reach and the Mission Reach and are open seven days a week from 6:00am to 11:00pm. Purchase a day pass for $15 for unlimited 60-minute trips or a single trip pass for $5 every 30 minutes. Pass purchases and maps are available at www.SanAntonio.BCycle. com.

HEMISFAIR — CHAPARRAL MUSIC & HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Saturday, April 22 - Sunday, April 23

Produced by the San Antonio Parks Foundation, Chaparral Music & Heritage Festival, sponsored by Michelob Ultra, is deeply rooted in practices

to protect, grow, nourish and perpetuate an ecosystem of learning, camaraderie, celebration, and legacy that public parks provide to citizens and visitors. The festival celebrates community storytelling for the now and future of San Antonio.

While General Admission to the festival is free and open to the public, a suggested donation of $5 per guest will be accepted at the entrance gates. Additionally, a limited number of VIP Culinary Experience tickets are available for purchase to 21+ patrons who wish to elevate their Chaparral experience. Under the shade of Texas oak trees, ticketed VIP guests will enjoy an on-site culinary and beverage experience. More details can be found at www.SAParks.org.

H-E-B CINEMA ON WILL’S PLAZA AT THE TOBIN CENTER

Friday, April 14 and Friday, May 12

Ready for a movie night on the river? Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza at the Tobin Center puts a flick up on the big screen once a month for a free and fun experience. So bring your lawn chair or blanket and kick back as you watch the film on their massive 32-foot LED video wall. Concessions and drinks are available, too! Upcoming features include Encant o in April and Billy Elliot: The Musica l in May. Learn more about this free community event at www.TobinCenter. org.

FITNESS IN THE PARK CONFLUENCE

PARK — C(OM)MUNITY YOGA

Every Sunday, 10:00am

Reset your mind, body and spirit next to San Antonio’s tranquil flowing river at Confluence Parks’s C(om)munity Yoga hosted by the San Antonio River Foundation and taught by Mobile Om. Start your Sunday morning right and recenter for the week of fun ahead! Everyone is welcome to attend this all-level community yoga practice, and donations are requested to support the San Antonio River Foundation. Learn more and sign up for free at www.MobileOmTx.com/ schedule.

WRITER’S BIO

Drew Henry is a writer, yogi and meme enthusiast. When he is not writing, he is out exploring all Texas has to offer. View his portfolio at DrewHenryWrites.com and follow his antics on Instagram at @drewhenrywrites.

Hemisfair Park

Spheres of Reflection by Kaldric Dow River Walk Public Art Garden

COOL, COLORFUL & CREATIVE!

By Crystal Henry

It is time for summer celebrations in San Antonio, and there is no better place to spend it than on the San Antonio River Walk! Colorful and culturally rich entertainment is lined up this year, with red, white and blue and all colors of the rainbow, lively music and dancing, delicious food and drinks, celebratory river parades and art right along the picturesque river banks.

MEMORIAL DAY RIVER WALK ARTISAN SHOW

May 26-29

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

Monday, 11:00am to 8:00pm

There are plenty of reasons to attend the Memorial Day River Walk Artisan Show—in fact there are more than 40. This collection of handmade artisan booths features pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodworking, paintings and beading. It is a bright and brilliant display of craftsmanship that both locals and tourists look forward to each year. Enjoy the beauty of the River Walk while you shop for friends, family and yourself! More than 40 artisan booths are located at the River Walk Extension, near the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Building and the Shops at Rivercenter. Free to attend.

SUNDAY JAZZ AT THE WITTE

Spend Sunday afternoons relaxing under the pecan trees while enjoying great live music on the banks of the San Antonio River when Sunday Jazz at the Witte returns to Brackenridge Park. Admission is free with a general admission museum ticket, and food and drink are available for purchase.

JOSÉ AMADOR AND TERRA NOVA

WILL SMITH AMPHITHEATER AT THE WITTE MUSEUM

April 2, 1:00pm (Doors open at noon)

An afternoon of Latin jazz on the banks of the San Antonio River with local favorites José Amador and Terra Nova.

THREE SWINGS AND A MISS ZACHRY FAMILY ACEQUIA GARDEN AT THE WITTE MUSEUM

May 14, 1:00pm (Doors open at noon)

Treat mom to a Mother’s Day picnic on the lawn of the Zachry Family Acequia Garden as you are delighted with songs from the golden age of jazz.

GO RIO SIP AND CRUISE

Museum Reach Tour:

Thursdays, April 6, 13, 20, 27

Fridays and Saturdays, April 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29

The iconic GO RIO river boats are getting boozy with some fun specialty cruises. On Thursdays, climb aboard the Platinum Museum Reach Sip and Cruise at the Thompson Hotel to enjoy a fantastic selection of wines and charcuterie while the music carries you along the river. Tickets are $95, and include three to four glasses of wine, snacks and a Museum Reach tour.

Then try a Mariachi Downtown Sip and Cruise on Fridays or Saturdays. Ticket price is $60 per person, and includes entertainment, two drinks, the cruise and a souvenir cup.

GO RIO MOTHER’S DAY CRUISES

Wednesday, May 10, Friday-Sunday, May 12-14

It is all about Mama with a special Spanish Mother’s Day cruise on May 10, with mariachis at the check-in location to entertain guests. On May 12 through 14, the same cruises will launch in English. Tickets are $40 and include a tour, entertainment, drinks and a rose.

GO RIO River Shuttles are also a great way to get around the River Walk. Visit the website for more info on 1 and 3-day Shuttle tickets.

NIGHT OUT AT THE ZOO

Friday, June 16, 6:00 to 10:00pm

Party for Pride week at the wildest spot in town — the San Antonio Zoo. Night Out At The Zoo is in its third year, and proceeds help the Zoo continue its wildlife support mission as well as amplify diversity and equity initiatives in the community. This family-friendly Pride event includes food and bev, animal encounters, vendors and music, and plenty of entertainment for guests of all ages. For tickets, visit the Zoo’s website.

Fiesta Noche del Rio

FIESTA NOCHE DEL RIO

ARNESON RIVER THEATRE

Fridays and Saturdays

June 9-August 5, 8:30pm

It is vibrant! It is lively! It is for a good cause! Now in its 66th season, Fiesta Noche del Rio is lighting up the Arneson River Theatre once again. The show began in 1957 on the River Walk, and it has been a staple ever since. San Antonio’s “First Lady of Song,” Rosita Fernandez, was the original performer who dazzled hundreds of thousands of patrons. Since then, the show has

continued to take on new life each year under the direction of Elizabeth “Lisa” Sanchez-Lopez and now Katie Rodriguez Hall.

This iconic cultural performance along the banks of the river is an artistic blend of colorful costumes, talented dancers and the sound of San Antonio’s deep musical roots. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the Arneson comes to life, and proceeds from the event have helped raise more than $2.85 million for disadvantaged children in San Antonio through the Alamo Kiwanis Club. Tickets available on their website.

CLICK ON THIS

MEMORIAL DAY RIVER WALK ARTISAN SHOW

BUD LIGHT PRIDE RIVER PARADE AND CELEBRATION

BUD LIGHT STARS, STRIPES & LIGHTS

FOURTH OF JULY RIVER WALK ARTISAN SHOW

ARMED FORCES RIVER PARADE

www.TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com

FIESTA NOCHE DEL RIO

www.FiestaNocheSA.com

GO RIO CRUISES

www.GoRioCruises.com

THE SAN ANTONIO ZOO

www.SAZoo.org

SUNDAY JAZZ AT THE WITTE

www.WitteMuseum.org

SAN ANTONIO AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY ARCHIVE AND MUSEUM

www.SAAACAM.org

GO RIO Sip and Cruise

Night Out At The Zoo

Memorial Day River Walk Artisan Show

Sunday Jazz at The Witte

Bud Light Stars, Stripes & Lights

BUD LIGHT PRIDE RIVER PARADE AND CELEBRATION

Saturday, June 10, Noon to 8:00pm

Show your pride for the LGBTQ+ community with a fabulous celebration on the River Walk. From noon to 5:00pm, La Villita will be colorfully decked in Pride regalia. Shop the artisans booths, grab some grub and enjoy live entertainment at the Arneson River Theatre on the River Walk. At 4:00pm, the 2nd Annual Bud Light Pride River Parade will dazzle the Downtown Reach of the River Walk with more than 17 colorful barges. A second parade along the Museum Reach of the River Walk starts at 7:00pm. Parade viewing is free to attend.

BUD LIGHT STARS, STRIPES & LIGHTS

June 30-July 4

The River Walk will be patriotically decked out during the long Fourth of July weekend. Downtown bridges and trees will be sporting red, white and blue ribbons, and 1,000 American flags will line the banks of the downtown River Walk. This celebration of

independence is free to enjoy and is the perfect backdrop for photos!

FOURTH OF JULY RIVER WALK ARTISAN SHOW

June 30-July 3

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 11:00am to 11:00pm; Monday, 11:00am to 8:00pm

Like the Memorial Day River Walk Artisan Show, more than 40 vendors line the River Walk Extension, near the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Building and the Shops at Rivercenter, showcasing their arts & crafts. Free to attend.

ARMED FORCES RIVER PARADE

Sunday, July 2, 6:00 to 7:00pm

It does not get more patriotic than a military parade during Independence Day weekend in Military City U.S.A. The Armed Forces River Parade is dedicated to the men and women from all branches of the United States Armed Forces and features red, white and blue decorated floats parading down the river. This free parade is a 40-minute celebration of service.

Shops. Food. Fun.

BLACK HISTORY FILMS AND RIVER TOURS

FILM SERIES AT MAGIK THEATRE

April 20, 6:00 to 9:00pm

May 18, 6:00 to 9:00pm

June 15, 6:00 to 9:00pm

Award-winning films explore social and educational issues and are followed by delightful discussions. Admission is free but registration is required.

BLACK HISTORY RIVER TOURS

May 13, 9:00-11:00am

Cruise the river and explore San Antonio’s Black History. You will be surprised at the continued African American influence in San Antonio. Check the website for additional dates and to purchase tickets.

WRITER’S BIO

Crystal Henry is a loyal Texan and an awardwinning author, writer and columnist. She is fluent in both sarcasm and English, and she showcases those bilingual skills on FB + IG @crystalhenrywrites and on Twitter @ chenrywrites.

With

514 W. Commerce St.

over 100 locally owned shops, you’ll find cultural curios and artifacts, hand-crafted leather goods, and a diverse collection of traditional apparel.

EAT & DRINK

AMERICAN AMBLER TEXAS KITCHEN + COCKTAILS www.AmblerSanAntonio.com

BLUE STAR BREWING COMPANY www.BlueStarBrewing.com

BOILER HOUSE www.BoilerHouseSA.com

BOUDRO’S TEXAS BISTRO www.Boudros.com

BIGA ON THE BANKS www.Biga.com

BLISS www.FoodIsBliss.com

BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. www.BubbaGump.com

BUCKHORN SALOON & MUSEUM www.BuckhornMuseum.com

CURED www.CuredAtPearl.com

DAVE & BUSTER’S www.DaveAndBusters.com

DEVILS RIVER DISTILLERY www.DevilsRiverWhiskey.com

DICK’S LAST RESORT www.DicksLastResort.com

ELSEWHERE GARDEN BAR & KITCHEN www.ElsewhereTexas.com

THE ESQUIRE www.EsquireTavern-SA.com

FAT TUESDAY www.FatTuesday.com

FOUR BROTHERS www.OmniHotels.com

THE GUENTHER HOUSE www.GuentherHouse.com

HARD ROCK CAFÉ www.HardRockCafe.com

HOOTER’S www.Hooters.com

HOWL AT THE MOON www.HowlAtTheMoon.com

JOHNNY ROCKET’S www.Locations.JohnnyRockets.com

LANDRACE www.LandraceTX.com

LANDSHARK BAR & GRILL www.SanAntonio.LandSharkBarAndGrill.com

LONE STAR CAFÉ www.LoneStarCafe.com

MARGARITAVILLE www.MargaritavilleSanAntonio.com

MAVERICK TEXAS BRASSERIE www.MaverickTexas.com

MAVERICK WHISKEY www.MaverickWhiskey.com

THE MOON’S DAUGHTERS www.TheMoonsDaughters.com

RAINFOREST CAFÉ www.RainforestCafe.com

THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS www.TheRepublicOfTexasRestaurant.com

SUPPER www.SupperAtEmma.com

YARD HOUSE www.YardHouse.com

ASIAN BEST QUALITY DAUGHTER www.BestQualityDaughter.com

BOTIKA www.BotikaPearl.com

BBQ THE COUNTY LINE www.CountyLine.com

PINKERTON’S www.PinkertonsBarbecue.com

SMOKE BBQ RIVERBAR www.SmokeDowntown.com

BRITISH

MAD DOGS BRITISH PUB www.MadDogs.net

FRENCH

BRASSERIE MON CHOU CHOU www.BrasserieMonChouChou.com

GERMAN BIER GARTEN www.BierGartenSA.com

LITTLE RHEIN PROST HAUS www.ProstHausSA.com

SCHILO’S www.Schilos.com

IRISH

DURTY NELLY’S IRISH PUB www.DurtyNellysPub.com

MADDY MCMURPHY’S IRISH SPORTS BAR www.MaddysSA.com

ITALIAN ALLORA www.AlloraPearl.com

ARROSTA www.ArrostaPearl.com

DOUGH

www.DoughPizzeriaOnlineOrders.com

FIUME PIZZERIA www.FiumePizzeria.com

NONNA OSTERIA www.NonnaSA.com

PAESANOS www.PaesanosRiverWalk.com

TRE TRATORRIA www.TreTrattoria.com

ZOCCA CUISINE D’ITALIA www.ZoccaRiverWalk.com

MEXICAN ACENAR www.Acenar.com

AZUCA NUEVO LATINO www.Azuca.net

CAFÉ OLE www.CafeOle.us

CARRIQUI www.CarriquiTX.com

CASA RIO www.Casa-Rio.com

DOMINGO RESTAURANTE www.DomingoRestaurant.com

GUADALAJARA GRILL www.GuadalajaraGrill.us

IRON CACTUS www.IronCactus.com

LA GLORIA www.ChefJohnnyHernandez.com

LA MARGARITA www.LaMargarita.com

MI TIERRA CAFÉ Y PANADERIA www.MiTierraCafe.com

OCHO www.HavanaSanAntonio.com

THE ORIGINAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT www.OriginalMexican.com

RESTAURANTE PICO DE GALLO www.PicoDeGallo.com

RIO RIO CANTINA www.RioRioCantina.com

RITA’S ON THE RIVER www.RitasOnTheRiver.com

THE RIVER’S EDGE CAFÉ + PATIO BAR www.RiversEdgeCafeSA.com

ROSARIO’S www.RosariosSA.com

SEAFOOD

BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. www.BubbaGump.com

CHART HOUSE

www.TowerOfTheAmericas.com

JOE’S CRAB SHACK www.JoesCrabShack.com

LANDRY’S SEAFOOD HOUSE www.LandrysSeafood.com

ON THE BEND OYSTER BAR & CIGAR LOUNGE www.OnTheBendSA.com

OSTRA www.OmniHotels.com

SOUTHERLEIGH FINE FOOD & BREWERY www.Southerleigh.com

SOUTH AMERICAN DORREGO’S www.dorregos.com

TEXAS DE BRAZIL www.TexasDeBrazil.com

FOGO DE CHAO www.FogoDeChao.com

SPANISH ENRIQUE TOMAS www.EnriqueTomas.com

STEAKHOUSE BOHANAN’S www.Bohanans.com

BRENNER’S STEAKHOUSE www.LandrysInc.com

MORTON’S STEAKHOUSE www.Mortons.com

THE PALM www.ThePalm.com

RANGE www.RangeSA.com

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE www.RuthsChris.com

SALTGRASS STEAKHOUSE www.Saltgrass.com

SILO PRIME www.SiloSA.com

SWEETS BEN & JERRY’S www.BenJerry.com

JUSTIN’S ICE CREAM www.JustinsIceCream.com

KILWINS www.Kilwins.com

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY www.RMCF.com

SHOP & PLAY

THE ALAMO www.TheAlamo.org

ALAMODOME www.Alamodome.com

ALAMO PLAZA SHIRTS 210.223.2347

ALAMO QUARRY MARKET www.QuarryMarket.com

ALAMEDA THEATER www.AlamedaTheaterConservancy.org

AMAZING MIRROR MAZE & THE VAULT LASER CHALLENGE www.AmazingMazes.com

ARNESON RIVER THEATRE www.LaVillitaSanAntonio.com

ART PACE www.ArtPace.org

AT&T CENTER www.ATT.CenterSanAntonio.org

AZTEC THEATRE www.Aztec.TheaterSanAntonio.org

BCYCLE www.SanAntonioBCycle.com

THE BLUE STAR ARTS COMPLEX www.BlueStarArtsComplex.com

BONITA RITA’S/MERCADORITA’S www.Mercadoritas.com

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM www.BriscoeMuseum.org

BRACKENRIDGE PARK www.BrackenridgePark.org

BUCKHORN SALOON & MUSEUM www.BuckhornMuseum.com

CARVER COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER www.TheCarver.org

CASCADE CAVERNS www.CascadeCaverns.com

CENTRO DE ARTES www.GetCreativeSanAntonio.com

CITY SIGHTSEEING SAN ANTONIO www.CitySightseeingSanAntonio.com

CONFLUENCE PARK www.SARiverFound.org

COWBOY’S ALAMO CITY HARLEYDAVIDSON BOUTIQUE www.CowboysAlamoCityHarley.com

DASA SPA ON THE RIVERWALK www.DasaSpa.com

THE DOSEUM www.TheDoSeum.org

EMPIRE THEATRE www.MajesticEmpire.com

FIESTA AT NORTH STAR www.AlamoFiesta.com

FIVE AND DIME GENERAL STORE www.FiveAndDimeGS.com

FREEMAN COLISEUM www.Freeman.Coliseum-SanAntonio.org

GARCIA ART GLASS www.GarciaArtGlass.com

GO RIO CRUISES www.GoRioCruises.com

GUENTHER HOUSE www.GuentherHouse.com

GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER www.GuadalupeCulturalArts.org

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS MUSEUM www.Ripleys.com

HEMISFAIR www.Hemisfair.org

HENRY B. GONZALEZ CONVENTION CENTER www.SAHBGCC.com

HOPSCOTCH www.LetsHopscotch.com

HOTEL CONTESSA SPA www.HotelContessaSpa.com

HOT WELLS www.BexarCounty.org

KIDDIE PARK www.KiddiePark.com

LOUIS TUSSAUD’S WAXWORKS www.Ripleys.com

MAGIK THEATRE www.MagikTheatre.org

MAJESTIC THEATRE www.MajesticEmpire.com

MARKET SQUARE/EL MERCADO www.MarketSquareSA.com

MCNAY ART MUSEUM www.McNayArt.org

MEXICAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE www.Facebook.com/mexculturesa

MISSION ADVENTURE TOURS www.MAT-TX.com

MISSION HIKE & BIKE TRAILS www.NPS.gov/saan/planyourvisit/ hikebike

MISSION MARQUEE PLAZA www.MissionMarquee.com

MOKARA SPA www.OmniHotels.com

MORGAN’S WONDERLAND www.MorgansWonderland.com

MURAL RIDE

www.SanAntonioMuralRide.com

NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS www.NaturalBridgeCaverns.com

NORTH STAR MALL www.NorthStarMall.com

PARIS HATTERS www.ParisHatters.com

PENNER’S www.PennersInc.com

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT www.Ripleys.com/sanantonio

RIVER WALK PUBLIC ART GARDEN www.GetCreativeSanAntonio.com

RUBY CITY www.RubyCity.org

SAN ANTONIO AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY ARCHIVE AND MUSEUM www.SAAACAM.org

SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN www.SABOT.com

SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS NATIONAL HISTORIAL PARK www.NPS.gov/saan/index

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART www.SAMuseum.org

SAN ANTONIO VISITORS CENTER www.VisitSanAntonio.com

SAN ANTONIO ZOO www.SAZoo.org

SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL/ THE SAGA www.SFCathedral.org / www.MainPlaza. org

SAN PEDRO CREEK CULTURE PARK www.SPCCulturePark.com

SEAWORLD SAN ANTONIO www.SeaWorld.com

THE SHOPS AT LA CANTERA www.TheShopsAtLaCantera.com

SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS www.SixFlags.com

SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART www.SWSchool.org

SPANISH GOVERNOR’S PALACE www.SpanishGovernorsPalace.org

77T’S SOUVENIRS & T-SHIRTS www.77TShirts.com

TIENDA LA GARZA 210.222.2133

TOBIN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS www.TobinCenter.org

TOWER OF THE AMERICAS www.TowerOfTheAmericas.com

THE UNOFFICIAL BEST OF TEXAS 210.227.0242

UTSA INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES www.TexanCultures.UTSA.edu

VILLA FINALE www.VillaFinale.org

WITTE MUSEUM www.WitteMuseum.org

YANAGUANA GARDEN www.Hemisfair.org

LA VILLITA HISTORIC ARTS VILLAGE www.LaVillitaSanAntonio.com

• Angelita

• B. Link

• Bird & Pear

• Capistrano Soap Company

• Casa Manos Alegres

• Copper Galler y

• Sifuentes Metalsmith

• Little Studio Gallery

• Plaza Taxco

• River Art Gallery

• Scentchips USA

• Starving Artist Art Gallery

• Yolix Luna Fine Art

SHOPS AT RIVERCENTER www.ShopRivercenter.com

Shops at Rivercenter have nearly 100 retailers.

IMAX & AMC RIVERCENTER 11 www.IMAX.com

LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER www.LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com

SEA LIFE SAN ANTONIO www.VisitSeaLife.com

LIGGETTVILLE ADVENTURE CENTER www.LiggettVille.com

THE HISTORIC PEARL www.AtPearl.com

• Adelante Boutique

• Curio

• Dos Carolinas

• Feliz Modern Pop

• Leelee

• Limatus Bespoke

• Niche at Pearl

• Rancho Diaz

• Ten Thousand Villages

• The Tiny Finch

• The Twig Book Shop

DOWNTOWN LOCATIONS LISTING

MUSEUM REACH LOCATIONS LISTING

SHOP & PLAY

1 San Antonio Zoo

2 Japanese Tea Gardens

3 Sunken Garden Theater

4 Brackenridge Park Golf Course

5 Witte Museum

6 The DoSeum

9 San Antonio Museum of Art

B San Antonio BCycle Docking Stations

THE HISTORIC PEARL

Allora

Arrosta

Bakery Lorraine

Best Quality Daughter Blue Box Bar Boiler House Botika

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou Carriqui

Cured

Food Hall at Bottling Dept.

Full Goods Diner High Street Wine Co. Jazz, TX Ladino

La Gloria

Lick Honest Ice Creams

Local Coffee Founders Southerleigh Supper at Hotel Emma

EAT & DRINK

8 Sam’s Burger Joint Music Hall

10 Tre Trattoria

11 Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen

12 Shiro Japanese Sushi Bistro

STAY

7 Hotel Emma

13 Wundham Garden San Antonio Riverwalk

Real Fun. True Memories.

San Antonio is the city of authenticity. Where real fun and true adventure are just outside your door. Come discover our larger-than-life attractions, thrilling theme parks, and breathtaking, natural wonders. There’s something exciting for everyone. Plan a truly memorable trip now at visitsanantonio.com