I think it’s safe to say fall festival season has arrived, so fill up those calendars and get your comfy shoes on. First off is the International Accordion Festival, which has moved up from October to this Saturday. The city kicks off its month-long Diez y Seis de Septiembre (Mexico’s Independence Day) events with a parade and festival this weekend, all of which coincide with Hispanic Heritage month, which runs from September 15 through October 15. Also included this week are a couple of runs benefiting local causes.
P.S. Don’t forget that Sunday is Grandparents Day! Be sure to celebrate those folks who make our kids smile and spoil them to pieces.
Friday, September 11
September 11–12: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial at Majestic Theatre—Enjoy the award-winning score performed live by the San Antonio Symphony in sync with the full feature film projected on a huge HD screen. Check out the “Me+3 4-Pack Offer” for 50% off ticket prices.
September 11–13: Alamo City Comic Con at Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center—Comic book culture comes to life. This year’s crowd could surpass 100,000 fans. Tickets/packages: $15 to $300.
September 11–12: 31st Annual Zoo Run and Kids’ Run at San Antonio Zoo—Friday evening is the eight-mile/four-person relay for adults. Saturday morning is the Kids’ Run with five age categories: 1–3, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9, and 10–11. Ages 1–5 will run 1/4 of a mile, and ages 6–11 will run 1/2 of a mile. Online and race day registration available.
Saturday, September 12
34th Annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre Parade & Festival at Plaza Guadalupe—The parade marches through the heart of the historic Westside and ends at the Plaza Guadalupe. The plaza hosts a variety of festivities, food booths, live entertainment, and music. Free.
Kids Club: Insect Collecting at Herff Farm—See how many insects you can find and explore with a magnifying glass. $5 suggested donation per family.
Free Family Art Day at Inspire Community Fine Art Center—This month’s theme is Where The Wild Things Are. Event takes place every second Saturday of each month. Free.
International Accordion Festival at La Villita Historic Arts Village—You don’t want to miss this! “Cultural exchange and cultural connection from around the globe and right here in Texas. It’s big, it’s outdoors, and it’s dancing and fun for the whole family.” Free.
H-E-B Family Film Series: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day at Mission Marquee Plaza—Free popcorn and giveaways. Take your lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. Free.
September 12–13: Fiesta Patrias at Historic Market Square—Enjoy two days of entertainment, delicious “antojitos,” mariachis, Tejano, Norteno, Conjuntos, and oldies groups. Proceeds to benefit scholarships for college bound students. Free.
Sunday, September 13
Torch Relay 5K Run/Walk for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at JW Marriot San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa—Participants in the 5K who raise $80 will be given five admission tickets to the “Summer Splash Celebration” held at JW Marriott’s River Bluff water park.
Grandparents’ Day Celebrations at Landa Library, Great Northwest Library, and Igo Library—Come-and-go crafts, activities, and refreshments at each location. Free.
Discover Your Roots Family Day at Institute of Texan Cultures—Children will become history investigators, creating a journal of family stories from their parents and grandparents comparing life when they were young to today. Free.
Día de la Independencia Charreada at Rancho del Charro—You will see the traditional rodeo, such as bull riding and bronco riding, as well as our female side saddle team perform unique presentations.
Monday, September 14
Little Sprouts: Grow as We Go! at San Antonio Botanical Garden—Each Little Sprout Monday includes storytelling, kids’ crafts, and hands-on explorations at your child’s pace. Takes place on the second Monday of each month. Registration required. Fee is $7 per child and includes one adult.
Ballet Folklórico de México at The Tobin Center—Inspired by the essence of Mexican folklore, these dances use different techniques from modern and classical dance. Tickets $29.50–$69.50
Wednesday, September 16
KLRN Virtual Classroom Series Earth Science: Food at a website near you—Various earth science-themed programming from PBS, every Wednesday until September 23. Each program is 30–45 minutes plus Q&A. Free.
Thursday, September 17
A Conversation with the Constitution at East Central High School– Dr. Christopher Phillips will lead and moderate; the goal is for all participants to come away with a better understanding of the document and an enhanced appreciation of how our government works. Free, however sponsorship levels are available.
SAVE THE DATE
- September 19: Día de los Niños at La Villita Historic Arts Village
- October 16–19: 55th Annual Greek FUNstival at St. Sophia’s
- October 24: BOOtanical and Plant Sale at San Antonio Botanical Garden
- October 23–25: Lebanese Food Festival at St. George Maronite Catholic Church
Do you have a community event coming up?
