There are so many San Antonio attractions and events on any given weekend that it can seem overwhelming to choose just one. In this series, all pressure is off! 25 fun things to do in San Antonio will be chosen each month to make researching for the next Friday celebration, date night, or family outing a little more simple. Take time to read and explore all of the many options for the month of August as we conclude the summer season!
1. See a World-Class Guitarist
Image Courtesy of http://tojoh nmayerwithlove.com/?f
There are so many amazing concerts happening around San Antonio this month. One of the biggest to hit the town will be John Mayer’s world tour. Known for famous songs like “Waiting on the World to Change” and “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room,” John Mayer has a rich tone to his voice and pop-influenced songs with lyrics that you’ll want to remember. He’s been in the music industry for what seems like forever, yet he still manages to come out with hit songs every year. Grab a ticket quickly for this one! We’re sure he’ll sell out.
When: August 2, 7:00 PM
Where: AT&T Center
2. Dance the Night Away
One of our favorite spots in town is The Pearl Brewery, a fabulously converted antique building that holds a ton of culture and charm. One section of the complex includes an old stable that’s been converted. They’re opening the doors for this stable to be a Texas dance hall so that you and a friend can dance the night away, Texas style! Get ready to two-step and throw on those boots. This event is open to the public (and it’s free)! There will be limited space, so we suggest arriving early.
When: August 31 (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Where: Pearl Stable (307 Pearl Pkwy)
3. Taste the Best of San Antonio
San Antonio Restaurant Week (better known as Culinaria) is an event where restaurants across the city offer special pre-fixed menus for lunch and dinner. There are two different tiers: Tier Two offers a more casual/budget friendly option, while Tier One gives you options for finer dining. Restaurants like Aldacos, Bliss, Dough, Nao, Nosh, and many others are included in this amazing week-long event. If you want to reserve a table, first check the list of restaurants here and then call the restaurant of your choosing directly!
When: August 12-26
4. Get Ready for Wild Weather
Image Courtesy of https://www.wittemuseum.org
Over the past few months, the Witte Museum has hosted “Wild Weather,” an exhibit that allows you to learn more about the crazy weather that affects our world. From tornadoes to hurricanes, heat waves to winter storms, all kinds of weather phenomena will be discussed. The exhibit will end this month, so it’s your last opportunity to take your child and explore. There are even a few interactive exhibits for your kids to experience what this weather actually feels like! Discover the effects of climate change in our world and how we can make a difference.
When: See Museum Hours Here
Where: The Witte Museum (3801 Broadway St.)
5. See A Family Film
Do you have little ones who are obsessed with space? Make it a family movie night with Star Trek: Beyond. This awesome free event is for the entire community! The venue welcomes you to load up lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks for a classic film in a cozy environment. Don’t miss out by showing up late! Space is limited for these outdoor movies.
When: August 5, 7:00 PM
Where: Mission Marquee Plaza (3100 Roosevelt Ave)
6. See Los Lonely Boys
The widely popular band Los Lonely Boys is in San Antonio for one night only! Known as the ultimate American Chicano rock trio, the band is known for their “Texican Rock n’ Roll,” combining Texas blues, country, rock, and Tejano all in one. Some of their hit songs include “Heaven,” “More Than Love,” and “Real Emotions.” They’re sure to give a winning performance here in San Antonio, at the Aztec Theatre. If you’re a fan, get your ticket and line up for this amazing show.
When: August 3, 7:00 PM
Where: Aztec Theatre (104 N. St. Mary’s St.)
7. Appreciate Film
The San Antonio Film Festival has been occurring for years as a way to support local artists and the film industry. The festival showcases films from around the world, all while giving you and industry people a chance to see new films, new artists, and creative environments. You can go this year and see some amazing new films each day of the festival. Be sure to take a look at the schedule here and figure out which ones sound the most appealing to you. Most of the films are free and most will be viewed at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.
When: August 1-6
Where: Tobin Center (100 Auditorium Circle)
8. Bring Your Dog!
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is allowing you and your pooch to stroll through the garden in “The Dog Days of Summer.” They’ve set up doggie pools, water stations, and they even have bags for you to clean up after your pup. Bring your dog, meet new friends, and allow them to socialize this summer. Cool them off in one of the pools and enjoy the last few days of summer vacation with this fun event.
When: August 5, 9:00 AM
Where: San Antonio Botanical Garden (555 Funston Pl)
9. Race the River
Image Courtesy of https://www.thesanantonioriverw alk.com/events/ford-river-race
The Ford River Race is upon us, and it’s time for you to register your team for the competition! Laugh and enjoy as Ford hosts a canoe race downtown on the San Antonio River Walk. This is the 49th annual challenge, and it’s open to the public! You’ll receive a T-shirt for competing, and they’ll be sure to give a demonstration of watercraft safety before the race begins. This is such a great family activity, especially in the heat of summer! Cool off in the water and bring out your inner competitor.
When: August 5, 7:00 AM-12:00 PM
Where: Check in is at Margaritaville (849 E Commerce St)
10. Enjoy an Art Party
The San Antonio Museum of Art is hosting an art party with themed, “Heaven and Hell.” Come and enjoy live music, a great gallery tour, cocktails, and artistry. It’s a cool way to view the gallery at night with a drink in your hand. Get dressed up, go downtown, and enjoy the evening! After all, you can’t spell party without the word ART.
When: August 11, 6:00 PM
Where: San Antonio Museum of Art (200 W Jones Ave)
11. Dance the Salsa!
Get ready to learn some salsa and dance the night away! The BIG Salsa Festival is a four-day event that features multiple salsa performers, workshops led by top choreographers, concerts with salsa music, a VIP area to enjoy shows, and great salsa the entire time! If you’ve ever wanted to learn salsa (or maybe you just enjoy watching this style of dance), now is your time to act! The festival will begin August 10th and lasts all weekend. Get a ticket now!When: August 10-13
Where: Grand Hyatt San Antonio (600 E. Market St.)
12. Explore the Alamo
Image Courtesy of MySanAntonio.com
The Alamo is open for you to explore on the first Saturday of every month! Head downtown and experience the Alamo as it was in the 1830’s. You’ll get to learn more about life in frontier Texas and watch actors re-create history with performances. Educate yourself on the people, customs, and culture of the time period. This serves as a great, educational event that is plenty of fun for the entire family!
When: August 5, 9:30 AM
Where: The Alamo (300 Alamo Plaza)
13. Learn a New Recipe
Come out to the Witte and learn a fantastic new recipe at the museum’s Demonstration Kitchen. HEB hosts this awesome event for kids and families to learn more about healthy meal options and recipes are good for your body. You’ll get supervision from a real chef, learn new tricks in the kitchen, and test out a few recipes!
When: August 5, 1:00 PM
Where: Witte Museum (3801 Broadway)
14. Go Bat Crazy!
Believe it or not, bats are a huge part of South Texas and our environment. Join the Bat Conservation International as they host the 5th Annual Bat Loco Bash on the San Antonio River Walk bridge. There will be a fun bat parade, booths for you to learn more about these fascinating creatures, food trucks, music, and more! Also, did you know that there is a bat colony that lives under I-35? You’ll learn more about this, hear from wildlife experts, and figure out how you can help the bat population from South Texas!
When: August 8, 6-9:00 PM
Where: Museum Reach on the San Antonio River Walk (1300 Camden St.)
15. Eat Bacon for a Good Cause
Image Courtesy of the Food Network
Are you a bacon lover? In the food industry, bacon dishes have become quite popular, including deliciously strange combinations like bacon cupcakes and pancakes. Urban-15 is hosting “Bacon, Bacon, Bacon,” a fundraiser that will feature samples from local restaurants and their best dish that contains bacon. All of the proceeds from this event will go to a youth art program to support art among children and the community. Get ready to taste some amazing samples and recipes with a lot of bacon!
When: August 12, 6:00 PM
Where: Freetail Brewing Co Tasting Room (2000 S. Presa)
16. See and Experience the Future
The DoSeum is hosting Tech Fair, giving you a chance to see and experience the future of technology. You’ll get the chance to see innovative designs, interact, participate, and explore the many wonders of technology. It’s going to be a memorable day that you won’t want to miss. There will be something for every age, and the DoSeum promises to have lots of challenges and interaction for anyone who is willing. Get ready to see the future!
When: August 12, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Where: 2800 Broadway
17. Support the Arts
Image Courtesy of http://www.texasbookfestiv al.org/literary-libations/
Literary Libations is happening all across Texas August 14-18. Participating bars will be serving literary themed cocktails in honor of Lit Crawl, an event that allows you to hear a reading at every bar you visit. Make your summer cocktail count as you enjoy passages from literature with a drink in your hand. It’s a great way to get outside, enjoy your city, and cool off in the heat of the summer. With each drink purchase, a portion will be donated back to Lit Crawl so that the event can keep on going, year after year.
When: August 14-18
Where: Participating bars here
18. Preview Art After Hours
You have the chance to preview the newest season of art with ARTS After Hours. Get the scoop on artists in San Antonio and upcoming exhibits, and experience an inspirational program with a mission to entertain, enrich, and educate. There will be drinks, food, and fun and the event takes place at Sam’s Burger Joint. Reservations are highly recommended for this event, so start planning ahead!
When: August 22, 6:00 PM
Where: Sam’s Burger Joint (330 E Grayson St.)
19. Sing with Sheeran
Ed Sheeran, a singer/songwriter icon with hit songs like “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill,” is coming to San Antonio on tour, celebrating his third studio album! If you’re a fan of the quirky singer, you won’t want to miss this show. Get a ticket now and get ready to sing along to all of his hit songs.
When: August 22, 7:00 PM
Where: AT&T Center (1 AT&T Center Parkway)
20. Have a Family Day
Image Courtesy of http://bluestarcontemporary.org/calendar-events/h-e-b -family-saturday/
HEB invites you to Family Saturday, a day where you can enjoy time with your family, play, get creative, and understand art. The day focuses on art and the community with creative activities for kids and lessons on how to better understand and look at art. Free activities, food, music, and refreshments will be available for everyone.
When: August 26, 1:00 PM
Where: Blue Star Contemporary (116 Blue Star)
21. Have a Home with History
The Historic Homeowner Fair showcases beautiful historic homes here in the San Antonio area, as well as professionals and services who specialize in these older homes. If you have a historic property (or just want to know more about them), this event is free and open to the public. You’ll get the chance to walk through exhibits, learn more about historic districts, and talk to people who are considered experts on the subject. It’s an all-day event, and you can come and go as you please.
When: August 26, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Where: Pearl Stable (307 Pearl Parkway)
22. Harvest Some Grapes
Image Courtesy of http://www.messinahof.com/events/post/hc-daytime-harvest
Get ready for wine season as Messina Hof Hill Country invites you to come out and help turn grapes into wine. You can actually stomp on the grapes, taste from the barrel, and learn about the winemaking process. There will be a contest to see who can find the biggest grape cluster, as well as music and light snacks. Get a souvenir t-shirt and enjoy a great day out in the Texas Hill Country.
When: August 26, 9:00 AM
Where: Messina Hof Hill Country (9996 US-290)
23. See a Legend
Blues legend Bobby Rush will be at the Tobin Center for his second time in San Antonio. He’s had 22 albums, 274 records, and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2016. Grammy Award Winner Bobby Rush is going to give the performance of a lifetime, and you won’t want to miss it! Enjoy the sweet sounds of blues and the quality music that this star has produced. Grab a ticket quickly before the show sells out!
When: August 25, 8:00 PM
Where: Tobin Center (100 Auditorium Circle)
24. Shop the Farmer’s Market
Enjoy a morning at the Mission Marquee Farmers an d Artisan Market this month. Not only does the market have fresh produce, it also offers artisan specialties, a Zumba class, food, and other activities for the whole family. You can even bring your furry friend along to the market with this pet-friendly environment. You’re sure to find something that you’d like to take home with you!
When: August 19 @10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Where: Mission Marquee Plaza (3100 Roosevelt Ave)
25. Try to Be a Cowboy
Do you have a little one who’d love to be a cowboy or cowgirl? The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures is hosting Vaquerocation: a cowboy-themed program that allows you the opportunity to talk with real cowboys, enjoy stories, try your hand at roping, make fun cowboy crafts, and more. It’s a hands-on opportunity for them to learn more about this real lifestyle, ask questions, or just enjoy a day of fun! Mark your calendars for this one and put on your cowboy boots!
When: August 13, 12-4:00 PM
Where: Institute of Texan Cultures (801 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd)
