SATXBlog Events (Events)
Find all you need to know on what to do in San Antonio. Whether you are visiting for a convention or meeting, on vacation or visiting friends and family; we know you will enjoy your time in San Antonio. Various information througout South Texas on tourism, events, activities, attractions and happenings.
San Antonio Shows off its Artistic Side
San Antonio Shows off its Artistic Side{mosimage}
San Antonio is always a place that prides itself on its unique heritage and culture, and is quickly becoming known throughout the world for hosting art events and openings that are on par with, not only the bigger cities in Texas, but across the nation itself. September brings a dazzling array of expositions, shows, and festivals to the city, with something for almost all tastes.
FOTOSEPTIEMBRE is an annual international photography festival, which takes place throughout the entire month of September at a variety of location in San Antonio and the Hill Country. The show is heavy on local talent, with some of San Antonio’s finest photographers displaying their works, but the international artists are well-represented as well, with many artists from all over Latin America, Great Britain, Canada, France, Russia, Japan, Belgium, Spain, Singapore, Switzerland, and more. Each photographer’s show is contained in one location, museum, gallery, or cultural center, and in addition to the exhibit itself, features talks given by curators, the photographers themselves, and public discussions on some of the themes. The website fotoseptiembreusa.com has event information and schedules for all the exhibits.
In addition to still pictures, San Antonio also welcomes the moving pictures to town, in the form of the European Film Festival. This year marks the fifth year San Antonio will host this event. From Sept. 8-11, the Palladium will screen a variety of films from France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland, and also host discussion panels with a number of film professors, writers, filmmakers, and industry specialists. The festival is produced by Santikos Theaters, UTSA, the city of San Antonio, and a variety of European consulates. Admission is free, and all movies will be shown with English subtitles four times daily.
Finally, music lovers will not want to miss Jazz’SAlive on Sept 20-21 at Travis Park. While some of the acts are still to be determined, one major headliner is Dave Brubeck. Jazz fans around the globe Brubeck as a musical genius, and in addition to playing with such legends as Louis Armstrong, Jimmy Rushing, and Carmen McRae, Brubeck has been inducted to numerous music Halls of Fame, and showered with accolades and awards. Jazz’SAlive is sponsored by the San Antonio Parks Foundation and the city, and admission is free. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the event, and one that music lovers won’t want to miss.
September is a month jam-packed with activities and cultural outings with something that should satisfy most all tastes. San Antonio is quickly becoming known as a vibrant arts town, so come on out and support the artists and the city. See you there!
Final Four Set for Tip-Off in San Antonio
Final Four Set for Tip-Off in San Antonio
{mosimage}San Antonio is the place to be for the next few weeks. The Spurs are getting ready to enter the playoffs to defend their championship, Fiesta is just a couple weeks away, and the NCAA Final Four has its teams set to tip off later this week. For the first time ever, all four number one seeds have advanced through to the last week, and the schools that have made it read like a who’s who of college basketball tradition.
Kansas, North Carolina, UCLA, and Memphis have all been the most dominant teams throughout the preseason, conference seasons, and now through the tournament. In this tournament, each team has dominated some opponents, but each has also found itself in some difficult, hard-fought battles. Each team is stocked with future NBA talent, great coaching, and enough basketball tradition to make the last three games of the season play out like a hall of fame tournament.
UCLA has been a fixture in the Final Four since Ben Howland took over the program just a few years ago. They have made it to the last weekend of the tournament for the last three years, but haven’t been able to win the championship yet. The Bruins are led by freshman sensation, Kevin Love, who has elevated his game more and more as the season has gone on. Memphis has a super freshman of their own in Derrick Rose, who is thought to be a lottery pick in the NBA draft when he decides to announce. Memphis has only lost once all year. The Tigers’ coach, John Calipari has been to the Final Four before, as he led the University of Massachusetts there in 1996. North Carolina is the ACC champion and is led by All-American, Tyler Hansboro and speedy guard, Ty Lawson. Kansas has reached the final 8 often since coach Bill Self took over the program, but has fallen short of the Final Four in years past.
The games should be stellar games pitting UCLA’s stingy defense and efficient offense against Memphis athleticism and power, while Kansas goes up against former coach Roy Williams, who led the Jayhawks to the Final Four several times as Kansas’ coach, but never could win the championship there. What made the move all the worse for Kansas fans was that Williams led Carolina to the national championship in his second year at UNC. He was elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame last year.
San Antonio is ready for the action, and tickets still remain. In addition to the games themselves, there are tons of other events that will be going on throughout the city in conjunction with the culmination of the tournament. The best part? Some of the better events feature A-list stars and free entrance! Friday, the AT&T Block Party kicks off the weekend as Fall Out Boy, The Roots, and Ludo provide the musical entertainment for the evening, which ends with a huge fireworks display.
Saturday evening brings the Pontiac Garage at the Final Four, which features a full day of pep rallies, a military fly over, and the musical performances of Kid Rock, Puddle of Mud, and Meridianwest, who will all perform leading up until tip off. People without tickets can still enjoy the games which will be broadcast on giant screens. Sunday brings My Coke Fest, which will be hosted by Ryan Seacrest, and will feature Taylor Swift, 3 Doors Down, and All American Rejects.
Before the Championship Game on Monday night, Robert Earl Keen, Bob Schneider, and Mingo Flagship will all perform leading up to the tip-off which is set for 8:15.
San Antonio Fiesta First Day
Fiesta is San Antonio’s moment to shine, and is certainly known for its pageantry and parades which demonstrate the city’s tradition and heritage in a series of bright and colorful parades and balls. While these are the biggest and most well-known events, and are broadcast on TV to hundreds of thousands—if not millions—each day is also full of smaller, more intimate gatherings and events that may not receive the publicity of the big ones, but are still lots of fun and shouldn’t be missed!
Let’s have a look at what is on the schedule for the first day of Fiesta!
April 18, 9 AM
The opening ceremony takes place at the Alamo Plaza, and the party officially gets underway as the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Alamo Heroes Committee declare, “Viva Fiesta!” The event ushers in the newest installment of Fiesta with dancing, singing, and all the pageantry that participants expect.
10 AM
Across the city, the morning sees a variety of choices depending on individual tastes.
· At the Witte Museum dancing aficionados will want to come and enjoy an elaborate display which traces the art of dance through the years of Fiesta. Throughout the years, the samba, polka, ballet, and more have been parts of the celebration, and this exhibit shows off some of the gowns and dresses that have made Fiesta such a colorful experience.
· The Alamo Plaza is also home to the Randolph Art League Exhibit which allows local artists to show and sell their pieces. The exhibit is ongoing throughout the day.
· At the River City Christian School, the special needs community celebrates with a family-friendly event featuring carnival rides, music, dancing and more.
· All day long, Market Square is open for music lovers to attend the free concerts taking place on five stages. People with all musical tastes should find something to fit the bill, as country-western, Latin Jazz, Tejano, and more will be represented. Food lovers will also enjoy finding something delicious at one of the many food booths.
11 AM
· UTSA has its own mini-Fiesta, featuring food, music, games, and other forms of entertainment, the proceeds of which go to supporting school groups and associations.
· Fiesta is quite different from Mardi Gras, but nevertheless gives a nod to the New Orleans celebration, as the San Antonio Zulu Association offers food, music, kid’s areas, and every kind of music imaginable. Brackenridge Park is home to lots of kids’ events, such as face painting, moonwalks, slides, and more.
5 PM
· St. Mary’s University Alumni Association gets the night off on the right foot with their 92nd Annual Fiesta Oyster Bake. They will cook over 100,000 oysters, and also will have fajitas, hamburgers, sausages, and much more. Music includes Latin, country, and rock and roll. This is a three day event, and Friday’s festivities conclude with a fireworks display. All proceeds go towards scholarships and student programs, so enjoy the bake and support education at the same time!
· Fans of Tejano music will not want to miss Friday night’s Tejano Explosion at Cattleman’s Square. This is a family event, featuring food and music as well as carnival rides for the kids.
6:30 PM
· Join the mariachis and the throngs of people gathered for the coronation of 2008’s El Rey Feo. The crowning takes place at the Main Plaza, and the reception afterwards will be held in the AT&T Community Center.
7:00 PM
· The WEBB party is San Antonio’s largest alternative event, which raises money for the San Antonio AIDS Foundation. Come down and enjoy the open bar, DJs, food, and silent auction and help support a good cause also.
8:00 PM
· Omega Psi Phi Fraternity hosts its annual Fiesta Jamboree. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best party duds for the chance to win $100 for the best costume. The party lasts until midnight at the Doubletree Hotel.
· At La Villita, Incognito: Fiesta’s Masked Ball, invites guests to dress up in their best South American flavored outfit, and join in the Carnival-inspired party.
The Parades of Fiesta 2008
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April is almost upon us, and that means one thing for San Antonio-Fiesta! While other cites have huge celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day, or Mardi Gras, Fiesta is San Antonio's own unique celebration, and the multiple parades that spice up the city with their floats, colors, costumes, music, and host of cast of characters that participate, make these one of the best-loved parts of the whole affair.
The 2008 version of Fiesta presents three parades, each produced and sponsored by a different group of patrons.
San Antonio Folk Dance Festival
San Antonio Folk Dance Festival
When: March 14, 2008 - March 16, 2008
Where: San Antonio, Texas
Times vary based on the difference events that will be held. Visit their
website, http://safdf.org/, for more
information.
Have you always wanted to learn how to folk dance? The San Antonio Folk Dance
Festival has several workshops available at their event in March. Regardless of
how much experience you have or your skill level, you will be able to learn
something at this festival. You may consider yourself one of the best even, and
if that is the case, then you can go to a Review workshop where several teachers
will be reviewing your skills. You will perhaps find some of your weaknesses and
learn what your strengths are. The teachers come from a wide variety of
backgrounds. You will find teachers from Romania, to Czech, and of course your
English Country Dancing instructors in attendance.
Do not worry if you are not a dancer. This festival does not leave you out.
If you would just like to take a seat and enjoy some good live entertainment
then that is available as well. You will find several very good folk dancers
that will be performing throughout the event. Miroslav Bata Marcetic's Serbian
Dance Theater Troupe is a large group with seventy performers. They will be just
one of the many talented dancers you will be able to watch there.
You do not have to be a professional or an absolute beginner either. There
will be several chances for you to get out on the dance floor and enjoy folk
dancing with others. In fact, the last day of the festival there will be plenty
of food and individual entertainment in celebration of this form of dance. All
ages are welcome to attend the San
Antonio Folk Dance Festival!
Randy Watson a San Antonio Real Estate Agent with Mission Realty writes regularly about all
things good in San Antonio including sports, arts, events and tourism. Visit my
weblog at: SATX
Blog. Or visit online to search for San Antonio Homes.
Highland Games
San Antonio Highland Games
Do you love Scottish food? Do you want to learn more about
the Scottish way of life? The San Antonio Highland Games is coming up this year
in April. It will feature a variety of things from Scotland’s history and
current social traditions. The event will be featuring a Celtic band, Needfire.{mosimage}
When: April 5th and 6th, 2008
Time: 10:00am – 9:00pm
Where: San Antonio, Texas
It is recommended you stay at the Motel 6 on Brandera Road.
It is considered the official hotel for the Highland Games.
One of the unique things that will be at the Highland Games
will be featuring the world’s largest living warhorse named Thor. You should
definitely go if for no other reason than to see Thor. He is absolutely huge
and seeing someone with a joust atop of him can make you realize just how
entertaining jousting probably was during the medieval period.
What would be the reason to call it Highland Games without
games? The San Antonio Highland Games features a Scottish competition each
year. It is typically separated by weight class and it is required that you
wear a kilt, highland hose, and the highland games t-shirt at all times
throughout the competition. You are required to visit their website at http://www.sahga.org/athletics.html
and turn in an release waiver.
There will be several vendors at the event. The Scottish
have a vast history and with that comes lots of arts and crafts. You will be
able to find handmade jewelry, antique Scottish memorabilia, and even stained
glass artwork.
As mentioned above, there will be plenty of celebration
through dancing and music. Several bands will be in attendance other than
Needfire. Carl Peterson, Beyond the Pale, and Sally’s Garden’s are just a few
that will be playing while you are able to swing your kilt around on the dance
floor.
The King Williams Fair
San Antonio has a lengthy history as everyone probably
already knows. However, the King William’s Fair is held within Texas’ first
residential historic district. It is a fair which entails food, a parade, and
plenty of vendors displaying their arts and crafts.
When: April 26th, 2008, 10:00am – 6:00pm
Where: 1032 S. Alamo Street; San Antonio, TX 78210
History
The fair was established in 1967 but held its first fair in
1968. Since, this fair has become an annual event for the area. It was
chartered as corporation with non-profit motives to protect the oldest historic
district in Texas. It has grown from a small one-block exhibit of arts to a
major event. Efforts of hundreds of volunteers have raised funds for education,
arts, and improvements to the community.
Fun for the whole
family!
While arts and crafts may not seem appealing to some kids
there is still lots of other things to do. This includes the popular parade
that is held every year and is an astounding 1.5 mile long route.
As well, they have a Kids Kingdom. The kids are admitted
free to the event itself and are allowed ride hoses, shoot a bow and arrow, spend
time on the large inflatable toys with the purchase of individual tickets. Parents
are encouraged to be safe and bring plenty of water, sunblock and/or hats for
the children. The Kids Kingdom is held in Mills Park. This is at the
intersection of Beauregard and Washington, south of downtown San Antonio.
Come to Eat!
What kind of Texan does not like to eat? I do not think
there is such a thing. Each year, the King William's Fair has the classic great
vendors. You will find the large variety of food and beverages. You will
hopefully find your favorites! Vendors are located throughout the neighborhood
to provide easy access regardless of where you are at within the event. We look
forward to seeing you there!
2008 San Antonio Rodeo
{mosimage}San Antonio is many things: a vibrant cultural city; a growing technological center, and a sporting capital. It’s also home to a wide variety of shows and contests that are based in the city’s Wild West roots. The annual San Antonio Rodeo, started in 1950, has long been a favorite of residents of South Texas, and has grown in popularity such, that today over 1 million people attend each year. In the 40s, the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum was built to house the rodeo and show, and served this capacity well until the AT&T Center (formerly known as the SBC Center) was opened in 2003. Since then, the rodeo has been located in San Antonio’s most modern and comfortable sporting arena.
This year’s event will take place Jan. 31-Feb. 17, and tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
Although it’s called the San Antonio Rodeo, the event is certainly much more than that. For over two weeks, visitors will enjoy horse shows, livestock shows, auctions, art contests, lots of amazing food and beverages, and, of course, all the favorite rodeo events.
For those who aren’t up to speed on all the events that a real rodeo features here’s a brief refresher.
Barrel Racing: Times horse riding around a series of barrels.
Saddle Bronc Riding: Cowboy versus unbroken horse. The cowboy must hold on to the horse, as he thrashes around.
Bareback Bronc: Cowboy must hang onto a rigging strap of bucking horse.
Bull Riding: The most dangerous of events. A cowboy must must hang on with only one hand to an angry bull for 8 seconds.
Tie-Down Roping: A cowboy on a horse must throw a rope around a running calf, then dismount and tie three of the calf’s legs together.
Steer Wrestling: The easiest event to understand, but much more difficult to execute. The cowboy must jump off his horse, grab and wrestle a running steer to the ground in a timed event.
Team roping is an event that cowboys riding horses rope steers for time. The first roper is referred to as the header, the person who ropes the steer's head; the second is the heeler.
U.S. Army All American Game Returns to San Antonio
{mosimage} Sports fans know that Texas is home to some great football on all levels. In addition to the several colleges that have top ranked programs, and the professional teams that the state has, the Texas' high school football programs produce some of the best talent in the country. So it should come as no surprise to football fans around the country that San Antonio is the annual site for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, which features some of the best high school talent in the country.
With National Signing Day just around the corner, the All-American Bowl provides one last chance for coaches and fans to see and scout the best blue-chip prospects as the go against each other before signing with their schools. Throughout the game's history, many players who now are playing on Sundays in the NFL, or at major colleges have used the game to give fans a preview of their talents, and a glimpse of what was to come.
College Bowl Games Get Underway in Texas
The Great State of Texas plays host to 5 College Football Bowl games for the 2007-08 season.
In Ft. Worth, on the 31st of December, Pac 10 and Mountain West Conference features California and the Air Force Academy compete in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl.
San Antonio action this year showcases the Valero Alamo Bowl. The game is set for December 30, 2007. Texas A&M and Penn State Nittany Lions battle it out.
The Brut Sun Bowl, El Paso classic, sees this years teams, the South Florida Bulls and the Oregon Ducks. The Sun Bowl first started in 1936 continues with this years kick-off on Dec 31, 2007.
December 28th marks the start of the Football Bowl Games in Texas. The Texas Bowl being played in Houston starts off the bowl season with TCU and Houston.
The New Year's Day game kicks off in 2008 in Dallas with Cotton Bowl. 72nd annual Cotton Bowl will be the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Missoui Tigers.{mosimage}
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