San Antonio is a highly popular travel destination in the state, with more than 26 million people visiting each year. With many attractions, including sports, culture, recreation, shopping and cuisine along with a great climate and a thriving economy, and you’ll find no better place to call home than San Antonio.
Please call Lisa Cannon at (210) 884-9515 or click here to email so we can help you find your dream home!
Find Your Home in San Antonio
One aspect that truly defines the area is the respect for its history, whose traces can be seen throughout the River Walk area and beyond. It’s a city that is comfortable with its diversity and mix of cultures – with more than 58 percent of the population who are of Hispanic or Latino origin. The harmonious mix results in a truly cosmopolitan city, one comfortable with its past but certainly living in the present with an eye on its future.
Viva Fiesta!
One of the great cultural experiences is Fiesta, with its multi-generational participants, all enjoying a 10-day celebration with many events and parades. The Mardi-Gras-like atmosphere features music, food, sports, pageantry, military and patriotic observances, exhibits and parades. The event takes place each year in April. See the Calendar of Events listed below to learn about the many activities that occur in San Antonio. Alongside the well-known River Walk and Fiesta is of course, the Alamo that any visitor to our great city, will want to see.
While main attractions and entertainment are important to consider, there are a variety of other factors to consider as well when considering the quality of life a particular location will bring: weather, cost of living, educational access, health care facilities, job growth and overall positive attitude. In San Antonio, you will find all of this in addition to the friendly people and a Southern hospitality atmosphere.
Military Friendly
San Antonio is also home to several military bases. The following are the bases here in the great city of San Antonio. Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) is situated in San Antonio, (Bexar County), the seventh largest city and known as “Military City USA.” Encompassing JBSA are Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base and Randolph Air Force Base, three separate installations. Fort Sam Houston’s primary mission is medical training and support and is home to Brooke Army Medical Center. See Fort Sam Houston homepage . The primary mission at Lackland AFB is training: basic military, technical, English language and technical training in Spanish to allied countries. See Lackland AFB homepage. Randolph AFB is located northeast of the city and houses several headquarters including Air Education & Training Command (AETC), Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC), Air Force Headquarters Recruiting Services and Nineteenth Air Force (19AF). See Randolph AFB homepage . San Antonio is privileged to have these military bases here in our great city.
San Antonio Calendar of Events May-December 2014
June
Texas Folklife Festival
Join the fun and celebrate the 36th anniversary of the Texas Folklife Festival. Hosted by UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures in HemisFair Park, this four-day cultural extravaganza brings more than 40 ethnic groups together in one place to showcase their authentic food (150 dishes), great music (65 bands), colorful dance (50 folk dance groups) and authentic craft (50 craft demonstrators and 50 craft vendors). Come celebrate your heritage and share in a Texas tradition. For more information visit www.texasfolklifefestival.org
Juneteenth
Observances throughout the city, including a picnic, festival, Freedom Fair, and cultural celebrations honoring the date, June 19, 1865, that Texas slaves received word of the Emancipation Proclamation. www.juneteenthsanantonio.com
July
Contemporary Art Month
The only month-long contemporary arts festival in the nation features more than 400 exhibitions and involves more than 50 venues. Events take place in galleries, museums, neighborhoods and studios. This special month is a celebration with a focus on Contemporary Art in San Antonio. Some events have an admission charge. For information and a calendar, contact the Office of Cultural Affairs at (210) 222-ARTS (2787), www.sanantonio.gov/art
Fourth of July
Festivals, concerts and fireworks at locations across the city celebrate America’s freedom. Weekend includes Freedom Fest celebration at Market Square, arts and crafts show along the River Walk and extravaganzas at local theme parks. www.SanAntonioVisit.com
Annual San Antonio Conjunto
A celebration that revitalizes an old custom of “mano-a-mano,” a form of competition between two conjunto groups to determine who is best. This event utilizes a similar concept except the conjuntos are on opposite stages facing each other. More than 25 local entertainers are paired during the two-day event. Food and refreshments, working artists, street dancing. City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation. Market Square. Free.
(210) 207-8600
August
FORD Canoe Challenge
Over 90 canoe teams compete in the FORD Canoe Challenge…local celebrities, city officials, corporate teams and Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts compete in timed heats. The race begins at the Greater Chamber of Commerce, heads east through and around the Convention Center Lagoon, through the River Center Mall Lagoon and ending back at the Greater Chamber of Commerce. (210) 227-4262, www.sanantonioriverwalk.com
September
FotoSeptiembre USA
One of the three largest photography festivals in the country, this month-long celebration of photography includes innovative photographic techniques, multi-media presentations and traditional photographic images at various venues. For a full listing of events and sites, visit the Office of Cultural Affairs. (210) 737-8255, www.safotofestival.com
Texas Football Classic
Ten of the top high school football teams in the state compete at this weekend football rumble in the Alamodome. The schools have played in 12 state championships. Admission. (210) 207-3663 or (800) 884-3663, www.alamodome.com
Jazz’SAlive
Two days of performances from the nation’s top jazz entertainers, along with regional and local talent. Travis Park. City of San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department and San Antonio Parks Foundation. Free. (210) 212-8423, www.saparksfoundation.org
Diez y Seis Events
Marking Mexico’s independence from Spain, San Antonio celebrates September 16 with special events all over town. Events include a street parade with floats and marching bands, a gala, Market Square celebrations, festivals, dance presentations, and other special activities. Fall Arts Festival Event.
October
Valero Texas Open at La Cantera
The tournament is the 3rd oldest tournament on TOUR (starting in San Antonio in 1922). OFFICIAL PGA TOUR tournament is played in the same city its entire existence. It has been one of the top-three most charitable tournaments on TOUR for the last several years. 72-hole. Admission.
(210) 345-3818, www.golfsanantonio.org
A Festival of Films™
Produced by Texas Independent Filmmakers is a two-day festival that starts its event off each year with a Free Public Kick off Party at Cadillac Bar, 212 S. Flores. The second day of the event is held at Santikos Northwest 14 Theatre, 7600 W IH10. Filmmakers’ workshops and independent movies are shown. Admission. (210) 736-FILM, www.afestivaloffilms.com
International Accordion Festival
A three-day festival of music, dancing, food and fun which celebrates the versatility of the accordion and accordion-based international styles of music. La Villita. Texas Folklife Resources. Free. (210) 573-6984, www.internationalaccordionfestival.org
AT&T Championship
Presented by Alcatel An official Senior PGA Tour Event. Oak Hills Country Club. Admission. (210) 698-3582, www.pgatour.com
The EAA Texas Fly
This is a unique opportunity for members of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), airplane enthusiasts and the general public to spend one weekend a year examining new and experimental aviation technologies, l looking at airplanes and attending lectures on related topics. (210) 200-8537, www.swrfi.org
November
El Dia de los Muertos
Translated literally as “the Day of the Dead,” this important and ancient celebration in the Mexican cultural tradition is a celebration in which the family welcomes back departed loved ones, sharing the joys of life with them as their memories live on. Creative and respectful altars are set up with ofrendas around town at galleries, cultural centers, restaurants and elsewhere commemorating loved ones who have passed on. Cemeteries are popular with families decorating the graves, especially with some of holiday’s staples of marigolds, pan de muerto (Dead Bread), sugar skulls and other traditional items. Poetry readings, and calavera processions (participants dress as skeletons) are typical events as well. Citywide. Some events have an admission charge. Office of Cultural Affairs. (210) 432-1896, www.sacalaveras.com
Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony
Presented by the Paseo del Rio Association and the City of San Antonio. Held the day following Thanksgiving, the switch is pulled to turn on over 122,000 lights illuminating the River Walk until New Year’s Day. Decorated floats wind through the river in one of the country’s only nighttime river parades. Paseo del Rio Association. (210) 227-4262, www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
December
MasterCard Alamo Bowl
Major college football comes to the Alamodome in San Antonio. It features fourth choices from teams that make up the Big 12 and Big Ten conferences. (210) 226-2695, www.alamobowl.com
Bazar Sábado
Just in time for the holidays, the best in folk art from Mexico is displayed for enjoyment and acquisition (on a Saturday, of course). San Antonio Museum of Art. (210) 978-8100, www.samuseum.org
Celebrate San Antonio
Ring in the New Year San Antonio style! Enjoy spectacular fireworks, live music on multiple stages, food booths, family activities and more. On S. Alamo between Durango and Market streets; La Villita and HemisFair Park. City of San Antonio Parks & Recreation, San Antonio Parks Foundation. Free. (210) 212-8423, www.sanantonio.gov/sapar
Calendar information provided by the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.sanantoniovisit.com).
Please call Lisa Cannon at (210) 884-9515 or click here to email so we can help you find your dream home!