We’re beaming with excitement

Lightscape returns to the Botanical Garden

San Antonio Botanical Garden will light up during the holidays with the return of Lightscape. | Photos via San Antonio Botanical Garden

If you enjoyed the bluebonnet field at the Botanical Garden’s Lightscape last year, then you won’t want to miss its return this year — along with some brand new installations.

🗓️ Save the date

Lightscape opens to the public on Fri., Nov. 11 and will run on select evenings through Jan. 8, 2023. Tickets are limited — and go fast — so be sure to get yours soon. Admission to Lightscape includes:

Free, ADA accessible shuttles for off-site parking (also free)
Festive food and drink available for purchase (including s’mores kits to roast over the fire during your visit)
Entry to view over one million lights spanning across a one-mile walking trail

Discounted tickets for SABOT members, and VIP tickets with on-site parking are available.

✨ Installations

Over 80% of this year’s light trail features completely new installations. Here are some of the highlights:

Kinetic Hues: A walk-through installation with 12 kaleidoscope-like moving pillars. The resulting shadows morph into a constantly changing experience.
Flower Forest: Giant color-changing flowers from UK-based artist Jigantics stand tall with light, color, and bursts of energy.

Check out these breathtaking installations returning this year:

Bluebonnets: A giant illuminated field inspired by the Texas state flower.
Winter Cathedral: This beautiful tunnel of lights was a favorite spot for photos last year.

PREVIEW MORE INSTALLATIONS

Click here to have your event featured.

Today

RuPaul’s Drag Race Night of the Living Drag | Fri., Oct. 21 | 8 p.m. | Majestic Theatre, 224 E Houston St, San Antonio | $49.50 - $125.00 | Follows your favorite “Boogieman” — aka Yvie Oddly — in their return from the inferno to hunt the souls of seven sinful queens.

Saturday

Howl-O-Ween | Sat., Oct. 22 | 12-4 p.m. | Bar-B-Cutie Smokehouse, 5603 Presidio Parkway, San Antonio | Free | This not-so-scary paw-ty will feature more treats than tricks for the whole family, including parents, kids, and furry friends.
SA Zombie Walk | Sat., Oct. 22 | 4-8 p.m. | Hemisfair, 434 S Alamo St, San Antonio | Free | Join in on this annual event where everyone dresses up with beat up clothes and the dead walk the streets of downtown.

Sunday

Family Workshop: Halloween Make-Up | Sun., Oct. 23 | 1-4:30 p.m. | The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway St, San Antonio | $55-$65| Let your imagination run wild as you learn all about special effects makeup to inspire your Halloween costumes.
Spooktacular Market | Sun., Oct. 23 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Hemisfair, 434 S Alamo St, San Antonio | Free | Visit this pet and family-friendly vendor market for live music, food, and local artisan shopping.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

87º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain

Traffic

Segment 2 of the Loop 1604 expansion project began on Wednesday at the I-10 interchange. Construction for this segment is due for completion in 2027 with an estimated total cost of $418 million. 🚧 (KSAT-12)

Read

Two new novels by Texas writers — including San Antonio author Rudy Ruiz — are guaranteed to get you in the mood for spooky season. 👻 (San Antonio Report)

Festival

The 27th Annual Texas Book Festival is coming up in early November — and is one of the largest and most prestigious literary events in the country. Make your way up to the State Capitol for the opportunity to meet 300+ authors at this free event. 📚 (Texas Public Radio)

Show

A new variety-style show is coming to the Tech Port Center and Arena at Port San Antonio. “Doc Watkins & Friends, Salute to Troops,” featuring the resident artist of JazzTX will pay tribute to veterans on Fri., Nov. 11. (San Antonio Business Journal)

Watch

Walk down memory lane with this collection of vintage home videos and news footage featuring clips of San Antonio from the 1940s-1990s. Catch a glimpse of paddle boating on the River Walk in the 60s and 6,000 women auditioning for the role of Selena in the 90s. 🎥 (San Antonio Express-News)

Shop

Here’s a friendly reminder that Halloween is almost here. Have you bought your costume yet? What about the candy? And if you want to be the coolest parent or grandparent on the block — while increasing your trick-or-treater’s nighttime visibility — grab this affordable 100-pack of glow sticks.*

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Food

Honor your ancestors with pan de muerto

Adorn your altar with pan de muerto for Día de los Muertos. | Photo by Gerardo Covarrubias on Unsplash

Yesterday we shared an entire festival dedicated to flor de muertos, and today we’re here to help you find where to get — or make — your pan de muerto.

Bread of the dead is traditionally flavored with citrus zest, anise seed, and orange blossom water — and formed into round loaves with crossbones on top.

Buy yours from one of these local bakeries (you may want to order ahead):

La Panadería, multiple locations | Named the top Mexican bakery in San Antonio by the Express-News.
La Popular Bakery & Cake Shop, 2505 West Ave. | Find pan de muerto among their daily pastries starting next week.

Find seven more panaderías or try your hand at baking your own with this recipe.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Amy.

Editor’s pick: Howdy hey, y’all. It’s your new City Editor, Amy, here. I’m thrilled to join the team, and some of you may already know me as Maker Mama and a big dog lover. I’m absolutely loving the cooler weather — and love a hot cup of coffee anytime of year. I enjoyed this morning’s cup from Pearl Street Coffee.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Learn about the new tower updates at Hemisfair.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Ivan Briones, Amy Lynn Johnson, Dayten Rose, Emily Shea, Ashlea Hearn, Josh Kranzberg | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Carolyn Hudson | Advertise with us.

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