🔨 What is it?

• The Grotto is a public art installation + permanent addition to the Museum Reach commissioned by the San Antonio River Foundation.
• It was created by local faux bois (false wood) concrete artist Carlos Cortes in 2009.
• You can watch the creation of this work — including an action shot of Carlos enjoying a paleta — on YouTube.

🔎 What to look out for…

• Father Nature’s Waterfall: Tucked away in a small nook you can find the (easily) most overlooked aspect of this sculpture.
• Stalagmites and stalactites: Don’t forget to look up and around the “cave” to appreciate the masterful and eerily-realistic artificial atmosphere.
• Faces on the walls: Ever heard of a Hidden Mickey? Make a game with your friends by trying to find as many faces as you can (bonus points if you can find the giant jaguar head).

🚶‍♂️ Public art for public use…

• The Grotto is not only an object to watch + take pictures of; it was also created with functionality in mind.
• The three-story sculpture is a natural cooling area for visitors on the lowest level.
• It also features benches, recessed lighting, and a picnic area that anyone is welcome to use.
• Directly across the river on the street level you’ll find a palapa with benches sprouting from wood — carved in concrete, that is — where you can rest before heading on your way.

• Free General Admission | Thursday, Jan. 4 | 4-9 p.m. | McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave., San Antonio | Free | Dive deeper into art with complimentary museum admission for Bexar county residents.
• Fitness in the Park | Thursday, Jan. 4 | 6-7 p.m. | Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio | Free | Join the San Antonio Parks and Recreation for an evening of heart-pumping workouts with local residents.
• Geeks Who Drink Pub Trivia | Thursday, Jan. 4 | 7-9 p.m. | Tech Port Center, 3331 General Hudnell Dr., San Antonio | Free | Test your knowledge with seven rounds of live-hosted audio + visual trivia for a chance at prizes.

• Mariachi Azteca de America | Friday, Jan. 5 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Hotel Contessa, 306 W. Market St., San Antonio | Free | Listen to free music on the Riverwalk and enjoy happy hour specials inside the Ambler Lounge.
• Slaughter Beach, Dog | Friday, Jan. 5 | 7 p.m. | Paper Tiger, 2410 N. Saint Mary’s St., San Antonio | $30 | Jam out with this indie rock band from Pennsylvania.
• First Friday Pub Run | Friday, Jan. 5 | 7 p.m.-2 a.m. | On The Rocks Pub, 270 Losoya St., San Antonio | Price of purchase | Bring out the onesie as you bar crawl across downtown.

• The San Antonio Coffee Festival is back for its 11th year on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Travis Park. Try coffee from local artisans, taste blends from around the world, chat with local coffee personalities, and enjoy live entertainment. Tickets go on sale tomorrow.

• The University of Texas at San Antonio College for Heath, Community and Policy received a $50,000 gift from an anonymous donor. The gift will create an endowment that establishes two scholarship funds which will be awarded during the fall 2024 semester.

• San Antonio Pets Alive! is providing free dog and puppy adoptions on Saturday, Jan. 6 and Sunday, Jan. 7 at its Medical Care and Adoption Center (9107 Marbach Rd.) Adopt a “Long Stay” dog, and you’ll receive a kit with food + water bowls, treats, and toys.

• UTSA quarterback Frank Harris announced his retirement from football yesterday. During his four year starting quarterback position, he led the team to some of its most successful seasons, including a pair of winning Conference USA championships in 2021 and 2022. (Express-News)

• Time to act on those resolutions. The San Antonio Parks & Rec released the January schedule for its Fitness in the Park series. You can enjoy free classes like basketball conditioning, aqua Zumba, beginner tennis, and battle rope boot camp.

• Heading to the Alamodome this weekend? VIA Transit has you covered with a Park & Ride deal for the All-American Bowl and the San Antonio Sports All-Star football games. On Saturday, Jan. 6, you can expect a $2.60 round-trip fare from its Crossroads station.

• Good soup. Kneaders Bakery & Cafe in Alamo Ranch is hosting its second annual soup taste-off. For $16, you’ll be able to purchase a soup kit featuring four eight-ounce cups of soup and samples of bread for pairing. Pickup time is 4-6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 19.

• Do you want to play a game? The Esix Gaming Center at Six Flags Fiesta Texas is hosting a Fortnite Community Custom Battle Royale Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 27. Bring your gaming skills for a chance at a piece of the $2,000 prize pot. The cost to enter the tournament is $45.

• Did you know 55,000 of you welcome us into your inbox every morning? We’re asking you to take two minutes to tell us more about yourself so we can continue to write about things you find interesting. One lucky SATX survey participant will win $500. Take the survey.

• Participating eateries offer three-course prix fixe menus.
• Brunch menus are $25
• Lunch menus range between $20 and $30
• Dinner menus are $35, $45, or $55
• To-go options are available at many of the participating restaurants.