Juneteenth is celebrated annually across the San Antonio area, including events downtown. | Photo by City of San Antonio
Did you know the origins of Juneteenth happened here in Texas — specifically four hours southeast of San Antonio in Galveston Bay? Now a federal holiday, our city is diving deeper into how to honor the history of its Black community.
What is Juneteenth?
The Emancipation Proclamation became law on January 1, 1863, but the news took two years to spread to Texas. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, where the remaining 250,000 enslaved population were liberated.
In 1979, the state of Texas began to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday, while the City of San Antonio adopted the holiday in 2021.
How can I get involved?
Here are a few organizations and community resources devoted to honoring + celebrating our local Black community:
Juneteenth lands on Wednesday, June 19, however, locals can get involved in events days before — as well as the day of — the holiday. Check out these events happening across the 210:
Juneteenth Freedom Parade | Saturday, June 15 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Sam Houston High School, 4635 E. Houston St., San Antonio | Free | Honor Emancipation Day with fellow San Antonians on a route to Comanche Park.
TVC Juneteenth Festival and Fireworks Display | Wednesday, June 19 | 6-9 p.m. | True Vision Church, 2826 Ackerman Rd., San Antonio | Free | End your night with a fireworks display, food trucks, and live entertainment.
Ideas to Action | Thursday, June 13 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Maestro Entrepreneur Center, 1811 S. Laredo St., San Antonio | Free | Bring your business idea and learn how to get it off the ground + grow your network.
Round Table Pizza Grand Opening Event | Thursday, June 13 | 5-8 p.m. | Round Table Pizza, 22815 US Hwy. 281 N., Ste. #101, San Antonio | Cost of purchase | Celebrate the opening of the Alamo City’s newest pizza joint and the first 30 people in line will receive free pizza for a year.
Hiatus Grand Opening | Thursday, June 13 | 6-9 p.m. | Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 303 Pearl Pkwy. Ste. 114, San Antonio | Cost of purchase | Check out this spa located inside the Historic Pearl and enjoy sips + bites, mini spa services, exclusive discounts, and raffle prizes.
Friday, June 14
Photography Meetup | Friday, June 14 | 6-8 p.m. | PRESS Coffee, 11103 W. Ave. Ste. 302, San Antonio | Free | Bring your camera for an equipment swap and meet local creatives.
Sip & Save | Friday, June 14 | 6-9 p.m. | GG’S Emporium, 1714 Blanco Rd. #1716, San Antonio | Cost of purchase | Save 10%-off your whole purchase and shop from local vendors as well as pop culture nostalgia items.
Love Letter: A Queer Art Show | Friday, June 14 | 6-9 p.m. | Clamp Light Studios and Gallery, 1704 Blanco Rd. Ste. 104, San Antonio | Free | Celebrate Pride with 13 local artists in a new art exhibition.
Alamo Beer Company and Pints for Prostates are hosting Father Fest on Sunday, June 16 from noon to 8 p.m. This grassroots campaign aims to raise awareness about prostate cancer + early detection. Come out for free screenings, live music, games, raffles, and food by South TX BBQ.
Biz
Sony Pictures Entertainment will acquire 35 Alamo Drafthouse Cinema movie theaters across the US, including two in San Antonio locations. Earlier this month, six Alamo Drafthouse Cinema theaters abruptly closed. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. (SA Business Journal)
Announced
Are you a “Bridgerton” fan? Hops & Hounds will stream the new season of “Bridgerton” today starting at 10 a.m. Head downtown to its new location next to Elsewhere to watch the popular Netflix show on its 20-ft TV.
Active
San Antonio River Authority will lead a Youth and Adult Disc Golf Clinic on Saturday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to noon at Graytown Park (1239 County Rd. 125). Your $5 ticket includes an EDGE disc, three-pack disc golf starter set, snacks + water, coaching, and a short nine-hole round.
Community
San Antonio Parks and Recreation are opening 24 outdoor pools beginning Saturday, June 15, through mid-August. As a reminder, all outdoor pools are free to the public and open six days a week, including weekends. Check out the locations and times.
Opening
Nicosi, a dessert bar inside the Pullman Market, will open on Wednesday, June 26. The tasting menu is designed to challenge your expectations of dessert and will change every three months to feature four bites + four dishes. Only 20 seats available, so snag a reservation today.
Sports
Could the Cowboys fill out their roster with UFL players? Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Dallas Cowboys with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Finance
Expert tip: During economic times like these, balance transfers can really make a difference. By simply transferring your existing credit card balances to this card, you’ll give yourself 18 months to pay it off — without interest. (Bonus: Earn 2% cash back on everyday purchases while you’re at it.)*
Sports
🏀 It’s a Spurs party
The Spurs to host a NBA Draft watch party
The Rock at La Cantera will host an official NBA Draft Watch Party at Frost Plaza on Wednesday, June 26. | Photo by SATXtoday team
It feels like it was only yesterday when the Alamo City was celebrating Victor Wembanyama as the No.1 pick in the NBA Draft. Fast forward to now, the San Antonio Spurs are keeping the celebration alive with an official watch party.The best part? It’s free and open to all ages.
The fun begins at 6 p.m. Fans will have a chance to watch the entire first round of the NBA Draft on a 40-ft LED screen at Frost Plaza. This year, the Silver and Black have the No.4 and No.8 picks in the first round.
Here’s what to know before you go:
Located at Frost Plaza, 1 Spurs Way
Music from DJ CV
A special appearance by the Coyote
Food + drink available for purchase
A free raffle for autographed memorabilia and merchandise
Plan ahead for your visit by checking out the map for free parking at The Rock at La Cantera.
The Buy
The Buy 6.13.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
A Father’s Day gift that will ship in time for this weekend, thanks to Prime. We’re seeing pizza stones, spikeball kits, roomy travel backpacks, and quintessential “Best Dad Ever” mugs (those are always a winner, right?).
Who remembers the excitement around the NBA Draft night from 2023? The Wembymania that would follow for months encompassed the Alamo City and the entire NBA franchise. I still need to pick up a Victor Wembanyama jersey for the next season.
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