Pedernales Falls State Park

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

• Visit during an “observing season” — lasting from daylight savings time in November through March.
• Time your trip around a new moon to minimize light pollution and maximize your view of the Milky Way. Plan ahead by checking out this dark sky calendar.
• Boots, hats, gloves + blankets are a must for those winter nights — even Texas can get a bit chilly. Thermal undergarments can make a big difference when it comes to keeping warm.
• Wear pants + long sleeve tops in case of bugs or thorny areas if hiking at a park.

Gear

• Pack a “red” flashlight — it can take up to 20-30 minutes for eyes to adjust from regular, bright light. Don’t have one? Make your own with a piece of red plastic + a rubber band over a normal flashlight.
• Dust off those old binoculars or a DSLR camera if you’re looking to capture a closer view at the night sky. Check out the Texas Park’s astrophotography guide for mastering those perfect starscape shots.
• Bring a container for water — the closest faucet might be a ways from your viewing location.
• Choose a lightweight backpack and stuff with “camping essentials” — first aid supplies, medication, snacks, etc.

• Paint Your Pet | Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 7-11 p.m. | The Dog Co. Icehouse | $65 | Sip, paint, and bring your dog as you create their puppy portrait.
• Hozier - “Unreal Unearth Tour” | Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 8 p.m. | Frost Bank Center | $39.50+ | Hear hits from the Grammy-nominated artist like “Take Me to Church” and “Too Sweet.”

• Stryper - 40th Anniversary Tour | Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 8 p.m. | The Aztec Theatre | $87+ | Get ready to rock out with this heavy metal band from the 1980s.
• No Pressure Book Club | Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 6-8 p.m. | Nowhere Bookshop | Free | Discuss a book you’re reading, have previously read, or want to read with fellow bookworms.

• Ghostly Glazes Paint Party | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 6-9 p.m. | Clay Casa (Embassy Oaks) | $10+ | Dressing up in costume is totally optional, but come for a photo booth, themed snacks, and paint in Halloween-themed pottery.
• Culinary Hidden Gems Competition | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | San Antonio Shrine Auditorium | $65+ | See over 20 top chefs from Alamo City hotels + resorts compete for your vote.

• Gorillas are headed back to the San Antonio Zoo for the first time since 1990. City Council approved $500,000 to be taken from the Tree Canopy Preservation and Mitigation Fund to be used for Congo Falls, the two-acre gorilla habitat expected to open in late 2025. (SA Report)

• The City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture unveiled 30 San Antonio-based artists selected to receive grants of $7,500 or $15,000 as part of its Artist Grants program. Learn about each local artist through samples of their work, resumes, and videos.

• The Plano-based steakhouse Haywire is opening its first San Antonio location at The Shops at La Cantera. The “farm-to-fork” concept is expected to open in the coming months with a wide variety of meat cuts. (MySA)

• Sazon Latin Food Festival is Sunday, Sept. 29 at 13838 Jones Maltsberger Rd. The free, family-friendly festival will celebrate Latin culture with live music, activities, and Caribbean, Central, and South American cuisine.

• The Wild One sandwich from The Hayden is a finalist in the Sara Lee Bread Artesano Official Chicken Sandwich Challenge. Vote for the local sandwich by Friday, Sept. 27 — and you’ll also be entered to win $10,000.

• Whataburger is giving away free coffee on National Coffee Day — Sunday, Sept. 29. Snag a 16-ounce iced coffee or 12-ounce hot coffee with no additional purchases necessary. Looking for local sips to celebrate the day? Check out our guide to the best coffee in the city.

• HomeSense, a discount home goods store with everything from furniture to decor, is opening in the former Bed, Bath & Beyond space in the Northwoods Shopping Center. Expect to save with items that are 20-50% less than full-price competitors. (MySA)

• When it comes to the Astros in the playoffs, the magic number is two. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Houston Astros with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

• Offline is San Antonio’s premier restaurant discovery club. Get money off your tab at locally owned restaurants when you sign up for your first month free with code OFFLINE6AM.*

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