Check out all the live bands at the city’s three-day Labor Day weekend celebration. | Photo via City of San Antonio
When in San Antonio, do as the San Antonians do — and what we do best is our Labor Day weekend celebration in Historic Market Square.
This three-day celebration runs Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 at 514 W. Commerce St. (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and is free and open to the public.
Bring your friends. Bring your kids. We can’t deny it has it all: live music from local bands, family-friendly fun, artisan vendors as far as the eye can see, and food that can only be described as chef’s kiss.
Pro tip: If you’re interested in becoming a performer for the event, it’s easy to apply.
Events
Events
Monday, Aug. 25
Open Writer’s Labs | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Gemini Ink | Free | Attend Gemini Ink’s inclusive writing workshop covering poetry, flash fiction, and short creative non-fiction.
Tuesday, Aug. 26
Mahjong Open Play | 1-3 p.m. | Encino Branch Library | Free | Drop in, make friends, and join open-play American Mahjong — bring your own set, or use one of two sets provided.
Wednesday, Aug. 27
Garden Nights | 6 p.m. | San Antonio Botanical Garden | Price of admission | Enjoy extended hours, savor delicious food and beverages, explore a vibrant vendor market, and enjoy live entertainment while appreciating the gardens.
Thursday, Aug. 28
Defense Against the Dark Arts Magic Show | 10 p.m. | Woodlawn Theatre | $18+ | Part history lesson, part paranormal experiment, and part front-row magic show: Share an hour of Sherlock-meets-Hogwarts suspense and bank a story you’ll re-tell for years.
Friday, Aug. 29
Fermented Friday | 4 p.m. | Geekdom | Free | Bring your own beer and enjoy good company to celebrate triumph over another week at this networking event.
Saturday, Aug. 30
Saturday Night Rodeo | 7:30 p.m. | Tejas Rodeo Company, Bulverde | $20+ | Experience a taste of Texas at Tejas Rodeo Company, where Western heritage comes alive Saturday night with a professional rodeo and live music.
Sunday, Aug. 31
Sunday Brunch Market | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Hemisfair | Price of purchase | Box Street All Day hosts a sip-and-shop market curated by The Texas Market, where attendees can enjoy local vendors, a live DJ, and a delicious brunch.
Project Marvel moves forward: The San Antonio city council’s vote against pausing the proposed downtown plan opens the door for a new Spurs arena and entertainment district. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the San Antonio Spurs with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Mansion Monday
Live out your dreams. This 4,732-sqft dreamy beauty located just 10 minutes from La Cantera and the Rim boasts 18-ft ceilings lined with cedar wood beams, a dining room with handmade one-of-a-kind cement tiles, a 1,200+-sqft patio, a protected exterior garden house, a sparkling pool, and an adjoining spa.
Kids
Calling all Liams — it’s your time to shine. This name ranked as Texas’ most popular for babies born last year, with names Olivia, Noah, Emma, and Mateo rounding out the top five. No matter the name of the little munchkin — or munchkins — in your life, good thing San Antonio is chock full of kid-friendly activities.
Community
The dog days of summer have arrived at San Antonio Botanical Garden. Now through Sunday, Aug. 31, San Antonians can bring their furry friends with them to enjoy the garden’s 38 acres of summer blooms. Plan your visit.*
Stat
54%. That’s the percentage of Americans who say they consume alcohol — the lowest number recorded since tracking began in 1939. If you’re part of the 46% taking a break from booze (but still want a delicious drink), we recommend Mimosa Gossip, where most menu options are available with nonalcoholic champagne.
Pets
Forget Whiskers and Mittens — Luna is the most popular cat name in Texas, according to a new study. Have a better moniker in mind for a feline friend? Meet adoptable cats at the San Antonio Humane Society who still need a name — and a home. (Newsweek)
Travel
This could be your cue to plan a Labor Day getaway. The average cost of domestic round trip flights is 6% lower this year than it was last Labor Day weekend, averaging $720. Next stop, get familiar with San Antonio International Airport before booking your trip. (AAA)
Deal
Psst — you might be overpaying for flights. Get flight alerts to dream destinations during Going’s biggest sale ever, with 53% off memberships until Sunday, August 31.*
The Canyons Course at TPC San Antonio | Photo by the JW Marriot Hill Country Resort & spa
We can’t think of a better way to soak in San Antonio’s green space than spending some time on the links. Whether you’re looking to connect outdoors with friends or you’re honing in on the perfect swing, here are a few golf courses to make tee time in the Alamo City.
The Quarry Golf Course, 444 E. Basse Rd., San Antonio | The site of a former quarry, the back nine holes of this course have unique challenges, while the front nine feature rolling hills and greens.
La Cantera Golf Club, 16641 La Cantera Pkwy., San Antonio | This 18-hole golf course was designed by architect Jay Morrish and PGA Tour professional Tom Weiskopf. The La Cantera Resort also offers a stay + play golf package for your vacationing needs.
Landa Park Golf Course, 180 Golf Course Rd., New Braunfels | Located 45 minutes north of San Antonio, the 18-hole course offers lessons, event rentals, and hosts tournaments.
Sunflow’s premium beach accessories, perfect for one last summer hurrah this Labor Day. Good news: Sunflow’s biggest sale of the year starts today, with 20% off sitewide.
🐚 The best-selling Shore Thing Chair reclines to three positions and is built to last, thanks to a rust-resistant frame + water-resistant marine fabrics.
🪸 Newly launched this summer, the Tall Sand Dune Chair has all the iconic features of Sunflow’s chairs, just 17 inches off the ground.
🌊 Looking for shade without blocking your ocean view? Say hello to the newly launched and patent-pending Happy Hut Cabana — and goodbye to awkward beach umbrellas.*
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Sometimes the most delicious bar + pub food is a tucked-away treasure. I had a blast last night at Charlie Brown’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, located between Blossom Stadium and McAllister Park. If you don’t try their vodka cherry limeade and southwest egg rolls pronto, you haven’t lived.
Pro tip: They have trivia on Thursday and Sunday nights with gift card and other cash prizes available.