Happy New Year! Onward and upward! We hope you’ve had a relaxing holiday season and wish you a pleasant 2019.
January is a little light in event offerings. However, we will add events as they are announced, so check back throughout the month.
A city-wide, collaborative event growing every year is DreamWeek. Now in its seventh year, DreamWeek takes place over several days with more than 200 events and numerous community partners including the San Antonio Public Library. According to its website, “DreamWeek is a modern-day expression of the MLK vision: to lay the foundations of tolerance, equality, and diversity by creating dialogue across cultures and communities.”
Tuesday, January 1—New Year’s Day!
January 4–6
Cocoa and Rebozos: Storytime with a Chili Queen, Friday, 10:30 A.M.; Saturday, 11:30 A.M., and Sunday, 12:30 P.M. at Witte Museum | FREE with Museum admission
Listen to Jovita, a San Antonio Chili Queen, read What Can You Do with a Rebozo? and enjoy free Abuelita hot cocoa in The Market. What Can You Do with a Rebozo? is by Carmen Tafolla and available for purchase in the Bolner Family Museum Store.
Saturday, January 5
First Saturday Hike: Winter Fitness Hike, 10:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. at Friedrich Wilderness Area | Suggested donation: $3 per person or $6 per family
Recommended for ages 10 and up. Feel the calming effect of nature with a two-hour fitness hike along Main Loop and Vista Loop trails. This hike will cover approximately two miles of picturesque trails across canyon tops and through meadows and woodlands. Be sure to bring adequate water! RSVP required. For more information, call (210) 207-3782 or email [email protected].
First Saturday, 9:00 A.M.–4:30 P.M. at the Alamo | FREE!
On the first Saturday of every month, the grounds of the Alamo are transformed back in time to the 1830s. Join us for a full day of living history fun that the whole family will enjoy. Learn about life in frontier Texas with special demonstrations and crafts.
Christmas Bird Count for Kids, 8:00–11:30 A.M. at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center | FREE!
The Christmas Bird Count itself is a hundred-year-old tradition, so come contribute to Mitchell Lake’s own family-friendly custom. Join other young birders to learn about the annual community science event, and see some new birds.
Kids Workshop: Easel with Whiteboard, 9:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. at Home Depot stores | FREE!
Pique your child’s visual arts interests with this hands-on workshop where you and your child can build an easel. Your young artist can display artwork from school or create a new masterpiece on the dry-erase whiteboard, keeping the project mess free. Encourage your artist to experiment with different mediums—Picasso, Kahlo, and Basquiat utilized easels, after all. Once your easel is built, your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. All kids get to keep their craft and will receive a free certificate of achievement, workshop apron, and commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron, and pin.
Sunday, January 6
Three Kings Day Celebration, 1:00–4:00 P.M. at San Fernando Hall | FREE!
Hosted by Puerto Rican Heritage Society. Come and welcome the Three Kings: Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar. Villancicos, crafts, and merienda for the children.
Monday, January 7
McNay Fun Day, 9:00 A.M.–4:30 P.M. at McNay Art Museum | McNay members: $80, nonmembers: $100
Young artists engage in a full-day, deep-dive workshop during Monday school holidays. Workshops combine creative play and imaginative problem-solving in a hands-on studio environment. K–5 students enjoy insider access to special exhibition Pop América, 1965‒1975, and create Pop sculptures and prints. McNay Fun Day is open to students in Kindergarten through fifth grade. Students bring their own lunches. Snack provided.
Free Family Play, 10:00 A.M.–3:00 P.M. at Rainbow Event Center | FREE!
Hours of fun for the kids at no cost to Mom and Dad! Hourly door prizes available for attendees. Space is limited, so please RSVP the number in your party by January 6th, to be able to accommodate everyone who would like to attend. More than 20 different Rainbow Play Systems, spring-free trampolines, a basketball court with adjustable hoops, play houses, cocoon hanging tents, mini golf putting greens, a performance stage, barbecue pits, and yard games.
Saturday, January 12
Nature Discovery Series: Discover the Forest, 10:00–11:00 A.M. at Crescent Bend Nature Park (Schertz) | FREE!
Explore how each living thing plays a role in a forest. Get the little ones outdoors to discover the exciting nature right in your own backyard. Kids are encouraged to explore, discover, and ask questions to help grow their knowledge of nature. This free program is designed for families with elementary-aged children, but older and younger siblings are also welcome. Texas Master Naturalist volunteers will lead the themed programs.
Urban Bee Keeping and Rescue, 10:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. at Friedrich Wilderness Area | Suggested donation: $3 per person or $6 per family.
Recommended for ages 6 and up. Learn what it takes to be a beekeeper, the tools you need, and how to harvest the honey. Laura Salazar of Honey Love Bee Removal will share her knowledge and stories about honeybee rescue. A bee-inspired, hands-on activity included. RSVP required. For more information, please call (210) 207-3782 or email [email protected].
Fun Family Art Day, 11:00 A.M.–1:00 P.M. at Inspire Community Fine Art Center | FREE!
Come explore the mosaic tile art of northern Africa! All materials are provided at this event for all ages.
Sunday, January 13
DreamWeek: Buffalo Soldier Day, 12:00–4:00 P.M. at Institute of Texan Cultures | FREE!
As part of the city’s annual DreamWeek celebration, the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures will offer its annual Buffalo Soldier Day, giving guests an opportunity to learn of the African-American legacy in the United States Army. Military service was one of the great equalizers, and offered African-Americans jobs, education, and other skills. One of the other equalizers was sports. The institute’s researchers have prepared a mini-exhibit on historic Negro League Baseball, which will be on display in the lower gallery glass case. The installation gives a glimpse at images and stories on some of the teams and athletes, and what their participation in the big leagues accomplished for the African-American community.
Implementing Screen & Social Media Standards, 1:00–2:30 P.M. at Coker United Methodist Church | FREE!
Over the past several years it has been all too easy for parents to follow the cultural trend of early and excessive screen time. It’s time to set a new standard for screen and social media use that not only builds character but also protects health, learning, and relationships. In this workshop parents will learn practical standards and implementation strategies that can be applied in every home and with any age child. Learn the 3 R’s to successfully navigate tech and childhood: Resources, Role-Modeling, & Relationship.
Winter Wonderland, 2:00–4:00 P.M. at St. Luke’s Episcopal School | FREE!
SNOW much fun! Come join St. Luke’s Episcopal School where children can enjoy free games, crafts, and super fun rides. Children can zip down the snow slide or just play in the snow. Grab your mittens and bring spending money if you want to have a bite to eat from the food trucks.
Monday, January 14
Little Sprouts: Habitats, 10:00–11:30 A.M. at San Antonio Botanical Garden | $5 per child, $10 per adult
What do all creatures need to live? Bring your little one, age 3–5 years, to the Garden for kid-friendly fun! Each Little Sprouts Monday includes storytelling, kids’ crafts, and hands-on explorations at your child’s pace. All children and adults must be registered to attend. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly, 12:00 P.M. at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts | Tickets: $10+
Dallas Children’s Theater captures all of the whimsy of the wildly popular books in the coolest ever rock-and-roll romp in a bug’s world! Based on the books by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Harry Bliss, Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly follows the story of unlikely best friends Worm, Spider, and Fly. Promoting eco-consciousness, earth science, and tolerance of others, Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly is a joyful, hip exploration of the world outside. Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create performing arts experiences that are welcoming to all families and friends with children and adults who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or sensory sensitivities. While the integrity of the performances remains the same, certain elements are modified to create an inclusive audience experience.
Tuesday, January 15
Then and Now–How I Got Here, 6:00–8:00 P.M. at Esperanza Peace & Justice Center | FREE!
Thrive Youth Center in collaboration with Human Rights Campaign (HRC) presents an evening of spoken word. Thrive resident youth will share stories of their experiences of homelessness, challenges, and successes over the last year. HRC staff and volunteers will share stories of their work, volunteer efforts, challenges, and successes in our local community. This event is a forum to present individual progress, interaction, frustration, and joy through this last year of life. Come. Listen. Enjoy!
Wednesday, January 16
Elementary: Winter Trail Walk, 9:30–11:30 A.M. at Hardberger Park East (Blanco Rd.) | $3 per person or $5 per family is suggested donation
Students will walk in a group along the Salado Creek Greenway Trail to Huebner Drive and back (four miles total). Students will view the bare branches of the trees and observe the start of winter activity on the trail. Fun nature activities included. This class is part of the Elementary Winter series of classes for students 7–10 years old. Class size is limited and registration through this website is required. For registration assistance, call (210) 492-7472.
Parenting Workshop: How to Raise a Future Adult, 9:30 A.M. & 5:00 P.M. at Barshop Jewish Community Center | $10 registration
Isn’t it the ultimate goal of parenting to end up with an emotionally adjusted, contributing member of society? Parents have the tremendous responsibility of raising the next generation of leaders. In this workshop, we will discuss strategies to help get your child to become their best future selves. Learn skills to help the transition from child to teen to young adult.
Growing Up Wild: Owl Pellets, 10:00-11:30 A.M. at Friedrich Wilderness Park | Suggested donation: $3 per person, $6 per family
Dissect an owl pellet and learn what owls eat and why they’re beneficial to the environment! Growing Up Wild builds on a child’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. RSVP required. For more information, call (210) 207-3782 or email [email protected].
Thursday, January 17
MLK March Poster Party, 4:00–7:00 P.M. at West Side Girl Scouts Leadership Center | FREE!
Are you walking with us in the MLK March? Join Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas and celebrated painter Cristina Sosa Noriega for an open station poster creation party! Marchers of all ages can decorate their own signs, flags, and banners to showcase at the march. Noriega will visit tables and share inspiration through music, images, books, and worksheets. Basic crafting materials and pizza dinner will be provided!
Project S.O.A.R. Leadership Summit, 5:30–7:30 P.M. at Pearl Stable | FREE!
A great panel discussion during DreamWeek with community leaders, educations experts and stakeholders on student opportunities, access, and readiness. RSVP early due to limited seating. The program endeavors to guide youth in establishing and attaining their goals through hard work and commitment. The 100 Black men of America Inc. encourages young people to be leaders and mentors in their own communities placing special emphasis on the importance of service to others.
Friday, January 18
Starting Out Wild: Pokies & Pricklies, 10:00–11:00 A.M at Friedrich Wilderness Park | Suggested donation: $3 per person or $6 per family.
For ages 1–3. Learn about the parts of a cactus including the tuna, pad, flower, and spine. These high-energy, engaging programs are a perfect way to foster an appreciation of the natural world. It is recommended that a child be walking and a parent or caretaker attend with each child. Most classes take place outdoors. RSVP required. For more information, call (210) 207-3782 or email [email protected].
Youth Matinee: Ile Bahia de San Antonio, 11:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. at Carver Community Cultural Center | FREE!
Brought to Brazil by African slaves, capoeira is a unique art form that combines elements of martial arts, dance, and acrobatics performed to the background of Brazilian music and traditional instruments. Audience members will not only be thrilled by the agility, athleticism, and precision of the dancers and their movements, but will also enjoy exploring the rich historical significance of the centuries old art form. The Carver Community Cultural Center‘s Youth Matinee Series engages children, teachers, and families through the performing arts by igniting imaginations and introducing students to the diverse cultures of our global community. These performances open doors to greater knowledge and understanding of our world and foster a love for the arts and learning. Recommended for all ages.
Saturday, January 19
Junior Master Gardner Herbs & Sachets, 10:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. at Hardberger Park East (Voelcker Lane) | $3 per individual or $5 per family as a suggested donation
Join Ruby Zavala, Texas A&M AgriLife Youth Gardens Coordinator, for some Junior Master Gardener activities about the vegetables and herbs in your garden. She will talk about parts of the plant we eat, play name that herb game, and create an herbal bath salt sachet to take home with you. Great family fun.
SAAACAM Open House, 10:00 A.M.–2:00 P.M. at San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum at Sutton Family Homestead | FREE!
Hosted in partnership with #DreamWeek. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend to learn more about SAAACAM and find out how to contribute to the preservation of San Antonio’s African American history.
Snow Day!, 10:00 A.M.–2:00 P.M. at Science Mill (Johnson City) | FREE with museum admission
Lob snowballs and make snow angels! The backyard—Science & Art Park—is transformed into a winter wonderland with 20 tons of snow! Launch snowballs with the giant catapult. Throw a snowball and track it with radar. Watch a real-life ice sculptor. Race a mini pine box derby car down an ice luge.
Celebrating Our Differences Story Time, 2:00–2:45 P.M. at Central Library | FREE!
Join the Library and look at the topic of tolerance and refugees in a developmentally sensitive way for children. Come hear stories and participate in shared activities as we celebrate our differences. All ages welcome.
Sunday, January 20
Lunar Eclipse Viewing Party, 6:30–11:30 P.M. at McAllister Park | FREE!
Eclipse begins at 8:36 P.M. Hosted by San Antonio League of Sidewalk Astronomers. Watch the dark side take over the moon the famous Pink Floyd Album “Dark Side of the Moon” is played in its entirety. Telescopes will be setup for everyone to see the moon up close and other celestial objects will be shown. This event is weather dependent, and may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
YOSA Winter Showcase, 7:00 P.M. at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts | FREE (but ticket required)!
YOSA Symphonic Winds and YOSA Symphony present a free showcase of exciting music by romantic composers, including Elgar, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, and Vaughan Williams. Two members of San Antonio’s renowned chamber music group, the Olmos Ensemble, will be featured as guest soloists: Ilya Shterenberg (also principal clarinetist of the San Antonio Symphony) will play Weber’s Clarinet Concertino with YOSA Symphonic Winds, and Mark Teplitsky (also principal flutist of the San Antonio Symphony) will play Doppler’s Hungarian Pastoral Fantasy with the YOSA Symphony.
Monday, January 21—Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Holiday
MLK March, 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. at Pittman-Sullivan Park | FREE!
On January 19, 1987, the Commission and the City of San Antonio held their first official Martin Luther King, Jr. march. Each year, a variety of educational, inspirational, and celebratory events honor one of the nation’s most revered civil rights leaders. The march will begin at 10:00 A.M. at the MLK Academy, located at 3501 MLK Drive, and end at Pittman-Sullivan Park, 1101 Iowa.
Thursday, January 24
¡No Es Justo! Emma Tenayuca’s Struggle for Justice, 6:30–8:30 P.M. at McNay Art Museum | FREE!
Adapted for the stage from the children’s book of the same title, this theatre production brings to life the story of Emma Tenayuca, an activist, labor leader, educator, and Chicana hero. This play honors Tenayuca and her leadership of the 1938 Southern Pecan Shelling Company workers’ strike. Carmen Tafolla, Sharyll Tenayuca, and Terry Ybanez wrote and illustrated the original children’s book. Performance is suitable for all ages.
Sunday, January 27
Time for Three, 7:00 P.M. at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts | Tickets: $5 student, $22 adult
YOSA proudly hosts the first San Antonio appearance by Time for Three, an innovative string trio that defies traditional genre classifications, happily and infectiously. With an uncommon mix of virtuosity and showmanship, the American trio not only performs music by classical masters and cutting-edge composers, but also original tunes and their own arrangements of everything from bluegrass and folk tunes to ingenious mash-ups of pop hits.
Monday, January 28
Tween STEM Club: The Science of Rockets, 3:00–4:00 P.M. at Cody Library | FREE!
Join us for a hands-on demonstration of the chemical reaction that occurs during a rocket launch. Exclusively for children ages nine to twelve.
January 8, 15, 22, & 29
Little Read Wagon, 4:00–5:30 P.M. at Harlandale Community Center | FREE!
Put on your play clothes and join us for a story time and activities as we talk, sing, read, write, and play our way towards being ready to read! For children 0–5 and their adults.
