San Antonio Scoop: A Guide to Events in October

October has plenty going on, thanks to seasonal festivities and holidays like Hispanic Heritage Month and Halloween. But this month we can also look forward to the grand opening of the new expansion at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. As cooler temperatures roll in, so do the fall festivals! Be sure to check out our annual guide to Pumpkin Patches in San Antonio and the surrounding area.

You can see what’s happening around town for Day of the Dead in my latest event roundup Día de los Muertos in San Antonio!

BONUS: October is Museum Month in San Antonio! Use your Museum membership as a passport to San Antonio culture at eleven great institutions through the city’s first annual Museum Month. Participating in Museum Month: San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, The DoSeum, San Antonio Botanical Gardens, Artpace, Blue Star Contemporary, Briscoe Western Art, Institute of Texan Cultures, McNay Art Museum, and more!
Experience:
– Reciprocal member admission* for two
– Special events
– Membership promotions
*Some limitations apply
More information at www.museummonthsa.org

Sunday, October 1

Family Day: See + Do Science and Art, 1:00–4:00 P.M. at San Antonio Museum of Art—Science and art combine for this inventive family day.  Experiment with interesting art techniques and see the museum’s collection from a scientific point of view, inspired by the special exhibition, Antinous, The Emperor’s Beloved: Investigating a Roman Portrait. Free admission to all PreK 4 SA students and their families. Free with museum admission. [Pro tip: Enter the museum before noon and everyone gets in FREE!]

Hispanic Heritage: Mosaic Masks, 3:00–4:00 P.M. at San Pedro Library—Masks were an important part of both the Aztec and Mayan cultures. We’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage 2017 by making mosaic masks to honor these cultures that once dominated life in Mexico and Central America. Children of all ages welcome; younger children will need adult assistance. FREE!

My Princess and Me 2017, 1:00–4:00 P.M. at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts—Since 2004, My Princess and Me has been making dreams come true, big and small, for the children of St. Peter-St. Joseph Children’s Home (St. PJ’s). On this day, the girls of St PJ’s will join more than 300 daughters from the San Antonio community to become princesses for a day. A day of fancy dresses, cupcakes, and sparkles may sound like an ordinary day of play. However, the feeling of a special day of dreams and imagination can be a turning point in the healing of an abused and neglected child. Tickets are $40.

Monday, October 2

Culinary Tweens: Pumpkin Cake Pops, 3:00–4:00 P.M. at Cody Library—For ages 9 to 12, celebrate fall by learning how to make pumpkin cake pops. FREE!

Minecraft Mondays, 4:00 P.M. at San Pedro Library—Bring your own device loaded with Minecraft Pocket Edition or use a library iPad (on a first come, first served basis) for some creative building fun. FREE!

Friday, October 6

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, 11:00 A.M.–5:0o P.M. at McKenna Children’s Museum (New Braunfels)—Wear your silliest hat and join us for some Mad Hatter fun. Enjoy fun activities, games, and some yummy iced tea. No reservation required. Free with admission.

Youth Matinee Series: Flamenco Fest, 11:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. at Carver Community Cultural Center—With roots dating back to the Byzantine Empire, flamenco music and dance continue to express the heart, soul, and passion of its people. As part of the city-wide Flamenco Fest 2017, national and regional flamenco dancers and musicians will delight the audience with a concert depicting the vibrancy of fiery flamenco dance. The audience will be encouraged to clap, sing, and dance along as they learn about the origins, cultural significance, and unique characteristics of this centuries old art form and follow the path of modern flamenco into the future.

Saturday, October 7

Workshop: Fire House Bank, 9:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. at The Home Depot—Join this hands-on workshop and you and your child can build a cute coin bank with a fire station design. Once the bank is built, your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. All kids get to keep their project 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. FREE! 

Guided Hike: Lifecycles of a Monarch, 10:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. at Friedrich Wilderness Park—For ages 5 and up. Cathy Downs, a Monarch Watch conservation specialist, will lead a walk through the park looking for monarch eggs, caterpillars and butterflies. Learn what you can do to provide food and habitat for these important members of our ecosystem. Classroom activity following hike. RSVP required. Suggested donation is $3 per person, $6 per family. For more information, call 210-207-3782 or email [email protected].

BOOtanica, 10:00 A.M.–2:00 P.M. at San Antonio Botanical Garden—BOOtanica Days, sponsored by H-E-B, celebrate the fall season at the Garden with a variety of hands-on activities for the whole family. Make a bat mask, learn about bat pollinators, and enjoy a garden exploration activity. Thanks to H-E-B, all guests enjoy $2 off admission to BOOtanica.

Family Film Series: Pete’s Dragon, 7:00–10:00 P.M. at Mission Marquee Plaza—A boy lives in the woods with a dragon as his caregiver, until a forest ranger finds and adopts him. However, his newfound happiness is threatened by a man who wants to hunt down his magical friend. Load up your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks to enjoy during the movie. Venue opens at 7:00 P.M. and movie will begin 15 minutes after dusk. Food from local food trucks also available for purchase, and free popcorn courtesy of City Base Entertainment. Pet friendly. FREE!

Explore the Night Sky, 7:30-10:30 P.M. at Government Canyon State Natural Area—Explore the night sky with the San Antonio Astronomical Association. View planets, moons, constellations, star clusters, nebula, galaxies, and much more. You can also learn the basics of telescope operation. Bring your own telescope or binoculars, or enjoy the sights from one of the SAAA’s telescopes. Open to ages 12 and up. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. FREE!

October 7–8

Yanaguana Indian Art Market, 10:00 A.M. at Briscoe Western Art Museum—More than 40 of the most respected Native American artists will showcase and sell their handmade works of art including jewelry, carvings, beadwork, pottery, and more. Storytelling, dancing, musical performances, and demonstrations—as well as Native American-inspired food—offer visitors a glimpse into tribal tradition and contemporary Native culture.

Sunday, October 8

Japan Festival: Discover Japan 2017, 11:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. at Witte Museum—Presented by Japan-America Society of San Antonio, showcasing Japanese culture, art, and music. Click the event link for more information about the many performances and activities to come. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for children.

Altares y Flores para Los Muertos: Time Out of Memory, 12:00–4:00 P.M. at Institute of Texan Cultures—Free Second Sunday for October focuses on Halloween, El Día de los Muertos and a special edition of the institute’s popular baseball lectures. Children and families can Trick-or-Treat through the museum galleries. Artist David Zamora Casas, who will build the institute’s altar for El Diía de los Muertos, will offer a platica on Día de Muertos traditions, the grieving process, and honoring the dead. As a special feature for Free Second Sunday, the institute will welcome Steve Velasquez, curator at the National Museum of American History, presenting “In the Barrios and the Big Leagues,” a project with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in collaboration with the Smithsonian Latino Center. The talk details the social and cultural influence of baseball on the Latino community. Free stadium fare, and activities will be offered. FREE!

Monday, October 9

Little Sprouts: Scarecrows, 10:00–11:30 A.M. at San Antonio Botanical Garden—Trek through the Garden along the scarecrow trail, and make one for the home. Kid-friendly fun for ages 3 to 5. Each Little Sprout Monday (second Monday of each month) includes storytelling, kids’ crafts, and hands-on explorations at a child’s pace. A parent or guardian must stay with the child. Registration is $15 per child and includes one adult. Additional children are $5. 

Wednesday, October 11

Critter Corner, 11:00–11:30 A.M. at McKenna Children’s Museum (New Braunfels)—Welcome reptile friends from the Animal World and Snake Farm. Learn about what they eat, where they live, and how they feel. No registration required. For questions call (830) 606-9525. Free with museum admission. 

Thursday, October 12

Growing Up Wild: Who Lives in a Tree?, 10:00–11:30 A.M. at Friedrich Wilderness Park—For ages 4 to 7. Learn all about the animals that use trees for their homes. Growing Up Wild builds on a child’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. Activities are designed to provide an early foundation and appreciation of nature. RSVP required. Suggested donation is $3 per person, $6 per family. For more information, call (210) 207-3782 or email [email protected].

Friday, October 13

Cinema on the Plaza: Beauty and the Beast (2017), 7:00–11:00 P.M. at River Walk Plaza, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts—Bring your own blankets and lawn chairs. Come early for some fun and music with The AM Project and the Bass Bus. Concessions available to purchase; please no outside food or drink. Pets are not allowed at this event. Plaza opens at 7:00 P.M.; movie starts at 8:00 P.M. FREE!

October 13–14

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert at Majestic Theatre—Three performances. Cars fly, trees fight back, and monsters are on the loose in Harry’s second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This concert features the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in high-definition, on a giant screen, while a live orchestra performs John Williams’ unforgettable score. Relive every magical moment as the music brings life to a story that has enchanted the world. Tickets are $27–67.

Saturday, October 14

Texas Pollinator Bio Blitz, 9:00–11:00 A.M. at Urban Ecology Center at Phil Hardberger Park—Learn how to identify and record butterfly surveys as the butterflies travel south through the Central Flyway. Learn about nature apps that may be used to observe and record nature in the park. Suggested for families with older children. Bring an iPhone, smartphone or android to use for this activity. Registration is suggested. A donation to the PHP Conservancy of $3 per person or $5 per family is suggested.

Teddy Bear Clinic, 9:30–10:45 A.M. & 11:00 A.M.–12:15 P.M. at Scuba Smiles—Join Alamo City Moms Blog at Scuba Smiles for brushing, flossing, and fun with your favorite teddy bear or stuffy as we explore the new Scuba Smiles Children’s Dental office. Light bites, a dental checkup for your favorite stuffed friend, tours of the office, and more. Teens will love the gaming systems and “big kid” entertainment available while they wait, and parents will love the helpful, friendly staff. Tickets are $11.54 for adults; children are free.

I Spy a Scavenger Hunt! – A Mystery in King William, 10:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. at Villa Finalee: Museum and Gardens—This scavenger hunt, with a new “mysterious” twist, will get kids thinking about architecture in a whole new way. Detectives will get a pair of binoculars, useful for hunting down clues, and first, second, and third place detectives will be awarded a special medal. All detectives will be treated to refreshments at the finish line. A parent/guardian must accompany children. The program is designed for two categories: ages 5-8, and 9-12 (each group receives age-appropriate activities). Check-in begins at 9:30 A.M. Space is limited and registration is required. Please call Visitor Services at (210) 223-9800 to register or email us at [email protected]FREE!

Chalk It Up, 10:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. at Downtown Houston Street—A free festival of contemporary art that transforms Downtown Houston Street into a gallery—from the ground up. Downtown San Antonio is turned into a chalk canvas, showcasing local emerging artists and raising funds for art education. Everyone is encouraged to become an artist for a day as we work on a collaborative, city block-sized mural. Take part in hands-on activities like screen printing, chalk spirographs, and more. FREE!

Fall at the Alamo, 10:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. at the Alamo–A family-friendly living history event with demos such as: military camp, period school, dry goods trader, 1830s doctor, Republic of Texas surveyor, and more. Other activities include a quick draw demo, live mock trail, volley, and kids’ drill. FREE!

Owl Prowl, 6:30–8:30 P.M. at Eisenhower Park—Recommended for ages 7 and up. Join Texas Parks and Wildlife Urban Biologist, Jessica Alderson on a beautiful moonlit walk through the woods to look for owls. Bring a stool or lawn chair and a flash light. RSVP required. Suggested donation is $3 per person, $6 per family. For more information, call 210-207-3782 or email [email protected].

Free Outdoor Movie: The Sandlot, 7:15 P.M. at Hemisfair—You’re killing me, Smalls! In the summer of 1962, a new kid in town is taken under the wing of a young baseball prodigy and his rowdy team, resulting in many adventures (PG). The movie starts at sundown, usually around 8:30 P.M. Food and drink vendors will be on-site. FREE!

October 14–15

Family Camp Out & Fishing Tournament, at Boerne Lake (Boerne)—You can start camping at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday. There will be a fishing tournament starting at 3:00 P.M. for those who want to participate. You must register for fishing tournament on site. Hot dogs and chips will be served for dinner. You can also take your own dinner. Breakfast will be ready at 8:00 A.M. Sunday morning. FREE!

Thursday, October 19

Throwback Thursday Family Film Series: Ghostbusters, 7:00–10:00 P.M. at Mission Marquee Plaza—Three former parapsychology professors set up shop as a unique ghost removal service. Who you gonna call? Load up your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks to enjoy during the movie. Venue opens at 7:00 P.M., and movie will begin 15 minutes after dusk. Food from local food trucks also available for purchase, and free popcorn courtesy of City Base Entertainment. Pet friendly. FREE!

October 20–22

Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival at Pearl—The second annual festival, a community collaboration by the Texas Butterfly Ranch and pollinator friendly private sector companies, public entities, and nonprofit organizations, spans three days during peak Monarch migration week in the nation’s first Monarch Butterfly Champion City, so declared by the National Wildlife Federation in 2015. Several scientific and education events are planned, followed by a festival on Sunday with Monarch-themed activities for all ages. Festival is FREE!

Saturday, October 21

Archeology Day, 10:00 A.M.–3:00 P.M. at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park—This event is all about the science of archeology – learn how we know what we know about Spanish Colonial missions. Participate in over a dozen archeology activities for the whole family. Plus, meet the people who research and care for the missions. FREE!

Art in the Park with Magik Theatre, 11:00 A.M.–1:00 P.M. at Hemisfair—Join Hemisfair Magik Theatre for a free theatrical play workshop for kids ages 4–11. This week’s performance opportunity will be a dance workshop; learning the dance from the legendary “Thriller” video, featuring Michael Jackson. Parental supervision required. Please allow extra time for parking as the workshop begins promptly at 11:00 A.M. FREE!

Haunted Swim, 6:00–8:00 P.M. at San Antonio Natatorium–Join Parks for swimming and Halloween activities with Alice in Wonderland theme. Pumpkin carving contest (must be completed before), costume contest, face painting, haunted house, and magic show. FREE!

HallowVista, 6:00–9:30 P.M. at Northwest Vista College–Celebrate Halloween with an outdoor movie, games, trick or treating for kids, food trucks, costume contests for kids and adults, and a haunted house. Hosted by Northwest Vista College. FREE!

Family Film Series-Double Feature: The Secret Life of Pets and Finding Dory, 7:00–11:00 P.M. at Mission Marquee Plaza—Pets: Two mismatched mutts get lost in NYC due to their feuding and must find their way home. Dory: Amnesiac Dory once again sets out on an adventure with Marlin and Nemo to find her long-lost parents. Load up your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks to enjoy during the movie. Venue opens at 7:00 P.M., and movie will begin 15 minutes after dusk. Food from local food trucks also available for purchase, and free popcorn courtesy of City Base Entertainment. Pet friendly. FREE!

October 21–22

Grand Opening Celebration at San Antonio Botanical Garden—The San Antonio Botanical Garden unveils the city’s new garden adventure. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 21 at 9:30 A.M. in front of the Halsell Welcome Building with gates opening to the public immediately thereafter. Hands-on children’s activities, wellness activities, culinary demonstrations, live music, performances and story telling, food trucks, speaker series, herb giveaway (while supplies last), lawn games, Scarecrow Trail exhibit, Art in the Garden exhibit, and new Garden gift shop. The transformational eight-acre expansion includes the Mays Family Display Garden, Halsell Welcome Building, H-E-B Discovery Center, Culinary Garden, Goldsbury Foundation Pavilion, and the CHEF Teaching Kitchen. Activities are ongoing until 2:00 P.M. Garden is open until 5:00 P.M. daily. Free with garden admission. 

Sunday, October 22

Síclovía, 11:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. at Alamo Plaza Historic District—Major city streets are turned into a safe place for people to exercise and play. The streets become temporarily car-free for families to run, ride bikes, take exercise classes, and enjoy their city streets. Additionally, the City of San Antonio has partnered with local race management company IAAP and the YMCA of Greater San Antonio to combine this year’s City Manager 5K event with Siclovia. The 5K will take place prior to Siclovia at 8:30 A.M. at Alamo Plaza. The October 22 route will extend from Alamo Plaza to Mahncke Park. FREE!

Shopkins Live! Shop It Up!, 1:00 P.M. at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts—The #1 kids toy in North America is live and on stage! Your beloved Shoppies make their theatrical debut in an original new live show featuring musical performances by Jessicake, Bubbleisha, Peppa-Mint, Rainbow Kate, Cocolette, Polli Polish, and more! The fun and fashionista Shoppies are joined by the Shopkins, the grocery store-themed mini collectable toys. An ensemble cast of multi-talented performers brings the show to life on stage through urban style music, song, and dance. Tickets are $24.75–100.

King William Concerts in the Park, 5:30–6:30 P.M. at King William Park & Gazebo—The Youth Orchestra of San Antonio’s YOSA Philharmonic marks the 40th anniversary of the original Star Wars (and the impending release of The Last Jedi) with John Williams’ landmark music for the blockbuster film series. Plus, epic adventures from the Pacific coast of Mexico and ancient Russia come to life in music by Chávez (Sinfonía India) and Borodin (Polovtsian Dances). FREE!

Thursday, October 26

Growing Up Wild: Who Lives in a Tree?, 10:00–11:30 A.M. at Friedrich Wilderness Park—For ages 4 to 7. Learn all about the animals that use trees for their homes. Growing Up Wild builds on a child’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. Activities are designed to provide an early foundation and appreciation of nature. RSVP required. Suggested donation is $3 per person, $6 per family. For more information, call (210) 207-3782 or email [email protected].

Friday, October 27

Youth Matinee: TU Dance, 11:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. at Carver Community Cultural Center—Led by Alvin Ailey veterans Toni Pierce-Sands and Uri Sands, TU Dance combines modern dance, classical ballet, and African-based and urban vernacular movements in inventive and unpredictable ways to provide opportunities for audiences to experience the connective power of dance. This narrated program will guide students through examples of the company’s repertory with a question-and-answer session following the performance. Registration required for all guests. FREE!

KLRN KIDS Fall Festival, 6:00–9:00 P.M. at Mission Marquee Plaza—Hands-on activities and family-friendly fun along with KLRN’s community partners. Everyone’s favorite monkey, Curious George, will make a special visit. You can also participate in a child-friendly costume contest. Bring your healthy snacks, blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy a special preview of PBS KIDS Halloween programs that will begin at dusk. FREE!

Family Flicks: Selena, 7:00–9:00 P.M. at San Antonio Museum of Art—Celebrating the life of young, beautiful, and enormously gifted Texas native Selena Quintanilla Perez, this film traces her musical journey. Gifted with magnetic charm, incredible will, and global talent, Selena was poised to be the next pop-music sensation when her life was tragically cut short at 23. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics. Pets are not permitted on the Museum campus; however, service animals are permitted in the Museum. FREE!

October 27–29

Skylight Balloon Fest at River City Community Church (Selma)—This family-friendly event features nightly balloon glows and morning competitions, tethered balloon rides, food trucks, fun zone, trackless train rides, vendors, and musical concerts. Tickets for tethered balloon rides are $20 for adults, $10 for children 6–12. All day play wristbands are $5 per person. Event entry is $20 per car (max of five people); $30 for vehicles with more than five occupants. 

Alamo City Comic Con: Halloween Edition at Alamodome—Family-friendly event for all ages to celebrate all things Halloween. Ghouls and goblins come out to play with interactive events such as Interview with a Vampire, Thriller Showcase, Miss GOREgeous Halloween Queen Pageant, Conival, monster movie madness, fortune telling, Houdini-style magicians and freak show, Rocky Horror Picture Show, special effects makeup courses, special celebrity guests, and so much more. Tickets are $5–250. Children 5 and under are free.

10th Annual Lebanese Food Festival at St. George Maronite Church—A fun-filled family cultural celebration showcasing the Lebanese of San Antonio and the rich heritage that has been preserved since the Lebanese first immigrated in the 1880s. Visitors will enjoy authentic Lebanese food and indoor stage performances by the Lebanese dance troupe, learn how to Dabke (the traditional folk dance of Lebanon), enjoy Friday and Saturday evening performances featuring a live band, and so much more. Tickets are $3 for adults, $1 for children under 12.

Saturday, October 28

AugustHeart Free Heart Screening, 8:30–10:00 A.M. at Piper-Bass Memorial Student Center—AugustHeart will be providing free heart scans to detect any abnormalities. For any questions, please contact (210) 841-9207. FREE for any student who registers online.

Breakfast with Santa, 9:00–11:00 A.M. at Shrine Auditorium—Hosted by the Junior League of San Antonio as part of the Holiday Olé Market. Arts & crafts, holiday cheer, and breakfast with Santa! This event requires tickets for both parents and kids. General shopping is from 10:00 A.M.–9:00 P.M. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children.

Cibolo Youth Sports Complex Grand Opening, 10:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. at Schertz Family YMCA (Cibolo)—The Y, in partnership with the City of Cibolo, is thrilled to bring the community all-new youth sports fields. Join others for tours, sports games, family activities, refreshments, and more. FREE!

BOOtanica, 10:00 A.M.–2:00 P.M. at San Antonio Botanical Garden—BOOtanica Days, sponsored by H-E-B, celebrate the fall season at the Garden with a variety of hands-on activities for the whole family. Make a bat mask, learn about bat pollinators, and enjoy a garden exploration activity. Thanks to H-E-B, all guests enjoy $2 off admission to BOOtanica.

Family Fall Festival, 10:00 A.M.–2:00 P.M. at Herff Farm Ranch at Cibolo Nature Center (Boerne)—Pumpkin decorating, scarecrow making, costume contest, face painting, trick or treating, and more. Admission is $5 per person or $10 per family.

Art in the Park with San Antonio Dance Umbrella, 11:00 A.M.–1:00 P.M. at Hemisfair—Join Hemisfair partner San Antonio Dance Umbrella for a free folklorico dance workshop for kids ages 4–11. Please dress to dance comfortably outdoors. Parental supervision required; seating provided. The workshop will begin promptly at 11:00 A.M. and will be held in Goliad Plaza at the north end of the park, past the climbing structures. Follow the Art in the Park signage. FREE!

Halloween Spooktacular, 3:00–4:00 P.M. at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts—Calling all witches, warlocks, wizards and the like! Come in costume for a one-hour, interactive performance featuring music for the season. Be sure to come early for pre-concert kids activities in the lobby, including musical crafts and games, an Instrument Petting Zoo, and our Spooktacular Costume Contest – prizes to be awarded during the concert! Tickets at $10-25.

Spooktacular Halloween, 3:30–6:00 P.M. at Villa Finale—This event hearkens back to celebrations of the late 19th century when neighborhoods would get together to observe Halloween with costumes, games, and delicious treats! Kids ages 3 to 12 can decorate their own trick-or-treat bag, play Halloween-themed games, enter a screaming contest, participate in a “fun dash” trick-or-treat, enjoy snacks, and more. Parents can also impress their little ones by entering the “Purple People Eater Pie Eating Contest.” Prizes awarded for scariest, funniest, most creative, parent, and overall costumes. Activities are primarily designed for children ages 3–12. The event tends to sell out quickly; tickets can be purchased online. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children (3–12).

Jurassic Park, 8:30–11:00 P.M. at Hemisfair—Free outdoor movie presented by Southtown Cinema. During a preview tour, a theme park suffers a major power breakdown that allows its cloned dinosaur exhibits to run amok. (PG13) The movie starts at sundown, usually around 8:30 p.m. Food and drink vendors will be on-site. FREE!

Sunday, October 29

Family Art Play: Halloween/Día de los Muertos Celebration, 1:00–4:00 P.M. at McNay Art Museum—Send good wishes to the spirits of the afterlife this Halloween/Day of the Dead. Decorate an altar with tissue-paper marigolds, enjoy tasty pan de muerto (bread of the dead), and view The Book of Life (2014) at 2:00 P.M. Film description: Torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart, Manolo embarks on an adventure that spans three fantastic worlds, where he must face his greatest fears (95 minutes, PG). Free with museum admission.

Monday, October 30

Landa BOO!, 4:00–6:00 P.M. at Landa Gardens Conservancy—Scare up a good time! All kids big and small can enjoy wonderful crafts, costume parades, balloons and ghoulish music. FREE!

October 6–November 4

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi and Other “Just So” Stories at The Magik Theatre—Good for ages 3 and up, ideal for ages 5–10. This classic collection of animal fables includes the beloved tales “How the Elephant Got Her Trunk,” “How the Camel Got His Hump,” and the exciting “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi,” the brave mongoose who saves his boy from an vengeful Cobra. Varying from whimsical to moral, these iconic stories are set in colonial India and are peppered with Indian music and dance. Military and first responder day is October 14 (tickets are $5 with ID). Sensory-friendly performance on October 21. Tickets are $13.50 for adults and children. Children under 2 are free.

September 30–October 21 

The Ants Go Marching, 9:30–10:30 A.M. at Magik Performing Arts Center—A world premiere written by Carolyn Dellinger. A plucky young Red Ant goes on a quest to find a rainbow, but finds herself in Blue Ant territory! A story of learning, communicating, and building, The Ants Go Marching is Magik’s first Theatre for the Very Young original, built for children ages 5 and under. Together, with Red and Blue, you will go on a colorful adventure of rhythm, dance, and new friendship! This show follows the successful run of Wake Up, Brother Bear, the first Theatre for the Very Young show presented by The Magik Theatre, in collaboration with Imagination Stage. Tickets are $12.

October 28–November 25

The Ants Go Marching, 10:00–11:00 A.M. at Pearl Studio—A world premiere written by Carolyn Dellinger. A plucky young Red Ant goes on a quest to find a rainbow, but finds herself in Blue Ant territory! A story of learning, communicating, and building, The Ants Go Marching is Magik’s first Theatre for the Very Young original, built for children ages 5 and under. Together, with Red and Blue, you will go on a colorful adventure of rhythm, dance, and new friendship! This show follows the successful run of Wake Up, Brother Bear, the first Theatre for the Very Young show presented by The Magik Theatre, in collaboration with Imagination Stage. Tickets are $12.

Heather was born and raised in San Antonio and became a mom in 2013 and again in 2018. She never imagined she'd be raising two sons but is grateful for the opportunity! Heather enjoys the outdoors and even mowing her own lawn. She and her husband Santiago look forward to raising two feminist boys who will hopefully be better at Spanish than she is. Her professional experience since graduating from Tufts University with a degree in Art History includes working for a variety of arts and cultural nonprofit organizations, from grassroots to governmental. She spent a few years as a stay at home parent and is easing her way back into the workforce. Her dream job would be to work for Sesame Workshop, or President of the United States. In the meantime, Heather enjoys filling her family's weekends with the diversity San Antonio has to offer. Favorite Restaurant: La Tuna Favorite Landmark: Hemisfair Favorite San Antonio Tradition: Breakfast tacos