Fall Celebrations Bloom in San Antonio
As the rest of the nation braces for the cold of winter, San Antonio is preparing to warm visitors with a flurry of fall festivals celebrating everything from the traditions of Día de los Muertos to the region’s esteemed cuisine and vintners. It’s the perfect time to journey to this city unlike any other for a splash of color, culture and cuisine. Below is a sampling of San Antonio’s fall festivals. For more information, explore www.fallartfestivals.com.
Fotoseptiembre USA (September 1-30) is a month-long, international photography festival where dozens of exhibits are highlighted throughout the city’s top galleries, museums, art centers and in the festival’s web galleries. All exhibits are free and open to the public. For more information, please visit http://www.fotoseptiembreusa.com or www.safotofestival.com.
The European Film Festival (September 8 - 11) will present 25 films at the Palladium IMAX (IH-10W and HWY1604). Explore this modern art form as it delves into topics relevant to society’s ever-constant plight. Sponsors include the Consulates of France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. Admission is free. For more details, visit the festival’s website at www.europeanfilmfestival.us.
Jazz’SAlive (September 20 - 21) presents the best of local, regional, national and international Jazz musicians with a two-day outdoor festival in San Antonio’s beautiful Travis Park. Local acts perform in the afternoon and national artists are showcased in the evening. Jazz’SAlive also hosts the Starlight Salute Gala and the Jazz’SAlive Champagne Brunch; both are at the historic St. Anthony Hotel adjacent to the park. All concerts are free and open to the public. For more information, please visit www.saparksfoundation.org.
Gardens by Moonlight (September 27), one of San Antonio’s most enchanting events, fills the fairy-tale-like Botanical Garden with live music performances and sumptuous culinary treats under the light of the fall moon. Bands include: Del Castillo, Ian McLagan & The Bump Band, Rodney Hayden, Mingo Fishtrap, The Marshall Ford Swing Band, Kris Kimura Quartet and more to be announced. Advance tickets will be available at the Garden’s web site www.sabot.org or at the gate for $20.
The International Accordion Festival (October 10-12) is a free, three-day outdoor festival in historic La Villita that celebrates diverse, squeezebox-driven traditions from all over the world. The festival also organizes special workshops by master accordionists, dance instructors and accordion makers. Open-mike sessions, food booths and plenty of dancing space make the accordion festival a wonderful opportunity for visitors to interact with these vibrant musical traditions. For more information, please visit www.internationalaccordionfestival.org.
Día De Los Muertos (November 2-3) is a mix of traditional and contemporary festivities that stem from ancestral remembrance and harvest season rituals originating with Central Mexico’s indigenous cultures. It is most often recognized by altars set up throughout the city to remember family and friends who have passed on. Many art exhibits capture this tradition as well as local carnivals and festivals. Día De Los Muertos is a mainstay of San Antonio’s folklore and a vivid expression of cultural heritage. For a list of Día De Los Muertos events, please visit www.sacalaveras.com.
The New World Wine & Food Festival (November 5-9) is a feast of spirit and sustenance that celebrates San Antonio as the culinary and cultural gateway to Latin America. Indulge in five full days of fun, food, wine and more with wine tastings, lavish events and culturally-infused fiestas. Whether your style is casual or formal, the New World Wine & Food Festival has an event to suit your taste and budget. The details of delights in store await you at www.nwwff.org.
The 14th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza (November 30 – December 6) is a week-long mariachi music festival that attracts thousands to San Antonio. Included is a mariachi-inspired art exhibit, serenades along the River Walk, workshops, mariachi competitions and a concert featuring the world renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. For a complete schedule of Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza events, please visit the festival’s website, www.mariachimusic.com.
