The Labor Day holiday weekend in San Antonio features the annual San Japan anime convention, a film screening about the famed Tuskegee Airmen, a fajita cookoff and the kick-off to a Shavano Park farmers market.
Now through Oct. 2
The Public Theater of San Antonio presents performances of “American Mariachi.” In this play set in the 1970s, Lucha spends her days caring for her ailing mother but wants to shake up her life. When a forgotten record sparks her mother’s memory, Lucha and her cousin are inspired to create an all-female mariachi band. 7:30 p.m. (Fridays and Saturdays), 2 p.m. (Sundays), 7 p.m. (Thursdays). $17-$47. 800 W. Ashby Place, San Antonio. 210-733-7258. www.thepublicsa.org
Sept. 2
Single Professionals Network San Antonio, a networking group for singles age 55 and up, will have a happy hour at Scuzzi’s, 4035 N. Loop 1604 W., San Antonio. Nonmembers are welcome. 4-6 p.m. Free (admission). www.spn-sa.org
Sept. 2
The San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum will offer a free screening of the film “The Tuskegee Airmen” followed by a panel discussion about the first all-African-American Air Force squadron, which flew during World War II. 8 p.m. Free. Hemisfair, 630 E. Nueva St., San Antonio. www.saaacam.org/2022-black-history-film-series/
Sept. 2
The 13th annual San Japan celebrates anime and pop culture. People of all ages can enjoy cosplay, autograph sessions with anime voice talent, artists, exhibitors, gaming, contests, panel discussions, music and more. Festival doors open at noon Sept. 2 and 10 a.m. Sept. 3 and 4. Admission prices vary. Registration and most activities are held in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 900 E. Market St.; other festivities are held nearby at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk, 600 E. Market St. www.san-japan.org
Sept. 3
Visitors at Phil Hardberger Park may stop by the park’s native plant wildscape demonstration garden for a presentation about native pollinators. Attendees may explore the garden and even take part in a scavenger hunt. 9-11 a.m. Free. 8400 NW Military Hwy., San Antonio. www.philhardbergerpark.org/calendar-events/family-outdoors-outdoor-basics-x6jby
Sept. 3
Students from Centers for Applied Science and Technology Schools will perform “Three Years of Fear,” a play based on the book “Tafolla Toro” by Lorenzo Gomez III, a San Antonio native and co-founder of WeTree mental health app. The play advances conversations among students, families and the community about mental health issues of fear, anxiety and violence as the new school year begins. Over the summer, Gomez worked with CAST Schools student writers and interns in workshops to develop a play based on his book. A curriculum guide, also based on the same book, was developed for teachers to deepen the student experience by connecting the story to work being done in the classroom. 2 p.m. $5-$15. Empire Theater, 226 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio. www.ticketmaster.com/event/3A005D05DB028BF9. www.castschools.com/three-years-of-fear.
Sept. 4
The Market @ Shavano Park, a new farmers market, kicks off with farmers, small businesses, artisans and crafters offering various homegrown and homemade products each Sunday next to the City Hall/police station complex. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free (admission). 900 Saddletree Court, Shavano Park. www.facebook.com/themarketatshavanopark
Sept. 4
The Squeezebox hosts a Fajita Lounge Showdown, featuring five local chefs competing head-to-head for the title of “Best Fajita Tacos” in San Antonio. In addition to traditional fajita tacos, a “wildcard protein delicacy” will also be provided to test out the chefs’ creativity. The chefs will compete for a grand prize of $500. There will be free tacos for all on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees may also enjoy music from The Texases and DJ Plata. 8 p.m. $10 admission. 2806 N. St Mary's St., San Antonio. www.facebook.com/TheSqueezebox
Sept. 4
The Briscoe Western Art Museum has Locals Day, where Bexar County and San Antonio residents can take advantage of free museum admission, and enjoy activities and programming at the downtown museum. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (admission). 210 W. Market St., San Antonio. www.briscoemuseum.org
Sept. 7
Hops and Hounds hosts “yappy hour” with Texas Public Radio, including drink specials, music, caricature drawings of you and your dog, and pet adoption opportunities. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free (admission). 13838 Jones Maltsberger Road, San Antonio. www.facebook.com/events/639572057515754
