An artist’s demonstration, a new musical, a film festival, a back-to-school supply giveaway and a nature-inspired art event are among featured activities scheduled around San Antonio during the first weekend of August.

Through Aug. 6: View indie films

The 29th San Antonio Film Festival will screen more than 200 independent films at three locations citywide. Some screenings include special themed activities, and there will be some panel discussions.

  • Times vary through Aug. 6
  • Some activities offer free admission; VIP badges are available
  • Tobin Center for Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio; Radius Center, 106 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio; and Santikos Palladium Theater, 17703 W. I-10, San Antonio
  • www.safilm.com

Aug. 4-5: Check out a live art demonstration

San Antonio Museum of Art will host an artist open studio with bamboo artist Tanaka Kyokusho in celebration of exhibit “The Creative Splendor: Japanese Bamboo Baskets from the Thoma Collection.” Visitors will get to watch Kyokusho work and learn more about techniques and styles used to cut and weave bamboo.

  • Demonstrations 1-3 p.m. daily
  • Free for SAMA members; included for visitors with museum admission
  • 200 W. Jones Ave., San Antonio
  • www.samuseum.org

Aug. 4-20: Catch a musical

The Public Theater of San Antonio will present performances of Stephen Sondheim’s musical “Merrily We Roll Along,” which traces the lives of wealthy, jaded composer Franklin Shepard and his two estranged friends through each milestone of their personal and professional lives.

Aug. 5: Get ready for a new school year


The San Antonio City Council District 10 office will co-host a back-to-school backpack and supply giveaway for local students. Free backpacks, supplies, diapers, food and special surprises will be provided throughout the day while supplies last.
  • 9 a.m.-noon
  • Free admission
  • Blessed Angels Community Center, 14078 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio
  • 210-207-0999
Aug. 5: Explore botanical gardens

“Celebrate Fantastic Flora” is one of the San Antonio Botanical Garden’s family-friendly events that are part of SABG’s “Imaginary Worlds” exhibit. Attendees may explore a botanical theme at activity stations with garden educators.Aug. 6: Learn about local wildlife

Briscoe Western Art Museum will have a Full STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art Mathematics) Ahead program called “Gone for the Winter.” Visitors will learn more about wildlife and the fall migration of hummingbirds. After a short presentation, families will have the opportunity to create a hummingbird feeder using found and recyclable materials.
  • 1-3 p.m.
  • Free (Bexar County residents, children age 12 and under); included in general museum admission for non-Bexar County residents
  • 210 W. Market St., San Antonio
  • www.briscoemuseum.org/steam/
Aug. 9: Explore trails

Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy will have an Art in the Park session program where visitors can hit the park trails and then return to their starting point and use nature and inspiration to create art using images of plants and animals, styrofoam plates and basic techniques.