A comic convention, special fall festivals, the opening of an art sale and shopping fundraisers are among the highlighted happenings slated around San Antonio over the first weekend of October.

Red Dot Art Sale and Show

Contemporary at Blue Star will host its 33rd annual event with an opening night event that will include works from more than 100 San Antonio-based artists. The exhibit and sale continues through Jan. 9. Sales proceeds will benefit Contemporary at Blue Star’s activities and outreach efforts.

Big Texas Comicon

Big Texas Comicon will feature appearances by several celebrities—stars of sci-fi, comic books, and other popular shows and movies—artists, vendors, cosplay and more in a celebration of pop culture.

  • Oct. 6, 2-8 p.m.; Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Ticket prices vary
  • Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 900 E. Market St., San Antonio
  • www.bigtexascomicon.com

Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival

Enjoy engaging, family-friendly activities that explore the roles of the monarch butterfly, wildlife pollinators, and the ecosystem that sustains both people and butterflies. There will also be an obstacle course and plant giveaways.

DoggiePooolooza

DoggiePooolooza is a chance for dog owners and their furry friends to make a splash at Lady Bird Johnson Park. Activities include music, pet goods and services, food trucks, prizes and giveaways, a photo booth, and more. Registration is required for the dog swim sessions.

San Fernando Health and Safety Fair

The 30th annual event will provide medically underserved adults and children with personalized health screenings, education and referral services by specialized health professionals. The fair provides follow-up services for participants with abnormal or high-risk screening results. Screening will include cholesterol, blood pressure, vision, dental, podiatry, dermatology, prostate, diabetes, on-site mammograms, mammogram vouchers, self breast exams and diabetes education.
  • Oct. 7, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Free (admission)
  • 115 Main Plaza, San Antonio
  • www.sfhsf.org
Encino Park Market Day

Encino Park Women’s Club will present its annual Market Day event with different types of vendors. The event, which includes school performances and food, will benefit the Encino Park neighborhood and scholarships.
Shriners Hospitals for Children Gala
A Roaring ’20s-themed fundraiser for Shriners Hospitals for Children will take place at the San Antonio Shrine Auditorium. The gala will include food, silent and live auctions, music, and more. Guests are urged to dress in a flapper dress, a pinstripe suit or other 1920s fashion.
AccessAbility Fest
AccessAbility Fest, presented by the local nonprofit DisabilitySA, will have opportunities to engage with exhibitors, live music, performances, activities, demonstrations, information, products, programs and services that promote independence and inclusion where people with disabilities live, learn, work and play.
SolarFest
Build SA Green’s SolarFest is a family-friendly festival that includes hands-on activities where attendees can learn how to save energy and water as well as about sustainable renewable energies and eco-friendly resiliency. There will also be food vendors, kids activities and entertainment.
Sunday Jazz at the Witte

Witte Museum will host a Sunday Jazz at the Witte performance with Johnny P & the Wise Guys outdoors along the San Antonio River banks. Refreshments will be available for purchase at the show.
Magik Story Time
Magik Theatre and Hemisfair announced a new installation of Hemisfair’s weekly story time with special guests from Magik Theatre reading from each production’s themed book. Magik’s Education Manager Lissette Belmontes will kick off the series as she reads from “Carmela Full of Wishes.” Hemisfair will gift 20 free copies of the book to the first 20 story time guests.
  • Oct. 10, 10 a.m.
  • Free (admission)
  • Hemisfair Yanaguana Garden, 434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio
  • www.magiktheatre.org