The beginning of the San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo, Mardi Gras celebrations, Valentine’s Day-themed markets and an Asian New Year festival are among major events slated around the area from Feb. 8-14. This list is not comprehensive.
Stock show and rodeo
The annual San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo will include rodeo competitions, live concerts, stock show exhibitions, a carnival and other activities for the whole family as well as various dining and drinking options each day at the Freeman Coliseum/Frost Bank Center complex. The rodeo also has related special events taking place at different sites and times over the rodeo’s duration. Proceeds will benefit San Antonio Livestock Exposition scholarships.
- Feb. 8-25 (activity times vary)
- Admission fees vary
- 1 Frost Bank Center Drive and 3201 E. Houston St., San Antonio
- www.sarodeo.com
New art exhibits
Centro de Arts Gallery will host two exhibits, “Millennial Lotería” by California artists Mike Alfaro and Gerardo Guillén, and “Permanencia Voluntaria” by Mexican artist Efedefroy (Froy Padilla Aragón), now through June 30.
- Gallery hours: Wed.-Fri., 10;30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., noon-5 p.m.
- Free
- 101 S. Santa Rosa Ave., San Antonio
- www.getcreativesanantonio.com/galleries/centro-de-artes
Chuckwagon lunch
With the start of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, Frost Bank will invite community members to a chuckwagon lunch. Attendees may enjoy barbecued brisket, beans, potato salad, peach cobbler and tea while supplies last.
- Feb. 9, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Free
- 16500 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio
- www.facebook.com/events/276030908828007
Book reading and signing
Carmen Tafolla, a local poet, storyteller, performance artist, motivational speaker and cultural activist, will read excerpts from her book, “Warrior Book.” The novel is about a young Mexican American girl who fights to celebrate her name, history and beliefs despite struggles surrounding her community and culture. Tafolla will sign copies of her book in a follow-up reception.
- Feb. 9, 6 p.m.
- Free
- Guadalupe Latino Bookstore and Gift Shop, 1300 Guadalupe St., San Antonio
- www.guadalupeculturalarts.org
Fashion show and pet adoptions
Craftiques Mall and Fashionable Adoptions will have a Tea and Tails event with a portion of proceeds going to Spay-Neuter-Inject-Protect San Antonio. The event will include an afternoon tea and adoptable pets on a fashion show runaway.
- Feb. 10, 2-5 p.m.
- Tickets: $50
- 2375 NW Military Hwy., San Antonio
- http://tinyurl.com/bdnmwn8n
Valentine’s Day-themed market
The Weekend Market at Arbor Park will have a Valentine’s Day-themed market in the Arbor Park retail center parking lot with several local vendors offering handmade gift items, home decor, arts, crafts, foods and more.
- Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Free admission
- 17700 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio
- www.facebook.com/theweekendmarketatarborpark
Mardi Gras Festival and Parade
Visit San Antonio will present the city’s annual official Mardi Gras Festival and Parade. The event will include live music, artisan vendors, food trucks, procession of 12-Mardi Gras-themed floats carrying costumed performers along the San Antonio River, and a coronation of San Antonio River Walk royalty.
- Feb. 10, 1-6 p.m.
- Free admission
- La Villita, 418 Villita St., San Antonio
- www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/mardi-gras-river-parade
Heart and Sole 5K
The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department will host a Heart and Sole 5K and Fun Run at Lady Bird Johnson Park. This family-friendly event is part of the Get Fit SA initiative and celebrates American Heart Month by encouraging the community to get fit, stay active and be well. Participants will receive a free T-shirt. There will also be a vendor offering health-related services, products and information, and a mobile van with health screenings.
- Feb. 10, 8-10 a.m.
- Free
- 10700 Nacodgdoches Road, San Antonio
- www.saparksandrec.com
Mardi Gras fundraiser
Holy Redeemer Catholic Church will present a Mardi Gras Gala fundraiser at the San Antonio Shrine Auditorium. There will be a dinner, dance, silent auction and raffle.
- Feb. 10, 7 p.m.-midnight
- Admission: $100 per person
- 901 N. Loop 1604 W., San Antonio
- 210-532-5358. http://tinyurl.com/4sc4uefr
Asian New Year Festival
The San Antonio Asian New Year Festival will have traditional music, dance, food, martial arts and sumo wrestling demonstrations, arts and crafts, a cosplay contest, and more.
- Feb. 10-11, noon-6 p.m. both days
- Free
- Rolling Oaks Mall (near JCPenney), 6909 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio
- Instagram: @AsianFestSA
Girls Inc. of San Antonio will hold its 18th annual RockIt into the Future Science Festival to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. There will be 30-plus booths with science activities for girls and boys to engage, hands-on interactive demonstrations, animal interactions, food trucks, and more.
- Feb. 10, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Free admission
- CAST Med High School, 2601 Louis Bauer Drive, San Antonio
- www.girlsincsa.org
'Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!'
Magik Theater will host performances of “Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!” The play is based on Mo Willems’ beloved book about a pigeon who takes charge of a bus whose driver is struck by a crisis that renders her unable to drive the bus. It is up to the audience to convince the pigeon that driving the bus is not the best idea, but that maybe there is something he can do to help.
- Feb. 10-March 17; Sat. 2 and 6 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m.
- Tickets: $25 adults; $20 children ages 3-17, military, seniors, educators and students
- Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio
- www.magiktheatre.org/dont-let-the-pigeon-drive-the-bus
Hollywood Park water program
Representatives from San Antonio Water System and consulting firm RESPEC will give a presentation about water geared toward Hollywood Park residents. The program will cover topics such as water conservation, rebates, irrigation and pollution.
- Feb. 13, 6 p.m.
- Free
- City Hall, 2 Mecca Drive, Hollywood Park
- 210-494-2023
Chuckwagon breakfast
Frost Bank will invite community members to get into the local rodeo season spirit with traditional chuckwagon breakfast. Attendees may enjoy scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits, gravy, peach cobbler and coffee while supplies last.
- Feb. 13, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
- Free
- 1155 N. Loop 410 E., San Antonio
- www.facebook.com/events/731076972287108
Single Professionals Network gathering
Single Professionals Network, a friendship group for singles age 55 and older, meets for conversation, libations, games and food.
- Feb. 14, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
- Free admission
- Kennedy’s Public House, 19179 Blanco Road, San Antonio
- www.spn-sa.org