A Guide to Living in San Antonio (Jan. 23rd - Jan. 29th)

Hey y'all,
Cory here.
As we come out of the cold snap and into a slightly milder week, it feels like a moment to catch our breath and start making some late winter or early spring plans. Some of the finest times in San Antonio and Central Texas in my opinion.
This week, we’re keeping the momentum going with a fresh lineup of events, thought-provoking reads, and a feature that digs into the choices shaping our city’s future.
Let's dive in.
⚜️ Feature of the Week: Are We Gucci, San Antonio?
A couple of weeks ago, I shared news about the Broadway East development, a planned luxury shopping center aiming to bring high-end brands like Gucci, Rolex, and Chanel near San Antonio’s Pearl District.
While this might signal “progress” to some, I can’t help but reflect on what this kind of development means for the identity and trajectory of our city.
This announcement lingers in my mind, especially as it aligns with what I explored in my editorial last year on Austin’s development. Austin has been reshaped by an influx of luxury retail and out-of-state developers—resulting in a city that, while in some ways economically thriving, feels increasingly disconnected from its cultural roots.
Is that the kind of transformation we want for San Antonio?
San Antonio is rich in its own culture, community, and history. From our food to our art to our neighborhoods, the city’s heart lies in its authenticity and its people.
Projects like that announced for Broadway East raise important questions: Are we building a future that reflects who we are as a community, or are we at risk of becoming something else entirely?
If you haven’t yet, I invite you to revisit—or watch for the first time—our editorial, From Armadillo World Headquarters to Athleisure World Headquarters, where I unpack how unchecked growth and development have changed Austin and what lessons we might take from their experience.
📆 This Week's Picks:
🐍 2025 Lunar New Year Farmers Market – January 25, 2025
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with Gardopia Gardens at their special Lunar New Year Farmers Market! This vibrant event will feature local vendors, food demonstrations, fun games and activities for the whole family, and a welcoming community celebration.
📅 When: Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
📍 Where: Gardopia Gardens, 619 N. New Braunfels, San Antonio, TX
🎟️ Cost: Free!
Register: Don’t miss this festive occasion to honor the Lunar New Year with joy, connection, and good fortune! For more details, visit Gardopia Gardens’ event page.
🍽️ San Antonio Restaurant Weeks Continues!
When: Now through February 1
I mentioned this last week, but worth mentioning again: San Antonio’s Winter Restaurant Weeks continues! This will run until February 1. Over 80 of the city’s top restaurants are participating, offering irresistible three-course prix fixe menus.
Options include:
• Brunches: $25
• Lunches: $20 or $30
• Dinners: $35, $45, or $55
This is the perfect opportunity to explore San Antonio’s vibrant culinary scene while supporting local chefs and restaurants. Reservations are highly encouraged as spots fill up quickly!
Learn More: For participating restaurants and to book your table, visit Culinaria’s Restaurant Weeks page.
🎶 Atmosphere - Imagine The Fun Tour
📍 Where: Aztec Theatre, San Antonio, TX
📅 When: Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 7:30 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)
💲 Tickets: Starting at $48 (standing room)
Don’t miss Atmosphere, featuring special guests Sage Francis & Mr. Dibbs, as they bring their dynamic energy to the Aztec Theatre for an unforgettable night.
Secure your tickets here and enjoy one of San Antonio’s iconic venues.
🌟 Wish: Water Lanterns in the Garden
When: Friday, January 26th, 6:30 PM
Where: San Antonio Botanical Garden
Cost: Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for kids (ages 3-13), and free for children under 3. Parking is $20.
Experience the beauty of floating lanterns at the San Antonio Botanical Garden’s enchanting event inspired by Japanese traditions. Enjoy live music, luminaria-lit pathways, and a serene atmosphere. Each ticket includes a lantern for your wish.
📚 Broadway Book Fair
When: Saturday, January 25, 2025, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Where: Belle & Union, 7959 Broadway, No. 502, San Antonio, TX
Cost: Free to attend!
Relive the magic of childhood book fairs, now with a grown-up twist! The Broadway Book Fair, hosted in collaboration with Nowhere Bookshop, features books, exclusive merchandise, and a free gift with every purchase (while supplies last). Spend over $50 and take home a complimentary tote bag!
More info: Nowhere Bookshop Events
🤠 Cowboy Breakfast – Kicking Off Rodeo Season
📍 Where: Frost Bank Center, 1 Frost Bank Center Drive
🕔 When: Friday, January 24, 2025, starting at 5:00 AM
🎟 Admission: Free
Start your Friday morning (and the rodeo season) bright and early at the Cowboy Breakfast. This San Antonio tradition features complimentary breakfast tacos and coffee. The event is packed with live music, rodeo merchandise, and family-friendly fun.
A perfect way to gear up for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Bar-B-Que Cook-Off happening this weekend.
For more details, visit SARodeo.com.
🔲 Sundays at the Square
📍 Where: St. Paul Square, 1160 E. Commerce, San Antonio, TX
🕒 When: Sunday, January 26th, 2025
• Yoga Sessions: 10:30 AM & 11:30 AM
• Farmers Market: 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Kick off your Sunday with a peaceful yoga session, then explore the vibrant farmers market featuring fresh produce, handmade goods, and unique finds. Cap it all off with brunch at one of St. Paul Square’s cafes or vendors.
Check out more details here: Visit St. Paul Square
💎 (Re) Discover Something New: SATX Social Ride
Looking to get outside, connect with others, and enjoy San Antonio on two wheels? SATX Social Ride, founded in 2013, has grown into a weekly staple for the cycling community, offering fun, accessible rides for people of all skill levels. What started as a small group has flourished into a vibrant community with over 17,000 followers on Facebook.
Each Tuesday, cyclists gather to explore the city’s streets, complete a 9+ mile ride, and unwind with post-ride socials. The next ride is Tuesday, January 28th, meeting at Christopher Columbus Hall at 6 PM. Bring a board game for after, and enjoy BBQ, beer, and hot cocoa from local vendors. Check out the full details here.
I bring this up now, because San Antonio’s cycling infrastructure is at a turning point. On January 30th, the City Council will vote on the Bike Network Plan, which has been in development for over two years. This vision aims to make biking safer and more accessible by creating a connected network of protected lanes and trails—an essential step for reducing car dependency and encouraging sustainable transport. Right now, San Antonio scores just 14 out of 100 for bike accessibility according to PeopleForBikes, highlighting the urgent need for change.
Jeffrey Moore, founder of SATX Social Ride, emphasizes how these rides build community and bridge the gap for cyclists in a car-centric city. As a rolling social event, the group has advocated for safer streets and better infrastructure for over a decade. You can also listen to Jeffrey’s feature on the bigcitysmalltown podcast to hear his story and insights on the state of cycling in San Antonio

📖 One Watch/Listen: How the San Antonio Food Bank is Farming the Future
ICYMI: The San Antonio Food Bank isn’t just a warehouse; it’s leading the way in sustainable agriculture by growing its own food on over 50 acres of historic farmland. With crops like nopal cactus, figs, and amaranth, they’re tackling food insecurity, building climate resilience, and preserving Texas' agricultural heritage.
WATCH/LISTEN HERE🌱 Texas Nature Journal: Exploring the Wild West Wildlife Festival at the Briscoe
The Briscoe Western Art Museum is bringing nature to life at its Wild West Wildlife Festival this Saturday, January 25th. This free family-friendly event invites guests to explore the flora and fauna of the West through interactive experiences, art, and educational activities.
From animal-themed crafts to hands-on demonstrations with local conservation organizations, attendees can learn about Texas wildlife, the importance of pollinators, and the region’s ecosystem. Highlights include:
• Dissecting owl pellets to uncover their diets.
• Learning to match animal tracks with the creatures that make them.
• Planting nectar-producing plants that benefit bees and butterflies, led by the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center.
• Insights into the San Antonio River watershed with the San Antonio River Authority.
Don’t miss the chance to learn about the role of bats in pollination and explore the interactive displays by the Hill Country State Natural Area.
🗓 Date: Saturday, January 25th
⏰ Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
📍 Location: Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St.
🎟 Admission: Free, but advanced registration is required. Register here.
If you check out any of this week’s picks or find inspiration in something we shared, reply to this email and let me know—I’d love to hear how it went or what you discovered.
Also, if you’re enjoying this newsletter, I’d be thrilled if you shared it with a friend or family member who loves connecting with San Antonio’s culture, events, and natural spaces.
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Until next week,
Cory