Hey y’all — Cory here.
Between festivals, food, and a big decision at the polls, there’s no shortage of reasons to pay attention this week — even if it feels like the heat is dragging us down. 🥵
We’re also taking a moment to spotlight the upcoming mayoral runoff — early voting starts soon, and now’s the time to make your plan. Plus: a walking mystery tour, a front yard garden full of lessons, and a look inside San Antonio’s growing local food economy.
Enjoy!
🗳️ San Antonio’s Next Mayor Is Up to You
Early Voting Begins Soon. Here’s What to Know.
We’ve got a long weekend coming up, but don’t forget: San Antonio is in the middle of one of its most consequential mayoral elections in recent history. From a field of 27, we’re down to two: Gina Ortiz Jones and Rolando Pablos.
This is the first time in a long while that the mayor’s race has taken on such a clearly partisan tone, with Ortiz Jones backed by national Democratic figures, and Pablos carrying support from the state’s Republican leadership. But while the headlines focus on political camps, the real stakes are local: the direction of our city’s growth, leadership on housing and public health, and the future of civic engagement in San Antonio.
🎙 Hear From the Candidates on bigcitysmalltown
In the lead-up to the general election, bigcitysmalltown hosted both candidates for extended interviews:
- Gina Ortiz Jones on public service, equity, and her experience as a veteran and former Under Secretary of the Air Force.
- Rolando Pablos on economic growth, his conservative vision for city government, and what change means to him.
And this Saturday, we’re releasing a new episode with Pablos, as part of our runoff coverage. His campaign accepted the invitation to return to the studio. Ortiz Jones’ campaign declined.
If you’re still undecided, these conversations are a great way to hear the candidates speak in their own words, beyond the mailers and campaign slogans.
🗳 Make Your Plan to Vote
Early voting begins May 27 and runs through June 3. Election Day is Saturday, June 7. This race could come down to just a few thousand votes, and your participation truly matters.
Want to double-check your registration, voting location, or hours? Visit Bexar County Elections.
📆 This Week's Picks:
🎨 River Artes District Launch: Studio Tours & Puente Vivo | Saturday, May 24, 9:30 AM–1:00 PM. 📍 Roosevelt Park & Under the Bridge (Roosevelt & S. Presa) 🎟 Free! Celebrate SA’s newest arts district with studio tours, live music, yoga, a vendor market, and a community art project under the bridge.
🥢 San Antonio Asian Festival | Saturday, May 24, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM📍 210 S Alamo St. (near Hemisfair) 🎟 $15 day-of ($12 advance), kids 12 & under free. One of San Antonio’s most vibrant cultural festivals returns this weekend with food, dance, music, and craft vendors representing dozens of Asian cultures. Buy tickets here.
🦞 Otto’s Inaugural Memorial Day Crawfish Boil | Saturday, May 24, 1:00 PM until sold out. 📍 Otto’s Ice House 🎟 Pay as you go. 400 lbs of seasoned crawfish, buckets of Lone Star, and live music by Colton James. Come early — once they’re gone, they’re gone.
🇺🇸 Memorial Day Weekend at Market Square | Saturday–Monday, May 24–26, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily📍 Historic Market Square, 514 W Commerce St. 🎟 Free! This three-day celebration at Market Square features live music, family-friendly games, and dozens of artisan and food vendors.🔗 More info
💉 One Watch/Listen: The Scientist Who Transformed San Antonio’s Scientific Standing
This week on bigcitysmalltown, host Bob Rivard sits down with Dr. Larry Schlesinger, the longtime president and CEO of Texas Biomed — a name you might not recognize, but absolutely should. Larry is clearly someone very special here in San Antonio, and I think you’ll find that reflected in this thoughtful, wide-ranging interview.
If you’ve never heard of Texas Biomed or know very little about it (like I didn't), this episode is a great place to start. It’s the kind of world-class research institution you’d be proud to know exists in our city, playing a critical role in vaccine development, infectious disease research, and the future of public health.
🔍 (Re)Discover Downtown SATX Through a Murder Mystery
This is your last weekend to solve the case! Clue: A Walking Mystery turns downtown San Antonio into a life-sized board game.
Search for clues in recreated rooms from the iconic Tudor Mansion, scattered across 2 miles of the city. It’s a fun, self-paced way to re-explore downtown through the eyes of a detective.
🎟 Tickets from $37.50
📍 Starts at the Tobin Center Parking Garage
⏰ May 22–25 | Timed entries throughout the day
🌱 Texas Nature Journal: Front Yard Gardening with the San Antonio Soil Sister
This week, we’re in the garden with Larissa Leath — better known as the San Antonio Soil Sister. Larissa has transformed her front yard into a thriving edible landscape, and she’s full of practical insights for gardening in our rocky, drought-prone city.
From creative water-saving tips like companion planting and oyas, to nutrient-rich soil made from home compost and coffee grounds, Larissa shows us how to grow more with less — all while staying completely organic.
🧑🌾 This Texas Nature Journal entry is brought to you by Nourished Produce, a hyper-local subscription service connecting San Antonians to the growers in their own neighborhoods — including Larissa herself. For just $25/year, you can join their seasonal program and support local food, with weekly pickup or delivery options. Learn more at nourishdproduce.com.
Thanks for reading — and if you make it out to any of this weekend’s events, let me know what you think! I’d especially love to hear if you check out Larissa’s garden story, or if you’re planning to vote early.
If you’re enjoying A Guide to Living in San Antonio, forward it to a friend — or send them to ensembletexas.com to sign up.
Until next time,
Cory