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A Mix of Events Is Lined Up as Backpack Giveaways Stack Up For Back to School
Summer is nearly halfway over, and events in the city remain on the lighter side as families begin looking ahead to the school year. Backpack giveaways and back-to-school events are starting to stack up, while the city’s recent run of movie-centered programming closes out with the San Antonio Film Festival.
Free swimming including senior swim, silent book festival and the local Mission Marquee markets also help fill the days ahead.
This Week’s Calendar of Events: July 16th-July 23rd
Thursday, July 16
Disco Alfresco: Island Heat
Where: Sunken Garden Theater, 3875 N. St. Mary’s St. | When: Thursday, July 16
Dance under the stars during Island Heat, this week’s installment of Disco Alfresco. The family-friendly outdoor dance party features rotating DJs, food trucks, local vendors and plenty of room to dance. Tickets begin at $5, children younger than 15 are admitted free, and guests may bring their own coolers. Visit Disco Alfesco’s website for tickets and more event information.
Saturday, July 18
Silent Book Club Festival
Where: Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. | When: Saturday, July 18 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Readers of all ages can slow down, settle in and celebrate books at this free festival in Eisenhower Park. Click here for more event details.
Farmers & Artisans Market at Mission Marquee Plaza
Where: Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave. | When: Saturday, July 18 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Shop fresh, locally sourced foods, handmade crafts and products from local pop-up vendors during this free, pet-friendly market. Community resources, demonstrations and free on-site parking will also be available. For event updates, visit the Mission Marquee Plaza Facebook page.
Sunday, July 19
Community Connections Day: Foster, Fun and Free Ice Cream
Where: Animal Care Services Training Annex, 4710 State Highway 151 | When: Sunday, July 19 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Meet local animal rescue organizations, learn about adoption, fostering and volunteer opportunities, and explore ways to help San Antonio pets. Guests can enjoy free ice cream, and canine companions will receive complimentary pup cups. Visit SAACS.info/foster for more information.
Tuesday, July 21
SAFILM – San Antonio Film Festival
Where: San Antonio | When: July 21–26
The San Antonio Film Festival returns with a celebration of independent cinema, bringing filmmakers and audiences together for screenings, events and conversations. Visit SAFILM for tickets, schedules and festival information.
2026 Senior Swim
Where: Southside Lions Pool, 3100 Hiawatha St. | When: Tuesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 7 | 9–10 a.m.
Adults ages 60 and older can stay active, socialize and enjoy free morning swim sessions throughout the summer. Click here for more information.
McFarlin Tennis Center: Free Open Play Tuesdays
Where: McFarlin Tennis Center, 1503 San Pedro Ave. | When: Tuesdays, all day free open play
McFarlin Tennis Center has updated hours and now offers free Community Open Play every Tuesday. Hours are Monday–Thursday from 8 a.m.–noon and 3–8 p.m., and Friday–Sunday from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Visit the City of San Antonio Parks & Recreation website for more visitor information.
Wednesday, July 22
Open Play @ Wheatley Heights Sports Complex
Where: Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 200 Noblewood Dr. | When: Wednesday, July 15 | Track: 8–10 a.m. | Track and Field: 5–8 p.m.
Community members can use the Eastside sports complex’s stadium and track for free. Wednesday access includes morning track hours and evening track-and-field open play, with activities including walking, running, flag football, soccer and rugby. Click here to learn more.
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21st Annual Back 2 School Jamboree
Where: Claude W. Black Community Center, 2805 E. Commerce St. | When: Friday, July 24 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Students can receive free school supplies while families connect with community organizations and local resources. Children must be present, and supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while they last. Click here for more information.
5th Annual Vet Fest Open Car Show and Concert
Where: Mission County Park, 6030 Padre Drive | When: Saturday, July 25 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Enjoy a free family event featuring an open car show, live music, food trucks, vendors, giveaways and resources for veterans and military families. Admission and parking are free, and pets are welcome. For more information visit San Antonio coalition for Veterans & Families website.
30th Annual Backpack Giveaway
Where: 3119 Martin Luther King Drive | When: Sunday, July 26 | 1–3 p.m.
Elementary and middle school students can receive free backpacks while supplies last. Students must be present, distribution is limited to four backpacks per family, and attendees should remain in their vehicles during the giveaway.
The Power of Parks Picnic & Parade
Where: Martin Luther King Park, 3503 Martin Luther King Dr. | When: Saturday, July 25 | 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Celebrate National Park and Recreation Month with a free community picnic and parade featuring mini float-making, activity tables, the splash pad and more. Click here for full event details.
National Day of the Cowboy and Día Nacional del Vaquero
Where: Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St. | When: Saturday, July 25 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Celebrate the legacies of the cowboy, cowgirl and vaquero with free museum admission, live music, storytelling, art, lasso demonstrations, cowboy poetry, crafts and family activities. Register for the free community celebration.
District 2 Back-to-School Fest
Where: The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway | When: Saturday, Aug. 1 | 6–8 p.m.
District 2 families can prepare for the new school year with backpack giveaways, vendors, free pizza and additional family activities. Supplies are reserved for District 2 residents, and registration is required at d2bts26.eventbrite.com.
