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Welcome School Goodbye Summer 2026
Summer in San Antonio has been packed with festivals, movies, giveaways and family fun, and the calendar is not slowing down as students head back to class. Texas’ tax-free weekend also runs Aug. 7–9, giving families a chance to save on clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100.
Families should also mark their calendars for the first day of school: Northside ISD returns Aug. 10; San Antonio ISD and Judson ISD begin Aug. 12; North East ISD starts Aug. 17; and Alamo Heights ISD begins Aug. 19. Even as school gets underway, families can still enjoy free concerts, outdoor movies, community events and back-to-school resources across the city.
San Antonio’s 23 free outdoor pools also remain open, but the summer season is ending soon, with most locations closing by mid-August. Meanwhile, city splash pads are open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through October.
This Week’s Calendar of Events: August 6th-August 13th
Thursday, August 6th
Sound of Downtown: The June Moons
Where: Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St. | When: Thursday, Aug. 6 | 7–9 p.m.
Enjoy free live music, local food trucks and an evening downtown as The June Moons perform at Travis Park. Bring blankets and lawn chairs, and take advantage of free parking at participating city-owned garages and lots through Downtown Thursday. Click here to learn more about the Sound of Downtown.
Last Call: Disco Alfresco — Island Heat
Where: Sunken Garden Theater, 3875 N. St. Mary’s St. | When: Thursday, Aug. 6 | 7–10 p.m.
Take a musical trip through the Caribbean and beyond with Austin DJ Jamie Dred and the All The Vibez crew. The final Disco Alfresco party of the summer will feature dancehall, reggae, Afrobeats, amapiano, soca and other global rhythms.
Guests are encouraged to bring coolers, flags, friends and your dance moves. For more details or to purchase tickets visit Disco Alfresco’s website.
Friday, August 7th
Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway
Where: Second Baptist Church, 3310 E. Commerce St. | When: Friday, Aug. 7 | 5–6:30 p.m.
Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can receive free backpacks while supplies last. Families can also meet representatives from the San Antonio police and fire departments and visit participating food vendors. To learn more, click here.
SAAACAM Film Club: “Hughes’ Dream Harlem”
Where: The Little Carver, 226 N. Hackberry St. | When: Friday, Aug. 7 | 5:30–9 p.m.
The San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum will screen a documentary exploring Langston Hughes’ influence on Black culture, jazz, blues, hip-hop and spoken-word poetry. A community panel discussion will follow the film. Admission is free, but advance registration is required. Register through SAAACAM’s website.
Saturday, August 8th
Ready, Set, School! Backpack Giveaway
Where: George Salinas Injury Lawyers, 6243 Interstate 10 West | When: Saturday, Aug. 8 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Five hundred students can receive free backpacks filled with school supplies during Texas’ tax-free weekend. Families can also enjoy free haircuts, face painting, balloons, snacks and child-safety kits.
The event is free and open to the community while supplies last. Visit getgeorge.com for more information.
Back-to-School Event at Miller’s Pond
Where: Miller’s Pond Community Center and Park, 6175 Pearsall Road | When: Saturday, Aug. 8 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Families can prepare for the new school year with free backpacks, school supplies, youth activities, a community resource fair, low-cost immunizations and additional services.
The event is free and open to all ages. Visit the San Antonio Parks and Recreation website for additional event details.
Basketball Workshops at Hemisfair
Where: Red McCombs Community Court at Tower Park, 630 E. Nueva St. | When: Saturday, Aug. 8 | 10 a.m.–noon
Youth and teens can practice basketball fundamentals, drills and skill development with Coach Lou during a free community workshop. No registration is required. Participants should wear athletic clothing and bring water. Learn more through Hemisfair’s website.
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Nine O’Clock Nature Walk: Animal Evidence
Where: Salado Outdoor Classroom at Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Road | When: Saturday, Aug. 15 | 9–10 a.m.
Families can walk the one-mile Water Loop while searching for tracks and other evidence of wildlife with a provided scavenger hunt. The route includes paved and natural-surface trails. Participants should bring water. Click here to learn more and review details.
Farmers and Artisans Market
Where: Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave. | When: Saturday, Aug. 15 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Shop fresh locally sourced foods, handmade crafts and products from San Antonio pop-up vendors. A free yoga or Zumba class will begin the market at 9 a.m. Admission and parking are free, and pets are welcome. View market details and more through Mission Marquee Plaza.
“A Minecraft Movie” at Mission Marquee Plaza
Where: Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave. | When: Saturday, Aug. 15 | 7–10:30 p.m.
Bring blankets, lawn chairs and a picnic for a free outdoor screening of “A Minecraft Movie” on Mission Marquee Plaza’s original 1948 jumbo screen. Entertainment and food trucks begin before the movie, which will start shortly after dusk. Admission and parking are free. For more details visit Mission Marquee’s website.
Super Fun Saturday: Glow Dance Party
Where: Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St. | When: Saturday, Aug. 15 | 8–10 p.m.
Dress in bright neon and celebrate the conclusion of summer with a free family dance party featuring live music, a glow dance floor and interactive activity stations. Learn more about the Glow Dance Party through Hemisfair’s website.
