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Summer Is Still Going, but Back-to-School Season Has Arrived
Summer has not clocked out just yet, but San Antonio’s calendar is already shifting toward the new school year. Families can find several free backpacks, school supplies and community resources at several events this week, including the Back 2 School Jamboree and a backpack giveaway on the East Side.
There is still plenty of summer fun in the mix, with live music at Hemisfair, Disco Alfresco, a veteran-focused car show and concert, a picnic and parade at Martin Luther King Park and a free celebration honoring the cowboy and vaquero traditions that helped shape Texas.
This Week’s Calendar of Events: July 23rd-July 30th
Thursday, July 23
Summer Setlist at Hemisfair
Where: Civic Park at Hemisfair, 210 S. Alamo St. | When: Thursday, July 23 | 7–10 p.m.
Spend a free summer evening at Civic Park with live music, local makers curated by The Texas Market and rotating food and drink options throughout the park. Guests can bring a blanket for the Great Lawn, and free Downtown Thursday parking is available after 5 p.m. at 418 S. Alamo St. and 309 Martinez St.
One empty or completely sealed water bottle is permitted, and all bags, purses and strollers are subject to inspection. Visit the City of San Antonio website for full event details.
Disco Alfresco: Throwback Kickback With Saynt Chris
Where: Sunken Garden Theater, 3875 N. St. Mary’s St. | When: Thursday, July 23 | 7–10 p.m.
Turn back the clock with an outdoor family reunion and dance party featuring Houston DJ Saynt Chris. Expect a mix of old-school R&B, hip-hop, soul, house, remixes and throwback favorites. Guests are encouraged to bring coolers, picnic blankets, hand fans and dancing shoes.
Tickets are $5 dollars. For more details or to purchase tickets visit Disco Alfresco’s website.
Friday, July 24
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.
Saturday, July 25
WSAN Amplified: Health & Wealth Edition
Where: Squeezers Juice Bar, 513 St. James St. | When: Friday, July 24 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
WSAN Radio and Squeezers Juice Bar are bringing together Black-owned businesses, health resources, live music and community conversations during this outdoor gathering.
Admission is free, but space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Visit the Eventbrite page for more information and to reserve your spot.
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.
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.
The Lemonade Circle’s 4th Literacy Lounge
Where: Jo Long Theatre at the Carver Community Cultural Center, 226 N. Hackberry St. | When: Saturday, July 25 | 12–3 p.m.
Bring a favorite book and spend the afternoon with fellow readers during this free, inclusive community gathering. The event will feature silent reading, activities and intergenerational conversations centered on “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke and illustrated by Nikkolas Smith.
For more information on the The Lemonade Circle visit their website. To register for the Literacy Lounge event click here.
Sunday, July 26
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.
Wednesday, July 29
Back-to-School Bash With Chef JJ
Where: CHRISTUS Children’s CHEF Teaching Kitchen, 333 N. Santa Rosa St. | When: Wednesday, July 29 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Chef JJ, creator and host of “The Table by Chef JJ,” will lead a live cooking demonstration during this free family celebration. Guests can sample healthy snacks, make arts and crafts, enjoy music and receive free school supplies, available to the first 75 families while supplies last.
This event is free and hosted by the CHEF Teaching Kitchen and Child Life. For more information, email nadia.zamarripa@christushealth.org or call 210-704-2240.
Thursday, July 30
Last Call: Summer Setlist at Hemisfair
Where: Civic Park at Hemisfair, 210 S. Alamo St. | When: Thursday, July 30 | 7–10 p.m.
Close out the week with another free evening of live music, local vendors, food and drinks at Civic Park. The outdoor series continues on select Thursday nights throughout the summer. Check the Summer Setlist schedule and event details.
Disco Alfresco: Cumbia Necia Night
Where: Sunken Garden Theater, 3875 N. St. Mary’s St. | When: Thursday, July 30 | 7–10 p.m.
Dance under the Texas sky during an open-air celebration of modern cumbia featuring Austin DJ Helios. The free event will blend traditional Latin rhythms with hip-hop, house, reggaetón and global club sounds, along with vendors, local dancers and family reunion-style energy.
For more details or to purchase tickets visit Disco Alfresco’s website.
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Coming Up…
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.
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, Africa and beyond with Austin DJ Jamie Dred and the All The Vibes crew. The open-air dance party will feature dancehall, reggae, Afrobeats, amapiano, soca, salsa, reggaetón and other tropical sounds.
Guests are encouraged to bring coolers, flags, friends and your dance moves. For more details or to purchase tickets visit Disco Alfresco’s website.
