things to do at night in san antonio

There are plenty of fun and awesome things to do in San Antonio at night but rarely are they free. Ticket prices and cover charges can add up and keep you from getting down. We’ve rounded up the best ways to spend your evenings without spending your whole paycheck.

Read more for our list of the Best Free and Cheap Things to Do at Night in San Antonio:

 

THE RIVERWALK

Arguably one of the best attractions in San Antonio, this place is great for both locals and tourists. Entrance to the Riverwalk is free and night time is the best time to enjoy their twinkling lights and silvery water. Spring for a boat tour- they run until 10 pm. The narrated tours are a bit longer and cost around the same as the hop-on, hop-off river shuttles. When you’re done, grab a margarita, river-side, at one of the awesome restaurants open late nearby and wave at the boats passing by.

 

MISSIONS NATIONAL PARK

If you’ve never seen The Alamo at night, you’re missing out. The stately architecture is even more gorgeous when it’s all lit up. The horse carriages also have twinkling lights at night. Check out their website for movie nights. The entire park is open from dawn to dusk. Admission is free!

 

PUBLIC PARKS

San Antonio has dozens of public parks, preserves, and gardens. Most of them are open every day, dawn until dusk. Be sure to visit the Japanese Tea Garden for Insta-worthy photos and romantic strolls. Brackenridge Park has something to do for everyone. San Pedro Creek Culture Park has not only awesome public art but beautiful sunsets.

 

ART PACE

This non-profit residency program for artists opens its galleries to the public, for free, every day. See exhibits from local artists, Texas artists, and international visiting artists. Park across the street at 513 Flores for free.

 

PASA

Public Art is big in San Antonio. We have dozens of world-class art exhibits in public parks, public buildings, and more. Check out the website for locations and make your own treasure hunt. Some of them are even better to see at night.

 

BLUE STAR ARTS COMPLEX

Located in Southtown, the Blue Star Arts Complex is one of the better known open galleries in the area. The eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, galleries, and shops has fun events on the regular. You can also visit nearby Gallista Gallery and the South Flores Arts District.

 

FREE MUSEUM NIGHTS

Taking in the city’s excellent museums is one of the top things to do at night in San Antonio. The Witte Museum is free and open to the public until 8 pm every Tuesday. The San Antonio Museum of Art is open on Tuesdays until 9 pm for free. The McNay Art Museum is always free for kids and teens, plus they offer free adult admission from 4-9 pm on Thursdays. The Briscoe Western Art Museum is free from 4- 9 pm on Tuesdays. Read more about free museum times in San Antonio.

 

THE BLIND TIGER COMEDY CLUB

Plenty of San Antonio bars and comedy clubs offer free or cheap shows. Every Friday, the Blind Tiger hosts a midnight comedy show which is always free.

 

LATE NIGHT BINGO

Who says Bingo is only for Sunday afternoons? There are two games every night, with extra games running until early morning on Thursday and Friday. They have a snack bar for food and drinks or you can BYOB (alcohol only- purchase your sodas there)!

 

DIVERSION GAME ROOM

This old-school arcade and video game room is free to enter and cheap to play! All games are $1 or less to play. They’re open until 2 am.

 

JOHN T. FLOORE COUNTRY STORE

No, we’re not sending you to the gas station. This quintessential Honky Tonk bar features live music plus beer and food in their cafe. They offer a free family night on Sundays and free shows for everyone else occasionally. Ticketed shows may be as low as $12 per person.

 

FRALO’S

This Italian kitchen is little bit of a drive but once you get there, you’ll see why it’s on the list. Enjoy live music in their twinkling backyard. They’re also pet-friendly and have awesome pizzas.

 

CARMEN’S DE LA CALLE

This eatery and bar is just plain cool. They have worldly performances, from Flamenco to Jazz. Enjoy their Poetry & Jazz nights on the occasional Thursday for just $10 entry. Most other shows are $25 plus taxes and fees. Be sure to try the Sangria, it’s delish!

 

What other free and cheap things to do at night in San Antonio do you love? Tell us all about it in the comments below:

Kathryn Yacovodonato