Free in San Antonio: November 2015

The weather is finally cooling off and it’s time to get outside and take advantage of all the free events in San Antonio! It’s quite a list and we will add to it as we find more so be sure to bookmark the page and come back throughout the month.

We’ve made every effort to ensure that this list is accurate and up-to-date, however, some venues/events/activities make changes without notifying us. We recommend contacting them before visiting to be 100% sure that their free offerings are still available.

Sunday, November 1: Randolph Air Force Base, south gate, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
2015 JBSA Air Show. The first air show in San Antonio since 2011, the JBSA Air Show is free to the public. The show is headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, along with the Wings of Blue and U.S. Army’s Golden Knights parachute teams. There will also be displays and fun for the whole family throughout the day. Find the best ways onto base and recommended parking for the air show here.

Sunday, November 1: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones, 78215, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Free admission for everyone to the San Antonio Museum of Art (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
AND
First Sundays for Families: Dia de los Muertos (12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Draw inspiration from the museum’s folk art collection as you decorate sugar skulls and masks. Kids get free admission from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. but after 12:00 p.m., adults pay $10 each. Your best (free!) bet? Arrive between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and admission is free for everyone, then stay for the free First Sunday activities that start at noon!

Sunday, November 1: Wonderland of the Americas, 4522 Fredericksburg Rd., 78201, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Halloween candy buyback! The Greater San Antonio Hispanic Dental Association is buying back your extra Halloween candy to send to the U.S. soldiers through Operation Gratitude. Head to Sonrisas de Niños Pediatric Dental Office to earn $1 per pound of candy donated ($5 limit). Every participant will receive a goodie bag.

Sunday, November 1: Market Square, 514 W. Commerce, 78207, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Experience Dia de los Muertos at Market Square. A procession will be led by Las Monas and there will be live music from artists including Ruben V and Crescendo Fuerte. The event also features FREE Dia De Los Muertos hands-on workshops for kids presented by Jesus De La Torre from Colectivo Cultural.

Sunday, November 1: HEB Performance Hall, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 115 Auditorium Circle, 78205, Pre-concert activities start at 2:00 p.m. Concert runs from 3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
(ALMOST-FREE) The San Antonio Symphony presents Dia de los Muertos (a family concert). All tickets to this family-friendly performance are only $5 each. Pre-concert activities, which include an instrument petting zoo with Symphony musicians and other activities, begin at 2:00 p.m. At 3:00 p.m., the Symphony peforms works by Ponce, Revueltas, and Moncayo. Wear your favorite Día de los Muertos costume for the Spooktacular Costume Contest – there will be prizes!

Sunday, November 1, Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 723 S. Brazos,5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 
Dia de los Muertos celebration. Participate in art-making workshops, face-painting, a peace and remembrance procession, and visit community altars while enjoying pan de muerto y chocolate. Performances include the Guadalupe Dance Company and Academy, Grupo Animo, and Mariachi Guadalupe.

Tuesday, November 3: Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, 78209, 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Free Tuesdays at the Witte with no admission.

Tuesday, November 3: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones, 78215, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art.

Tuesday, November 3: The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, 78209, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Free HEB Family Nights at The DoSeum! Only the first 1,500 guests will be admitted so arrive early. Parking is free but limited – another good reason to be there early. Remember: no outside food allowed and umbrella strollers only inside the museum. The cafe will be open if you’d like to purchase snacks.

Tuesday, November 3: The Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market Street, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free Tuesday Nights at the Briscoe Western Art Museum! Everyone gets in free on Tuesday nights from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to enjoy special programs, music, and more. Tonight the program includes a book club (at 5:30 p.m. discussing Mink River by Brian Doyle) and a Gallery Talk (6:30 p.m. discussing Art History in the Institute of American Indian Arts). And, remember: during all other open days/times, the Briscoe offers free admission, year-round, to children 12 and under and to all active military and their families (up to 4 people).

Wednesday, November 4: Krispy Kreme (1117 North Loop 1604 East, 78232 and 12328 IH 10 West, 78230), 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Free Family Night at Krispy Kreme: donut decorating, crafts, and games for all ages.

Friday, November 6: Friedrich Wilderness Park Classroom, 78256, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Starting out Wild – Turkeys are Terrific! Children, ages 1 to 3, are invited to learn about turkeys through stories, songs, and hands-on fun! These high energy, engaging programs are a perfect way to foster an appreciation of the natural world. It is recommended that a child be walking and a parent or caretaker attend with each child. Most classes will take place outdoors. RSVP required. Call 210-207-3782.

Friday, November 6: SAY Si’s Muertitos Fest, 1518 S Alamo St, 78204, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with SAY Si’s Muertitos Fest which celebrates the tradition that ties our city to Mexico and commemorates the rich Mexican-American culture of San Antonio. Enjoy the exhibits, altars, festive food and artisan booths. Participate in hands-on art activities and be entertained with live musical and dance performances on two stages throughout the evening.

Friday, November 6: Hemisfair Park, Yanaguana Garden, evening
Family Friendly First Friday at Hemisfair: Food trucks and other vendors will be on site to provide food and refreshments for park goers as they enjoy a musical performance by Austin Forrest. Artists will line the promenade to demonstrate their craft and sell their wares. Come with the whole family to experience art, culture and an evening under the stars in Yanaguana Garden!

Friday, November 6: Scobee Planetarium, 1819 N. Main Ave., 78212 (approximately 1 block east of the intersection of San Pedro Ave. and West Park Street), 5:30 p.m.
The Scobee Planetarium participates in SAC-Tacular events with the following free programs. They are all on a first-come, first-seated basis until the theatre (which seats only 100 people) is full.
5:30 “Secret of the Cardboard Rocket” (All Ages Admitted) **Special Early presentation for SAC-Tacular
6:30 “The Little Star That Could” (All Ages Admitted)
7:30 “The Secret Lives of Stars” ( 6yrs and older)
9:0pm ” Extreme Planets” (6yrs and older) **No Observatory program will follow this evening’s 9:00pm program.

Saturday, November 7: SeaWorld San Antonio, 10500 Sea World Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Receive up to four free admissions to SeaWorld San Antonio to use today when you make a $25 donation to the United Way. To make your donation, either text UWSASHAMU to 41444 or visit the United Way table located at SeaWorld San Antonio near Guest Services.

Saturday, November 7: Phil Hardberger Park East (Voelker Lane), 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Turkeys of Voelcker Homestead. Who wanted the turkey to be the symbol for the national bird? What is a baby turkey called? Why does the president pardon a turkey every year? Learn the answers to these questions and more at this program presented by the Alamo Area National Turkey Federation. The program is by the dairy barn at the Historic Homestead at Hardberger Park and is free to attend (but a suggested donation of $3 per person or $5 per family is welcomed).
Directions: From Blanco Rd, just north of PHP East, turn on Longfield Rd (by Blanco BBQ). Turn left at stop sign onto Old Blanco Rd. Old Blanco Rd dead-ends at Voelcker Lane. Turn right onto Voelcker Lane and continue until it ends at the Salado Creek Greenway Trailhead parking lot. Enter the homestead through the pedestrian gate to the left of the white house. 

Saturday, November 7: Home Depot locations around San Antonio, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
FREE, once-a-month workshops for kids, ages 5 – 12 at participating Home Depot stores. This week, your child will build a Veteran’s Day jet. Kids’ workshops are on a first come/first served basis. Austin blogger Jamie Dorobek with C.R.A.F.T. (Creating Really Awesome Free Things) will be on hand at the SE Military Home Depot location in San Antonio to help your child build! Register your child online ahead of time to make sure there is room available.

Saturday, November 7: Rosedale Park, 340 Dartmouth, 78237, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Celebrate trees during the City’s annual Arbor Day event. In addition to a tree giveaway, there will be family- and kid-friendly activities. And you can enjoy demonstrations by Last Chance Forever Bird of Prey group. Two hundred and fifty trees will be available for adoption. For more information call 210-207-3108.

Saturday, November 7: Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St., 78205, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Take a deep breath and relax at the free S.A.Y. Om Yoga Festival in Travis Park. In addition to yoga (a one-hour community class starts at 10:00 a.m.), you’ll enjoy live music, vendors, food trucks, massages, henna tattoos, giveaways and more.

Saturday, November 7: Cibolo Nature Center, Herff Farm, 33 Herff Rd, Boerne, TX, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
A Gardener’s To Do List for November – Join Ginny Frederick and other gardeners at the Inspiration Garden to discuss the tasks to do this month in your gardens and landscape. Free but please consider donating.

Saturday, November 7: North West MACSA Recital Hall, 12732 Cimarron Path, 78249, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Free event for all families! Join Tobin Center Resident Chamber Ensemble SOLI in a Musical Discovery Adventure at SOLI Saturdays at MACSA.

Saturday, November 7: Lakeshore Learning, 327 NW Loop 410, 78216, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free craft for kids. This week kids create a Stars & Stripes Windsock.

Saturday, November 7: Friedrich Wilderness Park, 78256, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Join Geologist Box Hixon on a family-friendly hike and discover the mystery of the Balcones Escarpment and why we have layers of red in green. Email ni***********@sa********.gov to make your reservations. Free to attend but there is a suggested donation of $3.00 per person, or $6.00 per family. For more information, please call Nicole McLeod at 210-207-3782.

Saturday, November 7: SAY Si’s Muertitos Fest, 1518 S Alamo St, 78204, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Get hands-on at SAY Si’s Muertitos Fest with various family folk art workshops, get your face painted and shop for treasures from one-of-a-kind artist vendors. Enjoy a special family program of music and performances in the SAY Sí Black Box Theatre.

Saturday, November 7: Northwoods Ice & Golf Center, 17530 Henderson Pass, 78232, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Try Hockey For Free Day! Kids, ages 4 – 9, are invited to try hockey for free. A limited amount of equipment is available to borrow. Our top coaches will be on the ice to assist your child in learning the basics. Your son or daughter does not need any previous skating or hockey experience. Register here to attend this free event.

Saturday, November 7: Travis Park, 301 E. Travis, 5:00 p.m. pre-entertainment, 6:00 p.m. movie starts
Come to Travis Park to see Jurassic World under the stars! Free parking at the St. Mary’s Street parking garage. Bring chairs and blankets.

Saturday, November 7: The Alamo, 300 Alamo Plaza, 78205, 5:00 p.m.
Join Slab Cinema for Movies by Moonlight. The movie is is TBD. Get there early for a good spot. The movie will start at dusk.

Sunday, November 8: SeaWorld San Antonio, 10500 Sea World Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Receive up to four free admissions to SeaWorld San Antonio to use today when you make a $25 donation to the United Way. To make your donation, either text UWSASHAMU to 41444 or visit the United Way table located at SeaWorld San Antonio near Guest Services.

Sunday, November 8: All Texas State Parks
All Texas State Parks offer free admission on November 8 in Honor of Veterans Day. Guided hikes, bird walks, and other programs will be offered throughout the day. Camping and special activity fees will still apply. Find a Texas State Park near you.

Sunday, November 8: Market Square, 514 W. Commerce, 78207, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
AccessAbility Fest. This free, family-friendly event, which celebrates disability awareness month in Texas, includes more than 100 non-profit organizations and businesses. Featured are expert advice, resources, entertainment, trick-or-treating, a costume contest and more.

Sunday, November 8: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones, 78215, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art.

Sunday, November 8: Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., 78205, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Free admission on the second Sunday of each month. Explore all that the Institute has to offer.

Tuesday, November 10: Commander’s House Adult and Senior Center, 622 S. Flores, 78204, 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Join this Veteran’s Day Celebration as Veterans who have served our country are recognized. There will be a flag ceremony, guests speakers, and a luncheon. RSVP by Nov. 2, 2015 for the luncheon at 210-207-3012. Veterans interested in participating may call 210-207-3010 for information and to sign-up. Complimentary luncheon for Veterans, $3 (optional) luncheon for guests.

Tuesday, November 10: Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, 78209, 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Free Tuesdays at the Witte with no admission.

Tuesday, November 10: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones, 78215, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art.

Tuesday, November 10: The Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market Street, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free Tuesday Nights at the Briscoe Western Art Museum! Everyone gets in free on Tuesday nights from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to enjoy the museum. And, remember: during all other open days/times, the Briscoe offers free admission, year-round, to children 12 and under and to all active military and their families (up to 4 people).

Wednesday, November 11: Alamo Drafthouse locations in San Antonio (and some other Texas cities)
Free movies for Veterans! Military veterans and active duty members receive one free ticket to the movie of their choice on Wednesday, November 11, in honor of Veteran’s Day. This offer available at the Alamo Drafthouse locations in San Antoino, Houston, Lubbock, or Marketplace only. To redeem your free tickets, simply visit the box office and present your military ID or proof of service any time in advance of a screening. This offer is valid for any film playing on November 11th and can only be redeemed at the box office (not valid for advanced ordering online).

Wednesday, November 11: Krispy Kreme (1117 North Loop 1604 East, 78232 and 12328 IH 10 West, 78230), 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Free Family Night at Krispy Kreme: donut decorating, crafts, and games for all ages.

Friday, November 13: H-E-B Cinema on the Plaza (Riverwalk Plaza) at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 115 Auditorium Cir, 78205, Plaza opens at 7:00 p.m. and movie begins at 8:00 p.m.
Free outdoor movie on the plaza: Nacho Libre! starring Jack Black. Lawn chairs and blankets welcome. No food and drinks are allowed, but concessions will be available for purchase, including full bar service.

Saturday, November 14: Held at 6 locations around San Antonio (details below), 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Free, 6th Annual Core4 STEM Expo Family Day. All ages are welcome! The target audience is 6th through 10th graders. Your family is invited to learn about careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Local organizations will provide interactive, hands-on STEM sessions for students and parents. You MUST REGISTER to attend this free event, which is presented by the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Select your location from the list on this page and register your family for the location you wish to visit.

Saturday, November 14: Brackenridge Park, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
C.A.M.P. – Celebrating America’s Military in the Park! All Active Duty Military, National Guard, or Reserve members and their dependents are invited to this FREE day of fun in the park which includes: BBQ lunch; snacks; beverages; kids’ zone; entertainment; games; face painting; rides; softball tournament (must pre-register); rounds of golf or buckets of balls at the 1st Tee (pre-registration foursomes required); free parking and shuttle buses; free or discounted entry to the Zoo (ride the train!), DoSeum, and Witte Museum (first come, first served). This event is rain or shine. For more details and to register for softball and golf please call 210-227-9373 Downtown OR 210-233-9279 Airport.

Saturday, November 14: at participating Lowe’s stores, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Lowe’s Build and Grow. Your child will build a Pullback #48 car as part of Lowe’s Build & Grow series. PLEASE NOTE: registration for this event opens soon and fills quickly! Here’s where to register.

Saturday, November 14: Cibolo Nature Center, Herff Farm, 33 Herff Rd, Boerne, TX, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Kids’ Club: Hot Dog Thanksgiving! Join us for food and fun at our 5th Annual Kid’s Club Hot Dog Thanksgiving! We will be roasting hot dogs, making autumn wreaths and making s’mores! No drop-offs. Suggested donation of $5 per family.

Saturday, November 14: Cibolo Nature Center, Herff Farm, 33 Herff Rd, Boerne, TX, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
FARM: Winter Greens! Keith Amelung, the Garden Guru, is back with his suggestions for your winter greens. Keith will cover the varieties to choose from and the best practices for keeping them healthy and nutritious during the winter months ahead. While the event is free, they ask that you consider leaving a donation.

Saturday, November 14: Lakeshore Learning, 327 NW Loop 410, 78216, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free craft for kids. This week kids create a Thanksgiving Doorhanger.

Saturday, November 14: The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, 78209, 11:30 a.m.
TEDxYouth@SanAntonio. Middle and high schoolers receive free admission (must register here) to attend this TEDxSanAntonio program which features speakers from varied backgrounds exploring topics relevant to young people. The event also includes food, live music, activities, and live streaming of other TEDxYouth events around the country. Adults who wish to attend pay $10 per ticket and adults must register here too.

Saturday, November 14: Trader’s Village, 9333 SW Loop 410 near Old Pearsall Road, 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Trader’s Village will host an amateur boxing event sponsored by USA Boxing Association. The first event starts about 1 p.m. and will be in the Brown Expo. The event is free, but parking is $3.

Saturday, November 14: La Villita, 418 Villita St., 78205, 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Diwali San Antonio. This free event celebrates the Indian festival of lights which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Live entertainment will be provided, along with “Diya Floats,” a firework display, and vendors, including some selling traditional Indian cuisine.

Saturday, November 14: Travis Park, 301 E Travis St, 78205, 6:00 p.m.
Join Slab Cinema for Movies by Moonlight. Tonight’s movie is The LEGO Movie. Get there early for a good spot. The movie will start at dusk.

Saturday, November 14: Eisenhower Park, 19399 Northwest Military Highway, 78257, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Eisenhower Park’s Second Saturday program: Observe the night skies with the San Antonio Astronomical Association and learn about the planets and the moon. Fun for families of all ages! Suggested donation of $3.00 per child or $6 per family. For more information, contact ni***********@sa********.gov or call 210-207-3782.

Saturday, November 14: Brooks City-Base, 3803 Lyster Rd., 78235, 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Free family fun in the dark at the 2nd annual Brooks Star Party! Join Brooks City-Base and the San Antonio League of Sidewalk Astronomers to gaze upon the stars through 10+ telescopes (including the largest in South Texas!). Learn about galaxies and star clusters. Arrive early to watch the pros set up their telescopes. Bring lawn chairs and snacks and enter the telescope raffle! For questions, please call: 210-678-3367.

Sunday, November 15: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones, 78215, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art.

Sunday, November 15: Trader’s Village, 9333 SW Loop 410 near Old Pearsall Road, 1:30 p.m.
See TASW Wrestling Live in the Brown Expo at Trader’s Village! There will be exciting wrestling matches, plus Lucha Libre Wrestlers and much more! Kids will have a chance to meet the wrestlers. The event is free, but parking is $3.

Sunday, November 15: St Luke’s Episcopal Church, 11 St Luke’s Lane, 78209, 6:00 p.m.
In observance of Veteran’s Day, come to a free concert featuring Mozart’s Requiem. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church will present a Special Choral Program and Solemn Requiem Mass.

Tuesday, November 17: Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, 78209, 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Free Tuesdays at the Witte with no admission.

Tuesday, November 17: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones, 78215, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art.

Tuesday, November 17: The Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market Street, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Free Tuesday Nights at the Briscoe Western Art Museum! Everyone gets in free on Tuesday nights from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to enjoy the museum. And, remember: during all other open days/times, the Briscoe offers free admission, year-round, to children 12 and under and to all active military and their families (up to 4 people).

Tuesday, November 17: The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, 78209, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Free HEB Family Nights at The DoSeum! Only the first 1,500 guests will be admitted so arrive early. Parking is free but limited – another good reason to be there early. Remember: no outside food allowed and umbrella strollers only inside the museum. The cafe will be open if you’d like to purchase snacks.

Friday, November 27: Main Street in Boerne, Texas, 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Dickens on Main. This free, two-day holiday festival transports you back to the days of of Charles Dickens. Stroll along Main St. in Boerne and enjoy “snow,” a tree lighting, live music, photos with Santa, carolers, an artisan market, a 60-foot snow slide, food, drinks, and more. The festival is free to attend. Read all about last year’s Dickens on Main event here.

Saturday, November 28: Home Depot locations around San Antonio, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
FREE, once-a-month workshops for kids, ages 5 – 12 at participating Home Depot stores. This week, your child will build a school house bank. Kids’ workshops are on a first come/first served basis. Register your child online ahead of time to make sure there is room available.

Which activity are you most looking forward to?

Did I miss something? Let me know!

Sara Phillips writes about her kids and husband, recipes, life, and activities on her blog, Sensibly Sara. She also enjoys writing reviews and hosting giveaways. Sara and her family live in San Antonio, TX.

You can find Sara at:
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* San Antonio Mom Blogs occasionally invites guest contributors to write for our site about topics of interest to our readers. All contributors are financially compensated. For more information, contact San Antonio Mom Blogs.

 

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