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The best free and fun events in San Antonio, November 16 – November 19, 2026, include Garrison Keillor Tonight, Spurs vs. Pistons, Pearl Night Market, and more!
Who says you have to wait until the weekend to have fun? San Antonio has plenty happening throughout the week, from live performances and holiday light displays to family outings and unique local experiences.
If you’re looking for ways to fill your calendar, our San Antonio picks for November 16 to November 19, 2026, feature some of the week’s best events worth checking out.
Editor’s Note: We work hard to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information. However, all details are subject to change. Please verify information before heading out.
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Check out our recent updates to our guides: 100 Free & Cheap Activities for Kids, Best Date Ideas in San Antonio, and Things To Do with Teens in San Antonio.
| Event | Category | Venue / Location | 2026 Dates | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pearl Night Market | Artisan Market & Food | The Pearl (Broadway / River Walk) | Nov 18, 2026 (Wednesdays) | FREE entry |
| Swing Dance Lessons & Live Music | Dance Class & Honky-Tonk | Gruene Hall (New Braunfels) | Nov 18, 2026 | $12 (Live music free) |
| The DoSeum Express | Family Holiday Train Exhibit | The DoSeum (Broadway) | Nov 16, 2026 – Jan 5, 2027 | Included in admission |
| Spurs vs. Pistons | NBA Basketball Game | Frost Bank Center (East Side) | Nov 17, 2026 | Starts at $38 |
| The Light Park – San Antonio | Drive-Through Holiday Lights | Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium | Opens Nov 16, 2026 | $39.99 – $49.99/car |
| SeaWorld Christmas Celebration | Theme Park Holiday Lights & Shows | SeaWorld San Antonio (West Side) | Opens Nov 19, 2026 | Included in admission |
Free and Fun Events in San Antonio this Monday, November 16, 2026
A Special Evening with Yo-Yo Ma and Jeffrey Kahane, featuring Harmonium of Texas
Spend an extraordinary evening with legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Jeffrey Kahane at this one-night-only Harmonium of Texas performance.
The program brings together Rachmaninoff’s Sonata for Cello and Piano in G minor, Op. 19, Andrea Casarrubios’s Herencia, and Dvořák’s Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, performed side-by-side with YOSA.
When: Monday, November 16, 2026 | 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Lila Cockrell Theatre, 900 E Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Starts at $148
The DoSeum Express
All aboard for a whimsical winter adventure at The DoSeum!
The DoSeum Express returns with enchanting miniature landscapes, handcrafted tiny worlds, train-inspired artwork, kid-sized train cars, and a giant train set ready for imaginative play. Little details and surprises await around every bend, making this beloved seasonal exhibit a delightful outing for curious kids and grown-ups alike.
When: Monday, November 16, 2026 – January 5, 2027 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Select dates)
Where: The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
How Much: Included in admission
Garrison Keillor Tonight
Settle in for an evening of storytelling, comedy, and the familiar small-town charm of Garrison Keillor.
Best known for hosting A Prairie Home Companion for four decades and creating the fictional Lake Wobegon, Keillor brings his distinctive humor and conversational style to the stage. He’s still writing, performing, and sharing The Writer’s Almanac, promising a lively night filled with wit and warmth.
When: Monday, November 16, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Cir, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Starts at $88.50
The Light Park – San Antonio
Make room for a little holiday magic with a drive through The Light Park, returning to San Antonio for its second holiday season.
Follow a mile-long route filled with millions of LED lights synchronized to favorite holiday tunes, with glowing tunnels, towering light displays, and larger-than-life seasonal scenes along the way.
When: Monday, November 16, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Where: Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium, 5757 US-90 Parking Lot, San Antonio, TX 78227
How Much: $39.99 – $49.99 per car
Gather ‘Round the Table: Texas Food Traditions
Uncover the hidden histories behind iconic Texas dishes with a fascinating exhibition exploring how agriculture, migration, and cultural exchanges shaped local culinary classics!
Gather around an interactive table to make your own plates, weigh in on lively regional debates over breakfast tacos and salsa, and explore artifacts and stories from the Witte’s collection illustrating how Indigenous knowledge, trade, and cultural exchange built Texas foodways.
When: Monday, November 16, 2026 – February 7, 2027
Where: Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
How Much: Included in general admission
Free and Fun Events in San Antonio this Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Northern Lights Magic Paint & Sip
Bring a little northern magic to your evening with Art Is Passion at Freetail Brewing Co.
This relaxed paint-and-sip session invites you to create your own glowing Northern Lights landscape, using brilliant blues, luminous greens, and shimmering starlight to bring the night sky to life.
When: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Freetail Brewing Co., 4035 N. Loop 1604 W., #105, San Antonio, TX 78257
How Much: $35
Spurs vs. Pistons
Image credit: San Antonio Spurs
Make your San Antonio visit even more exciting with an NBA night at the Frost Bank Center!
Cheer on the five-time championship-winning San Antonio Spurs as they take on the Detroit Pistons.
When: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Frost Bank Center, 1 Frost Bank Center Dr, San Antonio, TX 78219
How Much: Starts at $38
Tiny Tot Tuesday
Bring your tiniest explorers aged zero to three for a delightful day of safe discovery, sensory fun, and nature connection at the zoo!
Delight in a cozy story time at Hawk’s Rock Room from 10:00 to 10:30 AM, and enjoy a gentle outdoor nature walk in the Backyard Campground from 11:00 to 11:30 AM.
Then, engage in pretend play back at Hawk’s Rock Room at noon, dig into sensory play at the Mud Kitchen at 1:00 PM, and meet friendly animal ambassadors at Discovery PLAYce at 2:00 PM.
When: Tuesday, November 17 – December 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Where: San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212
How Much: Included in zoo admission
Little Playtimes: Toddler Times
Explore the limitless possibilities of LEGO DUPLO with your mini builder during a special morning designed just for toddlers and preschoolers!
Enjoy engaging activities including special LEGO DUPLO workshops, DUPLO story time, DUPLO bingo, and more from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Afterward, stay as long as you like to meet LEGO costume characters, see iconic San Antonio landmarks in MINILAND, and catch a show in the 4D theater.
When: Tuesday, November 17 – December 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Where: LEGOLAND Discovery Center, 849 E Commerce St Suite 910, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Included in admission
Dining Cruises on the San Antonio River Walk
Discover a unique dining adventure with narrated dining cruises that immerse you in the rich history and vibrant culture of San Antonio, presented by Paesanos Riverwalk.
Your guided tour takes you past iconic architecture along the San Antonio River Walk while you indulge in an authentic Italian meal featuring fresh ingredients and legendary dishes like the famous Shrimp Paesano.
When: Tuesday, November 17 – 29, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Paesanos Riverwalk, 111 W. Crockett St., Ste 101, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: $75 per person
Free and Fun Events in San Antonio this Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Black Box Live at The Tobin Center Presents: Lisa Morales with Special Guests David Hidalgo & John Doe
Enjoy an intimate evening of songwriting and stories at the Tobin Center, featuring Lisa Morales alongside David Hidalgo of Los Lobos and John Doe of X.
In this up-close Black Box Live performance, expect stripped-down music with plenty of character and emotional depth. Morales brings a distinctive blend of Mexican heritage, soul, folk, blues, and Americana, while Hidalgo’s genre-spanning musicianship and Doe’s punk-rooted songwriting make this a standout collaboration.
When: Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Where: Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Cir, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Starts at $63
Sketch the McNay: The Art of Portraiture
Spend your lunch hour looking closely at art and putting pencil to paper during the McNay’s monthly drawing group.
Led by education intern Deja Coleman, this session explores works from Two Faced: An Exhibition of Artists’ Portraits, in Two Parts. Start with a brief gallery discussion, try one or two drawing exercises, then settle into a longer observational sketch.
Pencils, paper, sharpeners, erasers, and clipboards are provided, though you can bring your own graphite materials if you prefer.
When: Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Where: McNay Art Museum, 6000 N New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78209
How Much: Included in admission
Swing Dance Lessons
Image credit: Gruene Historic District
Give your Wednesday evening a little rhythm with swing dance lessons at Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest continually operating dance hall.
This one-hour class is a fun way to get moving, pick up some classic dance steps, and prepare for the live music that follows. No partner or prior experience is needed—just arrive ready to learn, then stick around afterward for The Georges playing free from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
When: Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Rd., New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: $12 (Live music afterward is FREE)
City Brew Tours Signature Brew Tour
Discover how San Antonio handles craft beer through a guided experience designed for both beginners and tap list connoisseurs.
The tour brings the city’s brewery scene to life with three carefully selected stops, guided tastings, behind-the-scenes access, and a local snack, complete with round-trip transportation and an expert beer guide.
When: Recurring weekly on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Where: Various locations in San Antonio
How Much: $89
Pearl Night Market
Sip, stroll, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere along the San Antonio River Walk during the beloved Wednesday Night Markets at Pearl!
Spend your evening browsing handcrafted goods, discovering unique artisan finds from local small businesses, and tasting some of the city’s best bites in a lively, walkable setting.
When: Wednesday, November 18 – 25, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: The Pearl, 303 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215
How Much: FREE entry
Free and Fun Events in San Antonio this Thursday, November 19, 2026
Choir! Choir! Choir! presents Landslide: An Epic Fleetwood Mac Singalong!
Image credit: Choir! Choir! Choir!
Forget sitting quietly in the audience—at Choir! Choir! Choir!, you’re part of the show. This interactive singalong turns the crowd into one giant choir, bringing strangers together through the songs they love.
Directors Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman invite you to belt out Fleetwood Mac favorites, including “Landslide.” No singing experience is needed; just bring your voice and enjoy a joyful, communal night of music.
When: Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Where: Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre, 290 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: Check website for direct tickets (Resale starts at $92)
Better Than Ezra in Concert
Catch Better Than Ezra live at Stable Hall for a night with the alternative rock band behind nine studio albums and its latest release, Super Magick (2024).
When: Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 8:00 PM
Where: Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215
How Much: Starts at $67
Cocktails & Culture: Witte Watercolors
Image credit: Witte Museum
Explore Texas food traditions through an evening of history, art, and creativity at the Witte Museum.
Dr. Nalelli Guillen will guide you through the stories behind the state’s culinary heritage, followed by a hands-on watercolor session with featured artist Alicia McAllen inspired by traditional Texas foodways.
Your ticket includes gallery access, light bites, drinks, and painting materials for this 21+ event.
When: Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Where: Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
How Much: $40
SeaWorld Christmas Celebration
SeaWorld San Antonio’s Christmas Celebration turns the park into a festive holiday evening outing, with millions of lights across the grounds, seasonal shows, holiday treats, and Santa.
Families can stop for hot chocolate, meet a Texas Santa, and move between the Christmas entertainment and the park’s attractions as the lights come on. Be sure to check the park calendar before choosing a date, as the celebration runs on select days through early January.
When: Thursday, November 19, 2026 – January 4, 2027 (Select dates)
Where: SeaWorld San Antonio, 10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251
How Much: Included in park admission
Wine Down Sunset Cruise
Watch the golden hour melt over the San Antonio River Walk during GO RIO’s relaxing and scenic Wine Down Sunset Cruise!
Enjoy rotating seasonal wine and food pairings as you float past iconic downtown sights along the river.
When: Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: GO RIO River Cruises, 706 E River Walk, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: $96
Frequently Asked Questions About San Antonio Events This Week
What free and cheap things are there to do in San Antonio from November 16 to November 19, 2026?
You can enjoy free entry to the Pearl Night Market along the River Walk on Wednesday evening from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. For a budget-friendly night out in nearby New Braunfels, Gruene Hall hosts $12 swing dance lessons on Wednesday at 6:00 PM followed by free live music from The Georges at 7:00 PM.
When do holiday light attractions open in San Antonio in November 2026?
Two major San Antonio holiday light experiences open during the week of November 16, 2026: The Light Park begins its drive-through LED show at Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium on Monday, November 16, and SeaWorld San Antonio’s Christmas Celebration kicks off on Thursday, November 19.
What family-friendly weekday activities are happening in San Antonio this week?
Families can explore the whimsical miniature train worlds of The DoSeum Express on Broadway, join Tiny Tot Tuesday at the San Antonio Zoo on November 17, or visit LEGOLAND Discovery Center for toddler DUPLO workshops and story time.
Already planning for the weekend? Browse our latest picks for Friday through Sunday in San Antonio — concerts, food festivals, date ideas, and more await!
- San Antonio Highlights: November 16 to November 19 – Food, Music, Arts & More - November 15, 2026
- Thanksgiving Volunteering San Antonio: 2026 Drives & Service - November 15, 2026
- Best Places for Ice Skating San Antonio & Nearby - November 13, 2026
