Although it’s only a little over an hour from Austin, it can be easy to overlook San Antonio for a day trip or a weekend getaway. If you’re looking for some fun ways to freshen up your fall plans, here are five can’t-miss things to do in San Antonio.
See a show at the Majestic Theatre
The Majestic is an incredible concert venue in San Antonio. Kristin Finan photo
I’ve been a fan of Counting Crows since I was a teenager, so when I saw they were playing a show in San Antonio, not Austin, in August, my daughter and I quickly decided to make the trip. Yes, the show was amazing, and adding to it was the fact that it was held at the Majestic Theatre, San Antonio’s oldest and largest atmospheric theater. Designed by architect John Eberson for Karl Hoblitzelle’s Interstate Theatres in 1929, the theater’s intimate set-up – there are only 2,264 seats – ensures that there’s not a bad view in the house. Upcoming shows include Louis CK, Journey, and Gabby’s Dollhouse. The venue also offers historic tours throughout the year. https://www.majesticempire.com/
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Drink for a cause at the Cherrity Bar
Founded in 2017, Cherrity Bar is more than just a place to grab incredible cocktails and comfort food — it’s a philanthropic venue where every visit helps give back to the San Antonio community. Each month, guests support three rotating local charities simply by dining or drinking at the venue. With every visit, patrons receive a token to vote for their favorite charity, and the organization with the most votes receives the largest donation at the end of the month. Funds are raised through direct donations, featured “Cherrity cocktails” that contribute $2 per drink to the shared pool, and giveback days where 10 percent of daily profits go to the shared charity pool. Located next to the Alamodome, it’s also an ideal place to grab a drink before a concert or a game. https://cherritybar.com/
The Cherrity Bar gives back to three local nonprofits each month. Kristin Finan photo
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Chill out at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country
Ready to chill? The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa just announced that tickets are available for ICE!, the highly anticipated frozen holiday attraction making its return to the resort Nov. 22-Jan. 4, 2026. Guests will journey through a spectacular wonderland crafted from more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice, sculpted by master artisans who travel over 6,000 miles from Harbin, China, to San Antonio, Texas. This year, the classic story of Frosty takes center stage, with larger-than-life scenes that will have visitors singing “thumpety thump thump” all the way through the attraction. Tickets are on sale now, with exclusive early bird specials available for a limited time. www.JWHillCountryChristmas.com
ICE! has become a festive new tradition at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort. Kristin Finan photo
Experience Dia de los Muertos in Alamo City
San Antonio is home to the biggest Día de los Muertos celebration in the country, the city coming alive with a variety of festivities throughout the month of October and into November include a parade, vibrant ofrendas (altars), free festivals, a 5K run, and much more. https://www.visitsanantonio.com/events/arts-culture-events/day-of-the-dead/
