FOR MORE INFORMATION: Dee Dee Poteete Director of Communications deedeepoteete@visitsanantonio.com 210/207-6708

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mar 23, 2009

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Free San Antonio!

Whether you want to stroll through the annals of time at the Alamo or escape to the banks of the River Walk, San Antonio provides the richest of experiences at no cost! Peruse this sampling of free San Antonio attractions to make the most of your vacation! 

Step through time at the Missions and the Alamo
San Antonio began as a community of five Spanish colonial missions built along the spring-fed San Antonio River. Today, all five missions are open to the public, including the Alamo. Also stop by the Espada Acequia at Mission Espada—this irrigation system is one of the oldest of its kind and was originally constructed to irrigate the mission’s surrounding farmlands. For easy access from mission to mission, San Antonio’s 12-mile Mission Trail is perfect and welcomes hiking and biking.

Escape to the River Walk
Looking for a riverside oasis to indulge in cultural beauty, shaded parks and the sounds of lapping waves? Escape to San Antonio’s famed River Walk. This crossroads of culture and commerce offers meandering pathways along the banks of the San Antonio River.
Soon you’ll have even more to enjoy as the River Walk is expanding from three to 13 miles to connect San Antonio’s missions with cultural districts and museums.

Linger in La Villita
Along the banks of the River Walk, you’ll find La Villita “the little village.” Originally established by Spanish soldiers stationed at the Alamo, La Villita has been reincarnated as a historic arts village where beautifully restored residences house galleries and shops full of interesting sights. You might even catch a performance at La Villita’s outdoor Arneson River Theatre.

Watch Glass Blowers and Working Artists
San Antonio’s culture thrives in a variety of arts districts. One burgeoning art scene is Southtown. Here you can stop into Garcia Art Glass and watch celebrated glass blower Gini Garcia and her talented staff create one-of-a-kind keepsakes. Not far away, Market Square (the largest Mexican market in the nation) is a haven for working artists. From painters and musicians to wood-workers and a blacksmith, this sanctuary of culture is a San Antonio must-see.

Explore the First Historic District in Texas
Just south of downtown, the King William Historic District reflects San Antonio’s German heritage in a gracious residential area settled in the late 1800s. These beautiful Greek Revival, Victorian and Italianate-style mansions have been well maintained and are considered to comprise one of San Antonio’s most elite neighborhoods. Take a self-guided walking tour. Free brochure guides and maps are provided at www.saconservation.org.

Savor the Splendor of a Mariachi Mass
Every Saturday at 5:30 p.m., San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest cathedral sanctuary in the nation, offers a bilingual mariachi mass. This is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture of San Antonio while marveling at stunning architecture and religious works of art.

Find your Muse at San Antonio’s Museums
San Antonio has many distinct museums that you won’t find anywhere else—and you can visit them (at the right times) free of charge.

• Museo Alameda - The Smithsonian-affiliated Museo Alameda is free to all visitors (though donations are always welcome) and depicts the story of Latinos in the Americas. As a Smithsonian affiliate, Museo showcases exhibits from the nation’s beloved Smithsonian Institute.
• The San Antonio Museum of Art - The San Antonio Museum of Art is housed in a castle-like building that was formerly the Lone Star Brewery. This museum is noted for its antiquities collections and the 30,000 square-foot Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Latin American Art—the largest repository of its kind. General Museum admission is free to the public every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Mc Nay Art Museum - The McNay Art Museum is set in a 1920s mansion and has wide-ranging collections, including post-impressionist and modern pieces, theater-centered works, medieval offerings, Native American art and more. There is no charge for general admission on Thursday nights and on the first Sunday of the month.
• Witte Museum - The Witte Museum is San Antonio's premiere museum of South Texas history, culture and natural science. Located on the banks of the San Antonio River, the Witte offers permanent exhibits that include dinosaur skeletons, cave drawings, wildlife dioramas and even several historic homes. Admission is free on Tuesdays from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Park it!
Get out and enjoy San Antonio’s year-round great weather. The city has many parks that are free and fun for the entire family. Here are a few favorites!

• Family Fun at Brackenridge Park - One of the city’s most beloved parks is Brackenridge Park, a 443-acre refuge in the heart of the city that offers a full day of family fun. This oak-studded oasis follows the northern bends of the San Antonio River, creating many alcoves perfect for picnics. There is also a stunning playground, trails for quiet walks and a dog park for four-legged entertainment. Sidled up next to Brackenridge Park is the Japanese Tea Garden, a botanical retreat that offers stone walking paths woven through ambient gardens and ponds brimming with Koi—all at no cost! Brackenridge Park is also adjacent to the San Antonio Zoo (Adults: $9.00; Children 3 - 11 yrs: $7.00; Children ages 2 and under: FREE), the third largest in the country. Hop aboard the zoo’s Eagle Train (Adults 12 - up: $2.75; Children 3 - 11 yrs: $2.25; Children under 3: FREE) for a journey through the park’s shaded landscapes and attractions.
• Enchanting HemisFair Park - Originally the site of San Antonio’s 1968 World’s Fair, HemisFair Park is a lush, greenscape in the middle of bustling downtown San Antonio. Enjoy water gardens and public art, historic homes as well as an imaginative playground for kids. The park also offers other great venues for a fee, such as the Majik Children’s Theater, the Institute of Texan Cultures and the 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas.
• San Pedro Park - Second Oldest Park in Nation - As San Antonio's oldest park and the second oldest park in the United States behind Boston Common, San Pedro Park provides a beautiful and historic setting where you can take a swim in a lake shaded by cypress trees. The park is also home to San Pedro Playhouse, the San Pedro branch library, McFarlin Tennis Center and the Koger Stokes Softball Complex.

Note: Please call venues before you visit in case of pricing or time changes.

Free San Antonio Events
San Antonio also offers many free events throughout the year!

First Friday Art Walk - First Friday of Every Month
The Southtown arts district comes to life on first Friday of every month with art exhibits, musical performances, dancing and food.
www.southtown.net

Houston Street Fair & Market - Last Saturday of Every Month
This street festival, held the last Saturday of every month, is a mecca for hand-made art, local entertainment and Texas wine.
www.hstreetsa.com

Martin Luther King, Jr., March and Rally – January 19
More than 100,000 adults and children participate in the nation's largest MLK March in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The nearly three-mile march through the community's eastside is the highlight of citywide activities.
www.sanantonio.gov/mlk

"Remembering the Alamo” Weekend - March 7-8
Relive the Battle of the Alamo with this dramatization of the final two days of the 13-day siege by Mexican General Santa Anna's army.
www.sanantoniolivinghistory.org

Luminaria – March 14
San Antonio, one of America’s most cultural and festive cities hosts Luminaria, an all day event where the city glows with colorful and free celebrations, exhibitions and performances in honor of art in San Antonio. Luminaria’s core events emanate from Alamo Plaza and close with a fireworks spectacular at midnight. Visitors are surrounded by simultaneous and innovative programming: storefront exhibitions; art lighting; alley galleries and numerous stages with theatre, dance and musical performances. Citywide celebrations go until early morning and include studio tours, art demonstrations, museums and galleries open for the festive night.
www.luminariasa.com

Fiesta San Antonio! – April 17-26
San Antonio is famed for Fiesta—an 11-day festival showcasing San Antonio’s rich history and culture with more than 100 events. Though some events do charge admission, many are free and open to the public.
www.fiesta-sa.org

Jazz'SAlive – September 19-20
Some of the nation's top jazz entertainers, along with regional and local talent, take over Travis Park and dazzle the crowd with their smooth sounds during this two-day music festival.
www.saparksfoundation.org/jazzsalive.html

International Accordion Festival – October 9-11
It’s a world of fun on the River Walk during the International Accordion Festival where squeeze box-driven traditions from across the globe unite for a musical celebration. Held in historic La Villita, an arts village on the banks of the River Walk, the festival offers three stages set for the sounds of Celtic, Creole, Conjunto and more. Open-mike sessions, ethnic food booths and plenty of dancing make the Accordion Festival a wonderful opportunity to experience a San Antonio-style, multicultural fiesta.
www.internationalaccordionfestival.org

Día de los Muertos – November 1-2
The spirits of the dead are alive and well in San Antonio, site of some of the nation’s most thrilling Halloween observances and culturally infused Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. This holiday is great for lovers of culture and history as well as family’s looking for an authentic and themed Halloween celebration. Age-old customs are evident in colorful displays and altares (altars) set up throughout the city.

Light the Way at the University of Incarnate Word – November 17 - January 6
A million twinkling lights illuminate the night sky at the University of Incarnate Word to celebrate the holiday season in style. This walking or driving experience has been going on for more than two decades.
www.uiw.edu

Celebrate San Antonio – December 31
Ring in the New Year San Antonio style! Enjoy spectacular fireworks launched from the 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas, live music on multiple stages, food booths, family activities and more—all in lively downtown San Antonio.
www.saparksfoundation.org

             Your journey begins at visitsanantonio.com or by calling 800-ALAMO-07.