Whether you want a fun event to join or are looking for ideas for places to go and things to do throughout Southside, there are a lot of options this summer. Family-friendly fun, relaxing days out, and beautiful vistas await in Southside San Antonio for visitors, new arrivals, and long-standing residents.
Mission Marquee Plaza
The Mission Marquee Plaza opened in 2014 and offers numerous events, markets, and festivals throughout the year. There are several key events to be aware of this summer in Southside.
Farmers and Artisans Market
The Farmers and Artisans Market is put on by the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office and partners, offering local food, handmade crafts, and numerous different products sold by vendors from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following Saturdays this summer:
- June 6th
- June 20th
- July 18th
- August 1st
- August 15th
The market is free, has parking on-site, is pet-friendly, and lasts until November. When you want to get out and about and enjoy the cool(er) parts of the day, the market just outside the World Heritage Office might be the perfect way to spend the morning.
Outdoor Family Film Series
The plaza also hosts several movies throughout the summer, each starting at 7 p.m. or shortly after dusk. These showings are free and are fantastic ways to see the movie on the big screen while outdoors. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks, and enjoy movies this summer like:
- Zootopia 2, showing on June 6th
- Hidden Figures, showing on June 20th
- Superman (2025) (PG-13), showing on June 20th
- Hamilton – America 250: A Cinematic Celebration (PG-13), showing on June 27th
- Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, showing on July 16th
- Tron: Ares (PG-13), showing on July 18th
- Monsters University, showing on August 1st
- A Minecraft Movie, showing August 15th
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, showing August 20th
The World Heritage Center
The World Heritage Center in the north-most area of Southside offers a place for communities to engage in the heritage and culture of the area and provides events and opportunities for many people. Some of the center’s free events include:
- Make-It Days. June 6th, July 18th, and August 1st have hands-on activities for families, kids, and adults.
- ABCs of World Heritage. Global Storytime for Young Children on June 10th, July 8th, and August 12th, offers stories, art, and activities for kids 2-5 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on each Wednesday.
- River Artes Workshop. Solar Printed Totes on June 11th, an event with a local artist, Anfisa Brewer, to learn how to make cyanotype prints with found and natural items on tote bags you get to keep.
- Bricks Night Out. On August 27th, offers music, snacks, and opportunities for adults to build something creative and enjoy community.
Fourth of July Red, White & Bexar Celebration in the Park
Mission County Park I is hosting a free event for the Fourth of July celebration starting at 5:30 p.m. with live entertainment, music, food trucks, carnival rides, inflatables, crafts for kids, and more. The park offers significant space for activities and beautiful grounds. The fireworks and drone show starts at 9:30 p.m.
Friday Night Flicks in the Park
There are free movie showings on several Fridays throughout the summer in different parks throughout San Antonio. These are outdoor showings where you can bring your own seats and get concessions at the park. On July 24th, the movie is being hosted by Mission County Park I. You can see Jurassic World Rebirth (2025) (PG-13) at approximately 8:25 p.m.
Treat Trot San Antonio
Hosted in Pearsall Park, the Treat Trot race is geared towards family fun, an inclusive community, and racing at your own pace. On July 4th, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., the race includes a kids’ dash at 6:55 a.m., and then the race can be 1 mile up to a 15k. There are custom medals, free photos, swag, and snacks. There are fees for race participants.
River Walk Mission Reach
While this isn’t a surprising addition for any local, new or long-term, the San Antonio River Walk is a fantastic place to spend the day, and the Mission Reach section offers a perfect getaway from the larger crowds. You can walk through the area to enjoy the river, hike along the paths, and enjoy public art. It’s a gorgeous location, offering shaded woodlands that are ideal for sweltering days. The nearby area includes the Medina River Greenway Trailheads, Confluence Park, and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
San Antonio Mission National Historical Park
This 826-acre park provides a look at the four Spanish frontier missions made along the San Antonio River from 1690 to 1720. This park allows you to connect with the history of the area and walk the trails. It is a must-see destination if you’ve never been.
Confluence Park
Confluence Park is near the River Walk Mission Reach and the Mission Espada of the four missions. It provides beautiful landscaping and exceptional eco-architecture. It also connects to several trails and the Blue Star Arts Complex. The park also provides educational signs for the whole family about the area.
Pica Pica Plaza
Established in 2012, Pica Pica Plaza offers indoor shopping and many things to do. It is a Latin American-style mall with over 100 shops, a trampoline park, a food court, live music, and an event center. It’s a good place to enjoy a day when you want to be out of the house, but the weather is too hot for outdoor activities.
Santikos Mayan Palace
The Santikos Mayan Palace offers free family-friendly movies throughout the summer, every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. This summer, movies include:
- The Wild Robot, showing on June 2nd and 3rd
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3, showing on June 9th and 10th
- K-Pop Demon Hunters, showing on June 16th and 17th
- How to Train Your Dragon (2025), showing on July 7th and 8th
- Dog Man, showing on July 21st and 22nd
Tickets for these and other movies during the summer are first-come, first-served.
Finding Fun Things to Do in Southside
There may be many more fun events planned throughout the summer, as new builds and businesses grow. Come join in the fun!
Photo Credit: Mission Marquee Plaza