Majestic Theatre
From Broadway to Beethoven, the Majestic Theatre stands as the crown jewels of the San Antonio theatre district. You can admire the beautiful Spanish Mediterranean architecture from all of the 2,264 seats. Built in 1929 in the city centre, the Majestic has shows of the highest calibre from around the world, including Jerry Seinfeld, Lyle Lovett and Bill Maher. After the show, walk across the street to locally owned Bohanan's for a bite and a cocktail.
• 224 East Houston Street, +1 210 226 5700, majesticempire.com. See website listings for event details
Zollie Glass Studio
Functional art is the story at the Zollie Glass Studio in San Antonio's Lavaca neighbourhood. Jake Zollie Harper runs the show at this workspace, classroom and studio where up to four glassblowers work perfecting their craft with a dazzling display. The laid-back ZGS – as it's known – opened in 2009 and has since offered multi-level courses to those interested in learning the artistry behind glassblowing.
• 1428 South Presa #1, +1 210 601 3883, zollieglass.com
Sala Diaz
Hidden in the Southtown arts district and founded in 1995, Sala Diaz operates as a non-profit artist-directed exhibition space featuring artists from around the globe. Openings are as formal or informal as the visitor would like; a can of Lone Star is as welcome as an '85 merlot in the friendly confines of the compound. Exhibitors include David Zamora Casas, Kelly O'Connor and the late great Chuck Ramirez, who left his former residence as a visiting artist guesthouse. The Casa Chuck programme of Sala Diaz, is a residency for arts writers and curators to explore the San Antonio arts community.
• 517 Stieren, +1 210 852 4492, saladiazart.org
Hello Studio
Completing its inaugural year of steady openings (wine-drinking and cookie-eating), Hello Studio is an independent artist-run gallery created and curated by Amada Claire Miller. The space showcases emerging artists from the San Antonio and Austin area, with more than 32 artists exhibiting in this first year, including Libby Morris, Bradley Wilkinson, Jaime Stolarski and Austin-based collective Ink Tank.
• 1020 Roosevelt Avenue, +1 210 291 8640, hellostudiosa.com
Fl!ght
This multipurpose gallery space opened just over a decade ago in what was then a student-rented repurposed grain silo on the banks of the San Antonio river. Fl!ght is a perfect depiction of owner and curator Justin Parr's Swiss army knife approach to the 21st-century artist. Version 2.0 of the space is in San Antonio's budding South Flores arts district and offers an array of exhibits, live music and work from local and national artists including Mitchell Anderson, James Cobb and Rudy Choperena. Stop in during an opening for a show and a beer.
• 1906 South Flores Street, +1 210 872 2586, turnitoff.tv
Unit B (Gallery)
The cosy cottage that is Unit B is a must-see. Originating in an East Pilsen Chicago apartment in May 2005, this artist-run exhibition relocated to the Alamo city in January 2006 and owes its existence to the exhibitors themselves, volunteers and San Antonio's strong commitment to arts patronage. Conveniently located across the street from Sala Diaz, Unit B is the perfect complement to its Southtown neighbour. More than 200 artists and curators have exhibited in 48 group shows in the space, and the quality of work won't disappoint even the harshest art critic.
• 500 Stieren Street, +1 312 375 1871, unitbgallery.com
Artpace
Founded in 1995 by businesswoman and artist Linda Pace, Artpace stands as the cornerstone for emerging artists to exhibit their work on a big scale in San Antonio. Situated in the heart of downtown, the space operates an international artist-in-residence programme, inviting nine artists to live and work in the Alamo city for two months. The renovated 1920s car dealership holds a 1,672 sq metres gallery space with ample room for even the wildest imagination to put thought into reality. The exhibits are fantastic, the people are friendly and the wine is always plentiful.
• 445 North Main Avenue, +1 210 212 4900, artpace.org. Open Wed-Sun noon-5pm, and by appointment
Woodlawn Theatre
Whenever John Wayne hosted a premiere at any venue, the place became legendary. Woodlawn Theatre is just that. Built in 1946 by John Eberson, who also designed San Antonio's Majestic Theatre, this gem is located 10 minutes north-west of downtown in the deco district of the Monticello neighbourhood. The non-profit theatre hosts a variety of local live performances and screened events for all ages. A warm summer night under the stars at the theatre provides affordable entertainment for anyone.
• 1920 Fredericksburg Road, +1 210 267 8388, woodlawntheatre.com. See website listings for event details
McNay Art Museum
The first modern art museum in Texas comprises a stunning Spanish colonial revival home and seven gallery additions atop a hill in the Alamo Heights neighbourhood. Originally built in 1926, the home and 700-plus pieces of work were left by oil heiress Marion Koogler to the city of San Antonio in 1950. A mixture of classical, postmodern and local artists' work decks the vast mansion halls, and there is a lecture hall for those looking to learn a little more. The property is art in itself, with meticulous landscapes and outdoor sculptures. Be sure to stop by for the Norman Rockwell show (runs till 1 September 2013).
• 6000 North New Braunfels, +1 210 824 5368, mcnayart.org
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
This cinema has three locations in San Antonio, so visitors will never be too far from a flick. Originating in Austin, Texas, in 1997, the Alamo Drafthouse provides a meal with your movie with a twist – the food is themed to the film. Booze is available, but be warned: absolutely zero audience interruptions are allowed in these cinemas or an invitation to exit will be handed to you. Films old and new are screened, with sing-alongs for some movies. I wouldn't suggest bringing loud children.
• San Antonio box office, +1 210 677 8500, drafthouse.com/san_antonio
Kirish Dirkson is a freelance writer and cofounder of the brand Kindform, a Texas-based online shop and webzine that covers trends in art, music, food and fashion. He currently lives in the south-central region of Texas.
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