Weekends offer the chance for college students to embrace social time after a long week of hitting the study rooms. From weekend markets to cheap local concerts, there are lots of events to attend over the weekends in San Antonio.
There are several events and places to spend a Saturday evening that are right around the corner from campus. Gaby Nieraeth, sophomore marketing and communication double-major, is an intern for Trinity University’s radio station, KRTU 91.7 FM. She said that KRTU provides her with the opportunity to frequent Paper Tiger, a local concert venue. A perk of her internship is getting free tickets to events at Paper Tiger at least once a month.
“Last semester, I got to see Hockey Dad, an Australian indie-rock band, and they were really great,” Nieraeth said. “I got to see Jonah Kagen, who’s a nationally touring indie artist. I actually got to interview him through KRTU.”
Tickets at the Paper Tiger average at around $20-$25, according to Nieraeth, and the venue often brings both local performers and nationally traveling artists. Nieraeth said that the low ticket price is a relief since expenses for college students add up. Along with Paper Tiger, Nieraeth recommended Cowboys Dance Hall for late-night western dancing and Sam’s Burger Joint on Grayson Street for a local live music venue.
“I feel like a lot of it is centered around having a car, unfortunately. But if you know someone that does, there’s so many great things,” Nieraeth said.
Another popular local option over the weekend is waking up early in the morning to hit the farmers markets. Kate Schulle, senior political science and English double-major, said that the markets are a great opportunity to spend time outdoors while also supporting local businesses.
“I like it because it gets me out in the sun, and even just for a short while, I’m enjoying things,” Schulle said. “I love supporting local businesses because I know how hard it is and how much it takes to make a business like a farmers market thrive.”
Every Sunday, there is a market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Alamo Quarry, and the Historic Pearl also has a market that spans the weekend. Every Saturday and Sunday, local food vendors and artists gather at the Pearl from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. If getting up in the morning on a Saturday is proving too difficult, then Schulle recommends looking into attending Southtown’s First Friday events, one of which is an open thrift market. Starting the weekend early is an option as well. Schulle said that on Thursdays, there is a farmers market at the Weston Centre downtown from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Schulle also said that Barbaro is a great place for students over 21 years old to find a place to relax that is walkable from campus. From 10 p.m. to midnight, Barbaro hosts a happy hour with a menu that includes $6 cocktails and $4 slices of pizza.
“I think my best advice for freshmen is to get out of your bubble. Don’t get into the routine of staying around campus and staying to what’s near,” Schulle said. “You can get a $10-$15 concert, just go pick somebody you’ve never heard of before and have the time of your life because it’s so fun just to be somewhere.”
Not being local to San Antonio does not limit the scope of events available to students. On the contrary, Timandra Rowan, junior biochemistry and molecular biology major and native San Antonio resident, said that San Antonio is a welcoming, friendly city. Rowan said that getting outdoors over the weekend is something she could do for hours.
“I’m actually planning a day trip to Enchanted Rock with a couple of my friends. I want it to get cooler first, but I’m a big fan of walking trails and hiking,” Rowan said. “There’s good walking trails behind the Alamo Heights pool as well as Brackenridge, especially along the river.”
Rowan also recommended Curry Boys BBQ and El Milagrito, especially for breakfast, on the St. Mary’s strip. She said that every weekend turns out differently for her and that she enjoys exploring the city for more options.
“It’s almost like a rite of passage. Freshmen are going to get stuck in the Trinity bubble, at least for a little bit,” Rowan said. “If someone is inviting, say yes. But if you’re doing nothing, if you don’t have a plan, if you’re not going to do homework or if you’re not going to do your laundry, then why not?”
