Summer is creeping in and San Antonio is doing what it does best - stacking a full weekend of reasons to get off your couch. Whether you're into indie rock, classic horror, minor league baseball, or a comedian you'll be quoting for weeks, the city has you covered. Here's what's worth your time and money the weekend of June 11-12.
Thursday, June 11
Double-Header Night for Baseball Fans
Thursday evening puts you at a crossroads, and honestly, it's a good problem to have. The San Antonio River Monsters vs. Brazos Valley Bombers kicks off at 7:05 PM at Sullivan Field. If you haven't caught a River Monsters game yet, this independent league club has been quietly building a loyal fanbase on the strength of affordable tickets and a genuinely fun atmosphere. Bring the kids, grab a beer, and enjoy the early summer heat - this is no-frills, old-school baseball the way it should be.
On the other side of town, the San Antonio Missions vs. Frisco Roughriders is also going at 7:05 PM at Nelson Wolff Stadium. The Missions are Double-A ball - a step up in talent and part of a storied SA tradition. If you care about prospects working their way up to the big leagues, this is your game. Nelson Wolff is a comfortable park with solid food options. Either way, Thursday night baseball in June is hard to beat.
Pete Lee at Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
If baseball isn't your thing, Pete Lee takes the stage at Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club at 7:30 PM. Lee is a road comic's road comic - tight sets, relatable material, and the kind of delivery that makes it look effortless. He's been a staple on the national circuit and a regular TV presence, so this isn't an open mic situation. LOL Comedy Club is a solid room with good sightlines and two-drink minimums that won't surprise you if you've been here before. Grab tickets early; Thursday night comedy shows at this venue tend to fill up more than people expect.
Friday, June 12
From Dusk Till Dawn at The Aztec Theatre
This one is special. From Dusk Till Dawn - Film screens at The Aztec Theatre at 7:00 PM, and if you've never seen a film in that venue, this is the one to fix that. The Aztec is a gorgeous, meticulously restored 1926 movie palace on East Commerce - it's the kind of place that makes whatever you're watching feel like an event. Pairing it with Rodriguez and Tarantino's gonzo vampire road movie is an inspired choice. The film holds up: equal parts crime thriller and midnight horror, all swagger and chaos. Expect a crowd that's here for the experience, not just the movie. Get there early to soak in the architecture.
Deceits at Paper Tiger
For the indie rock crowd, Deceits hits Paper Tiger at 8:00 PM. Paper Tiger remains one of the best mid-size music venues in the city - great sound, no bad spots, and a crowd that actually listens. If you follow the heavier end of the indie and post-punk world, this is your Friday night.
Alejandro Escovedo at Stable Hall
The anchor of the weekend for music lovers: Alejandro Escovedo plays Stable Hall at 8:00 PM Friday. Escovedo is a Texas legend - a founding member of the Nuns and True Believers, a solo career that spans decades of emotionally devastating rock and roll, and one of those artists who always seems to be playing his best show ever when you catch him live. Stable Hall is an intimate, well-run room that suits him perfectly. Don't sleep on this one. Buy early, dress for a warm June night, and settle in for something genuinely memorable.
San Antonio doesn't do boring weekends. Pick your Thursday, double up on Friday - there's no wrong answer here.