PCA/ACA
San Antonio
The Surprising History of San Antonio’s Thriving LGBTQ+ Scene FROM CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER
First Friday Artwalk in San Antonio
Friday, April 7th, 2023, 6 pm - 10 pm
What is First Friday Artwalk? It is a FREE family-friendly walking experience chock full of art, music, food, and festivities in the heart of San Antonio’s Southtown. Just walk along S. Alamo street between The PCA Conference and the Blue Star Arts Complex to explore professional artists, vendors, and galleries in the midst of the historic King William’s neighborhood.
Welcome to San Antonio Opening Session
PCA is proud to welcome Ms. Laura Terrill, CEO of Planned Parenthood South Texas; Dr. Norma Elia Cantú, writer and professor of Chicana feminist studies; and Mr. Greg Casillas, Assistant Director of the Thrive Youth Center.
These four individuals highlight the diverse perspectives present in San Antonio and will be a welcome introduction to the city on the first night of the upcoming PCA Conference (April 5-8 in San Antonio, Texas). These speakers were invited by the PCA’s Welcome to San Antonio Committee, as a way of sharing the broader political, social, and academic fields present in the city with the attendees of our national conference.
Private guided tours of the Alamo
These comprehensive private tours of the Alamo will admit you to the Chapel’s side room not open to the public and end in the Alamo’s new archives Center which houses unique artifacts you will not see anywhere else. Step back to 1836 with our guide as you visit this historical site and view the Phil Collins Texana Collection and the Donald and Louise Yena Spanish Colonial Collection. Sign up today to reserve your spot for Friday or Saturday morning!
Tours are $50 per person.
Ghost Tours for PCA Members
Haunted Places by The Rivercenter
Wednesday, April 5th
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
This adult-only walking tour explores histories of the iconic Alamo and the ghostly Menger Hotel, mysterious occurrences at the Emily Morgan Hotel, and paranormal activities at the Crockett Hotel. The Emily Morgan Hotel is the 3rd most-haunted hotel in the United States! You’ll end your walk at the Davy Crockett pub famous for its ghostly activity. They’ve designed a drink especially for PCA members!
($30, includes taxes and gratuity)
San Antonio’s chilling past
Friday April 7th
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
This adult-only walking tour is for the truly adventurous! Meet the darker side of San Antonio’s history at some of the city’s most haunted locations. This blood-soaked tour begins at the notorious Gunter Hotel, continues on to the beautiful Majestic Theater and the elegant St. Anthony Hotel, and ends at the imposing Crockett Hotel. The haunted Davy Crockett pub will offer a drink designed for our bravest PCA members!
($30, includes taxes and gratuity)
La Villita
Hosting over 200 events a year, La Villita is a short walk from our hotel! Located on the southern bank of the beautiful San Antonio River Walk, this historic district occupies one square block in the heart of downtown San Antonio. An artisan village, La Vallita is listed on the U.S. government’s National Register of Historic Places and features over 25 shops and galleries that showcase local handmade goods.
Peacock Alley
Located at 110 Broadway, a stone’s throw from the Marriott Rivercenter, Peacock Alley is the hottest new placemaking space in the State of Texas managed by Centro de Artes Gallery. Nestled between two historic buildings on Broadway in Downtown San Antonio, Peacock Alley has been activated by hundreds of organizations, artists, entrepreneurs, and makers. The space has attracted tens of thousands of visitors, millions in media coverage, and has been featured in hype footage from Greater SATX to HBO’s The Garcia’s. Admission: free.
Latinx Art and Culture
The City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture is presenting Soy de Tejas: A Statewide Survey of Latinx Art at Centro des Artes in the Historic Market Square. This dynamic exhibition features 40 contemporary native Texas and Texas-based Latinx artists and comprises more than 100 works of art. Admission: free.
Briscoe Western Art Museum
Preserving the art, history, and culture of the American West, the Briscoe Western Art Museum offers engaging exhibitions and public events that reflect San Antonio’s rich traditions and shared heritage. Admission: $14 for adults.
San Antonio Museum of Art
A visit to the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) will take you through five thousand years of art in a complex of buildings that once housed the Lone Star Brewery. SAMA is renowned for the most comprehensive ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian art collection in the southern United States. The Nelson A. Rockefeller Latin American art wing spans the ages from the ancient Americas to the present and includes an outstanding collection of popular art. Admission: $20 for adults.