Fun Things to Do in San Antonio This Thanksgiving Weekend

Wed 11/22
$uicideboy$
Easily one of the biggest rap duos to blow up recently, New Orlean’s $uicideboy$ are continuing the trend of trap rap but like, doing it well. And that’s sort of the whole thing with this genre. The world of fast hi-hats and triplet rapping is so utterly saturated that unless an artist or group can really bring something fresh and new or consistently pump out high-quality content, the shit sounds played the fuck out. But $lick and Ruby Da Cherry manage to set themselves apart from their trap counterparts, rapping with vibe similar to early Bone Thugs N Harmony and it’s honestly pretty good. Take it from someone who hates most of this style of rap, that’s saying something. $58-$165, 8pm, Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. – CC

Wed 11/22
Lil Pump
“My music is just saying reckless shit on a song but going with the flow so they’re still going to fuck with it,” Lil Pump told Noisey in an interview last month. When I hear rappers like Lil Pump and a bunch of these other self-proclaimed “ignorant” trappers like the ones that showed up at Mala Luna, I can’t help but think this is our fault. We did this. America doesn’t want substance anymore, we want a quick fix; so spouting out nonsense lyrics with tired references to pills and strippers over cadences that actually could have thoughtful lyrics are preferred ‘cause these rappers know we’re just trying to vibe. Hip-hop is dead, welcome Lil Pump ... OK, hip-hop isn’t dead, but this ain’t hip-hop, and I know I just sound old but this mumble rap shit reminds me of how corny nu-metal got in the early 2000s after exhausting all their own sounds. I promise, we’re gonna look back 15 years from now and be embarrassed that this shit was in our Spotify playlists. But if you dig this stuff, you’re gonna have a blast at this show. $30-$105, 9pm, 1305 E. Houston St., alamocitymusichall.com. – CC

Wed 11/22
Greenbeard + Cursus
I’m not telling you that you should probably go to this show stoned out of your mind, but – no, nevermind I am. Not that you would need THC to enjoy this lineup of stoner rock and doom metal, but it may enhance your experience if you already partake of the devil’s lettuce. Hailing from Austin, Texas, stoner rockers Green Beard blend a mix of psychedelic rock ‘n’ roll and metal in the vein of bands like Black Sabbath, and they do it really well, I mean, well enough for us to write about since it’s rare we write about a band you can check out in Austin anytime. Also on the bill is San Antonio’s favorite doom two-piece Cursus who sound like they’re opening a portal to the Upside Down when they get down on stage. Free-$5, 9pm, Limelight, 2718 N. St. Mary’s St., thelimelightsa.com. – Chris Conde

Thu 11/23
Randal Bravery + SB The Moore
In an era of time where hip-hop listeners are being asphyxiated by this plague of trap music sweeping the planet, there are the few and the mighty lyricists. Artists who write bars, with substance, perspective, and with some actual shit to say. And also producers who don’t safely lean into the current of rapid-fire hi-hats and 808 kick drums, but instead venture outside the box and push hip-hop into previously unreached territories. Randal Bravery, SB The Moore, Chisme, Satin Hooks and Apaso are all artists who fall into this category, preserving the real artistry and grit fans of the genre were attracted to in the first place. Check out this show if you need to be reminded of what real hip-hop is supposed to sound like. $3-$5, 9pm, Limelight, 2718 N. St. Mary’s St., thelimelightsa.com. – CC

Thu 11/23
Thanksgiving Day Dance
For those looking for a special Tex-Mex outing on Thanksgiving Day, look no further than Cowboys Dancehall. Cowboys will host a special holiday event with a number of legendary Texas artists from the world of Tejano, Tex-Mex, and country. Multi-Grammy award-winning accordionist, David Lee Garza will be one of the featured artists at the concert. Hailing from Poteet, Texas, Garza is a legend in Tex-Mex and country music with his hit producing group Los Musicales. One time vocalist for both Garza and San Antonio’s own, Latin Breed, Jay Perez is also on the bill. Lastly, former Mazz vocalist and Grammy award-winner, Jimmy Gonzalez will also be performing with his Grupo Mazz making this a treasured event for the gente of San Antonio. If the family is in town or if you are looking for a Thanksgiving date night of Tex-Mex music, this might the Thanksgiving concert to attend. Pre-sale tickets $15/$20 at the door, 7pm, Cowboys Dancehall, 3030 NE Loop 410 @ I-35, 210-646-9378, cowboysdancehall.com. – JJ Lopez

Fri 11/24
Black Friday at Brick
Organized by the ingenious makers behind the homegrown outfits BarbacoApparel (prints, T-shirts, stickers and totes emblazoned with such San Anto-specific characters as Selena and the Donkey Lady), Sweet Craft Jewelry (polymer clay accessories modeled after conchas, cupcakes, corndogs and other edible treats) and VeryThat (ceramic tiles, jewelry, mugs, stickers and T-shirts inspired by Frida Kahlo, lotería and familiar dichos), Black Friday at Brick has one simple request this holiday season: “Shop small y’all.” Likely to offer something of a preview of the third annual Brickmas Holiday Market (December 22 and 23 at Brick), the one-day market brings 20 distinct vendors together under one roof (including Desert Flower Designers, In The Weeds Natural Skin Care, Asher and Gray Designs, Karma Candle Makers and Smokin’ Beards) along with kid-friendly holiday movie screenings (complete with popcorn and hot cocoa) and a dedicated “Mothers’ Room” for nursing and diaper changes. Free, 10am-6pm, Brick at Blue Star, 108 Blue Star, (210) 262-8653, brickatbluestar.com. — Bryan Rindfuss

Fri 11/24
Slaid Cleaves
What I love about folk music and singer songwriters in general is the absolute freedom it sounds like those folks (pun intended) have in their genre. There’s literally no rules – I mean, besides playing music or singing; well, sometimes you don’t even really need to sing (see old Bob Dylan). And though they get lumped together, people like Dylan, Paul Simon or even Johnny Cash (a stretch, I know, but hear me out) don’t exactly sound the same but still can be considered folk based on their storytelling prowess. Austin’s Slaid Cleaves is perfect example of this, sounding like he probably could show up on a mix with the aforementioned Dylan, Cash and Simon while possessing his own distinct sound. $22-$90, 7:30pm, Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com. – CC

Fri 11/24
A Night at the Moulin Rouge
Having recently haunted the Alamo City with Blood Moon: “Rise & Fall of the Witch,” the deliciously dark boutique La Santa Luna (which doubles as a multimedia arts collective comprised of fashion designers, makeup artists, models, photographers, entertainers and even runway-ready brand ambassadors) is orchestrating an evening inspired by the iconic Parisian cabaret Moulin Rouge. Although it’s unlikely the “night full of wonderment and excitement” will resemble anything one might expect from Belle Époque France (when the Moulin Rouge brought can-can dances to the masses and inspired a worldwide cabaret revolution), cabaret attire is “strongly encouraged.” $5 (21 and up only), 10pm, La Botánica, 2911 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 716-0702, facebook.com/lasantalunatx. — BR

Fri 11/24 - Sun 11/26
The Nutcracker
Ballet San Antonio once again brings the perennial holiday favorite The Nutcracker to the Tobin for 12 performances with live accompaniment of the Tchaikovsky score provided by the San Antonio Symphony. Inspired by the classic E.T.A. Hoffmann tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, reality and fantasy blend in a young girl’s dreams of a handsome prince, frightening rodents at war and exotic characters from around the globe. This production debuted just last season, choreographed by artistic director Willy Shives. The sparkling production blends Shives’ artistic vision with that of the legendary Gerald Arpino, utilizing the great maestro’s choreography for The Land of Snow and Waltz of the Flowers variations. Arpino was the co-founder of Joffrey Ballet and a tremendous mentor to Shives during his many years with that company. In this family-friendly fare, more than 100 children from the community will join the dancers of the company along with local celebrities making surprise cameo appearances. Guest celebrities performing include KSAT on-air talent like Mike Osterhage and Ursula Pari as well as the San Antonio Spurs Coyote, and former Spur Matt Bonner. $24.50-$129, 7:30pm Fri, 2pm & 7:30pm Sat, 2pm Sun (through Dec. 3), Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — Tami Kegley

Fri 11/24 - Sun 11/26
Las Nuevas Tamaleras
After the passing of her mother, playwright and director Alicia Mena was moved to write Las Nuevas Tamaleras, a play that honors her mother’s legacy and preserves her family’s rich cultural traditions. Since its premiere in 1990 at Houston’s Latino Playwright Festival, Las Nuevas Tamaleras has become a holiday favorite performed around the state. The one-act comedy centers on three Mexican-American women who try their hand at making tamales for the very first time. Things don’t go as planned, however, when the ghosts of the legendary tamale experts Doña Juanita and Doña Mercedes decide to pay the three tamaleras a visit. This year’s production, staged at Our Lady of the Lake University’s Thiry Auditorium, will star Mena as Doña Mercedes and Ruby Nelda Perez as Doña Juanita. The tamaleras will be played by Patricia Zamora, Sonya M. Rodriguez and Kristina Keller. $20-$25, 8pm Fri-Sat, 3pm Sun (through Dec. 10), Our Lady of the Lake University, Thiry Auditorium, 411 SW 24th St., (210) 223-2009, lastamaleras.com. — Marco Aquino

Fri 11/24 - Sun 11/26
All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
As the country heals from one of the most divisive presidential elections in modern history, The Playhouse will present Peter Rothstein’s musical All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914, in collaboration with local men’s a cappella group The Marcsmen. Based on actual events that took place during World War I, All Is Calm tells the story of the English and German soldiers who emerged from their trenches into no man’s land on December 24, 1914. There, the soldiers exchanged gifts, sang Christmas carols and buried their dead. It was an unofficial Christmas truce frowned upon by officers, but one in which thousands of soldiers partook. Although the war would resume the following day and continue until the general armistice of November 1918, for the surviving soldiers, the Christmas truce of 1914 would be remembered as nothing short of miraculous. $20-$35, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, The Playhouse, 800 W. Ashby Pl., (210) 733-7258, theplayhousesa.org. — MA

Fri 11/24 - Sun 11/26
Peace Market (Mercado de Paz)
The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center is once again presenting the truly splendid Mercado de Paz, now in its 28th year. A local mainstay for fans of all manner of arts and crafts, the Mercado de Paz is a whole lot more than just a weekend pop-up arts fair. As stated on the nonprofit’s website, the Mercado de Paz combines the arts with considerations of “economic sustainability, international exchange and social consciousness.” What else would you expect from the consistently active team at Esperanza? The indoor/outdoor event is family-friendly and, starting on Black Friday, provides a conscionable, community-centered alternative to the biggest corporate shopping days of the year. This year’s mercado will feature dozens of international and local artists/artisans (offering jewelry from across Mexico, rugs, textiles and alebrijes from Oaxaca, apparel and embroidered cushions from Jalisco and much more), an eclectic lineup of music and performances (soul siren Alyson Alonzo, all-female DJ collective Chulita Vinyl Club, accordion master Santiago Jimenez Jr. y Su Conjunto, supergroup Las Tesoros de San Antonio and Zombie Bazaar Panza Fusion are all on the bill) and tons of food choices, including vegetarian and vegan options. In summary, the annual tradition is an ideal go-to, whether you’re looking to bolster your art collection, score some points for the proletariat in the grand battle against our capitalist overlords, snag some one-of-a-kind gifts, catch some live music, occupy the kiddos for the day, or simply hang out and avoid the rest of your family. Free, 10am-6pm Fri-Sat, noon-6pm Sun, Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, 922 San Pedro Ave., (210) 228-0201, esperanzacenter.org. — James Courtney

Fri 11/24
Volcán Single Release Show
While it may be true that Volcán, a nueva orquestra Latina de San Anto, has been gigging more frequently of late (around SA and elsewhere in Tejas), we can scarcely get enough of the powerhouse performers. The large group — which features as many as 12 players, all arrayed around gifted, swoon-worthy lead singer Jose Huizar and principal songwriter Jaime Mejia — offers up organic yet impressively sophisticated music that’s a total cultural mestizaje, combining elements of classic psych-rock with jazz, soul, cumbia, and Latin pop. Volcán’s music, while thoroughly fresh, throbs with the ancient rhythm the jungle must hear as it dances to the ocean. Aside from a few early singles, the band has only released one EP since forming in late 2014: the masterful, four-song tease that is Ritmo, Cultura y Amor (which you can dig on iTunes and Spotify). On Friday, the band will play a special show to celebrate the release of a new single, “Corazon de Piedra,” which we’re hoping is a forerunner to more new music. In any case, there’s no excuse not to catch Volcán on a Friday night. $7, 10:30pm, Limelight, 2718 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 735-7775, thelimelightsa.com. – James Courtney

Sat 11/25
Pop Shop San Antonio
Billed as “a modern and stylish DIY world,” Houston-based Pop Shop America combines a brick-and-mortar boutique specializing in handmade goods, an online shop and blog, crafty workshops, and seasonal markets that bring together like-minded vendors in a festive atmosphere. Founded by lifelong maker Brittany Bly, the multitasking operation makes its Alamo City debut via Pop Shop San Antonio — an indoor marketplace promising “Handmade. Vintage. Fair Trade. Good Vibes.” Taking over the La Villita Assembly Hall on Small Business Saturday, the free, one-day-only affair features giftable wares from more than 50 vendors and businesses (including fashions from Retro Dynamite, “intoxicating bodycare” from Aromaholic, plus-size vintage styles from Massive Curves, cards, stickers and stationery from Tattoos&LoveLetters, natural skincare and aromatherapy from DarNaturals and imported kids’ clothes and toys from French Carousel), plus goodie bags for the first 25 attendees, free coffee and lattes courtesy of Etsy (10am-2pm), complimentary “bling a nail” nail art by Cha Cha Covers (noon-4pm), a performance by married, multimedia duo Daisy & Buck (4pm), cocktails from Cowgirls Unlimited, a Bubble & Squeak Soapworks beauty bar, hands-on crafting activities and a “selfie station” with holiday props. Free, 10am-6pm, La Villita Assembly Hall, 401 Villita St., (210) 481-1200, popshopamerica.com. — BR

Sat 11/25
Riders in the Sky
Drawing inspiration from singing cowboy icon Roy Rogers and his yodeling band Sons of the Pioneers — a group that appeared in nearly 90 films and still remains active today — the witty Western quartet Riders in the Sky famously favors comedy over country in the old C&W equation. As one might guess by their names and roles alone — Ranger Doug (“Governor of the Great State of Rhythm”), Too Slim (“Upright Bunkhouse Bass”), Joey the CowPolka King (“Stomach Steinway Accordion”) and Woody Paul (“King of the Cowboy Fiddlers”) — the Nashville-based band boasts a particularly kid-friendly following. And despite an impressive catalog of nearly 30 nostalgia-fueled albums, the comedic cowboys might be known best by today’s audiences for their Grammy-winning Toy Story 2 and Monsters, Inc. tie-ins — Woody’s Roundup: A Rootin’ Tootin’ Collection of Woody’s Favorite Songs (2000) and Scream Factory Favorites (2002). Armed with numerous awards and a resume that includes performances at the Hollywood Bowl, the Grand Ole Opry and the White House, the fun-loving outfit lands at the Tobin to celebrate “Christmas the Cowboy Way.” $45, 4pm & 8pm, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — BR

Sat 11/25
Blue October
Originally formed in Houston in 1995, Blue October grabbed the attention of Kid Rock’s former manager early in their career and eventually signed to Universal Records, launching the band into the deep pools of mainstream rock. While the Texas boys have a heavy mainstream radio rock sound, traces remain of Americana and even post-rock – that is, along with the kind of heavy production that just goes with the territory of being a huge rock ‘n’ roll band. With numerous releases, countless tours, and a few member changes, Blue October isn’t going anywhere. 9pm, $49.50, $65, $75, Aztec Theater, 104 N. St. Mary’s St, theaztectheatre.com. – CC

Sun 11/26
El Wiwicho Sí Existe
One of Mexico’s most enduring traditions, pastorelas (shepard’s plays), blend together elements of indigenous Mexican culture and Roman Catholicism. Originally staged by the Spanish missionaries, pastorelas followed the basic structure of morality plays common during Medieval times but were soon injected with the humor and festive attributes found in the arts of the native populations. On Sunday, the Houston-based Spanish-language theater company Happy Medyann will present the pastorela El Wiwicho Sí Existe at the Guadalupe. The plot centers on La Chona, an indigenous woman who learns the “true” meaning of Christmas when Don Herculano recounts for her the struggles of the shepherds who followed the Star of Bethlehem. In this version, the shepherd’s struggles are personified by the evil Trumpcifer who is defeated by St. Michael the Archangel. A contemporary reimagining of the nativity tale, El Wiwicho Sí Existe highlights the plight of today’s immigrants while proving that good always overcomes evil. $10, 3pm, Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St., (210) 271-3151, guadalupeculturalarts.org. — MA

Mon 11/27
Spurs vs. Mavericks
With Rookie of the Year frontrunners Ben Simmons and Jayson Tatum making noise in the Eastern Conference, Dallas Mavericks guard Dennis Smith Jr. has quietly put up solid numbers, garnering early comparisons to reigning league MVP Russell Westbrook. Smith’s 14 points, four assists and four rebounds per game have been a revelation for the Mavericks, who have been stranded in the cellar when it comes to team standings. San Antonio has dominated Dallas in recent memory with the Spurs going 18-3 against the Mavs in the last five seasons. Injuries have been a recurring theme for San Antonio to start the season, with Coach Popovich’s squad admirably holding their own against most opponents while shorthanded. Look for Danny Green to get an early jump on Smith and the Mavs at home. $9-$1,000, 7:30pm, AT&T Center, One AT&T Center Pkwy., (210) 444-5000, attcenter.com. — M. Solis