Special Events and Exhibitions: San Antonio Celebrates 300 Years in 2018

Founded by Spaniards, ruled by Mexico, settled by Germans and influenced by ethnicities from around the world ... San Antonio, Texas, is a land rich in diversity, history, innovation, art and culture.

And the city is celebrating its 300th anniversary in 2018.

The first civilian settlement in Texas will be packed with events and special exhibitions honoring three centuries. Here's a sneak peek at what to expect from San Antonio 300.

2017 New Year's Eve Celebration
San Antonio's 300th birthday celebration kicks off in 2017 with a concert at Hemisfair Park's Civic Park, a new development in honor of the tricentennial. Downtown will be adorned with projections on buildings, imaginative lighting, festive decorations. The event ends with a firework finale heralding a new year.

The Witte Museum
The Witte Museum—an institution dedicated to natural history, science and South Texas heritage—will offer two Tricentennial exhibitions.

Confluence and Culture: 300 Years of San Antonio History will reveal the legendary and complex history of San Antonio as the hub of the frontier. Over 6,000 square feet of interactive and historic artifacts will provide an experience of San Antonio over three centuries—from the early Spanish settlement and Tejano roots to military encounters and the city's diversity today. The exhibition runs March 3, 2018 – January 2, 2019. Admission is an additional $5 fee.

Gathering at the Waters: 12,000 Years of People will further expand the narrative of San Antonio's complex history by exploring how the San Antonio River watershed served as a life source to prehistoric people and their cultures. The exhibit will span 12,000 years of climate shifts, how they affected the prehistoric hunter and gatherers as they moved in search of food and other critical resources, and how the river played a pivotal role in sustaining life. The exhibition runs January 13 – December 2, 2018, and is free with museum admission.

Commemorative Week
Commemorative Week, May 1 – 6, 2018, will feature events showcasing the collective essence of San Antonio.

The week offers something for everyone. Among the events: The Day of Reflection, May 1, will set the tone for the week with a community candlelight vigil and interfaith services within the heart of San Antonio's historic Main Plaza; Arts for All, May 4, treats the public to free admission to museums, arts venues, theaters and more; Fort Sam Houston will welcome the public to visit the base for a day full of interactive exhibitions and performances, May 6.

SA300 mobile app
The SA300 mobile app, available on Google Play and iTunes, provides pertinent information for the tricentennial—in the office, and on the road. In addition to sharing the city's rich history, the app will also alert users about big events, such as concerts and fireworks.

Courtesy of Groups Today.

 Photo Courtesy of San Antonio 300