San Antonio Celebrates Historic Preservation Month
Published on April 27, 2026
Citywide events include a one-of-a-kind downtown race.
SAN ANTONIO (April 27, 2026) – May is National Historic Preservation Month, and the City of San Antonio’s Office of Historic Preservation invites the community to celebrate San Antonio’s historic buildings and culture. Every year, OHP and local partners curate a full calendar of events and programs that showcase our unique and diverse heritage and promote the power of preservation in our community.
The signature event this year is OHP’s Amazing Preservation Race: a one-of-a-kind adventure challenge in historic downtown San Antonio. Teams of four follow clues, complete San Antonio-themed challenges, and race to fill their passports before crossing the finish line. The first team to complete their passport and finish wins, with top prizes including staycations.
"One of our goals is to engage residents in the historic places and fascinating stories of San Antonio," said Cory Edwards, Interim Director. "Events like the Amazing Preservation Race are a great way to experience historic buildings and parts of Downtown that people don't often visit or know about."
Many events are free to the public to attend; check individual event registration for details. All event details and links to partner organizations are available on the Preservation Month calendar.
Amazing Preservation Race
Challenge your team of four to the ultimate urban adventure race.
- Date: Friday, May 8, 6:30 p.m.; $30/person or $120 for a team of four
- Location: Legacy Park, 103 West Houston, 78205
Preservation Academy Interactive Studio: Wood Window Repair
Meet skilled artisans for an up-close look at the tools and techniques used to repair historic wood windows.
- Date: Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m. to noon; free
- Location: Villa Finale, 401 King William, 78204
Picnic & a Movie in the Cemetery
Pack a picnic for a free family screening ofJumanji.
- Date: Saturday, May 16, 8-10 p.m.; free
- Location: Historic Eastside Cemetery, City Cemetery #1, at the intersection of Paso Hondo St. & North Palmetto Ave.
Becoming a Citizen Historian Class
Learn how to research the history of your property.
- Date: Thursday, May 21, noon; free
- Location: Virtual
Preservation Month Trivia Night
Test your knowledge of local history, culture, and landmarks.
- Date: Thursday, May 21, 6:30 p.m.; free
- Location: Cool Crest Miniature Golf Course, 1402 Fredericksburg Road, 78201
Partner Events
Beer & Bricks: A Preservation Month Tour
Exclusive tour that explores the origins of the San Antonio Museum of Art as the Lone Star Brewery.
- Date: Friday, May 1, 6 – 7:30 p.m.; $20 for members, $30 for non-members
- Partner Host: San Antonio Museum of Art
- Location: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 West Jones Ave., 78215
Learn More
Hemisfair: The Past, Present and Future
Join the Conservation Society and noted architects, historians and preservationists in a lively and informative panel discussion about the past, present and future of historic buildings in Hemisfair Park.
- Date: Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m.; $10 members and students, $15 non-members
- Partner Host: The Conservation Society of San Antonio
- Location: Instituto de Mexico, 643 East Nueva St., 78205
Learn More
Tour of Historic Majestic Theatre
The Majestic Historic Tours feature a unique behind-the-scenes look at the theatre's history, architecture and character with knowledgeable tour guides and a trip backstage.
- Date: Monday, May 4, 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm; $30 per person
- Partner Host: Majestic Theatre
- Location: Majestic Theatre, 224 E Houston St, 78205
Learn More
17th Annual Paseo Por El West Side
Celebrate San Antonio’s West Side history, culture and people, and get a preview of the West Side’s community participatory museum.
- Date: Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; free
- Partner Host: Esperanza Peace & Justice Center
- Location: Rinconcito de Esperanza, 816 South Colorado, 78207
Asian Festival
San Antonio’s largest Asian Festival is a one-day performance, entertainment, and food event that celebrates the diverse Asian diaspora represented in San Antonio in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month as well as Preservation Month.
- Date: Saturday, May 9, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.; $10, if purchased before May; free for kids 12 & under
- Partner Host: Asian Resource Center of San Antonio
- Location: Civic Park at Hemisfair, 210 South Alamo, 78205
Learn More
Preservation Month at the World Heritage Center
- Partner Host: World Heritage Office
- Location: World Heritage Center, 3106 Roosevelt Ave., 78214
Celebrate culture, storytelling, and community with free programming for all ages.
- “Life Along the Silk Road” Exhibition,now through February 2027
- KLRN “The Grocery List Show” Screening, Thursday, May 7, 6 – 8 p.m.
- Gathering Circle Dedication, Tuesday, May 12, 10:15 a.m.
- ABCs of World Heritage: Bursa, Turkey, Wednesday, May 13, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
- Bricks Contest – “Summer Around the Missions”, Contest period May 14 – July 6
- Conversations on World Heritage: “Who are the Real Monsters?”, Thursday, May 28, 6 – 8 p.m.
Learn More