By Karenna Reyna
Pulse Staff Reporter
Spring Break 2016 is here! If your plans are local, San Antonio and the surrounding areas offer plenty of activities that won’t break the bank.
A great ‘stay-cation’ would be a visit to the San Antonio missions, recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Four of the five missions, not including the Alamo, are on the South Side. The area is surrounded by the San Antonio River and features bike and walking trails stretching about 16 miles.
Get a historical look at the landmarks that make San Antonio’s culture what it is today. Take special note that all four missions are still active Catholic parishes and conduct Mass on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center is hosting “Las Tesoros de Hoy,” an exhibit honoring four internationally recognized female singers from the West Side of San Antonio. Exhibit hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m to 7 p.m, with free admission. It will include promotion pictures, photos and memorabilia of these artists.
If you have young ones in your life, Spring Break camps and activities are going on at the SA Zoo, your local YMCA, and the SA library, just to name a few!
The Central Library will host a book sale throughout Spring Break week, along with arts and craft times. The DoSeum, the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Witte all have free admission on Tuesdays.
SAMA is hosting an Art Party on Friday, March 11. Director of Education for SAMA Katie Erickson said this event is geared more for college students and adults. It is free with paid museum admission.
“Cash bar for ages 21 and up, and tours are included,” said Erickson.
Palo Alto College is hosting PAC Gives Back, scheduled for Sat., March 12, providing students an opportunity to give back to the community. PAC teamed up with the City of San Antonio to clean up graffiti and litter around the South Side community. PAC has also partnered with Habitat for Humanity to help build a home for a family in need. PAC’s Club Earth is volunteering at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center this year.
These community service projects are open to students, faculty, staff and their families and friends. Sign up forms are available in the Student Life Office, CSC, Room 101, or online at http://wcmsstg.alamo.edu/pac/gives-back-form/
“This gives us a chance to beautify our campus and the area we reside,” said Carlos Cruz, director of Student Life.
An estimated 100 volunteers are expected to attend this event that is celebrating its second year.
For a quick getaway, the Star and Stripes Drive-In Theater is just a 30-minute drive to New Braunfels. Tickets to a double feature are $8 for adults, $5 for children and free for children under the age of three.
Another nearby event is South by Southwest, a 10-day film, music and technology festival held in Austin. Many speakers, including President Obama, will be kicking off the interactive portion of the festival on Friday, March 11, to talk about civic engagement in the 21st century. Others include CEO of Vox Media Jim Bankoff, CNN Host Anthony Bourdaine, New Yorker writer Maria Kornnikova and many more!
The music and film series has been nationally recognized with over 1,000 artists participating. While some events may charge a cover, plenty of free events are offered. Check out http://explore.sxsw.com/free-2016 for a complete list. Follow SXSW on social media outlets to get updates on showcases, concerts and parties. A Megabus ticket from San Antonio to Austin is as low as $5 for roundtrip.
If you haven’t had a chance to make plans for the upcoming break, you’re not alone. Freshman Alan Flores said he “hasn’t really thought about it.” Many students have not planned any vacations or getaways just yet.
Freshman Gus Gonzalez said he will definitely take this time to “vacation from school.” He plans to catch up on sleep this break.
Whatever you have in store, the key is to enjoy, relax and be safe!
pacpulse.com 