September
My Chemical Romance: Emo heroes My Chemical Romance have released just four albums in their quarter-century career, but that’s been more than enough to earn them an undying fandom. The band’s current tour celebrates the biggest of them all, 2006’s “The Black Parade,” with a stadium-size theatrical spectacle that, according to Rolling Stone magazine, has left fans “embracing, elated and emotionally exhausted.” Sept. 12, Alamodome, alamodome.com
“I Saw the Lights”: “Greater Tuna” co-creator Jaston Williams’s new show features characters who include a hippie, a socialite and an aquaphobic cowboy. They all have their theories about the mysterious lights that appeared over Lubbock in 1951. Sept. 16, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, tobincenter.org
Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images
Rush: Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Rush are working men once again. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, with drummer Anika Nilles sitting in for the late Neil Peart, are touring in celebration of the band’s 50th anniversary. Reviews from early tour stops were ecstatic, with fans praising 73-year-old Lee’s vocals, Nilles’ drum fills and a set list that changes nightly. Sept. 23 and 25, Frost Bank Center, frostbankcenter.com
Courtesy Atlantic Records
Bruno Mars: Pop star Mars is a hit machine, with five No. 1 songs on his own, including “Locked Out of Heaven,” “Just the Way You Are” and “When I Was Your Man,” and chart-toppers with Mark Ronson (“Uptown Funk”), Silk Sonic (“Leave the Door Open”) and Lady Gaga (“Die With a Smile”). He’s also an old-school entertainer, which should make for a fun night. With “Escapism” singer Raye. Sept. 23, Alamodome, alamodome.com
Jazz’SAlive: The San Antonio Parks Foundation’s free outdoor concerts are always a fall highlight. The lineup typically includes nationally known headliners, regional and local performers, and university bands. Sept. 25-26, Civic Park, Hemisfair, saparks.org
Photo by Valerie Terranova/Getty Images for Bob Woodruff Foundation
Jerry Seinfeld: San Antonio has been a regular stop on comedy superstar Seinfeld’s stand-up tours since his hugely successful sitcom ended in 1998 after nine seasons. His most recent project, the Netflix movie “Unfrosted,” grew out of his longtime obsession with Pop-Tarts. Sept. 25, Majestic Theatre, us.atgtickets.com
“The Addams Family”: This musical based on the ’60s sitcom maintains that show’s creepy, kooky spirit while adding some genuine emotion, as Wednesday invites her new boyfriend to meet her curious family. Relatable. The score includes “Just Around the Corner,” a jolly song about death, and Uncle Fester’s love song to the moon. Sept. 18-Oct. 11, Wonder Theatre, wondertheatre.org
Photo by Hanneke Vollbehr/Getty Images
Bridal and Wedding Expo: Brides-to-be can tackle their to-do list at this expo, which can connect them with wedding professionals across a range of nuptial needs, including venues, wedding cakes, photographers, gowns and tuxes, flowers and DJs. Or find a wedding planner to handle all the details. Sept. 27, Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall B, bridalshowstx-fc.com
Iron Maiden: The British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, which is known for its extravagant concerts, promises a show that could only fit in a stadium for its 50th anniversary tour. The set will draw on the band’s first nine albums, from its self-titled 1980 debut through 1992’s “Fear of the Dark.” Anthrax and Megadeth will open. Sept. 29, Alamodome, alamodome.com
October
“Little Shop of Horrors”: This botanical horror story about a ravenous plant and a love-starved shlub definitely improves on its source material, Roger Corman’s 1960 B-movie. That’s due largely to the songs by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, including the showstopping ballad “Suddenly, Seymour” and the girl group that comments on the goings-on. Oct. 2-31, San Pedro Playhouse, sanpedroplayhouse.org
Courtesy photo by Jeremy Daniel
“The Sound of Music”: The classic Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, based on the lives of the von Trapp family, has all musical theater fans’ favorite things: a love story, comedy, drama and all those great songs, including the title song, “Do-Re-Mi” “So Long, Farewell” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.” The current tour stars off-Broadway and West End veteran Cayleigh Capaldi as Maria. Oct. 6-11, Majestic Theatre, us.atgtickets.com
Gruene Music & Wine Fest: This festival, which benefits United Way of Comal and Guadalupe Counties, is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a packed lineup. Every day is a different adventure, with wine tastings, food, live music and evening concerts. Performers include Robert Earl Keen, Shane Smith and the Saints, and Dos Borrachos, Kevin Fowler & Roger Creager. Oct. 8-11, Gruene Hall and environs, New Braunfels, gruenemusicandwinefest.org
Los Tigres del Norte: The iconic norteño band Los Tigres del Norte returns to San Antonio on its “Los Tigres del Mundo” tour. Immigration is one of Los Tigres’ great subjects, which means the band, which has been performing for six decades, should sound as timely as ever. Oct. 9, Boeing Center at Tech Port, boeingcentertechport.com
“Cinderella”: Opera San Antonio presents Rossini’s adaptation of the classic fairy tale in a production, reportedly inspired by the movies of Texas auteur Wes Anderson, developed by Lyric Opera of Kansas City. In Italian with English supertitles. Oct. 15 and 17, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, operasa.org
Tequila & Tacos Festival: Upscale tequila and mezcal brands and gourmet tacos are the attraction at this foodie fest. Drink samples are included with the price of a ticket, along with live music, lawn games and more. Oct. 17, Hemisfair, toweroftheamericas.com
Fred Wesley and the New JBs: Trombone player and composer Wesley was James Brown’s music director in the late ’60s and early ’70s, so he was present at the birth of funk. He’s also worked with George Clinton and Bootsy Collins. As leader of the New JBs, Wesley released an album titled “From the Blues and Back” in 2023. Oct. 24, Carver Community Cultural Center, thecarver.org
Courtesy The Esquire Tavern
San Antono Burger Bash: Whether you like your burgers smashed or grilled, served with pickles, mustard and a slice of American cheese or piled high with fancy toppings, you’ll find your fix at San Antonio Magazine’s first Burger Bash. You can sample the work of the city’s burger meisters while listening to live music, enjoying a beer or shopping at a local vendors market. Oct. 24, St. Paul Square, sanantoniomag.com
Muertos Fest: This annual Dia de los Muertos celebration showcases dozens of altars paying tribute to departed loved ones. The festival also includes processions, food, a marketplace and a strong lineup of live music on multiple stages. Oct. 23-25, Hemisfair, muertosfest.com
Kpopworld Festival: Fans of “KPop Demon Hunters” and groups like BTS and Blackpink can immerse themselves in the music and culture of South Korea at this multiday event. The festival, presented by KPOPWORLD Magazine, includes two days of concerts by acts including hip-hop artist Jay Park, music and TV personality Jessi, a dance competition and an international vendors village. Oct. 28-31, Alamodome, alamodome.com
“The Etruscans: From the Heart of Ancient Italy”: This fall exhibit focuses on the an ancient civilization in central Italy that had a profound effect on the people of early Rome. (They invented the toga, among other things). The exhibit features almost 200 objects, including ceramics, jewelry and sculpture, some of which were loaned by museums in Italy. Opens Oct. 31, San Antonio Museum of Art, samuseum.org
November
Diwali SA: The traditional Indian Festival of Lights will feature food, art, folk dances, floating candles and fireworks. Nov. 7, Arneson River Theatre and Hemisfair, anujasa.com