Southtown

San Antonio's arts and bohemian neighbourhood, a few blocks south of downtown along South Alamo Street. A mix of art galleries, independent restaurants, vintage shops, and bars in low-slung buildings, with the ornate San Fernando Cemetery and the Blue Star Arts Complex anchoring the southern end. The neighbourhood has a distinctly local feel — less touristic than the River Walk, more creative than the Pearl.

The Blue Star Arts Complex is the focal point: a former industrial building housing galleries, studios, a brewery, and restaurants. First Friday brings the neighbourhood alive on the first Friday of each month. During the day, wander South Alamo for coffee, tacos, and gallery browsing; the neighbourhood is easily walkable from downtown.

things to do neighbourhood
A story
Southtown's arts scene took root in 1994 when a collective of San Antonio artists organised the First Friday Art Walk, a monthly open gallery night that drew crowds to what had been a neglected stretch of South Alamo Street. Three decades later, First Friday still runs on the first Friday of every month and has become one of the most successful community arts events in Texas.