San Antonio's costumed cumbia rave is getting a second shot this weekend. Cumbiaween: Back from the Dead, originally rained out during Halloween weekend, is set to take over Sunken Garden Theater from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, November 14, with a costume contest, food trucks and a night market.
The rescheduled date comes after weather forced a postponement of the original event, according to ArtScene SA. As San Antonio Current reports, organizers behind the event put it simply: rain tried to stop Cumbiaween, but cumbia never dies. The outlet also notes organizers said attendees' costumes deserve a spin around the cumbia circle, a nod to the party's roots as Disco Al Fresco's annual spooky cumbia costume party under the stars.
What's Planned for the Rescheduled Night
The all-ages event invites guests to bring back their Halloween costumes or simply come as they are, per the same ArtScene SA listing. Adult admission is $15, while children 15 and under get in free, according to San Antonio Current's reporting. The costume contest carries a $250 cash prize for whoever takes best costume, the same source notes.
Beyond the dance floor, the night includes food trucks and a pop-up night market, the report states. Parking is free, and coolers and picnics are welcome, per the same account — though the two listings for the event diverge on the specifics of alcohol. ArtScene SA describes BYOB for guests 21 and older, while the Brackenridge Park Conservancy listing states that no alcohol is sold on site. San Antonio Current separately reports that glass is not allowed and that costumes are not required for attendees.
A Collaboration Rooted in Rolling Disco Parties
Cumbiaween: Back from the Dead is a collaboration between the Brackenridge Park Conservancy and the minds behind Soundcream Airstream, a rolling disco party that formerly held select events at the Pearl complex, according to San Antonio Current. The Conservancy's own listing describes the gathering as a spooky cumbia costume party under the stars at Sunken Garden Theater, and adds that coolers are permitted and the event is pet friendly.
The two listings also differ on who's behind the turntables. ArtScene SA lists live music by Gio Chamba with DJ sets by HELIOS, while the Brackenridge Park Conservancy listing instead names a lively cumbia DJ set by Ella Ella. Which lineup will actually take the stage Saturday isn't clear from either listing.
Getting There
Sunken Garden Theater sits inside Brackenridge Park, and with free parking on offer, organizers appear to be banking on a full house for the do-over date. San Antonio Current, which has served as the free, independent voice of San Antonio since 1986, notes that readers can support its local arts coverage through a supporter membership starting at $5 a month.
