Vintage cars, live music and a petting zoo are heading back to the Sunken Garden Theater as the Brackenridge Park Conservancy throws its third annual Brack Bash on Saturday, Nov. 14. Admission is free and open to everyone, and organizers are encouraging guests to arrive early and stake out a spot with a picnic blanket.
The celebration honors the founding of Brackenridge Park and its lasting place in the community, according to KENS 5, which reports the event runs from noon to 4 p.m. The Brackenridge Park Conservancy's own event listing, however, gives the hours as noon to 3 p.m., so visitors may want to confirm the schedule before heading out. Either way, the gathering will take place at the Sunken Garden Theater, located at 3875 N. St. Mary's St.
What's Planned for This Year's Bash
This year's lineup includes a vintage car show, live music, a petting zoo and face painting, per the station's report. The event will also feature activities hosted by community partners, and food and beverages will be available for purchase. The Conservancy describes Brack Bash as a free, family-friendly event with something for everyone, though it has said additional specifics on the entertainment lineup, participating partners, vendors and activities would be posted closer to the date.
Brackenridge Park itself dates back more than a century. The park was founded in 1899 when philanthropist George W. Brackenridge donated 199 acres of his land holdings, according to the San Antonio Report. The Brackenridge Park Conservancy, which now organizes the annual bash, was established in 2008 by the City of San Antonio and the San Antonio Conservation Society, the outlet notes.
How Past Brack Bashes Have Looked
Prior editions of the event give a sense of what families might expect this time around. The second annual Brack Bash was held at the Sunken Garden Theater on a Saturday in mid-November from noon to 4 p.m., according to the Conservancy's own event archives. The San Antonio Report's coverage of that earlier bash described a classic car show with the Viejitos San Anto car club, a petting zoo and performances from The Dirty River Jazz Band, The Jed Craddock Band and DJ A-Rod.
In 2024, the Conservancy marked a bigger milestone with the Big Brack Bash, celebrating Brackenridge Park's 125th birthday. Texas Public Radio reported that party was also free, running from noon to 5 p.m. with food, music and an antique car show. News 4 San Antonio described that 2024 celebration as featuring live music, local food vendors and a Los Viejitos vintage car show, rounding out a tradition of free, family-oriented programming that this year's Brack Bash looks set to continue.
