Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center

We when here for the first time for the Mariachis Noches De Romance and the music was great but, we paid more for what looked like better sitting and ended up being not only uncomfortable chairs but, really bad to see the show. The sound system was not good at all and the lighting effects were annoying, instead of shining the stage they were in the audience the whole night. After complaining about the dissatisfaction with the sitting situation, we were move and then we were able to see the show. I probably will not go to another event or definitely will not pay more and just stay with the cheapest ticket seats.

I saw this beautiful mosaic online and had to seek it out. Definitely worth it! The colors and size was just wow, pictures don't do it justice.

Gino does an awesome job with the mariachi kids. What a gem to have in the Westside.

Enjoyed the art, church, and Lady Guadalupe mosaic in the Guadalupe Cultural Arts District.

It's always a good time when family and friends gather at the Guadalupe Culture events...had a blast!

Largest mural in the world of the Lady of Guadeloupe - Mary in a tiny park. Really cool. Drive around the block to the maps directions.

My daughter attended the mariachi camp, 2023 This place was really nice

This place is fantastic for those-both young and old-to learn traditional dance. My son goes here and loves his folklorico class! They also have lots of fantastic shows the first Friday of each month. The shows each month are different, so you can get a good taste for the variety of folklorico and music that exists in this rich culture.

We attended a performance of Crystal City 1969 on Friday. The chairs were not comfortable and inadequate room was between rows to pass the people sitting in the seats even if they stood.up for you. The subject matter of the play was interesting, and the cast did a great job. At the end of the play one of the actors said"to the gringos in the audience" and stuck his middle finger up then stated "up yours". This was uncalled for and a very rude gesture to any white people in the audience. One of the male speakers after the show was evidently a dreamer who has had years to have become a citizen, but has not and bashes this country where he has had achieved hinges he may not have achieved had his family been deported. He kept stressing that he is not allowed to vote which is a civil duty of legal citizens. Too bad he turned it into the liberal agenda.

The fact that we still have some sorta cultural arts center in a city that still caters to sports and metal is no small feat. The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is living proof that there is still a need for the arts in our city and that local grassroots businesses can still thrive here. I went to the Cine-festival on this night, to catch a movie about masked wrestlers and then a full length feature movie. The venue is really nice, looks like a theater from days of old. It's pretty bare bones. One of the caveats here is the parking situation. When they have music, theatrical or cine events the parking situation can prove to be hairy here. You can park alongside the theater, like most patrons do to avoid the dirt way parking provided by the theater. My advice is to get there super early so you can get the best parking and also seating for any event. The last minute stragglers are usually the ones you hear gasping, sighing or rolling their eyes. But like the old adage, which is the case with most situations, "the early bird does indeed get the worm." Another bit of concern and contention are the concession prices. On this day I bought a bucket of popcorn smaller than the one you would get a the Regal for 8 bucks. And on top of that the brewskies are not cheap here either. But my understanding is that most of those monies go back into funding the center, so buy at least one thing, it will be for a good cause. The seating is kinda interesting too. Since it wavers between a venue for music and movies your view can be obstructed. And if you are a shorty like me, it just takes some tall Flint-stone headed person to ruin your experience. Again, choose your seating wisely; get there early to prevent this. Given all this you say why do I give it a 5 star rating? Because unlike other venues this is really an intimate setting to see entertainment. Big name producers, filmmakers clammer to get their films shown here. On this night I saw David Riker's excellent film, "The Girl". What made this night truly special is a few seats away the director was checking out the movie with the rest of the audience. It made the experience that much greater. What was also a nice touch is that after the Q and A, the theater allows you to speak to the director. Other events I have been to in the past prohibit any interaction with directors or entertainers. The vibe of the theater allows you to enjoy the event up-close and personal. They truly take the experience of the patron to heart and value that relationship. While there are still some cultural venues in our city we actually need more like this one. When the arts dies in this city, its unique spirit will leave also. Think Globally. Support Locally.

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is beautiful with dramatic classic theater entrance. The building is historic with a touch of Spanish ambiance culture. I was invited to the 40th Annual Cine Festival where we saw the film Summer 1993. In the event they offered cocktails, appetizers and chance to meet local film makers. I had such a great time and very glad to have been part of this event. Thank you!

Came here to watch a screening of "Summer 1993". As I pulled up, the neighborhood looked a little sketchy so I was a bit unsure. Parking was free along the street. The theater was definitely cultural! Lots of seating, clean bathrooms and very nice staff. The movie was quite interesting, too. There was sodas and popcorn for purchase (although I didn't have any). They have a place across the street where they hold more of the food, drinks and hang out after the movie, which was pretty cool. It's a place you want to experience if you are into the whole culture aspect of movies and theater with friends!

Pinatas in the Barrio is one of the better, family-oriented Fiesta events. It showcases local talent, mainly conjunto and various dance troupes. Rey Feo and his court show up to address the crowd, as well as most local politicians running for office in May. Many vendors selling earrings, bracelets, posters, etc. if you want something Spurs-related, they've got it. I purchased a skull necklace adorned with the Spurs logo. Cute. You buy tickets for drinks ($3 for Bud and Bud Light). Cash for food: turkey legs, gorditas, sausage in a tortilla and the ever-present funnel cake. Of course sodas and water, $2. This year wasn't very crowded. Damn threatening weather. We got a couple of drizzles. We had a great spot for our chairs. Be sure and bring your own chair. Other seating is limited. A nice event. Go next year. It happens the first Saturday of Fiesta in Guadalupe Plaza right near the Guadalupe Cultural Center.

A cultural gem on the west side of San Antonio! This theater is old and historic. It's got a great vibe to it, showcasing the city's culture. The walls are decorated to look like an old Mexican villa. It's beautiful! They hold a lot of different events here, from concerts to art shows. There aren't any seats in this theater, so be prepared to stand. They do have some areas that you can sit, but those are few and far between. They have a concession stand that sells beer, sodas and snacks. Fortunately, the theater isn't strict about bringing in your drinks to the theater! There are plenty of restrooms to accommodate the crowds that show up here. It's air conditioned too! Parking can be challenging if you park along Guadalupe St. But if you park behind the theater, there's plenty of places. Be sure to check out the giant Virgin of Guadalupe candle next door when you visit!

Get a glove and get in the game Osborne! If you are a local and I mean lived here for at least 15 years than you are steeped enough into the culture to know that you must bring the kiddies down here one afternoon to get a look see at some of the art and culture this town provides. You might even get a decent taco or two, I'm not sure if these people down here can cook or not. Plenty of little galleries, small theaters, and the plaza to stroll around in. Anyway if you are lucky enough to steal away from the endless supply of chain restaurants, book stores, Old Navy's and nail salons in the Northside for one day you might consider the action on the Westside to show your kids where your dad and uncle used to hang out in the closed up welding shop on Guadalupe St. You 'member! Da le chine vato!

Fantastic venue to celebrate the Latino come-festival. Very quaint and surprisingly clean for an all volunteer staff. Loved the presentation and post presentation food fair.

Small and cozy theatre located in the heart of the west side of San Antonio. Perfect location to enjoy local talent. Concessions are available. Located outside is a playground and outdoor performance areas. Great community area dedicated to the Latino and San Antonio Culture.

I've been to two events at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and both were seemingly brought together by a group of volunteers, on a limited budget, but with enormous amounts of passion. I went to CineFestival last year, the biggest Latin American film festival in the US. It all cost less than $80 to attend unlimited screenings. That's such a great deal. More recently I attended La Gran Tamalada, where they teach the history, the cultural importance, and the traditions surrounding the tamal. The presentation is followed by a hands on portion where you get to make your own tamales to take and cook at home. I picked up some flyers on my way out and realized they do cultural music, dance, and art classes at the center. I am definitely going to look into that. Parking can be a little tricky, but like others have mentioned, come early and it won't be a problem! Thank you Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center for doing what you do! The events always leave me with a really deep appreciation for the Hispanic culture and the history of the city.

One of my favorite places to spend 1st Fridays in San Antonio. The show, the music, the costumes, the dancing, and the food are all worth experiencing. Not to mention that the owner and the staff are some of the nicest people I've had the pleasure of meeting here. Now that I'm leaving Texas I will truly miss this place but I look forward to visiting next year. If you're in San Antonio on a 1st Friday or for a weekend you should definitely check this place out.

A beautiful site to the West-side of San Antonio. Incarnation for what it means to have cultura is what the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center embodies for me. There are paid events but they also benefit and provide free events here for the local and extended community. A place to support and visit.

This place is amazing. When people come to visit I always swing them by here to see the Virgen candle mosaic. It's absolutely breathtaking. I also came to a pecha kucha (sp?) event here that was held in the theater and had a good time. I love what they've done to keep these buildings alive and nice looking while maintaining the feel from the era the were built. Come by at bare minimum to see the candle, but try to catch an event here so you can interact with the wonderful people and get to see the building too.

This review is only for the world largest Virgin Mary Mosaic (40 feet tall). It took me a while to find it, but it was worth a trip.

Great place for a Fiesta Event! Nice amphitheater type seating to watch a dance performance. A few trees scattered here & there for shade. Great areas for food vendors to share their yummy stuff. Beautiful tiling on the outside wall that faces the street.

I've been coming here since I was a kid doing performances and attending cultural events from music to theatre. The Guadalupe is the place to get a strong dose of San Anto culture especially when you feel you've been there, done that on the Riverwalk and the Alamo. Now, many years later, my daughter is enjoying activities at the Guadalupe and getting a strong sense of cultural pride due to the wonderful cultural events they host. There's something for everyone. My mom also enjoys coming here and the diverse crowd this place attracts is evident at all their events. I've been here more times than any other attraction all year. This year, my daughter attended summer camp, I went to an exhibit opening, we loved their Day of the Dead event and just this weekend attended their Hecho a Mano event. I saw Las Nuevas Tamaleras play and lmao. Now I'm looking forward to La Gran Tamalada this weekend. Never a dull moment!

You invariably start late! Respect people's time. Here to see No Es Justo. Also, the music you played while we waited was conjunto music and you missed the opportunity to play great protest music of the era! Thanks for selling popcorn and drinks, that's helpful.

In a matter of just five years, the center has established itself as a public treasure for the city of San Antonio. A combination of efforts by volunteers and talented executives like Patty Ortiz and Chris Davila has yielded a project that draws together audiences from across the city. It's not cliqueish or conceited or any of the things that keep regular people away from galleries.Contemporary art now has a home on the West side of San Antonio. Stay current with the center's events... or risk missing out on some of the finest free entertainment in the city. A must-see for visitors and locals alike.