The Art Walk begins on South Alamo Street and takes a route that ends at the Blue Star Arts Complex

Folks living in or visiting San Antonio, Texas who are art lovers look forward to the monthly Art Walk that the city hosts. Usually the Art Walk is held of the first Friday of each month with the idea of promoting original art done by San Antonio locals. The Art Walk provides unknown artists with a forum to showcase their work and gain recognition of their talent. The city, by sponsoring the Art Walk offers encouragement to San Antonio's cultural scene and nourishment to the art community by bringing artists together. Southtown is the area of San Antonio where the Art Walk occurs. Within Southtown is the San Antonio's Art District that is packed with museums, shopping and art galleries.

The Art Walk begins on South Alamo Street (map) and takes a route that ends at the Blue Star Arts Complex. Attendees of the Art Walk are a mix of locals and tourists who all enjoy being able to soak up the culture while meeting new people. It is a very friendly type outing. Over the year several thousand people enjoy the Art Walk and participating artists gain exposure that is priceless to them. Frequently, these local artists bring new works each week, keeping the exhibitions from becoming stale.

Most of the participating galleries are within steps of one another and all are in walking distance. Participating galleries are open from 6 PM to 10 PM the night of the Art Walk. Art lovers can wander from exhibit to exhibit, discover new favorites and have a wonderful evening.

But, the Art Walk is more than just a way to see the latest offerings from San Antonio's art scene. Perhaps the best way to describe the First Friday Art Walk is to liken it to a huge and fun block party.

Throughout the walk are many local live bands who play many kinds of music, including jazz, country, R&B and even Tango. The music that fills the streets provide a festival type ambiance for the Art Walk. In fact, many locals come back often and sometimes outnumber tourists. Let's not forget food either! It is a "Taste of San Antonio" with foods from street vendors along with samplings from fine restaurants.

When vendors apply for a permit to display and sell items they must present a creative way that they will follow to contribute to Art Walk festivities. It can be done by art, food, culture or music. It the vendor's concept is not approved, no permit is issued. This helps to create a festive, cultural and safe environment for all visitors to the Art Walk to enjoy.

The Art Walk is a great way to spend an evening of culture and entertainment, enjoy great food and then have the opportunity to walk off the calories. If you have not done the Art Walk yet, go on the next one.

The Art Walk is a free self-guided event.