Events
What's on at Villa Finale
All tickets are non-refundable or exchangeable if not canceled within 48 hours of event date. Any exchanges must be solely handled through Villa Finale.
November
¡Viva la Vida! A Celebration of Acoustic Music at Villa Finale
Saturday, November 8, 2025
4:00pm – 8:30pm
$15.00 members / $20.00 non-members
Step into the charm of Villa Finale’s historic gardens and let the magic of live acoustic music sweep you away. Spread out your lawn chairs and blankets beneath the shade of our lush trees and soak in the sounds of four incredible local acts blending flamenco, country, bossa nova, elegant classical guitar, and more.
Sip something refreshing from our cash bar, unpack your own picnic, or treat yourself to delicious bites available on-site. As the sun sets over the San Antonio River, the air will be filled with music made for unwinding, swaying, and savoring the moment. Don’t just hear the music—feel it!
Artists slated to perform:
“Cello Vida” string ensemble: classical, hip hop, world music, rock, and jazz.
Christopher Arispe – flamenco guitarist.
Jorge & Nicole – flamenco, rock, bossa nova, pop and tango.
Ryan Waguespack – Spanish guitar.
December
“Merry Friendsmas” Friends of Villa Finale Christmas Party
Thursday, December 4, 2025
5:30pm – 7:30pm
(Included with active membership.)
Our annual holiday party for Villa Finale members. Please RSVP at (210) 223-9800 by Thursday, November 27, 2025. Call to purchase your membership or to renew.
King William Holiday Home Tour
Saturday, December 6, 2025
11:00am – 4:00pm
$15.00 members / $20.00 non-members
Admissions purchased through the King William Association Villa Finale will be one of the homes featured in the traditional King William Holiday Home tour. To purchase or for more information, please visit the King William Association website: https://www.ourkwa.org/holiday-home-tour
Christmas Cookies and Herring Salad: Christmas in King William
Sunday, December 7, 2025
2:00pm – 3:30pm
$5.00 members / $10.00 non-members
Take a captivating journey back in time with Sallie Schuchard Thomas and Maria Watson Pfeiffer, who spent their childhoods in King William long before First Fridays and tour buses! Come to Villa Finale and learn about Christmas traditions based on anise cookies and herring salad, and as many visits to neighbors and relatives as could be crammed into the holiday season! Moderated by cultural anthropologist Michaele Thurgood Haynes, this presentation promises to be a local’s delight. Attendees will receive a complimentary pass for a self-guided tour to view Villa Finale decorated for Christmas during normal hours of operation.
Music for Your Eyes – Holiday! (condensed day-time edition)
Thursday, December 11, 2025
3:00pm – 4:00pm
$12.00 members / $15.00 non-members
Replacing our normal offering for “Guided Tour Thursdays,” this special edition of Villa Finale’s popular Music for Your Eyes – Holiday! is the condensed version of the normal nighttime edition, for those enjoying an afternoon out. Villa Finale’s curator will demonstrate many of the music machines in the collection while recounting the history of Christmas music and traditions. Visitors may also be asked to share a special holiday recollection or two!
Admission to this tour can only be purchased at the Mathis Gallery.
Ken Slavin Christmas Parlor Concert & Reception
Friday, December 12, 2025
6:30pm – 7:30pm performance; 7:30 – 8:00pm reception
$30.00 members / $35.00 non-members
Deck the halls at Villa Finale with the vocal talents of the charismatic Ken Slavin! Ken, with Barry Brake on piano, will have the audience full of Christmas cheer in our decorated Napoleon Parlors. Ken and Barry’s renditions of holiday classics can fill any Grinch’s heart with holiday joy. Concluding the performance, the audience will be treated to an intimate reception in the Mathis Gallery. Don’t miss Ken’s first ever Christmas concert at Villa Finale!
Music for Your Eyes – Holiday!
Thursday, December 18, 2025
6:30pm – 8:00pm
$25.00 members / $30.00 non-members
This holiday evening experience highlights the music machines in the museum’s collection with demonstrations of unique music boxes, antique turntables, and stories of Christmases past. Led by Villa Finale’s curator, guests will be treated to a glass of champagne as they enjoy a fifteen-minute concert of traditional holiday songs played on our automated 1921 Bechstein-Welte reproducing piano. Experience the holiday magic of Villa Finale during this unique nighttime experience!
2025 Past Programming
October
Living Heritage: A Día de Muertos Presentation by Araminta Romero
Friday, October 3, 2025
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Villa Finale Members Free with RSVP / $10.00 non-members
Join us for an intimate and visually rich evening celebrating the evolution of one of Mexico’s most beloved traditions, Día de Muertos. Through fashion, storytelling, and cultural memory, designer and founder Araminta Romero will share the inspiration behind her Inspiring Heritage collection, an homage to the icons, values, and shared memories that give this tradition its enduring power. The evening will include a video presentation of the collection, a brief Catrina glam makeup tutorial, and a conversation about the meaning behind the symbolism.
Romero is the creative force behind iLaCatrina LLC, a cultural fashion project that has been featured on international stages including New York Fashion Week, the Liberty Hotel in Boston, and landmark venues throughout San Antonio. If possible, a few live Catrinas may also appear carrying the Mexican flag as a tribute.
A Q and A will follow the presentation. All are welcome to learn, ask, and celebrate this living tradition together.
Texas Spirit Gathering at Villa Finale
Saturday, October 18, 2025
1:00pm – 9:00pm
All-Access Pass: $70.00 Villa Finale & Austin Séance Patreon members / $85.00 non-members
Outdoor activities: Free
The Texas Spirit Gathering is a day-long symposium-style event that brings together leading experts on occult and spiritualist history. Expert and academic lecturers will be speaking on vampire history, a Marian apparition in the United States, spirit photography, ghost hunting, Ouija history and more. The Texas Spirit Gathering also features workshops, a magic lantern presentation of historic spirit photographs, children’s activities, a vendor’s market, and ghost hunts! The All-Access Pass entitles ticket-holders admission to all indoor workshops and lectures, while mini outdoor lectures, vendors market, and children’s activities taking place throughout Villa Finale’s grounds are free for everyone to enjoy!
Villa Finale members, enter your special code at checkout to receive your discount!
(Please call Villa Finale to receive your member discount code.)
September
“San Antonio Through a Camera Lens”: The Photography of Al Rendon
Thursday, September 18, 2025
6:30pm – 7:30pm
King William Association Members Free with RSVP / $10.00 general admission
Step into the soul of San Antonio—one frame at a time. For over 40 years, renowned local photographer Al Rendon has immortalized the people, culture, and spirit of our vibrant city through his powerful images. On Thursday, September 18th, join us for an unforgettable evening as Al shares a captivating slideshow of iconic moments, rare glimpses, and behind-the-scenes stories that bring San Antonio’s rich heritage to life. This is more than photography – it’s a celebration of the city we call home.
August
“Silent Summers”: The General (1926)
Thursday, August 7, 2025
5:30pm – 7:30pm
FREE WITH RSVP (space limited)
The last film in our series is Buster Keaton’s classic The General. A short presentation about the history of the film begins the evening, followed by the screening, and concluding with a fun “you be the silent star” activity! Drinks & snacks available for a suggested donation. (All ages welcome. In the Mathis Gallery.)
Walther Mathis Day
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
10:00am – 3:00pm
Included with Tour Admission
In honor of Walter Mathis’ Birthday, tour-goers will receive ice cream with the purchase of admission.
“Connecting Through Art”: Young Professionals Mixer
Thursday, August 28, 2025
6:30pm – 8:30pm
$5.00 per person with RSVP (Space Limited)
Young professionals looking to connect through a shared love of art, history, and culture are encouraged to attend this fun evening of community with a self-guided tour, presentation, beverages, and door prizes!
July
“Prints & Pints”: The Art of the Speakeasy
Friday, July 11, 2025
6:30pm – 8:00pm
This entertaining evening of art and history begins with a presentation on Billy Keilman, Villa Finale’s most infamous owner (1924 – 1925) who ran a speakeasy from the home’s basement! Attendees will then learn to create their own print, appropriate to the night’s theme. Snacks and beer included! (21+ only)
$20.00 member / $25.00 non-member
“Silent Summers”: The Kid (1921)
Saturday, July 26, 2025
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Our second silent screening, The Kid, was written and directed by Charles Chaplin, his first feature length film. The evening begins with a presentation covering the historical importance of this classic, followed by the screening, and an activity for all. Drinks & snacks available for a suggested donation. (All ages welcome. In the Mathis Gallery.) Film running time: 1 hour 8 minutes
FREE WITH RSVP (Capacity is limited.)
June
From Bridgerton to Miss Austen: Fashion of the Regency Era
Saturday, June 14, 2025
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Join us in our new Mathis Gallery as Dr. Michaele Haynes introduces us to the fashion of the Regency era (1811-1820) recently made popular by shows like Bridgerton and PBS’s Miss Austen. Refreshments included!
$15.00 members / $20.00 non-member
“Silent Summers”: Safety Last (1923)
Friday, June 27, 2025
6:30pm – 8:30pm
We highlight the magic of silent films beginning with this Harold Lloyd classic from 1921! The evening begins with a presentation about Harold Lloyd and the movie’s filming process, followed by the screening, and concluding with a themed activity. Drinks & snacks available for a suggested donation. (All ages welcome. In the Mathis Gallery.) Film running time: 1 hour 13 minutes
FREE WITH RSVP (Capacity is limited.)
May
“Who Done It?” A Murder Mystery: 80s Prom Reunion!
Friday, May 16, 2025
6:30m – 8:30pm
(6:00pm pre-event mixer)
Our new Mathis Gallery doubles as the exclusive location of an 80s-themed high school reunion! Join us for a night of high jinx, totally tubular music, and murder! (Includes snacks and beverages. 1980s fashions like, totally encouraged!)
$25.00 member / $30.00 non-member
Villa Finale’s Friends Retreat at the King William Fair
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Approx. 10:00am (concluding parade) – 4:00pm
“Friends of Villa Finale” are invited to enjoy the respite of Villa Finale’s shaded grounds and complimentary food and beverages during the King William Fair. Our front gate will open for entry following the King William Parade, with “come-and go” admission for Friends until 4:00pm. Admission to the King William Fair is sold separately by the King William Association. Please contact us at (210) 223-9800 or villafinale@villafinale.org to RSVP or to renew your Friends of Villa Finale membership.
Free with Friends of Villa Finale Membership