Programs
What's on at Villa Finale
DECEMBER
King William Holiday Home Tour
Saturday, December 2nd
11:00am – 5:00pm
The much beloved King William Holiday Home Tour is back! Gather your friends and family for this holiday tradition and take this opportunity to view 8 beautiful homes in King William – including Villa Finale!
This event is hosted by the King William Association.
Merry Friendsmas
Thursday, December 7th
5:30pm – 7:00pm
Join us on December 7th for our Merry Friendsmas holiday party! This members-only fete will welcome the celebratory season with drinks, delicious food, and festive music.
Call us at (210) 223-9800 to check your membership or to join the Friends of Villa Finale!
Music For Your Eyes – Holiday!
Wednesday, December 13th
Wednesday, December 20th
$20 member / $25 non-member
6:30pm – 8:00pm
This holiday evening experience highlights the music machines in the museum’s collection with demonstrations of unique music boxes, antique turntables, and more. 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.
Please call Visitor Services at (210) 223-9800 to purchase your tickets.
Villa Finale Holiday Open House
Friday, December 15th
5:30pm – 7:30pm
FREE
The celebratory season means holiday décor at Villa Finale, and we want to share the spirit of the season! Join us for our second annual free holiday open house and enjoy first floor access to this beautiful historic home and its festive finery.
FEBRUARY
"Isn't It Romantic?"
A Live Parlor ConcertFeaturing the Vocal Talents of Ken Slavin
Friday, February 10th6:30pm - 8:30pmGates open at 6:00pm$25 member / $30 non-member
Experience the romance of Villa Finale with an intimate Valentine’s concert performed by Ken Slavin and accompanied by pianist Barry Brake!
Every seat will be a front row seat at this virtual concert! Join us for this truly enchanted evening!
———
From our elegant Napoleon Parlors, Mr. Slavin will perform an array of popular love songs ideal for sweethearts, hopeful romantics, and lovers of romantic melodies. This concert will enchant the audience with songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Cole Porter, and more.
MARCH
The Austin Séance is back at Villa Finale for a special anniversary paranormal exploration and live séance!
Villa Finale is proud to present this incredible evening on the 175th anniversary of the first séance in America. This presentation by the renowned Austin Séance will feature a brief introduction to the history of spiritualism, a paranormal exploration of the historic Villa Finale property – including the fabled basement and nearby Meusebach House – and a guided live séance.
Enjoy a cocktail and commune with a spirit or two as we celebrate the history of spiritualism in America!
When:
Friday, March 31st
7:30pm – 9:30pm (gate opens at 7:00pm)
Where:
Villa Finale: Museum & Gardens
401 King William
Light snacks and adult beverages included. 13+ only please. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
$25 members; $30 non-members
JUNE
Join Us For
An Evening With Jane Lewis
Executive Director of
Villa Finale: Museum & Gardens
Thursday, June 22nd
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Enjoy an intimate evening tour of historic Villa Finale with longtime Executive Director, Jane Lewis.
Hear behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes while exploring this 1876 mansion – the only site of the National Trust For Historic Preservation in Texas. The ultimate insider’s perspective!
$20 member/$25 non-member
Please call (210) 223-9800 for additional information. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are extremely limited.
This program may include both indoor and outdoor experiences and includes stairs.
SEPTEMBER
Join Us For
Getting to Know...ARCHITECTURE
With Architect and Former University of Texas at San Antonio Professor of Architecture Practice, Rick Lewis
Saturday, September 23, 2023
10:30am – 12:00pm
Join us for this insightful tour of Villa Finale’s unique architectural details with noted architect and academic, Rick Lewis. Learn about the construction, rehabilitation, and on-going preservation of this grand historic home – the only site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Texas.
$10 Students / $15 Members / $20 Non-Members
OCTOBER
Introducing Villa Finale – With Doug & Sara!
Friday, October 6th
6:00pm – 7:00pm
$10 member/$15 non-member
Introduce yourself to Villa Finale with Museum Interpreters Doug Daye and Sara Taylor. Hear personal stories and anecdotes and enjoy an up-close look at favorite objects in the Villa Finale collection on this very relaxed evening tour. This is the perfect tour for those who have never been to Villa Finale!
Ouija Boards: A Workshop for the Mind and Spirit
Saturday, October 14th
3:00pm – 4:00pm
$10 member/$15 non-member
Join Albert Lucio and Jake Cordero of The Austin Séance for a hands-on workshop on the use and history of the fascinating divinatory Ouija board.
Tarot Reading with Nicholas Fuqua
Saturday, October 14th
5:30pm – 7:00pm
$15 member/$20 non-member
Meet Tarot reader Nicholas Fuqua and settle in for a deep investigation of your current circumstances and the opportunity to delve into the potentials and possibilities of the direction you’re headed.
Hello From the Other Side: A History of Spiritualism and a Live Séance
Saturday, October 14th
7:00pm – 8:30pm (gates at 6:30)
$30.00 member / $40.00 non-member
This incredible evening will feature a presentation and live seance by The Austin Seance inside historic Villa Finale, built in 1876. Learn about the history of spiritualism in America and commune with a spirit or two.
“Who Done It?” A Murder Mystery at Villa Finale
Saturday, October 21st
6:30pm – 8:30pm
$25.00 member / $35.00 non-member
There’s been a murder committed at historic Villa Finale and it’s up to you to solve the crime! Join us for this macabre evening and enjoy refreshments, adult beverages, and murder mystery mayhem!
Pumpkin Carving Workshop
Saturday, October 28th
10:00am -11:30am
$5 child / $10 adult
Calling kids of all ages! This family-friendly outdoor activity will have you ready for the spookiest day of the year with a custom jack o’ lantern of your own design. Supplies included and children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.
Trick or Treat! Halloween at Villa Finale
Tuesday, October 31st
5:30pm – whenever the candy runs out!
Villa Finale continues its now-annual tradition of participating in the King William neighborhood’s trick or treating festivities! Villa Finale staff will be handing out candy, so bring your little ones early and wear your spookiest gear.
NOVEMBER
Maximalism! A How-To Workshop
Saturday, November 4th
10:00am -12:00pm
$10 member / $15 non-member
Museum Interpreters Doug Daye and Sara Taylor dig deep into the maximalism trend (hint: it’s the opposite of minimalism!) and help you achieve this look in your own home with this lighthearted workshop and tour. Coffee and breakfast treats included.
Marie Antoinette: How to Lose Your Fashionable Head
Saturday, November 18th
10:00am – 12:00pm
$20 member / $25 non-member
In this learning lab, former Witte Museum curator, Dr. Michaele Haynes, will discuss the importance of the dress of Marie Antoinette and how her choice in clothing affected the outcome of the French Revolution. Coffee and breakfast treats included.