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.(Members, please contact Visitor Services at 210-223-9800 for discount codes.)
May
Preservation Academy Interactive Studio: Wood Window Repair
Saturday, May 16, 2026
9:00am – 12:00pm
FREE with RSVP
Join Villa Finale and the City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation for a hands‑on, interactive workshop focused on an essential—but often overlooked—aspect of caring for older homes: wood window repair. Meet skilled window artisans and explore tools and techniques including glass repair, deglazing and reglazing, and wood repair. Whether you’re an experienced homeowner or simply curious about preservation skills, this event offers practical guidance and up‑close learning. Light refreshments will be served, and attendees are welcome to come and go during the three‑hour event. Part of San Antonio’s Preservation Month.
June
Villa Finale: Behind-the-Scenes
Friday, June 12, 2026
6:30pm – 8:00pm
$18.00 members / $20.00 non-members
Ideal for repeat visitors to Villa Finale, this insider tour features stories about the house, its past inhabitants, and staff experiences: no two tours are the same! Led by Villa Finale’s curator who loves telling stories from her nearly two decades at the site, guests will also get the rare opportunity to explore parts of this magical home that are not seen during regular tours, plus other staff-only areas. This unique experience includes a beverage on one of our balconies (weather permitting). (Capacity is limited. This experience requires standing and climbing stairs. Comfortable, close-toed shoes are a must.)
“Silent Summers”: Alice Howell comedy shorts
Friday, June 26, 2026
6:30pm – 8:30pm
FREE with RSVP
This year we highlight the ladies of silent comedy! The evening begins with a presentation about Alice Howell, the nearly forgotten frizzy-haired slapstick comic whose on-screen working girl character always found herself in awkward situations. Audience in attendance will then experience Howell’s comedic genius with a screening of three of her earliest shorts! The evening concludes with our popular “Silent Expressions” activity where people can act out a still of their own silent film! Drinks and snacks will be available for a suggested donation. (All ages welcome. In the Mathis Gallery.)
(Capacity is limited. Please do not RSVP if you cannot attend.)
July
“Silent Summers”: Mabel Normand in “The Extra Girl” (1923)
Friday, July 17, 2026
6:30pm – 8:30pm
FREE with RSVP
Our second film of the summer stars actress, comedienne, director and screenwriter, Mabel Normand in The Extra Girl, in which she plays a small-town girl who travels to Hollywood to become a star and escape marriage. The program begins with a short presentation about the talented Normand who was often caught in scandal, followed by the film. The evening concludes with our popular “Silent Expressions” activity where people can act out a still of their own silent film! Drinks and snacks will be available for a suggested donation. (All ages welcome. In the Mathis Gallery.) Film running time: 68 minutes
(Capacity is limited. Please do not RSVP if you cannot attend.)
“Interpreting History: From Bronze Plaques to Public Art”
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
6:00pm – 7:30pm
(Doors open: 5:45pm)
Members FREE / $10.00 non-members
Villa Finale Executive Director, Vince Michael will share his insights from three decades of studying how historic places are interpreted through signs, statuary, dioramas, digital recreations and living history, with examples from around the world.
August
“Walter Mathis Day”
Thursday, August 13, 2026
6:00pm – 7:30pm
Members FREE / $10.00 non-member
In honor of what would’ve been Mathis’ 107th birthday, Villa Finale has assembled a panel of friends and family who will share remembrances and anecdotes about Walter Mathis’ life and personality.
“Silent Summers”: Sparrows, starring Mary Pickford (1926)
Thursday, August 27, 2026
6:30pm – 8:30pm
FREE with RSVP
For our final film of the summer, we feature what is considered one of Mary Pickford’s best films, Sparrows. Pickford, who was the original “America’s sweetheart,” plays a teenage girl who is a mother figure to her fellow orphans. The children live in squalor on a “baby farm” controlled by an evil overseer. The program begins with a short presentation about Pickford, one of the biggest stars of her day, followed by the film. The evening concludes with our popular “Silent Expressions” activity where people can act out a still of their own silent film! Drinks and snacks will be available for a suggested donation. (All ages welcome. In the Mathis Gallery.) Film running time: 1 hour 24 minutes.
(Capacity is limited. Please do not RSVP if you cannot attend.)
2026 Past Programming
May
Spring Into Art: Artists’ Day at Villa Finale
Saturday, May 2, 2026
10:00am – 4:00pm
FREE with RSVP
Unleash your inner artist in Villa Finale’s gardens!
Step into our historic grounds and let the colors, textures, and atmosphere inspire your imagination. Whether you paint, sketch, draw, or dabble in mixed media, you’re invited to make our gardens your open‑air studio. Come anytime during our public hours, set up wherever inspiration strikes, and create at your own pace. Just bring your favorite supplies — we’ll provide the scenery. Free with RSVP. (Artists are responsible for protecting walkways, benches, and other museum outdoor furnishings.)
April
Friends Retreat at the King William Fair
Saturday, April 25, 2026
10:00am (or concluding the King William Parade) – 4:00pm
Included with Friends of Villa Finale Membership!
A perk of Villa Finale “Friends” membership, enjoy the respite of our shaded grounds with complimentary food and beverages during the King William Fair! (Fair admission sold separately). Visit the “Support” section for more information or to purchase your membership.
March
Institute of Classical Architecture & Art at Villa Finale
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
5:30pm – 8:00pm
Villa Finale and ICAA members FREE / $20 non-member
Enjoy a reception on our grounds with hors d’oeuvres and beverages while you mingle with lovers of architecture. Attendees will learn about the planning and construction of the Mathis Gallery at Villa Finale by Michael Imber, Architects. Speakers include Alice Arnn of Michael Imber, Architects and Executive Director Emerita, Jane Lewis. This is an ideal event for those seeking more knowledge about design and construction.
“Hello From the Other Side” Spiritualism Workshop and Spring Séance with The Austin Séance
Saturday, March 21, 2026
6:00pm – 9:00pm (welcome reception 5:00pm)
$30.00 Villa Finale and Austin Séance Patreon members / $35.00 non-member
The Austin Séance will lead a spiritualism workshop in our Mathis Gallery. After an intermission, a live séance will be conducted in our Napoleon Parlors. Enjoy a cocktail and learn about the history of spiritualism in America. Who knows who will make contact! Light snacks and adult beverages included. 13+ only, please.
“¡Viva la Vida!”: A Spring Celebration of Acoustic Music
Saturday, March 28, 2026
3:00pm – 7:00pm
$15.00 member / $20.00 non-member
Spread out your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy incredible local acts blending flamenco, country, bossa nova, elegant classical guitar, and more. Sip something refreshing from our bar, unpack your own picnic, or treat yourself to delicious bites available on-site.
Villa Finale wishes to thank the following for sponsoring !Viva la Vida!:
Elite Acoustics
Guitar Tex
Orsinger Law
Rodolfo Rosales
Rosales Muffler
February
“Isn’t It Romantic?” Valentine’s Parlor Concert Featuring the Vocal Talents of Ken Slavin (with Barry Brake on piano)
Friday, February 13, 2026
6:30pm -8:30pm
(Sheridan gate opens at 6:00pm for welcome reception)
$30 member / $35 non-member
Held in 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!
History of Historic Districts with Vince Michael
Thursday, February 19, 2026
5:30pm – 6:30pm
Members FREE / $5 non-members
Did you know that our Executive Director, Vince Michael, wrote his dissertation on the history of historic districts? Vince will describe how historic districts evolved from 1920s antiquarian concerns to become community development tools in the late 20th century, and how Walter Mathis and Villa Finale tell the story of that transformation. Join us for this lively lecture with our new ED!
Discovery Day at Villa Finale: Experience the Beauty … for Free!
Thursday, February 26, 2026
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Walk up to Villa Finale’s front door for your free experience!
Villa Finale will be closed to the public on the morning of February 26th, but we’re opening our doors that afternoon with a special thank you to the community. From 1:00pm – 3:00pm, explore the first floor of this historic treasure absolutely FREE with a self‑guided tour. If you’ve been curious about Villa Finale—or just want a lovely way to spend an afternoon—this is your moment to step inside and discover its charm!
2025 Past Programming
December
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!
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.
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
