FALL in Love with the Briscoe with Loads of Festivals, Events & Fun for the Whole Family
You Are Sure to Fall in Love with The Briscoe this FALL
The Briscoe Western Art Museum is kicking off an exciting fall season filled with new exhibitions, cultural celebrations and hands-on creative experiences for the whole family. From the sweeping history featured in Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps to the powerful photography of Contrast: Jay Dusard’s Black and White West, the Briscoe continues to bring the spirit of the American West to life through engaging exhibitions and community-centered programs.
“Fall is always a magical time at the Briscoe,” said Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum. “Our programs not only celebrate the rich cultural traditions of the West but also invite the community to learn, create and connect in meaningful ways. From art workshops to cultural festivals, each experience is designed to inspire and bring people closer to the stories of the West.”
FEATURED EXHIBITIONS
Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps
Through Jan. 19, 2026
This landmark exhibition explores the history and identity of Texas through 66 rare and original maps from the extraordinary Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection paired with more than 25 artworks from private loans and the Briscoe’s permanent collection. The map collection, on loan from the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross University in Alpine, Texas, reveals how cartography shaped perceptions of the region across centuries. Spanning nearly 500 years, from 1525 to 2006, the collection is widely regarded as one of the most important Texas cartography collections in existence.
Interactive Experience: Visitors can step into the role of a mapmaker through hands-on and digital activities. Trace the paths of early explorers, compare historic maps with modern-day Texas, and explore the artistry behind mapmaking. Families can also enjoy a special activity that teaches how to use a compass, then navigate to discover artworks tied to the history of the Lone Star State.
Contrast: Jay Dusard’s Black and White West
On view through Dec. 31, then March – October 2026
A compelling collection of striking black and white images captured in the mid-1980s, Contrast showcases photographer Jay Dusard’s vision of the West through portraits, landscapes and abstract compositions. Stripped of color, the images highlight the crisp geometry, stark beauty and living traditions of the cowboy way of life and the underlying geometry and grit of the environments and people who define it – showcasing a West that is alive, authentic and deeply human.
Dusard, who passed away in September at the age of 88, leaves behind a profound legacy as one of the American West’s most thoughtful and humane photographers. Born in St. Louis in 1937 and initially trained as an architect, he turned to photography with the belief that each subject’s full context mattered, never reducing people to mug shots but instead placing them thoughtfully within their surroundings. Over a lifetime spent capturing the lives of ranchers, cowboys, cattle and the immensity of the western landscape, Dusard cultivated a distinctive aesthetic grounded in natural light, patience and respect, relying instead on soft, revealing light and a commitment to environmental portraiture instead of using artificial lighting or reflectors.
Made possible through the generosity of Keely and Byron Jay Lewis, this transformative exhibition is on view through Dec. 31, with a temporary deinstallation in early 2026 to showcase the museum’s newly expanded annual San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Student Art Exhibition. Contrast will then again be on view March – October 2026.
FALL PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS
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Día de los Muertos: Community Ofrenda
Oct. 9 – Nov. 3, included with admission
The community is invited to participate in the Briscoe’s Día de los Muertos community ofrenda honoring influential figures in Western art and the American West. Everyone is welcome to add copies of photos of lost loved ones and personal offerings to help celebrate their lives. The ofrenda is on display in the museum lobby and free Día de los Muertos-themed crafts are available for those who would like to participate. The Briscoe’s Hendler Family Museum Store also has Día de los Muertos items available for those who wish to add to their offerings.
Thursday, Oct. 30, 6–8 p.m. | $35, $20 for museum members
Celebrate Día de los Muertos by creating a vibrant alebrije painting led by energetic and charismatic international artist Gio DiZurita. Brightly colored, fantastical creatures that blend elements of different animals, real and imagined, into one striking form, alebrijes are not only celebrated as a vibrant art form but also hold deep cultural significance, representing imagination, transformation and spiritual guidance. In Mexican folk tradition, some believe alebrijes can serve as spirit guides offering protection and wisdom. While sipping beer and wine, you’ll create an acrylic painting on an 11 x 14 canvas in a hands-on session with DiZurita as she guides guests through a take-home work of art. This 21+ event is per person and includes museum admission, with all materials included and beer, wine and light bites provided. Class size is limited, so register today to secure your spot.
Celebrating Native American Heritage: Films & Festival
To spotlight the importance of Indigenous cultures in the American West, the Briscoe is hosting its Native American Film Series and celebrating its annual Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival this fall. All events include museum admission and are free with pre-registration.
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Native American Film Series
“Thunderheart,” Saturday, Nov. 15, 1:30 p.m.
The Briscoe’s Native American Film Series celebrates Indigenous storytelling through the lens of contemporary cinema. The series spotlights films created by Native American filmmakers and artists, offering audiences a unique opportunity to engage with the stories, cultures and histories of Indigenous communities from the American West. All films were directed, written, produced by and/or star Native Americans. Matthew Davila, a member of the Standing Rock Lakota Sioux Tribe, curated the series and will lead a short presentation before each film. The films are free and include museum admission with pre-registration.
Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., free admission
Highlighting the continued vibrancy and artistic traditions of Native American communities, the family friendly, fun for all ages Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival features Native American artists, musical performances, dancing, storytelling, artist demonstrations, Native American-inspired food and free museum admission.
Holiday Celebrations: Christmas in the West
Thursday, Dec. 4, 6-8 p.m. | $35, $20 for museum members
Paper mâché Christmas ornaments bring a handmade charm and festive creativity to the holiday season, blending tradition with personal expression. Lightweight yet sturdy, these ornaments can be decorated in countless ways, making each one a unique keepsake. Learn the process of painting paper mâché ornaments and leave with a beautifully personalized ornament to hang on your tree or gift to loved ones. Mija Folk will share their creative process before guiding guests in painting their own paper mache ornaments to take home. All materials and museum admission included. Beer, wine, and light bites provided. Pre-registration required.
Sunday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Included with museum admission, free for local residents
Get wrapped up in Western fun and meet Cowboy Santa at the Briscoe’s annual Cowboy Christmas. Included with museum admission, Cowboy Christmas is the perfect way to enjoy holiday fun and make memories with your family. The celebration falls on the Briscoe’s monthly “Locals Day” so all Bexar County and San Antonio residents receive free admission to enjoy the museum.
Cowboy Christmas features a day of family fun exploring the museum with holiday crafts, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and visits with Cowboy Santa 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Families are welcome to snap pictures with Cowboy Santa, while a special 12 Days of Christmas scavenger hunt leads you through the Briscoe’s fantastic collection. Christmas crafts, including ornament making, will give everyone a bit of the West to take home. And of course, a stroll through the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden is the perfect path to enjoy the River Walk and its holiday beauty.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY AND FREE OPPORTUNITIES
The Briscoe is proud to be a family-friendly destination where learning and fun go hand-in-hand. Interactive exhibition elements, creative workshops and free crafts make the museum an inspiring place for visitors of all ages. The museum offers multiple ways for families and individuals to enjoy free admission:
- Museums on Us: Bank of America cardholders enjoy free admission on the first full weekend of each month.
- Locals Day: San Antonio and Bexar County residents can explore the museum free of charge on the first Sunday of each month. Free programming offered on Locals Days includes:
- Full STEAM Ahead – Dive into this monthly hands-on activity 1 – 3 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month with children and families combining science, technology, engineering, art and math with Western themes. Full STEAM Ahead falls on the Briscoe’s monthly Locals Days, giving families an opportunity to explore the museum and enjoy hands-on activities together.
Sunday, Nov. 2 | 1–3 p.m.
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Full STEAM Ahead: Salt Maps
Sunday, Jan. 4 | 1–3 p.m.
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Scout the Briscoe
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Hunt and enjoy a fun interactive way to see more of the Briscoe’s collection in a free scavenger hunt on the first Sunday of each month. Completing the hunt is a family affair and you can enjoy a 10% discount in the museum’s Hendler Family Museum Store once you finish. Upcoming dates: Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7.
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Military Deals:
The museum honors military veterans with half-price admission year-round and free museum admission in honor of Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 10. Veterans may show their military ID to receive the offer and can also enjoy a 10% discount in the Hendler Family Museum Store. The Briscoe offers active duty military members free admission throughout the year, as well as discounted admission for active duty family members and veterans.
Navigate the West at the Briscoe
An oasis of Western beauty just off the River Walk, the Briscoe’s McNutt Sculpture Garden and the museum grounds feature 35 sculptures portraying various aspects of Western life. The museum’s beautifully restored historic home inside the former San Antonio Public Library building, includes 14 galleries, with special exhibitions, events and the Hendler Family Museum Store, providing art, culture, history and entertainment. Museum hours, parking and admission details are available online.
