Luminaria Creative Arts Festival 2024 at St. Paul Square in San Antonio, Texas. | Credit: Mariaelena Villarreal / Tejano Nation
SAN ANTONIO, TX — The 2025 Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival is set to light up St. Paul Square on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight, featuring over 130 artists and 44 art projects across music, film, dance, poetry, installations, and more. This year’s event puts a powerful spotlight on two major attractions: the Shelly Lares Showcase and a heartfelt tribute to Conjunto legend Flaco Jimenez, both celebrating the deep roots and evolving future of San Antonio’s Tejano and Latino arts community.
Tejano icon Shelly Lares, serving as one of this year’s festival curators, will feature artists from her Shellshock Records 3 label, including Savannah V and Kane Alvarado, in a showcase that underscores her dedication to mentoring the next generation of performers. As the 2025 Luminaria Working Artist Fund mentor, Lares continues her mission to empower young creatives with the tools to grow their artistry into thriving small businesses.
Adding to the cultural celebration, a tribute to Flaco Jimenez will take center stage featuring Jesse Borrego and Santiago Garza y La Naturaleza, with Arturo Jimenez on drums. Lares herself will join the tribute to sing a few of Flaco’s timeless favorites, honoring the Grammy-winning accordionist whose music helped shape San Antonio’s global musical legacy.
Courtesy: Luminaria
“Luminaria is a testament to the spirit of San Antonio,” said Yadhira Lozano, Executive Director of Luminaria. “Our artists bring the streets and buildings of San Antonio to life with their heart and soul. I invite all of San Antonio and beyond to come celebrate with us for one night of inspiration and joy.”
The evening kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with an Opening Ceremony featuring Texas Poet Laureate Octavio Quintanilla, actor Jesse Borrego, and a Native American blessing by Isaac “Papa Bear” Cardenas. From sunset onward, guests can enjoy digital projections, dance performances, and large-scale art installations across the expanded festival footprint, which now includes the Aiden Riverwalk Hotel, Gravelmouth Gallery, and the D.R.E.A.M. Mural Arts District.
For those seeking a next-level experience, the Luminaria VIP Experience offers a luxurious way to enjoy the festival while supporting its mission to keep the arts free for the community. VIP guests will enjoy:
- Exclusive access to stylish, air-conditioned lounges at The Espee’s Depot 4 (S.P. Lounge)
- Complimentary welcome drinks and delicious refreshments
- An intimate VIP poetry performance by Octavio Quintanilla and Verso Frontera award-winning poets
- A live painting session by Master Artist Alex Rubio
- A silent art auction featuring original works, including a masterpiece by Rubio
- Commemorative VIP badges, cozy seating, and convenient amenities
- A live DJ party to dance the night away
Whether you’re there for the music, the art, or the vibrant energy that defines San Antonio’s creative scene, the 2025 Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival promises a night filled with inspiration, culture, and unforgettable memories.
The festival is free to the public, or upgrade to the VIP Experience today:
https://www.theespee.com/events/luminaria.
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