The San Antonio Botanical Garden is nationally recognized for its outstanding display of blooms, commitmentto cultural education and striking range of architecture. This summer, experience the Garden in a whole newway alongside Frida Kahlo in the summer exhibition — Frida Kahlo Oasis.
The newest exhibition at the Garden uncovers Kahlo’s connection with Mexican vegetation and the fundamental role plants, blooms and colors played in her work. The Casa Azul garden, inspired by Kahlo’s home, features over 2,000 square feet of tropical foliage, desert plants and sculpture representative of her work and life. Explore Diego Rivera’s pyramid, Frida Kahlo’s easel and the animals that jump off her canvas right into the Garden itself.
In addition to the flower beds and sculpture of the Frida Kahlo Oasis, the Garden will be offering several Frida-themed events throughout the summer. Celebrate long summer nights at the repeating Noches de Frida series, attend lectures about the artist or recreate some of the memorable meals Diego and Frida shared together in virtual cooking classes. Come to the Garden with Frida and see what inspires you this summer.
July & August Summer Events
Fiestas with Frida
Noches de Frida
Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00pm
Summer Nights return with a Frida Kahlo twist. Extended-hours in the evenings are filled with picnic blankets, lawn chairs and music. Relax with a Jason Dady picnic basket, a drink from the bar and tours through the Frida Kahlo Oasis exhibition.
Foodie Cinema: Frida
Friday, July 2 from 6:30 to 9:00pm
This summer’s Foodie Cinema event features Frida, the love story chronicling the life of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. During the film, enjoy a dinner service including Mexican favorites and a refreshing grapefruit cocktail.
Chef Series:
FRIDA Mexican Restaurant & Bar
Wednesday, July 7 from 7:00 to 9:00pm
Celebrating San Antonio’s designation as “Creative City of Gastronomy” by UNESCO, top chefs from around the city will create a four-part tasting menu designed by Chef Sofia Sada of FRIDA Mexican Restaurant & Bar.
Frida’s Fiestas: Make & Take Cooking Class
Thursday, July 29 from 6:00 to 8:00pm
From the cookbook by Diego Rivera’s daughter, Guadalupe, recreate Frida’s favorite recipes with Chef Katrina Flores as she teaches you how to make shrimp escabeche, mole poblano and bean, radish and cheese salad while sipping a traditional lime margarita. Participants will receive instructions to reheat at home.
Artists’ Gardens in Mexico: Lecture
by Kathryn E. O’Rourke
Thursday, August 19 from 6:30 to 7:30pm
Explore the history of famous private gardens in twentieth-century Mexico, including Frida Kahlo’s garden at Casa Azul. The lecture will show how painting, photography and architecture intersected in these extraordinary landscapes.
Frida’s Fiestas: Make & Take Cooking Class
Thursday, August 26 from 6:30 to 8:30pm
From the cookbook by Diego Rivera’s daughter, Guadalupe, recreate Frida and Diego’s wedding meal with Chef Katrina Flores as she teaches you how to make white rice with plantains, chiles stuffed with picadillo in red sauce and flan. Participants will receive instructions to reheat at home.
Date Ideas
Date Night: Summer Nights in Mexico City
Friday, July 9 from 6:30 to 8:30pm
In this couple’s cooking class, Chef Katrina Flores will teach you all the essentials for crafting traditional Mexican cuisine. Learn to prepare ceviche verde, esquites, chicken tinga sopes and cucumber jalapeño margaritas.
Summer Market
Sunday, July 18 from 10:00am to 3:00pm
Shop the Summer Market and peruse the offerings of regional retailers, artists and craftspeople surrounded by the gorgeous blooms of the Garden.
Salsa Dancing & Botanas!
Friday, July 23 and August 20 from 7:00 to 8:30pm
Try out a beginner’s partner salsa class with Semeneya Dance Studio on the Garden grounds. After you dance the night away, enjoy sangria and traditional Mexican botanas.
Sips & Sunset in the Garden
Friday, July 30 and August 27 from 6:00 to 9:00pm
Sample cocktails, listen to music, play games and snack on delicious treats while basking in the sunset on your picnic blanket among the Garden’s beautiful blooms.
Foodie Finds
Pop-up Culinary Demos
Saturday, July 10 and August 14 from 11:00am to 1:30pm
Desert Door Sotol Tasting
Thursday, July 15 from 7:00 to 8:30pm
DIY: Margaritas & Guacamole
Saturday, August 14 from 11:00am to 12:00pm & 12:30 to 1:30pm
Mexican Cerveza Tasting
Thursday, August 19 from 7:00 to 8:30pm
The Garden offers many other programs including children’s summer camps, adult classes and presentations on topics such as water conservation, native plants and gardening tips. To view a complete schedule of summer events, check availability and purchase tickets, visit the San Antonio Botanical Garden’s website.
San Antonio Botanical Garden
210-536-1400 | sabot.org