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President Trump rallies voters in San Antonio

It's expected to be a difficult midterm election for Republicans, even in Texas.

News

President Trump urged supporters in San Antonio Wednesday to pretend he&#x27;s on the ballot in what&#x27;s expected to be a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="difficult midterm election for Republicans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/texas-senate-paxton-funding-talarico" data-vars-content-id="15df3a1e-73e5-4e4c-b678-ca59202833ee" data-vars-headline="President Trump rallies voters in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/texas-senate-paxton-funding-talarico" target="_self">difficult midterm election for Republicans</a> — potentially even in red Texas.Why it matters: The rally at the Freeman Coliseum on San Antonio&#x27;s East Side is Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="third visit to Texas in a month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-makes-third-texas-trip-month-republicans-defend-longtime-stronghold-2026-10-07/" data-vars-content-id="15df3a1e-73e5-4e4c-b678-ca59202833ee" data-vars-headline="President Trump rallies voters in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-makes-third-texas-trip-month-republicans-defend-longtime-stronghold-2026-10-07/" target="_blank">third visit to Texas in a month</a> — highlighting the focus the GOP has put on now-competitive races in the Lone Star State that were <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="once presumed easy opportunities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/16/texas-primary-election-redistricting-house" data-vars-content-id="15df3a1e-73e5-4e4c-b678-ca59202833ee" data-vars-headline="President Trump rallies voters in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/16/texas-primary-election-redistricting-house" target="_self">once presumed easy opportunities</a> for Republicans.

Free teacher supply store opens in San Antonio

H-E-B is stocking the store for SAISD teachers.

San Antonio ISD teachers will soon have a new place to stock up on classroom essentials without dipping into their own wallets.Why it matters: Teachers nationwide routinely spend hundreds of dollars of their own money on classroom supplies every year.

San Antonio adds Michelin-recommended restaurants, no new stars

San Antonio didn't land any new stars, but the city's three starred restaurants retained that distinction.

San Antonio restaurants didn&#x27;t earn any new stars or Bib Gourmand awards in the latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin Guide Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/10/29/san-antonio-michelin-stars-restaurants-2025" data-vars-content-id="881f9b9e-41f5-4f6b-b714-eff33482f559" data-vars-headline="San Antonio adds Michelin-recommended restaurants, no new stars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/10/29/san-antonio-michelin-stars-restaurants-2025" target="_self">Michelin Guide Texas</a> selections <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced Thursday" data-vars-click-url="https://michelinmedia.com/c0/michelin-guide-texas-honors-three-new-starred-restaurants-in-2026-selection/" data-vars-content-id="881f9b9e-41f5-4f6b-b714-eff33482f559" data-vars-headline="San Antonio adds Michelin-recommended restaurants, no new stars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://michelinmedia.com/c0/michelin-guide-texas-honors-three-new-starred-restaurants-in-2026-selection/" target="_blank">announced Thursday</a>, but the city did notch two more Michelin recommended restaurants: the viral <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lovers Pizzeria" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/06/06/san-antonio-lovers-pizzeria-wait-line-review" data-vars-content-id="881f9b9e-41f5-4f6b-b714-eff33482f559" data-vars-headline="San Antonio adds Michelin-recommended restaurants, no new stars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/06/06/san-antonio-lovers-pizzeria-wait-line-review" target="_self">Lovers Pizzeria</a> and the French-inspired Petit Coquin.Why it matters: Michelin Guide recognition brings global attention to local spots and highlights San Antonio&#x27;s diverse food scene.

New Aztec Hotel opens in downtown San Antonio

Here's a first look at the new hotel above the Aztec Theatre.

Travel

One hundred years after the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aztec Theatre" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/15/aztec-theatre-majestic-magik-history-reopening" data-vars-content-id="fc7ec884-d2c7-42d6-9822-55e3ee8f7a09" data-vars-headline="New Aztec Hotel opens in downtown San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/15/aztec-theatre-majestic-magik-history-reopening" target="_self">Aztec Theatre</a> opened its doors, the historic downtown building is adding a hotel.The latest: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Aztec Hotel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/satbw-aztec-hotel-san-antonio-a-tribute-portfolio-hotel/overview/" data-vars-content-id="fc7ec884-d2c7-42d6-9822-55e3ee8f7a09" data-vars-headline="New Aztec Hotel opens in downtown San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/satbw-aztec-hotel-san-antonio-a-tribute-portfolio-hotel/overview/" target="_blank">The Aztec Hotel</a> — part of Marriott&#x27;s Tribute Portfolio — will open Oct. 9, ahead of a grand opening celebration on Oct. 17.

How SAMA uses art to connect people living with dementia

SAMA's program uses art as a starting point for connection.

Culture

The San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) has grown a pandemic-era virtual program called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ReCollections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.samuseum.org/blog/recollections/" data-vars-content-id="102e9b06-adcf-4305-9906-5d71c9c87204" data-vars-headline="How SAMA uses art to connect people living with dementia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.samuseum.org/blog/recollections/" target="_blank">ReCollections</a> into free in-person gatherings centered on art, storytelling and connection for people living with Alzheimer&#x27;s and other types of dementia.Why it matters: People living with dementia can face isolation as the disease progresses, making opportunities to socialize and express themselves increasingly important.

Meet the artist behind San Antonio's new neon signs

Neon is rising in popularity again, but the craft isn't widely practiced.

Neon is rising in popularity once again, and a San Antonio artist has carved out a niche as a go-to neon sign maker for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local businesses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/31/buy-local-legacy-pass-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="6d5ceba4-b1fc-4256-ba36-702ea1feb868" data-vars-headline="Meet the artist behind San Antonio&#x27;s new neon signs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/31/buy-local-legacy-pass-san-antonio" target="_self">local businesses</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Neon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/06/portland-neon-signs-fading-legacy" data-vars-content-id="6d5ceba4-b1fc-4256-ba36-702ea1feb868" data-vars-headline="Meet the artist behind San Antonio&#x27;s new neon signs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/06/portland-neon-signs-fading-legacy" target="_self">Neon</a> is undeniably cool. It turns everyday businesses into landmarks, as iconic signs create a sense of place and draw in enamored customers.

San Antonio writers launch new kind of publishing house

Inbound Books is a co-op that makes its authors stakeholders in the press.

Business

A new publishing house based in San Antonio is taking a unique approach to give lesser-known <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="authors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/24/new-independent-bookstores-opening-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="7986794b-3138-47ab-9a72-85c15a96f4c8" data-vars-headline="San Antonio writers launch new kind of publishing house" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/24/new-independent-bookstores-opening-san-antonio" target="_self">authors</a> a platform for success.Why it matters: Major publishers often focus limited resources on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big-name writers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/02/san-antonio-library-top-books" data-vars-content-id="7986794b-3138-47ab-9a72-85c15a96f4c8" data-vars-headline="San Antonio writers launch new kind of publishing house" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/02/san-antonio-library-top-books" target="_self">big-name writers</a>, leaving others to face fewer options to promote their work — or to self-publish and do it all themselves, Christopher Bodmann, co-founder of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Inbound Books" data-vars-click-url="https://inboundbooks.org/" data-vars-content-id="7986794b-3138-47ab-9a72-85c15a96f4c8" data-vars-headline="San Antonio writers launch new kind of publishing house" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://inboundbooks.org/" target="_blank">Inbound Books</a>, tells Axios.

New documentary about Texas rivers hits theaters this weekend

"Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers" is narrated by Ethan Hawke.

A new documentary about the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rivers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/water" data-vars-content-id="8cf76321-1427-474e-8601-0b077deba8b2" data-vars-headline="New documentary about Texas rivers hits theaters this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/water" target="_self">rivers</a> that define Texas is hitting theaters Friday.The latest: &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers" data-vars-click-url="https://deepintheheartwildlife.com/pages/deep-in-the-heart-2" data-vars-content-id="8cf76321-1427-474e-8601-0b077deba8b2" data-vars-headline="New documentary about Texas rivers hits theaters this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://deepintheheartwildlife.com/pages/deep-in-the-heart-2" target="_blank">Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers</a>&quot; is narrated by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texan Ethan Hawke" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/01/29/linklaters-before-sunrise-added-to-national-film-registry" data-vars-content-id="8cf76321-1427-474e-8601-0b077deba8b2" data-vars-headline="New documentary about Texas rivers hits theaters this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/01/29/linklaters-before-sunrise-added-to-national-film-registry" target="_self">Texan Ethan Hawke</a> and supported by H-E-B.

Your guide to Hispanic Heritage Month in San Antonio

Cultura is on the calendar across San Antonio.

Hispanic Heritage Month is underway in San Antonio.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nearly two-thirds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/sanantoniocitytexas/PST045225" data-vars-content-id="d1fd8052-f581-42ea-a6dc-aa4eb9b52296" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Hispanic Heritage Month in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/sanantoniocitytexas/PST045225" target="_blank">Nearly two-thirds</a> of San Antonians are Hispanic or Latino, shaping the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="culture" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/09/cinefestival-san-antonio-latino-film-movies" data-vars-content-id="d1fd8052-f581-42ea-a6dc-aa4eb9b52296" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Hispanic Heritage Month in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/09/cinefestival-san-antonio-latino-film-movies" target="_self">culture</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traditions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/07/san-antonio-shoppers-gear-up-for-fiesta-at-amols" data-vars-content-id="d1fd8052-f581-42ea-a6dc-aa4eb9b52296" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Hispanic Heritage Month in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/07/san-antonio-shoppers-gear-up-for-fiesta-at-amols" target="_self">traditions</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="politics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/05/latino-voter-turnout-texas-primaries-elections" data-vars-content-id="d1fd8052-f581-42ea-a6dc-aa4eb9b52296" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Hispanic Heritage Month in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/05/latino-voter-turnout-texas-primaries-elections" target="_self">politics</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="business" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/13/west-side-basila-frocks-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="d1fd8052-f581-42ea-a6dc-aa4eb9b52296" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Hispanic Heritage Month in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/13/west-side-basila-frocks-san-antonio" target="_self">business</a>.

Spurs Jackals seek 100 new members this season

Sports

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spurs Jackals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/31/spurs-jackals-okc-wembanyama" data-vars-content-id="1d3330b4-2109-4fb3-95ef-f5cb8c16b07a" data-vars-headline="Spurs Jackals seek 100 new members this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/31/spurs-jackals-okc-wembanyama" target="_self">Spurs Jackals</a> will hold auditions Saturday at the Frost Bank Center as the fan-led supporter section prepares to expand for the upcoming season.Catch up quick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Victor Wembanyama" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/03/san-antonio-spurs-victor-wembanyama-emotions-cry" data-vars-content-id="1d3330b4-2109-4fb3-95ef-f5cb8c16b07a" data-vars-headline="Spurs Jackals seek 100 new members this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/03/san-antonio-spurs-victor-wembanyama-emotions-cry" target="_self">Victor Wembanyama</a> founded the Jackals ahead of last season, creating a dedicated section of die-hard fans who lead chants and bring the energy at Spurs home games.

NIOSA cancels Fiesta tradition with no timeline for return

Organizers canceled A Night in Old San Antonio amid declining attendance and financial shortfalls.

A Night in Old San Antonio (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NIOSA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/20/niosa-fiesta-san-antonio-changes" data-vars-content-id="e27414e8-96e8-4593-8d96-868eb1c84267" data-vars-headline="NIOSA cancels Fiesta tradition with no timeline for return" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/20/niosa-fiesta-san-antonio-changes" target="_self">NIOSA</a>) will not take place as planned next year as organizers confront declining attendance, financial shortfalls and the loss of event space at La Villita.Why it matters: The event is both a major <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fiesta tradition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/10/day-before-fiesta-book-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="e27414e8-96e8-4593-8d96-868eb1c84267" data-vars-headline="NIOSA cancels Fiesta tradition with no timeline for return" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/10/day-before-fiesta-book-san-antonio" target="_self">Fiesta tradition</a> and a fixture of San Antonio&#x27;s cultural calendar, with a history stretching back more than seven decades.

NIOSA to undergo major redesign for 2027

Annual Fiesta event is planning to reinvent itself after seven decades.

A Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA) organizers are planning a major redesign of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="signature Fiesta event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/04/18/fiesta-san-antonio-food-niosa-chicken-stick" data-vars-content-id="11d374ef-7c3e-45a3-acdb-5234b051c835" data-vars-headline="NIOSA to undergo major redesign for 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/04/18/fiesta-san-antonio-food-niosa-chicken-stick" target="_self">signature Fiesta event</a> for 2027 as it faces financial pressures and a smaller space for the event.Why it matters: NIOSA is the largest fundraiser for the nonprofit Conservation Society of San Antonio and has raised millions of dollars over its seven-decade history to support preservation projects across the city.

San Antonio taps into the functional drink boom

Booze-free drinks promise more than an alcohol alternative.

Food and Drink

As Americans <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rethink alcohol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="8b6121a0-eff0-400b-9400-3933acf0625f" data-vars-headline="San Antonio taps into the functional drink boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" target="_self">rethink alcohol</a>, beverage brands and businesses — including a new San Antonio shop — are betting on drinks that promise social connection without the hangover.Why it matters: Consumers are increasingly choosing beverages based on what they want drinks to do — energize, improve <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gut health" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/46933853.27/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjIvMDQvMTMvZ3V0LWhlYWx0aC1pbW11bmUtc3lzdGVtLWFueGlldHktZGlnZXN0aW9uP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/633dcc04d70fb9875101ab66Bd28861b2" data-vars-content-id="8b6121a0-eff0-400b-9400-3933acf0625f" data-vars-headline="San Antonio taps into the functional drink boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/46933853.27/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjIvMDQvMTMvZ3V0LWhlYWx0aC1pbW11bmUtc3lzdGVtLWFueGlldHktZGlnZXN0aW9uP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/633dcc04d70fb9875101ab66Bd28861b2" target="_self">gut health</a> or help them unwind — fueling a boom in products <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="marketed around function" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/46933853.27/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL3Byby9yZXRhaWwtZGVhbHMvMjAyNC8wMy8xNS9mdW5jdGlvbmFsLWJldmVyYWdlLXJlY2Vzcy0yNS1taWxsaW9uP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/633dcc04d70fb9875101ab66B38081166" data-vars-content-id="8b6121a0-eff0-400b-9400-3933acf0625f" data-vars-headline="San Antonio taps into the functional drink boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/46933853.27/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL3Byby9yZXRhaWwtZGVhbHMvMjAyNC8wMy8xNS9mdW5jdGlvbmFsLWJldmVyYWdlLXJlY2Vzcy0yNS1taWxsaW9uP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/633dcc04d70fb9875101ab66B38081166" target="_self">marketed around function</a>.

The mahjong boom lands in a San Antonio mansion

Mahjong has found a stylish new home in San Antonio.

History

San Antonio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mahjong boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/13/mahjong-brain-health-benefits" data-vars-content-id="d429fc38-f727-454b-9da5-3149a4eff0db" data-vars-headline="The mahjong boom lands in a San Antonio mansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/13/mahjong-brain-health-benefits" target="_self">mahjong boom</a> has a new home at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Polished Tile" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thepolishedtile.com/about" data-vars-content-id="d429fc38-f727-454b-9da5-3149a4eff0db" data-vars-headline="The mahjong boom lands in a San Antonio mansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thepolishedtile.com/about" target="_blank">The Polished Tile</a> in Monte Vista. Why it matters: The centuries-old Chinese game is having a moment, and the new parlor gives San Antonio players a permanent place to gather around the table.Zoom out: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Yelp" data-vars-click-url="https://www.yelp.com/article/2026-home-beauty-and-lifestyle-trends?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="d429fc38-f727-454b-9da5-3149a4eff0db" data-vars-headline="The mahjong boom lands in a San Antonio mansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.yelp.com/article/2026-home-beauty-and-lifestyle-trends?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" target="_blank">Yelp</a> named mahjong a top home trend for 2026, citing surging searches for clubs and lessons.The latest: Owner Erika Gonzales — who calls herself the &quot;chief mahjong officer&quot; — opened the parlor this month. How it works: Memberships range from $100 to $225 a month, with options that include unlimited mahjong, coworking space and social events.<ul><li>A limited founding membership costs $3,000 a year.</li><li>Nonmembers can pay $40 for a visit, buy multi-visit passes starting at $150 or take lessons starting at $115.</li><li>Gonzales recommends beginners take the four-class, $200 &quot;Confidence Series&quot; to learn the game and get comfortable playing at any table.</li></ul>The vibe: The parlor fills a historic 1909 mansion designed by architect Alfred Giles, who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="renovated the Menger Hotel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sanantonio.gov/Mission-Trails/Mission-Trails-Historic-Sites/Detail-Page/ArtMID/16185/ArticleID/4436/Menger-Hotel/ID/lib/inflate" data-vars-content-id="d429fc38-f727-454b-9da5-3149a4eff0db" data-vars-headline="The mahjong boom lands in a San Antonio mansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sanantonio.gov/Mission-Trails/Mission-Trails-Historic-Sites/Detail-Page/ArtMID/16185/ArticleID/4436/Menger-Hotel/ID/lib/inflate" target="_blank">renovated the Menger Hotel</a>. <ul><li>The restored home retains original woodwork, stained glass and soaring ceilings.</li><li>Gonzales describes the look as &quot;Shanghai meets Palm Springs.&quot;</li></ul><figure><img alt="Divided image: left shows a teal mahjong table with pink tiles and gold trim; right reveals a cozy living room with a red chandelier, tall windows with blinds, and blue seating with plants." height="1080" id="484d72ff-7c28-49e2-a828-08a9ab8d0269" src="https://images.axios.com/v6EWr1t2tYM1ucRcI0QDayMlZx4=/2026/08/12/1786557643407.jpeg" width="1920" srcset="https://images.axios.com/JidwxLbhpojDWDl-yBWEWUPyLEY=/1920x1080/smart/2026/08/12/1786557643407.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/R4H2et4geOdAT4aQZfprQxePxH8=/1600x900/smart/2026/08/12/1786557643407.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/sek4BZ_y4sWHzWfQtCrPbS49G2Y=/1366x768/smart/2026/08/12/1786557643407.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/u1tWL9UlBgx9Pj_RIRW642HEKo8=/1024x576/smart/2026/08/12/1786557643407.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/fO4d6WZc6vjEeRapi_Ez-awE3S0=/768x432/smart/2026/08/12/1786557643407.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/sSgQh7cjdKsyNFMyIs3kuqTHRMc=/640x360/smart/2026/08/12/1786557643407.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/QOykPSOEuloGv7ORDmsCIJ1xkmc=/320x180/smart/2026/08/12/1786557643407.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Inside The Polished Tile. Photos: Courtesy of Erika Gonzales</figcaption></figure>Zoom in: The Polished Tile primarily teaches American mahjong, the version Gonzales says is driving much of the game&#x27;s popularity.<ul><li>Lessons begin with a brief history of the game, and Gonzales hopes to bring in instructors to teach Asian styles.</li><li>Wood carvings, lotus motifs and a pagoda lantern nod to the game&#x27;s Chinese roots.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;One of the hardest things about mahjong is actually getting a crew together,&quot; Gonzales tells Axios. &quot;The Polished Tile should be really popular, because you don&#x27;t ever have to put a table together. People are always going to be here to play.&quot;The big picture: Gonzales sees mahjong as a vehicle for something bigger.<ul><li>&quot;What I hope The Polished Tile becomes for the San Antonio community is a place to connect,&quot; she says. &quot;Mahjong is just a medium.&quot;</li></ul>