A Week in San Marcos

By Tara Davis

Music Journalist

Have you ever found yourself sitting around with friends wanting to do something but asking each other what is there to do? That’s the good thing about living in San Marcos: an event is constantly going on within a ten-minute drive. Whether it’s a Tuesday or Saturday night, there is bound to be an event that will get you out of the house and on to the town. If you’re living on campus or wanting to stay close, the student organization, SACA, is always throwing events like trivia night or grocery bingo in Georges, at the bottom of LBJ. They consistently post their events on their Instagram page.

If off-campus is more your vibe, as I’m sure it is for the majority of people, there is a myriad of events happening around the town throughout the entire week.

I’m not sure if it’s because it’s the beginning of the week and nobody can promise a weekly event, but I could not find anything that occurs every single Monday night in San Marcos. However, Tuesdays start out strong.

• Enjoy a movie for only $5 every Tuesday at Evo Entertainment on Springtown Way. This is the perfect weekly date night activity for very little and a good way to catch up on the latest cinema without breaking the bank.
• After your movie, head to Wake the Dead on Ranch Road for a free comedy night from 7-10 pm. Can’t make it on Tuesday, don’t worry there are plenty more opportunities for your giggles later in the week.
• If comedy isn’t your thing, head to a song swap & watch two artists play each other’s sounds, at Sean Patrick’s Irish Pub. Located right on the square, it is the perfect distance from anyone living on campus or those in the surrounding buildings.
• If you’re looking for something new, somebody you’ve never heard of, or something you’ve never seen, check out the talent show at Studio San Martian, also located on Ranch Road. This event starts at 8 pm and is only $5 for an audience member. If that’s still too much, sign up for a spot and get in for free!

Hump day is honestly one of my favorite days of the week. It is the greatest pick-me-up when you realize you are already halfway through the week. I don’t have class on Fridays, so hump day for me really means one more day and then my three-day weekend.

• If you play any instrument and are looking for like-minded individuals to play with, check out the free open blues jam at Jack’s Roadhouse. This dive bar is known for its live music shows and old-timey vibe. The bar is open every single day until 2 am so if you are going through it any time of the week, this bar will be there to pick you up, and you might even discover your next favorite musician.
• If you’re more the class clown rather than the next rockstar, check out the comedy open mic night at Lady Daze 7-9 pm. This small coffee shop is located near the highway on East Hopkins. They host events routinely including yoga workshops, special deals on products, and more.

Thursdays! The start of my weekend! Also known as thirsty Thursdays, but if you aren’t the club type girly, don’t worry, I got you covered!

• Sellar Coffee is the cutest little café on the square, it hosts open mic night at 7 pm every Thursday. Feel free to bring your own instruments and get comfortable in the quaint atmosphere. The event is free to show up to and perform at.
• If you need something a little more upbeat, a few shops down, Craft house will be hosting karaoke from 8:30 pm all the way to midnight. This is one I frequent a lot because it is so much fun. It gets pretty busy, and they do require you to buy something, a drink or food, you want to stay for karaoke. It’s always funny to see the frat guys sing their silly rap songs. Plus, the man who hosts will sometimes sing too.
• Depending on the time of the month, KTSW presents a show at the Porch on the square every third Thursday. The event is free for 21+ and only $5 for 18+. I look forward to these shows every month, especially now that it is 18+, I bring all my friends and we play pool, listen to the bands, and take advantage of the photo booth in the corner.

I could not find an event that happens every Friday, because there is always something new happening. Whether it’s a show at the Marc or a pop-up show in the San Marcos Secret Room, there is still plenty to do on a Friday night. The square is lively and walking around will get you to stumble across something happening.

Regardless of what night it is, make sure to be safe in your surroundings wherever you are, and always have a designated driver no matter where you’re going! I hope this guide provides a little help on those nights when you feel the energy but you’re just not sure where to go.

Featured Image by Tara Davis.