Arneson River Theatre is an outdoor performance theater located on the San Antonio River Walk in the U.S. state of Texas.
The open-air venue was erected 1939-1941 by the Works Progress Administration. The design was supervised by architect Robert H.H. Hugman. It is named after Edwin P. Arneson, the regional engineer for the W.P.A. who was instrumental in securing funding for the Paseo del Rio. Arneson died before construction began. Many years later bells were added to arches behind the stage that Hugman had designed, and they were named for him. In a belated ceremony, the "Father of the River Walk" struck the bells for the first time, two years before his death.
This is really enjoyable venue to visit. There are lots of different kind of retail stores here. Mostly all locally owned and operated. They are small perhaps a few hundred square feet to a thousand square feet. There is a lot of variety in the type of stores and their offerings. Food and retail and art. Definitely a place.for a tourist to spend enjoyable time . . .and probably leave with a treasure.
Stephen NicholasJan 6, 2018
Great place to wander around if you're not sure what to do with your day. Tons of unique shops. Shop owners seemed to all be friendly and sometimes you can haggle some prices. Loved my time here.
Alexis StoneJan 12, 2018
This is a fun place to walk through. Lost of local artist. Wife found many items in the clothing shops. Price's are fair. If more shops where full would have been five stars. We visited mid week in January so we had the place to ourselves.
R SmithJan 20, 2018
We had an amazing time at this old and historic Mexican village. It is good to come here early in the morning and spend some time taking memorable photos of this place while you set and enjoy the spectacular view of the village. There are several gates to this village. It can be accessed from the three sides of the streets or from the riverwalk. There are also some gift shops around that sell antiques and souvenirs.
Mr GoogleHeadDec 27, 2017
Very unique art. No mass production junk. Wear your best walking shoes and cash.
Mark HoganMar 4, 2018
Beautiful outdoor venue. Many art galleries in the area and convenient to the riverwalk. Great place to stop by and window shop. Beautiful church on the grounds as well.
D. M.Apr 2, 2018
One of my favorite places here at home. The little shops are unique and there's something here for everyone. There's great food around and not far from the Riverwalk. They're always hosting some type of festival filled with more food and more shopping, not to mention the live music! Can't wait for the Starving Artist show!
Alisha OchoaMar 20, 2018
Very artsy place. Lots of local artists galleries. Found the Copper Art gallery particularly fascinating. Lovely place to walk in the sunshine. Historic feel with a steady stream of tourists. Access to River Walk Ampetheater.
Rubina AnjumMar 26, 2018
We enjoyed the variety of shops to brows not to mention the historical buildings that house the shops. My wife got to shop and I got to look at a lot of history and architecture. All within walking distance of the river walk.
joseph artMar 18, 2018
This is a beautiful local historic site. You'll see old San Antonio history and charm. This is also the NIOSA location. Busy and fun, but also very safe. Charming area.
CarolynApr 25, 2018
Beautiful area with cute shops. Unfortunately, I went when everything seemed to be under construction and not a lot to see as far as entertainment and food. I hope to go back when there is more going on. I can only imagine how fun and lovely this place can be.
Kimberly NesperApr 28, 2018
Very nice historic buildings, lots going on in there. There were several different types of vendors and artist selling items. There activities for the kids and the shops are great.
Connie BarberApr 24, 2018
We visited outside normal hours at a business event & the place was truly charming. Only reason it isn't getting 5 stars is that we weren't able to check out the shops yet. I anticipate this is a 5 star attraction during normal operational hours.
Stuart YeagleyMay 15, 2018
Original Little Shops! Nothing run-of-the-mill or usual. Handmade crafted jewelry, clothing and household decorations. Excellent restaurants and coffee. There seem to be constantly changing events to enjoy too. This stop is a Must See in San Antonio!
Lehua GustinMay 23, 2018
I always look forward to this part of river walk cute little cottages some kind of show going on in the little amphitheatre section. Just a little strange to sit on grass and dirt. Don't recall it being there before. I enjoy visiting this place
Susana LermaMay 28, 2018
Great little spot to pick up local made arts and crafts. Some really cool off the wall souvenirs and things that you won't find on the main drags. Had some very good deals and it was nice and quite too during the middle of the day.
Elizabeth GoeddeMay 11, 2018
A must visit area if you are visiting the downtown area of San Antonio. Lot's of shops, street level access around the convention center area and river access near the Arneson River Theater. There are signs all over, easy to find. A nice place for pictures, shopping and people watching.
Felix BuxoJun 11, 2018
Took a nice day your of the old Spanish missions. In my opinion it was one of the best things to do in San Antonio. Tour at your own pace, touch, feel, experience these missions that are nearly 300 years old. Not commercialized at all, still have a very real feel to them, as they are set apart from the hustle and bustle of San Antonio.
Michael CervantesJul 12, 2018
One of the most unique and historical places in San Antonio. The area is so peaceful when there's no festivals or events and a total blast when there is!! The shops are one of a kind and worth strolling through if time is permissible. Here's a few pics from Muertos Fest!!
Mario SillerJul 10, 2018
May be it was just the week we were there, but the place was almost absent of life. It is a great historical area with 4 good to great resturants. The shops and galleries are nice if not over priced at times, but what do you expect from a tourist aimed destination.
James RichardsonJul 13, 2018
This is an amazing little slice of old San Antonio, and the shops are truly amazing places to be seen, and an amazing place to come play tourist. The shops feature handmade goods, decorations, and it can be an awesome place to practice taking the perfect picture. Come with time to spare, as it can pass very quickly when enjoying this awesome little collection of Texas uniques!
Casey SawyerJul 11, 2018
Plastic cutlery!! Limited sitting for the amount of business!! The food that we ordered was ok but not worth the price. Not cooked the way I ordered it. Ordered three breakfast plates and three drinks (majority drinks in bottle or can) with one taco, came out to be over $50. Staff was friendly though, have to give them that. Boyfriend did say the taco was good, should have only ordered that...
Shawntay PenaJul 23, 2018
I don't know why I expected cute, authentic Mexican shops/neighborhood. It was a high priced shopping center with non-local merchandise. There was no shade and no water fountains. It's an outdoor center, how can you not have water fountains? There weren't many restrooms and a couple buildings were out of order. The only thing I enjoyed was looking at the history of the buildings.
Kathleen TittleAug 7, 2018
This is a nice stop to take a break from the riber walk. Just a short walk from the river walk it is a truly quaint escape. It feels like you have left the city behind. Shop with small businesses and grab a delicious bite to eat.
Nicholas CainJul 24, 2018
Interesting collection of art and unique items. Great fun to walk through each store and enjoy its goods. We purchased an original painting at one gallery, and hand made necklace at another.
Jim ReidAug 4, 2018
This is really enjoyable venue to visit. There are lots of different kind of retail stores here. Mostly all locally owned and operated. They are small perhaps a few hundred square feet to a thousand square feet. There is a lot of variety in the type of stores and their offerings. Food and retail and art. Definitely a place.for a tourist to spend enjoyable time . . .and probably leave with a treasure.
Stephen NicholasJan 6, 2018
Great place to wander around if you're not sure what to do with your day. Tons of unique shops. Shop owners seemed to all be friendly and sometimes you can haggle some prices. Loved my time here.
Alexis StoneJan 12, 2018
This is a fun place to walk through. Lost of local artist. Wife found many items in the clothing shops. Price's are fair. If more shops where full would have been five stars. We visited mid week in January so we had the place to ourselves.
R SmithJan 20, 2018
We had an amazing time at this old and historic Mexican village. It is good to come here early in the morning and spend some time taking memorable photos of this place while you set and enjoy the spectacular view of the village. There are several gates to this village. It can be accessed from the three sides of the streets or from the riverwalk. There are also some gift shops around that sell antiques and souvenirs.
Mr GoogleHeadDec 27, 2017
Very unique art. No mass production junk. Wear your best walking shoes and cash.
Mark HoganMar 4, 2018
Beautiful outdoor venue. Many art galleries in the area and convenient to the riverwalk. Great place to stop by and window shop. Beautiful church on the grounds as well.
D. M.Apr 2, 2018
One of my favorite places here at home. The little shops are unique and there's something here for everyone. There's great food around and not far from the Riverwalk. They're always hosting some type of festival filled with more food and more shopping, not to mention the live music! Can't wait for the Starving Artist show!
Alisha OchoaMar 20, 2018
Very artsy place. Lots of local artists galleries. Found the Copper Art gallery particularly fascinating. Lovely place to walk in the sunshine. Historic feel with a steady stream of tourists. Access to River Walk Ampetheater.
Rubina AnjumMar 26, 2018
We enjoyed the variety of shops to brows not to mention the historical buildings that house the shops. My wife got to shop and I got to look at a lot of history and architecture. All within walking distance of the river walk.
joseph artMar 18, 2018
This is a beautiful local historic site. You'll see old San Antonio history and charm. This is also the NIOSA location. Busy and fun, but also very safe. Charming area.
CarolynApr 25, 2018
Beautiful area with cute shops. Unfortunately, I went when everything seemed to be under construction and not a lot to see as far as entertainment and food. I hope to go back when there is more going on. I can only imagine how fun and lovely this place can be.
Kimberly NesperApr 28, 2018
Very nice historic buildings, lots going on in there. There were several different types of vendors and artist selling items. There activities for the kids and the shops are great.
Connie BarberApr 24, 2018
We visited outside normal hours at a business event & the place was truly charming. Only reason it isn't getting 5 stars is that we weren't able to check out the shops yet. I anticipate this is a 5 star attraction during normal operational hours.
Stuart YeagleyMay 15, 2018
Original Little Shops! Nothing run-of-the-mill or usual. Handmade crafted jewelry, clothing and household decorations. Excellent restaurants and coffee. There seem to be constantly changing events to enjoy too. This stop is a Must See in San Antonio!
Lehua GustinMay 23, 2018
I always look forward to this part of river walk cute little cottages some kind of show going on in the little amphitheatre section. Just a little strange to sit on grass and dirt. Don't recall it being there before. I enjoy visiting this place
Susana LermaMay 28, 2018
Great little spot to pick up local made arts and crafts. Some really cool off the wall souvenirs and things that you won't find on the main drags. Had some very good deals and it was nice and quite too during the middle of the day.
Elizabeth GoeddeMay 11, 2018
A must visit area if you are visiting the downtown area of San Antonio. Lot's of shops, street level access around the convention center area and river access near the Arneson River Theater. There are signs all over, easy to find. A nice place for pictures, shopping and people watching.
Felix BuxoJun 11, 2018
Took a nice day your of the old Spanish missions. In my opinion it was one of the best things to do in San Antonio. Tour at your own pace, touch, feel, experience these missions that are nearly 300 years old. Not commercialized at all, still have a very real feel to them, as they are set apart from the hustle and bustle of San Antonio.
Michael CervantesJul 12, 2018
One of the most unique and historical places in San Antonio. The area is so peaceful when there's no festivals or events and a total blast when there is!! The shops are one of a kind and worth strolling through if time is permissible. Here's a few pics from Muertos Fest!!
Mario SillerJul 10, 2018
May be it was just the week we were there, but the place was almost absent of life. It is a great historical area with 4 good to great resturants. The shops and galleries are nice if not over priced at times, but what do you expect from a tourist aimed destination.
James RichardsonJul 13, 2018
This is an amazing little slice of old San Antonio, and the shops are truly amazing places to be seen, and an amazing place to come play tourist. The shops feature handmade goods, decorations, and it can be an awesome place to practice taking the perfect picture. Come with time to spare, as it can pass very quickly when enjoying this awesome little collection of Texas uniques!
Casey SawyerJul 11, 2018
Plastic cutlery!! Limited sitting for the amount of business!! The food that we ordered was ok but not worth the price. Not cooked the way I ordered it. Ordered three breakfast plates and three drinks (majority drinks in bottle or can) with one taco, came out to be over $50. Staff was friendly though, have to give them that. Boyfriend did say the taco was good, should have only ordered that...
Shawntay PenaJul 23, 2018
I don't know why I expected cute, authentic Mexican shops/neighborhood. It was a high priced shopping center with non-local merchandise. There was no shade and no water fountains. It's an outdoor center, how can you not have water fountains? There weren't many restrooms and a couple buildings were out of order. The only thing I enjoyed was looking at the history of the buildings.
Kathleen TittleAug 7, 2018
This is a nice stop to take a break from the riber walk. Just a short walk from the river walk it is a truly quaint escape. It feels like you have left the city behind. Shop with small businesses and grab a delicious bite to eat.
Nicholas CainJul 24, 2018
Interesting collection of art and unique items. Great fun to walk through each store and enjoy its goods. We purchased an original painting at one gallery, and hand made necklace at another.
Jim ReidAug 4, 2018
This is really enjoyable venue to visit. There are lots of different kind of retail stores here. Mostly all locally owned and operated. They are small perhaps a few hundred square feet to a thousand square feet. There is a lot of variety in the type of stores and their offerings. Food and retail and art. Definitely a place.for a tourist to spend enjoyable time . . .and probably leave with a treasure.
Stephen NicholasJan 6, 2018
Great place to wander around if you're not sure what to do with your day. Tons of unique shops. Shop owners seemed to all be friendly and sometimes you can haggle some prices. Loved my time here.
Alexis StoneJan 12, 2018
This is a fun place to walk through. Lost of local artist. Wife found many items in the clothing shops. Price's are fair. If more shops where full would have been five stars. We visited mid week in January so we had the place to ourselves.
R SmithJan 20, 2018
We had an amazing time at this old and historic Mexican village. It is good to come here early in the morning and spend some time taking memorable photos of this place while you set and enjoy the spectacular view of the village. There are several gates to this village. It can be accessed from the three sides of the streets or from the riverwalk. There are also some gift shops around that sell antiques and souvenirs.
Mr GoogleHeadDec 27, 2017
Very unique art. No mass production junk. Wear your best walking shoes and cash.
Mark HoganMar 4, 2018
Beautiful outdoor venue. Many art galleries in the area and convenient to the riverwalk. Great place to stop by and window shop. Beautiful church on the grounds as well.
D. M.Apr 2, 2018
One of my favorite places here at home. The little shops are unique and there's something here for everyone. There's great food around and not far from the Riverwalk. They're always hosting some type of festival filled with more food and more shopping, not to mention the live music! Can't wait for the Starving Artist show!
Alisha OchoaMar 20, 2018
Very artsy place. Lots of local artists galleries. Found the Copper Art gallery particularly fascinating. Lovely place to walk in the sunshine. Historic feel with a steady stream of tourists. Access to River Walk Ampetheater.
Rubina AnjumMar 26, 2018
We enjoyed the variety of shops to brows not to mention the historical buildings that house the shops. My wife got to shop and I got to look at a lot of history and architecture. All within walking distance of the river walk.
joseph artMar 18, 2018
This is a beautiful local historic site. You'll see old San Antonio history and charm. This is also the NIOSA location. Busy and fun, but also very safe. Charming area.
CarolynApr 25, 2018
Beautiful area with cute shops. Unfortunately, I went when everything seemed to be under construction and not a lot to see as far as entertainment and food. I hope to go back when there is more going on. I can only imagine how fun and lovely this place can be.
Kimberly NesperApr 28, 2018
Very nice historic buildings, lots going on in there. There were several different types of vendors and artist selling items. There activities for the kids and the shops are great.
Connie BarberApr 24, 2018
We visited outside normal hours at a business event & the place was truly charming. Only reason it isn't getting 5 stars is that we weren't able to check out the shops yet. I anticipate this is a 5 star attraction during normal operational hours.
Stuart YeagleyMay 15, 2018
Original Little Shops! Nothing run-of-the-mill or usual. Handmade crafted jewelry, clothing and household decorations. Excellent restaurants and coffee. There seem to be constantly changing events to enjoy too. This stop is a Must See in San Antonio!
Lehua GustinMay 23, 2018
I always look forward to this part of river walk cute little cottages some kind of show going on in the little amphitheatre section. Just a little strange to sit on grass and dirt. Don't recall it being there before. I enjoy visiting this place
Susana LermaMay 28, 2018
Great little spot to pick up local made arts and crafts. Some really cool off the wall souvenirs and things that you won't find on the main drags. Had some very good deals and it was nice and quite too during the middle of the day.
Elizabeth GoeddeMay 11, 2018
A must visit area if you are visiting the downtown area of San Antonio. Lot's of shops, street level access around the convention center area and river access near the Arneson River Theater. There are signs all over, easy to find. A nice place for pictures, shopping and people watching.
Felix BuxoJun 11, 2018
Took a nice day your of the old Spanish missions. In my opinion it was one of the best things to do in San Antonio. Tour at your own pace, touch, feel, experience these missions that are nearly 300 years old. Not commercialized at all, still have a very real feel to them, as they are set apart from the hustle and bustle of San Antonio.
Michael CervantesJul 12, 2018
One of the most unique and historical places in San Antonio. The area is so peaceful when there's no festivals or events and a total blast when there is!! The shops are one of a kind and worth strolling through if time is permissible. Here's a few pics from Muertos Fest!!
Mario SillerJul 10, 2018
May be it was just the week we were there, but the place was almost absent of life. It is a great historical area with 4 good to great resturants. The shops and galleries are nice if not over priced at times, but what do you expect from a tourist aimed destination.
James RichardsonJul 13, 2018
This is an amazing little slice of old San Antonio, and the shops are truly amazing places to be seen, and an amazing place to come play tourist. The shops feature handmade goods, decorations, and it can be an awesome place to practice taking the perfect picture. Come with time to spare, as it can pass very quickly when enjoying this awesome little collection of Texas uniques!
Casey SawyerJul 11, 2018
Plastic cutlery!! Limited sitting for the amount of business!! The food that we ordered was ok but not worth the price. Not cooked the way I ordered it. Ordered three breakfast plates and three drinks (majority drinks in bottle or can) with one taco, came out to be over $50. Staff was friendly though, have to give them that. Boyfriend did say the taco was good, should have only ordered that...
Shawntay PenaJul 23, 2018
I don't know why I expected cute, authentic Mexican shops/neighborhood. It was a high priced shopping center with non-local merchandise. There was no shade and no water fountains. It's an outdoor center, how can you not have water fountains? There weren't many restrooms and a couple buildings were out of order. The only thing I enjoyed was looking at the history of the buildings.
Kathleen TittleAug 7, 2018
This is a nice stop to take a break from the riber walk. Just a short walk from the river walk it is a truly quaint escape. It feels like you have left the city behind. Shop with small businesses and grab a delicious bite to eat.
Nicholas CainJul 24, 2018
Interesting collection of art and unique items. Great fun to walk through each store and enjoy its goods. We purchased an original painting at one gallery, and hand made necklace at another.
Jim ReidAug 4, 2018
Monday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Sunday | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
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