The City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) will host a free community event, Picnic and a Movie in the Eastside Cemeteries, on Saturday, October 18. Gates will open at 6 p.m., with a screening of Disney’s “Coco” scheduled for 7 p.m. The event is designed to promote historic preservation and community engagement in the Eastside Cemeteries area.
Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online to receive updates and reminders about the event. In honor of Día de Los Muertos, activities will include a scavenger hunt and a community ofrenda, or altar. Community members are invited to bring photos, notes, or other items to pay tribute to loved ones who have passed.
The event aims to highlight OHP’s Cemetery Steward Program, which began in 2020. The program focuses on raising awareness about the cemeteries’ historical significance and supporting restoration and maintenance efforts. The Eastside Cemeteries consist of 31 cemeteries, with nine owned and maintained by the City. Notable individuals such as Clara Driscoll, Samuel Maverick, and Sandra West are among those interred there.
Families are welcome to bring food for a picnic during the movie. The tradition of picnicking in cemeteries is longstanding in the United States and other countries, offering families an opportunity to remember loved ones in a peaceful setting. Blankets and lawn chairs are recommended for comfort.
A previous attendee commented on the event: “This was such a wonderful activity, bringing back the memories of when families had picnics and gathered in the cemetery. Very well organized. Please do this again.”
The City is also working with a consultant on an updated Historic Eastside Cemeteries Master Plan. Public input has been solicited through surveys and meetings, with additional opportunities for feedback available at the upcoming event.
