If you've ever walked down South Alamo Street on a First Friday, watched the sun set over the San Antonio River from the Blue Star Arts Complex, or stumbled into a gallery opening that turned into a dance party — you already know. Southtown is different.
And that difference is exactly why the most memorable events in San Antonio happen here.
A Neighborhood Built on Culture
Southtown — anchored by the King William Historic District — is San Antonio's oldest residential neighborhood. It was built by German merchants in the 1800s, evolved through waves of Mexican-American culture, and today stands as the city's creative heartbeat. The murals, the galleries, the restaurants, the music — it all exists because this neighborhood has always welcomed people who do things differently.
That energy is what makes it the perfect setting for celebrations. When your guests arrive in Southtown, they're not just coming to a venue — they're stepping into a story.
The Southtown Advantage for Events
Walkability & Charm
Unlike sprawling suburban event centers, Southtown is walkable. Your guests can grab coffee at Press Coffee before the ceremony, take photos against the iconic murals on South Flores, and end the night at a local bar. The neighborhood becomes part of the experience.
Proximity to Downtown
Southtown is minutes from the River Walk, the Alamo, and downtown hotels. For out-of-town guests — especially at weddings and corporate events — this means easy logistics and a full San Antonio experience.
The Arts District Energy
Blue Star Arts Complex, the galleries along South Alamo, the monthly art walks — Southtown's creative energy infuses every event with a sense of place that hotel ballrooms simply cannot replicate.
Restaurant Culture
San Antonio's food scene is nationally recognized, and Southtown is its epicenter. From Feast to Rosario's to Sichuan House, the neighborhood's culinary diversity means your guests eat well before, during, and after your event.
Love You Long Time: Southtown's Secret Garden
Nestled on one acre at 1127 S St Mary's Street, Love You Long Time Secret Little Garden is Southtown's most distinctive event space. Four unique venues on a single property — The Gardens (400 seated), The Warehouse (90 seated), the Ciao & Zen Pavilion (covered outdoor), and The Phoenix's Apothecary (VIP lounge) — all connected by lush landscaping, string lights, and the kind of thoughtful details that make guests catch their breath.
What makes it uniquely Southtown:
- In-house catering by Chef Kristina Zhao — a James Beard WEL Fellow whose food reflects the neighborhood's multicultural spirit
- Garden setting — mature oaks, string-lit canopies, and lush greenery that feels like a secret world
- Community roots — a portion of every event benefits the Ciao & Zen Collective, our non-profit supporting local families
- The vibe — cultured without being pretentious, elegant without being cold, and genuinely warm in a way that only Southtown can be
Planning Your Southtown Event
Whether you're planning a wedding, quinceañera, corporate retreat, or milestone celebration, here are a few Southtown tips:
- Book accommodations nearby — Hotel Emma, Hotel Havana, and several King William B&Bs are all within minutes.
- Plan a welcome dinner — Southtown's restaurants are perfect for rehearsal dinners or pre-event gatherings.
- Embrace the neighborhood — Encourage guests to explore. The murals, the river, the galleries — it's all part of the experience.
- Go local — From photographers to florists, Southtown's creative community includes some of San Antonio's best event vendors.
Ready to host your event in San Antonio's most magical neighborhood? Book a Private Tour of Love You Long Time Secret Little Garden and see Southtown's best-kept secret for yourself.
Love You Long Time Secret Little Garden is located at 1127 S St Mary's St in the heart of San Antonio's Southtown Arts District. Tours available Monday–Saturday by appointment.