Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Downtown San Antonio

Photo Credit: Vanessa Velazquez Photography

Celebrate Día de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”) at Market Square on October 26 and 27, enjoy the Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade and Festival on the River Walk and at La Villita on October 25-27, and visit Día de los Muertos at Hemisfair on October 26 and 27. While you enjoy La Villita and Market Square events, don’t forget to stop inside their stores to shop for one-of-a-kind treasures.

Día de los Muertos is a centuries-old tradition celebrating departed ones’ time on earth. The weekend celebrations bring together traditional art and culture along with unique shopping and dining experiences.

Cultural Celebration: Día de los Muertos

Saturday, October 26 - Sunday, October 27, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., FREE

Join us for a vibrant celebration of Día de los Muertos, honoring the rich traditions of this special Mexican holiday. Taking place over two days, this event will feature cultural activities, traditional altars, face painting, live music, and more. One of the highlights will be the Las Monas Cultural Dance Procession, a mesmerizing display of dance and storytelling that will take place both days from 1 to 2 p.m. This event is open to all ages and is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural heritage and community spirit that Día de los Muertos represents.

Event Information

Self-Guided Día de los Muertos Altar Tour

Now through November 3, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., FREE

Take a self-guided tour of Día de los Muertos ofrendas (altars) at Historic Market Square. The ofrendas show gratitude, celebrate memories, and highlight the best and the brightest of departed loved ones' time on earth. Learn more about Día de los Muertos by visiting uniquely themed altars throughout Historic Market Square. 

More Information

Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade and Festival

River Parade: Friday, October 25, 7 p.m., ticketed event
Festival and community activations: Friday, October 25 - Sunday, October 27, FREE

Join us at the San Antonio River Walk for the Day of the Dead River Parade on Friday, October 25. See elaborately decorated floats with altars, catrinas, and costumed riders all celebrating life and loved ones. The festivities continue Friday through Sunday at La Villita with music, food, and free family fun honoring Day of the Dead traditions. See the second largest “Calavera Catrina” in the world, as well as 20 vibrant alebrije spirit-animals and ten giant hand-painted calaveras spread throughout La Villita.

Event Information

Día de los Muertos at Hemisfair

Saturday, October 26 - Sunday, October 27, FREE

Recognized by National Geographic as one of ‘America’s Top 7 Fall Festivals’, Día de los Muertos brings back its unique mix of community altars, live music, art vendors and workshops in a free, family-friendly, two-day event. Popularly known at Muertos Fest, this beloved San Antonio event is one of the largest Day of the Dead celebrations in the United States.

Event Information

New finds await at La Villita Historic Arts Village!

Located in the heart of downtown, La Villita offers over 15 unique boutiques, art galleries, and dining experiences. 

La Villita Website

Find everything you need at Historic Market Square!

With over 100 locally owned shops, you’ll find cultural curios, artifacts, hand-crafted leather goods, and a diverse collection of traditional apparel at Historic Market Square.

Market Square Website

Downtown will be very busy the weekend of October 25-27, so make a plan. In addition to the Día de los Muertos events, the Billy Joel and Sting concert will be taking place at the Alamodome on Friday at 7 p.m. (the same time as the Day of the Dead River Parade), and a block party will be taking place in the River North area on Saturday afternoon.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and arrive early to downtown events to avoid expected disruptions related to traffic, construction projects, and parking. Take public transportation, ride-share, bike, walk, or consult Google Maps or Waze before you leave. VIA will offer Park & Ride to the Billy Joel and Sting concert. There will be heavy congestion downtown the evening of Friday, October 25, especially near the Alamodome and I-37/281. Take alternate routes, if possible.
 

Know Before You Go Website

Visit our map to check rates, directions, accessibility, and EV charging stations at City of San Antonio public parking garages and lots near you. 

Note that parking event rates ($15 maximum) will be in effect at some parking facilities from October 25 (afternoon) through October 27.

Parking Map Link

Free Parking at City Tower on Sundays!

City Tower Sundays offers free parking on Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight at the City Tower Garage located at 60 N. Flores St. Entrances to the garage are on Main Street and Flores Street. For directions, view our parking map. For more information and additional affordable parking opportunities, visit our SAPark website.

City Tower Sunday Website