Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Downtown San Antonio
Published on October 23, 2025
SAN ANTONIO (October 23, 2025) — Celebrate Día de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”) at Historic Market Square on October 25 and 26, enjoy the Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade and Festival on the River Walk and at La Villita Historic Arts Village on October 24-26, and visit Muertos Fest at Hemisfair on October 26 and 27.
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.
While enjoying La Villita and Market Square events, don’t forget to stop inside their stores to shop for one-of-a-kind treasures.
Market Square Events (514 W. Commerce Street)
Cultural Celebration:Día de los Muertos
Saturday,October 25 & Sunday,October 26, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; free
Get ready for a lively celebration of Día de los Muertos, a two-day event bursting with color, culture, and community spirit. Join us as we honor this beautiful Mexican tradition with an array of cultural activities, traditional altars, vibrant face painting, and live music. Don’t miss Las Monas Cultural Dance Procession, a captivating fusion of dance and storytelling that brings ancestral tales to life, happening both days from 1 to 2 p.m. This family-friendly event is open to all ages and is the perfect way to experience the rich heritage, artistry, and joy that make Día de los Muertos special. Join to celebrate life, memory, and community. For more information, visit the Market Square website.
Self-Guided Día de los Muertos Altar Tour
Through November 3, every day from 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. For more information, visit the Market Square website.
Calaveras de Azucar Festival
Saturday, November 1, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. & Sunday, November 2, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; free
Hosted by the Market Square Farmers Market Association, this vibrant festival features altars, live music, and local vendors. It’s a joyful gathering for families and friends to celebrate the spirit of Día de los Muertos. For more information, visit the Market Square website.
La Villita Events (418 Villita Street)
Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade and Festival
River Parade: Friday, October 24, 7 p.m.; ticketed event
Festival and community activations: Friday, October 24 – Sunday, October 26, see website for full schedule
Experience the magic of San Antonio’s Day of the Dead River Parade on Friday, October 24, along the iconic River Walk. Watch in awe as stunning, altar-adorned floats glide by, featuring dazzling catrinas, colorful costumes, and joyful celebrations of life and memory. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Join on Friday through Sunday as La Villita transforms into a vibrant fiesta filled with live music, delicious food, and free family fun honoring cherished Día de los Muertos traditions. Don’t miss the chance to snap a selfie with the second largest Calavera Catrina in the world, wander among 20 colorful alebrije spirit-animals, and marvel at 10 giant, hand-painted calaveras spread throughout the village. It’s a celebration rich in culture, bursting with color, and open to all. Come honor the past, celebrate the present, and be part of something truly unforgettable at La Villita. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the event website.
Plan for a Smooth Experience
Downtown San Antonio is expected to be especially busy the weekend of October 24–26, with Saturday, October 25 anticipated to draw large crowds due to Muertos Fest, the Paul McCartney concert at the Alamodome, and other major events. Visitors are strongly encouraged to arrive early and plan to avoid traffic delays. For helpful tips and planning resources, visit the Downtown San Antonio Know Before You Go website.
VIA Metropolitan Transit will offer free Park & Ride service to the Robert Thompson Transit Station (183 Montana St., next to the Alamodome) on Saturday, October 25, from 3 p.m. to midnight. Service will be available to and from the following locations:
- Crossroads Park & Ride (151 Crossroads Blvd., 78201)
- Brooks Transit Center (3026 Sidney Brooks Drive, 78235)
- Frost Bank Center Lots 6 & 7 (3205 E. Houston St., 78219)
Riders can also use Route 100 Prímo Fredericksburg Road for convenient connections between downtown parking garages and event venues.
For more details, visit VIA’s website.
Helpful Resources