Enjoy Fun, Free Events in Downtown San Antonio
Published on October 01, 2025
SAN ANTONIO (October 1, 2025) — The City of San Antonio invites the community to visit Historic Market Square, La Villita Historic Arts Village and Houston Street this October for fun fall events and to celebrate Día de los Muertos.
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)
11th Annual Car Show
Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; free
Join us for the 11th Annual Car Show at Historic Market Square. Experience the nostalgia and beauty of vintage cars on display, celebrating automotive history. This event is perfect for car enthusiasts and families, offering a glimpse into the past with classic vehicles, live entertainment, and local vendors. For more information, visit the Market Square website.
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, stunning 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
October 13 – 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. – 8 p.m. & Sunday, November 2, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; free
The Market Square Farmers Market Association invites all to attend their vibrant Calaveras de Azucar Festival to celebrate Día de los Muertos with family, friends, and the community. The colorful and memorable festival features altars, live music, and local vendors. For more information, visit the Market Square website.
Market Square Weekends: Live Performances, Local Eats & Art in Action
Every weekend, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; free
Enjoy music, working artists, and food booths at Market Square every weekend in October. For more information and the entertainment lineup, visit the Market Square website.
La Villita Events (418 Villita Street)
riverARTober
Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. & Sunday, October 5, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; free
Meet artists from all over Texas while experiencing the beauty of La Villita Historic Arts Village. Make plans to attend this free weekend festival of art, music, food, and find that perfect, one-of-a-kind creation to take home. For more information, visit the event website.
Painting in the Plaza
Sunday, October 5, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; free
Painting in the Plaza is a free, family-friendly event that takes place every first Sunday of the month from September 2025 to May 2026 in the Cos House at La Villita Historic Arts Village. Acrylic artist Chantia “Tia” Bailey is leading a nine-part series of painting classes focusing on the theme of music. Registration is required; sign up online. All supplies are provided. City Tower Sundays offers free parking on Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight at the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.). For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Diez y Seis Mariachi Festival
Saturday, October 11, 2-9 p.m.; free
The Mariachi Festival features performances by middle and high school students from schools in San Antonio and the region. The festival has been hosted by the Diez y Seis de Septiembre Commission for over 20 years. Food and arts and crafts booths will be available for patrons’ enjoyment. For more information, visit the event website.
Sana Sunday Goat Yoga in La Villita
Sunday, October 12, 10-11 a.m.; free
Start your healthy Sunday with a goat yoga class at the serene, tree-shaded Plaza Juarez in beautiful La Villita Historic Arts Village. All are invited for a free 45-minute goat yoga experience. The class will be taught by a certified yoga instructor, ending with 15 minutes of goat cuddle time. Please bring a yoga mat. Registration is required; sign up online. City Tower Sundays offers free parking on Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight at the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.). For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Craft Tuesday: Pumpkin Painting Party
Tuesday, October 14, 6-8 p.m.; free
All are invited to a free, family-friendly pumpkin painting party where all supplies are provided. Come early to grab a bite or beverage from onsite restaurants. Registration is required; sign up online. Downtown Tuesday free parking begins at 5 p.m. in City-owned lots and garages. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
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.
Dancing in the Dark
Tuesday, October 28, 6-8 p.m.; free
Looking for a fun, free date night? Join us for La Villita’s Dancing in the Dark series with free dance lessons! Come a little early to grab a bite or a beverage from onsite restaurants.Downtown Tuesday free parking begins at 5 p.m. in City-owned lots and garages. For more information, visit the La Villita website.
Downtown Events
Lunch Break on Houston Street (in front of the Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston Street)
Thursday, October 2 & 16, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Houston Street will have food trucks and music in front of the Majestic Theatre. For more information, follow @satxfoodtrucks on Instagram.
Make a Plan
Downtown can get busy, so make a plan.Saturday, October 25 will be especially busy with several large festivals happening downtown and the Paul McCartney concert at the Alamodome. Take public transportation, rideshare, taxis, bike, walk, or consult Google Maps or Waze before you leave. Visit the City’sKnow Before You Go Downtown websitefor helpful resources and parking information.Find nearbyVIA Metropolitan Transit routesby visiting Google Maps and selecting the public transport option. VIA also offers itsLink ride-sharing servicefor $1.30 a ridewithin its downtown service area zone.
Visitor Parking
For easy, convenient, and affordable parking, visit the City’s SAPark website. The parking map provides a full list of City-owned garages and lots. Note that event parking rates (up to $15 at City parking facilities) may be in effect at some parking facilities during busy event weekends.
The St. Mary’s Garage (205 E. Travis St.) and the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.) are located just steps from the River Walk, Houston Street and Travis Park and they generally have many parking spots. Downtown Tuesday offers free parking on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. in City-owned parking facilities, and City Tower Sundays offers free parking on Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight at the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.).