Enjoy Free, Fall Events in Downtown San Antonio
Published on September 29, 2026
SAN ANTONIO (September 29, 2026) — 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.
Downtown will be very busy the weekend of October 23-25, with multiple Día de los Muertos events occurring in the downtown area. Before heading downtown, attendees are encouraged to check event details, road closures, and parking information at SA.gov/GoDowntown
Market Square Events
Location: 514 W. Commerce Street
12th Annual Car Show
- Date: Saturday, October 3
- Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Price: free
The 12th Annual Car Show at Historic Market Square showcases the nostalgia and beauty of vintage automobiles, celebrating decades of automotive history. This family‑friendly event offers classic vehicles, live entertainment, and local vendors, creating an engaging experience for car enthusiasts and visitors of all ages. For more information, visit the Market Square website.
Self-Guided Día de los Muertos Altar Tour
- Date: October 5 – November 6
- Time: every day from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Price: 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.
Cultural Celebration: Día de los Muertos
- Date: Saturday, October 24 & Sunday, October 25
- Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Price: 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, marigold giveaway, 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 in celebrating life, memory, and community. For more information, visit the Market Square website.
Calaveras de Azucar Festival
Dates:
- Saturday, October 31, 10 a.m. –9:30 p.m.
- Sunday, November 1, 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Price: free
The Market Square Farmers Market Association invites the community to attend their vibrant Calaveras de Azucar Festival to celebrate Día de los Muertos with family and friends. 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
- Date: Every weekend in October
- Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Price: free
Enjoy music, working artists, and food booths at Market Square every weekend. For more information and the entertainment lineup, visit the Market Square website.
La Villita Events
Location: 418 Villita Street
La Villita Ghost Tours
- Date: Thursday, October 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
- Time: 7 - 8 p.m.
- Price: free
Discover the hidden legends of La Villita after dark! Join Curious Twins Paranormal for an unforgettable ghost tour through one of San Antonio’s oldest and most enchanting neighborhoods. From lively lore to centuries-old mysteries, this spirited walk offers a thrilling new way to experience the magic and history of La Villita Historic Arts Village. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Downtown Thursday free parking begins at 5 p.m. in City-owned lots and garages. For more information and registration, visit the La Villita website.
Painting in the Plaza
- Date: Sunday, October 4 & 18
- Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Price: free with registration
The community is invited to Painting in the Plaza, a free, family-friendly art experience held on the first and third Sundays through May at La Villita Historic Arts Village. Local artist Monica Bosch will guide participants in a step-by-step painting class. The program welcomes all skill levels, though space is limited and advanced registration is required. Registration opens one week before each event date. For more information, visit the La Villita website.
Mariachi Festival
- Date: Saturday, October 10
- Time: 1-9 p.m.
- Price: 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.
Craft Thursday
- Date: Thursday, October 15
- Time: 6-8 p.m.
- Price: free with registration
The community is invited to Craft Thursday, a free, family-friendly DIY series held at La Villita Historic Arts Village. Local pastry artist Janie Romo will guide participants through an in-depth cookie decorating class. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy dinner or a beverage at onsite restaurants. Seating is limited, and advance registration is required; registration opens one week before the event. Downtown Thursday free parking begins at 5 p.m. in City-owned lots and garages. For more information, visit the La Villita website.
Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade and Festival
River Parade
- Date: Friday, October 23
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Price: ticketed event
- Festival and community activations
- Date: Friday, October 23 – Sunday, October 25
View website for full schedule
Celebrate Día de los Muertos as altar‑inspired floats, dazzling catrinas, and vibrant tributes light up the River Walk on Friday night during the Day of the Dead River Parade. The festivities continue all weekend 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.
Downtown Events
Lunch Break on Houston Street
- Location: in front of the Majestic Theatre, 224 East Houston St.
- Date: Thursday, October 1 & 15, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Enjoy food trucks and live music along Houston Street in front of the Majestic Theatre.
Downtown Thursday
Date: Every Thursday after 5 p.m. through the end of 2026
Discover something new every Thursday night with Downtown Thursday, a weekly lineup of arts, culture, music, food, and family‑friendly experiences presented by the City of San Antonio through the end of 2026. Visitors can explore specials offered by more than 30 local businesses, including restaurants, bars, coffee shops, retailers, tour operators, and arts venues. Free parking is available after 5 p.m. in City‑owned facilities, making it easy for guests to enjoy a Thursday night downtown. An online parking map lists all facilities offering free Thursday parking, and the Downtown Thursday website includes details on partner events and special offers.
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. Event parking rates may apply at some locations during busy weekends.
The St. Mary’s Garage (205 East Travis St.) and the City Tower Garage (60 North Flores St.) are located just steps from the River Walk and Houston Street and generally, there are many parking spots. Downtown Thursday offers free parking on Thursday 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.