Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Downtown San Antonio
Published on October 25, 2023
Celebrate the arrival of fall at La Villita Historic Arts Village.
SAN ANTONIO (October 25, 2023) — Celebrate Día de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”) at Market Square on October 28 and 29, enjoy the Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade and Festival on the River Walk and at La Villita on October 27-29, and visit Día de los Muertos at Hemisfair on October 28 and 29.
Día de los Muertos is a centuries old tradition focused on celebrating departed ones’ time on earth. The weekend celebrations bring together traditional art and culture along with unique shopping and dining experiences.
La Villita Historic Arts Village Events
Location: 418 Villita St,
San Antonio, TX 78205
Directions
Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade and Festival
- When:
- River Parade: Friday, October 27, 7 p.m., ticketed event
- Festival and community activations: Friday, October 27 – Sunday, October 29, see website for full schedule
Join us at the San Antonio River Walk for the Day of the Dead River Parade on Friday, October 27. 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. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the Day of the Dead San Antonio website.
Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival
When: Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29, 12-4 p.m., ticketed event
Culinaria is excited to announce the return of the annual Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival from October 26-29 in partnership with Visit San Antonio. Enjoy an array of menu items from around town and throughout Texas and sip on specialty drinks crafted right in front of you. For more information and tickets, please visit the event website.
Historic Market Square Events
Location: 514 W. Commerce Street
San Antonio, TX 78207
Directions
Cultural Celebration:Día de los Muertos
When: Saturday,October 28and Sunday,October 29, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., FREE
Bring the family out to enjoy beautiful altars built in memory of departed loved ones and celebrate with cultural processions. The annual event will also showcase performances by live Mariachi bands and ballet folklorico dancers. Festivities include face painting, Día de los Muertos stilt characters, Happy Tails petting zoo, artisans, festive food, and authentic market shopping all weekend. Las Monas will return this year to lead their cultural dance procession throughout the plaza. For more information, please visit the Market Square website.
Self-Guided Día de los Muertos Altar Tour
When: Now through November 7, every day 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 details and an altar map, please visit the Market Square Facebook page.
Plan Ahead
It’s another busy weekend downtown – plan ahead! There are numerous street closures in the downtown area as well as the potential for heavy traffic with several large events taking place. Take public transportation, ride-share, bike, walk, or consult a navigation and traffic app before you leave. Visit the City's street closure website for more information, and sign up for downtown street closure notices by subscribing to our street closure updates email.
Visitor Parking
Check out the City's SAPark website for easy, convenient, and affordable parking! A full list of City-owned garages, lots and meters can be found here. City Tower Sundays offers free parking on Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight at the City Tower Garage located at 117 W. Commerce.