Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Downtown San Antonio
Published on October 02, 2024
SAN ANTONIO (October 21, 2024) — 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.
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
River Parade: Friday, October 25, 7 p.m.; ticketed event
Festival and community activations: Friday, October 25 – Sunday, October 27, see website for full schedule
All are invited to 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. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the Day of the Dead San Antonio website.
Historic Market Square Events
Location: 514 W. Commerce Street
San Antonio, TX 78207
Directions
Cultural Celebration: Día de los Muertos
When: Saturday, October 26 and 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.For more information, visit the Market Square website.
Self-Guided Día de los Muertos Altar Tour
Now through November 3, 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, visit the Market Square Facebook page.
Hemisfair
Location: 630 Nueva Street
Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27, see event website for full schedule; 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. For more information, visit the event website.
Plan Ahead
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 make a plan 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, as possible.
Visit the City’s Know Before You Go Downtown website for helpful resources and parking information.
Visitor Parking
Check out the City's SAPark website for easy, convenient, and affordable parking. A map shows a full list of City-owned garages and lots.
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 and Houston Street, and they generally have a large availability of public parking spaces. 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.).