Enjoy Fun, Free Events Downtown Events This October
Published on October 02, 2024
Celebrate the arrival of fall at La Villita Historic Arts Village.
SAN ANTONIO (October 2, 2024) — The City of San Antonio invites the community to visit downtown, including Historic Market Square, La Villita Historic Arts Village, Travis Park, and Houston Street this October for a wide variety of events.
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.
La Villita Historic Arts Village Events
Location: 418 Villita St,
San Antonio, TX 78205
Directions
La Villita Market Days
When: Every Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; free
La Villita Market Days transforms Maverick Plaza into a vibrant, open-air marketplace featuring local artisans, craftspeople, and food vendors. Visitors to this free event will enjoy unique arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations, guest artists at work on their craft, live music and performing dance troupes. For moreinformation, visit theLa Villita website.
RiverARTober
When: Saturday, October 5, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. & Sunday, October 6, 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 theevent website.
Craft Tuesday: Pumpkin Decorating
When: Tuesday, October 8, 5-7 p.m.; free
You’re invited to a free, family-friendly, DIY Pumpkin Decorating event at our inaugural Craft Tuesday series starting October 10! Light bites and beverages will be available for purchase from La Villita Café and local Mexican wine shop, Casa Guipzot. Enter for a chance to win door prizes from some of our amazing village artists. Downtown Tuesday free parking begins at 5 p.m. in City-owned lots and garages. For more information, please visit the Facebook event page.
Diez y Seis Mariachi Festival
When: Saturday, October 12, 12-9 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 theevent website.
River Walk LIVE!
When: Thursday, October 17, 6 p.m.; free
River Walk LIVE! is a monthly concert series that happens every third Thursday. Local and national talent make their way to the Arneson River Theatre at La Villita to perform musical acts that fill the River Walk with sweet sounds. For more information, visit theevent website.
Marisol Deluna Foundation 2024 Community Fashion Show
When: Sunday, October 20, gates open at 2 p.m., fashion show at 3 p.m.; free
Celebrate an afternoon of fashion in honor of the Linda Luna Duffy Creative Hope Initiative with the Marisol Deluna Foundation’s 2024 Community Fashion Show at the Arneson River Theatre. The event will also feature a fashion pop-up shop and refreshments.For more information, visit the Marisol Deluna Foundation website.
Dancing in the Dark: Merengue Masquerade
When: Tuesday, October 22, 6-8 p.m.; free
Looking for a fun, free date night? Join us for La Villita’s Dancing in the Dark series with a merengue masquerade! Come dressed in your best costume for a chance to win a prize! Come a little early with your partner, friends, or by yourself to grab dinner in the Village, or you can purchase light bites and beverages from Prost Haus.Downtown Tuesday 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
- When:
-
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
- Join us at 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. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit theDay of the Dead San Antonio website.
Historic Market Square Events
Location: 514 W. Commerce Street
San Antonio, TX 78207
Directions
Market Square Weekend Programming
Every weekend in October, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., FREE
Enjoy music, working artists, and food booths at Market Square every weekend! For more information, please visit the Market Square event page.
10th Annual Car Show
When: Saturday, October 5 – Sunday, October 6, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; free
Join us for the 10thAnnual 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. Cars will begin arriving at 12 p.m., so be sure to arrive early to catch the full lineup. For more information, visit theMarket Square Facebook event page.
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.
Market Square Weekend Programming
When: Every weekend in October, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; free
Enjoy music, working artists, and food booths at Market Square every weekend! For more information, visit theMarket Square event page.
Travis Park Events
Location: 301 E. Travis St. Directions
Eat & Play in Travis Park
When: Friday, October 11, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Every second Friday of the month, enjoy a variety of food trucks, music, and activities during lunchtime at Travis Park. For more information, follow @satxfoodtrucks on Instagram.
Lunch Break on Houston Street
Location: In front of the Majestic Theatre,
224 E. Houston Street,
San Antonio, TX 78207
Directions
When: Thursday, October 3 & 17, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join us on the first and third Thursday of the month for Lunch Break on Houston Street with food trucks and music in front of the Majestic Theatre! For more information, follow @satxfoodtrucks on Instagram.
Plan Ahead
Downtown can get busy, so make a plan.There are numerous street closures in the downtown area as well as the potential for heavy traffic with several large events taking place throughout the month. Take public transportation, ride-share, 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.
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.).