The Best Day of the Dead Events in San Antonio (and How to Plan Your Trip)
Want to know what it’s like to experience Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) in San Antonio? Picture glowing barges drifting down the river while musicians play. Giant, whimsical creatures sit along the water’s edge. A Catrina and Catrín stand nearly 40 feet tall, the most stylish skeleton couple on earth. Visit San Antonio says no other U.S. city hosts as many Day of the Dead events, and after one weekend, I’m a believer.
If you’re not familiar, Día de los Muertos is a Mexican tradition for remembering the people we’ve lost. It isn’t Halloween, but a colorful, joyful event, and if I’m honest, it’s even a little emotional in the best way. Celebrations in San Antonio typically run from early October to November 2, so put it on your calendar for next year and start planning now!
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*I was a guest of Visit San Antonio. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
Best Things to Do in San Antonio to Celebrate Day of the Dead
1. The River Parade
If you pick only one thing, choose this. We watched boats float down the river while musicians played, and every barge was decorated with altars, alebrijes, catrinas, and costumed performers. It was so fun to cheer them on as they passed by our seats.
If you’re wondering what an alebrije is, picture a wildly colorful creature stitched together from parts of different animals. In Mexican folk art, they’re often seen as spirit guides. Honestly, they’re a bit like Pokémon brought to life.
We had reserved seats at Arneson River Theatre, and I’m telling you now: get them. Other seats are available along the route, but last year’s parade set a ticket sales record of 15,266, so don’t wait. And dress up, you’ll fit right in!
2. Wandering the River Walk’s Outdoor Art Gallery
Not every great thing comes with a ticket. For about a month, the River Walk doubles as an outdoor gallery called the Tradition Trail. Hotels, restaurants, and other businesses set up altars and art, and calaveras (decorative skulls) and alebrijes pop up along the water. We found some along the South Bank, near the Shops at Rivercenter, and the Arneson River Theatre.
You can stroll the trail on foot, or hop on the Rio de la Vida boat tour with GO Rio Cruises. The ride lasts about an hour, and the guide shares the city’s unique history as you glide along.
My tip: Some installations look totally different after dark, so see them during the day and then go back at night.
3. La Villita
For the full festive experience, stop at La Villita. The stars are the Catrina and Catrín in Maverick Plaza, standing 38.5 feet tall. There’s live music, food, workshops, face painting, artisan vendors, and a community altar, and it’s all free.
We wandered through after the parade, and it was the perfect nightcap. The giants were lit up, the music was great, and there was plenty to eat. Go back during the day, too, because the artwork on the calaveras deserves a closer look.
4. Muertos Fest at Hemisfair
This is the big one. Muertos Fest draws around 100,000 people a year, and it’s free. It kicks off Friday night. Come early and expect traffic and possibly parking headaches.
Throughout the weekend, more than 80 community altars, five stages, processions, workshops, food, and about 75 artists and vendors fill the market. Be sure to bring a photo of your loved one and add it to the community altar.
My tip: Download the festival’s app and check muertosfest.com for maps and details.
5. The Calaverita Run 5K
This race isn’t about your time; it’s about who you’re running for. You can wear a photo of a loved one on your race bib, write their name on a wall of remembrance, and visit a community altar at the finish. The route winds along the River Walk with art, music, and altars along the way.
There’s a family walk too, a good choice if you’re bringing kids or would rather stroll than sprint. Wear your best Día de los Muertos outfit!
I’ll admit I only watched part of the race, from the patio at Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen. This was a great way to experience the 5K if you don’t want to participate.
6. The Zoo’s Fiesta de los Muertos
The San Antonio Zoo added Fiesta de los Muertos this year as part of its fall event, ZOO BOO! Three themed areas include Plaza de los Recuerdos with an ofrenda (offering) for animals, Calaveras Salvajes with zoo animal sculptures painted like sugar skulls, and El Jardín de los Alebrijes, a garden of bright folk-art creatures. You cross a Marigold Bridge to get in, and there’s face painting and live entertainment too. Kids and adults alike love this event!
7. A Quiet Morning at the Botanical Garden
For something a bit more relaxing, head to the San Antonio Botanical Garden. This year, it has a new installation called Jardín de las Catrinas – eight skeleton figures standing 16 feet tall, built by artist Regina Moya. Each one is made of living plants and reclaimed materials.
We toured the gardens with Regina herself as she explained how and why she made each piece. That’s the kind of thing that turns a nice walk into one heck of a visit. If there’s an artist talk or guided tour, take it.
Photo credit: Kids Are A Trip
8. Lunch and a Procession at Historic Market Square
Historic Market Square is three blocks of shops, restaurants, and artisans, with more than 100 locally owned businesses. It’s known as the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico. During Día de los Muertos, it adds altars, music, face painting, and mariachis.
Plan lunch around the Las Monas Procession, which winds through the shops with colorful costumes and dancing. We ate at La Margarita, a San Antonio classic, and had a bird’s-eye view of the action from our seats.
9. Celebrando las Misiones
San Antonio’s five Missions are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city’s World Heritage Office and its partners host a celebration at Mission Marquee Plaza. The event has a procession, dancing, and opportunities for families to share their own stories.
10. The Ultimate Fashion Show
I did not expect a fashion show to be a highlight of the weekend, but the iLa Catrina show at The Monarch San Antonio was insane in a good way. Costumes and makeup were colorful and dramatic, and the storytelling explained what the holiday means.
The designer explained each collection and piece, so I wasn’t just admiring pretty outfits. I was learning while being thoroughly entertained.
Note: I’m not sure whether The Monarch will host the same event next year, so confirm before adding it to your itinerary.
11. Get the Face Paint
I’ll be blunt: get your face painted. We had an artist for our event at Mexico Ceaty who was incredibly talented. She matched my face to my blouse. It was one of the best parts of the whole weekend, and I was honestly sad to wash it off that night. Plan your outfit around it! You can also find face painters at La Villita, the zoo, and Muertos Fest.
Where to Eat in San Antonio
This year, restaurants around town joined in on a new event called Culinary Spirits, pairing special dishes with cocktails inspired by the people they wanted to honor. A few of my favorites:
- Oak & Amber at The Monarch: Steakhouse dishes cooked over an oak-and-mesquite hearth. I had the filet with asparagus, and it was delicious. The wine and cocktail lists are excellent, too.
- Mexico Ceaty: A casual food hall serving up Mexican favorites like tortas, aguas frescas, and ceviche.
- Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery at the Pearl: Southern and Gulf Coast-inspired dishes and house-brewed beer.
- La Panaderia: A great place to sample pan de muerto, the sweet bread you’ll see on ofrendas. There are a few locations, so double-check the address.
How I’d Plan a Día de los Muertos Weekend in San Antonio
You can mix and match, but here is a sample itinerary:
- Go for parade weekend. The River Parade is Friday night, and La Villita, Muertos Fest, the Calaverita Run, and the Market Square procession all land that same weekend. It’s busy, and it’s worth it. Book your parade tickets and hotel early.
- Can’t make that weekend? The Tradition Trail, the zoo’s Fiesta de los Muertos, and the Botanical Garden installation stay up for weeks.
- Bringing kids? Start with the zoo, La Villita, and the alebrijes along the River Walk.
Where I Stayed in San Antonio
I’d stay downtown. The parade, the Tradition Trail, La Villita, and Muertos Fest are all close together, so you can skip the rental car and the parking headaches.
I stayed at The Monarch San Antonio, a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel on South Alamo Street. It’s a short walk from La Villita, Hemisfair, and the River Walk, which made it an easy home base.
What I Learned (So You Don’t Have To)
- Book early. The parade sells out, and downtown hotels fill up fast.
- Look into CityPASS. It offers admission to four attractions from a list that includes GO Rio River Cruises, the San Antonio Botanical Garden, the San Antonio Museum of Art, the San Antonio Zoo, The DoSeum, the Tower of the Americas, the Witte Museum, and The Alamo Collections Center.
- Use ride-share. Downtown is walkable, but the Pearl, the zoo, the Botanical Garden, and the Missions are easier to reach by ride-share.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be on your feet more than you think.
- Be respectful. This holiday is about remembering loved ones, so ask before photographing altars or people.
- Bring a photo. Muertos Fest, the Missions celebration, and the Calaverita Run all invite you to honor someone special.
- Double-check dates. Events shift each year, so confirm times and tickets before you book.
If You Have Extra Time
San Antonio Sidecars
San Antonio Sidecars are a unique way to see San Antonio. The tour runs about 90 minutes and picks you up and drops you off at your hotel. I loved touring around the city and waving at all of the tourists!
Hopscotch
Hopscotch is an immersive art experience downtown with interactive installations, light displays, and works by local and international artists. It’s designed for all ages, so it works for families, couples, and friends. Plan on an hour for this.
Ghost Tour at the Historic Crockett Hotel
San Antonio has plenty of stories, and RJA Ghost Tours will share some spooky ones! The tour meets at the Crockett Tavern inside the hotel, and it’s a great way to cap off a weekend of skeletons and altars.
Planning more time in the Lone Star State? Don’t miss our guide to the Best Family Vacations in Texas.
