The City of San Antonio is encouraging residents and visitors to participate in a series of free public events in downtown San Antonio throughout October. Activities will take place at Historic Market Square, La Villita Historic Arts Village, and Houston Street, with a focus on celebrating fall traditions and Día de los Muertos.
The 11th Annual Car Show will be held at Historic Market Square on Saturday, October 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering classic car displays, live entertainment, and local vendors. For more information about the event, attendees are directed to visit the Market Square website.
Día de los Muertos celebrations are scheduled for Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring cultural activities such as traditional altars, face painting, live music, and Las Monas Cultural Dance Procession each day from 1 to 2 p.m. The City notes that this family-friendly event aims to highlight Mexican heritage through artistry and community engagement.
A self-guided tour of Día de los Muertos altars (ofrendas) will be available daily at Historic Market Square from October 13 through November 3 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., providing visitors an opportunity to learn about the tradition by viewing themed altars across the area.
On November 1 and November 2, the Calaveras de Azucar Festival will take place at Market Square with additional altars, music performances, and vendor booths.
Market Square will also host weekend events throughout October featuring live performances by local artists as well as food offerings.
La Villita Historic Arts Village will present riverARTober on October 4-5 with Texas-based artists showcasing their work alongside music and food vendors. Painting in the Plaza is scheduled for Sunday, October 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., led by acrylic artist Chantia “Tia” Bailey; registration is required for this free painting class focused on musical themes.
Other events include:
– Diez y Seis Mariachi Festival on Saturday, October 11 with student mariachi performances.
– Sana Sunday Goat Yoga on Sunday, October 12 at Plaza Juarez in La Villita.
– Craft Tuesday: Pumpkin Painting Party on Tuesday, October 14.
– Dancing in the Dark dance lesson series on Tuesday, October 28.
The Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade takes place Friday evening, October 24 along the River Walk (ticketed), followed by festival activities at La Villita from Friday through Sunday including large-scale art installations like alebrijes spirit animals and giant calaveras.
Houston Street will host Lunch Break events with food trucks and music outside Majestic Theatre on Thursday afternoons (October 2 &16).
Due to multiple festivals coinciding with major concerts such as Paul McCartney’s performance at Alamodome on Saturday, October 25—an increase in downtown traffic is expected. The City recommends using public transit options such as VIA Metropolitan Transit or rideshare services within its downtown service zone for $1.30 per ride via Link service (details available through Google Maps). Parking information can be found via SAPark website; special rates may apply during busy weekends. Free parking is offered during Downtown Tuesday evenings after five o’clock at city-owned facilities and all day Sundays at City Tower Garage.
“Join us as we honor this beautiful Mexican tradition with an array of cultural activities, stunning traditional altars, vibrant face painting, and live music,” states one announcement regarding Día de los Muertos festivities.
For full schedules or further details about any specific event or parking options downtown—including which garages typically have available spaces—residents are encouraged to consult official city websites.
