Things to Do in San Antonio This Weekend: October 23–25, 2026

From colorful Día de los Muertos celebrations to live performances and local markets, here are some fun ways to spend the weekend in San Antonio.

Fall is in full swing in San Antonio, and the weekend of October 23–25 is bringing a vibrant lineup of cultural celebrations, live entertainment, and community activities to the city.

Whether you're planning a family outing, a date night, or a weekend exploring local art and food, there's something worth adding to your calendar. Día de los Muertos festivities are taking center stage, with colorful altars, music, processions, and events throughout downtown.

Here are some events to check out this weekend!

1. Muertos Fest at Hemisfair

October 23–25 | Free admission

If there's one event to put at the top of your weekend list, it's Muertos Fest at Hemisfair. This popular Día de los Muertos celebration brings together art, music, culture, and community in the heart of downtown San Antonio.

Visitors can explore more than 80 altars, browse the Muertos Mercado for handmade crafts and artwork, and enjoy live entertainment across five stages. Expect music, dance, poetry, processions, workshops, and activities for children.

It's a wonderful opportunity to experience the traditions behind Día de los Muertos while supporting local artists and vendors.

Location: Hemisfair, downtown San Antonio

Best for: Families, art lovers, and anyone looking for a lively cultural experience.

Event details: Muertos Fest at Hemisfair

2. Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade

Friday, October 23 | 7:00 PM

Looking for a memorable Friday night activity? Head downtown for the Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade.

The parade features decorated river barges, colorful catrinas, and tributes honoring loved ones who have passed. The River Walk provides a distinctive setting for this celebration, combining San Antonio's cultural heritage with one of its most recognizable attractions.

The surrounding festival continues through the weekend at La Villita Historic Arts Village, with food, live music, art installations, and family-friendly activities.

Location: San Antonio River Walk and surrounding downtown areas

Best for: Date nights, visitors, and anyone who enjoys cultural celebrations.

Planning tip: Parade viewing may require tickets for reserved seating. Check official event details and downtown parking information before heading out.

Event details: Visit San Antonio's Día de los Muertos Guide

3. Día de los Muertos at Historic Market Square

Saturday and Sunday, October 24–25 | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM | Free admission

For a daytime celebration filled with culture, food, and local shopping, visit Historic Market Square.

This two-day event celebrates Día de los Muertos through traditional altars, live music, cultural activities, and community gatherings. Visitors can also enjoy the market's shops and food vendors while taking in the colorful atmosphere.

One highlight is the Las Monas Cultural Dance Procession, scheduled for 1:00–2:00 PM each day. The performance combines dance and storytelling to celebrate cultural traditions.

It's a great way to spend a few hours downtown without paying an admission fee.

Location: 514 W. Commerce Street, San Antonio

Best for: Families, food lovers, and anyone interested in Mexican and Mexican American culture.

Event details: City of San Antonio — Downtown Día de los Muertos Events

4. Dracula by Ballet San Antonio

Friday, October 23–Sunday, October 25 | Select performances

For something a little more theatrical, Ballet San Antonio presents Dracula at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.

This dramatic ballet reimagines the classic gothic tale through dance, music, and theatrical storytelling. With Halloween approaching, it's a fitting choice for anyone looking for a sophisticated seasonal outing.

Scheduled performances include Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and evening, and Sunday afternoon. Check the venue's current schedule for availability and ticket information.

Location: Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, downtown San Antonio

Best for: Couples, ballet fans, and those looking for a Halloween-season date night.

Event details: Ballet San Antonio — Dracula

5. Shop and Explore La Villita Historic Arts Village

October 23–25 | Festival activities throughout the weekend

While you're downtown for the River Parade or other Día de los Muertos celebrations, make time for La Villita Historic Arts Village.

This historic district becomes part of the weekend's festivities, with cultural displays, colorful calavera sculptures, alebrije spirit-animal artwork, food, and live entertainment.

You can also explore artisan shops and discover handmade items from local creators. It's an easy addition to a downtown itinerary, especially if you want to combine sightseeing, shopping, and festival activities.

Location: 418 Villita Street, San Antonio

Best for: Art lovers, shoppers, and visitors exploring the River Walk.

Event details: Visit San Antonio

6. Make It a Weekend of Local Food and Shopping

You don't have to attend a ticketed event to enjoy San Antonio this weekend. The city's markets, restaurants, and walkable districts offer plenty of ways to make a day out of exploring.

Consider stopping for a meal or browsing local shops between festival activities. Historic Market Square and La Villita are particularly convenient choices because they are part of the downtown celebrations.

If you plan to visit several downtown events, group them into one outing rather than driving between locations throughout the day.

Planning tip: Expect heavier traffic and parking demand downtown, especially Friday evening and throughout the weekend. Check road closures and parking options before leaving home.

For more ideas, visit the official San Antonio events calendar.

Plan Your San Antonio Weekend

With cultural festivals, live performances, and local markets on the calendar, October 23–25 is a great weekend to explore what makes San Antonio special.

Here's a simple way to plan your time:

• Friday evening: Watch the Day of the Dead River Parade or attend Dracula.
• Saturday: Spend the day at Muertos Fest or Historic Market Square, then enjoy dinner downtown.
• Sunday: Return to your favorite festival, explore La Villita, or catch a Sunday performance of Dracula.

Before heading out, confirm event schedules, admission details, and parking arrangements with the organizers, as details can change.

Love Living in the San Antonio Area?

San Antonio offers more than great homes. Its cultural celebrations, local businesses, outdoor spaces, and vibrant neighborhoods give residents plenty of opportunities to connect with the community and enjoy life close to home.

At Homefront United Realty Group, we're proud to help people explore the places and communities that make the San Antonio area special.

Whether you're thinking about buying a home, selling your property, or learning more about the local real estate market, we're here to help.

Thinking about making San Antonio or the surrounding Hill Country your home? Contact Homefront United Realty Group to start the conversation.

Event information was reviewed using official city, venue, and tourism listings available as of October 22, 2026. Please verify schedules and admission details before attending.