Fall is an especially festive time to enjoy the city’s arts and cultural charms. Six lively festivals dot the autumn season, reflecting the immense depth of creative colors, textures and flavorings the area has to offer. Need even more reasons to come? Many of the events are free, family-friendly and all benefit local arts establishments. Get event details

PHOTOGRAPHY
September

FotoSeptiembre occurs throughout September. Celebrating both local and global photographic arts, its diversity of colors and subjects is too large to be contained in a single site or event. Instead different elements of the festival can be found in a variety of city venues like the Southwest School of Art and Craft and deep into Texas Hill Country. The Dodging Duck Brewhaus in Boerne is often transformed into a popular gallery.

JAZZ
September

Jazz'SAlivedelights the souls of thousands of music lovers every third weekend of September with free concerts in Travis Park, where jazz legends like Dave Brubeck have graced the stage in recent years. Whether it’s Latin, traditional or totally innovative jazz on tap, be sure to arrive early to stake out a good spot. Close to 80,000 fans are expected each year.

ACCORDION MUSIC
October

Another popular free concert weekend is the International Accordion Festival in early October. Nestled in quaint La Villita on the bank’s of the San Antonio River Walk, this event kicks off with a moonlight concert followed by two days of performances celebrating the diversity of the world’s favorite “squeeze box.” There’s plenty of Polka for sure, but you’ll also be able to Tango or Two-Step!

ART, MUSIC, DANCE
November

In a city rich with Mexican culture and traditions, Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is, quite the contrary, a happy celebration based on the belief that the dearly departed like to be remembered with gladness, not sorrow. As the calendar flips from October to November, families set up elaborately decorated altars adorned with offerings like sugar skulls, brightly colored figurines (calacas) and marigolds. The holiday culminates when time-honored mystical dances, plays, crafts and favorite foods are presented in family festivals at locations throughout town, such as the Instituto Cultural de Mexico and Centro Cultural Aztlán.

FOOD & WINE
November

Food and wine lovers savor the arrival of the much-loved New World Wine and Food Festival in mid-November. Texas vintners have caught the attention of oenophiles worldwide with their Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon offerings. Local and regional chefs like Dallas’ esteemed Stephan Pyles appear annually to tempt guests with innovative food and wine pairings.Events range from casual to upscale at this all-inclusive event, and many – like the New World Grand Tasting – are held right downtown. The festivities wrap up with the “Totally Tejas” tasting held at Rio Cibolo Ranch, less than 30 minutes from downtown.

MARIACHI MUSIC
November

In its purest sense, mariachi music is a highly elevated art form and Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza preserves its continuation through a weeklong festival in November. Members of the esteemed Vargas family hold classes and competitions, with more than 1,000 students gathering for Saturday night’s massive concert at the Municipal Auditorium.

FAST FACTS: San Antonio Arts Festivals

• Many events are free
• Activities benefit local arts establishments
• Family-friendly activities abound