Photo by InterContinental San Antonio

Celebrate life, love, and memory during one unforgettable weekend in the Alamo City. From altars and art to parades and pan de muerto, here’s how to spend a Day of the Dead–themed weekend in San Antonio.

San Antonio hosts one of the largest Día de los Muertos celebrations in the U.S., with parades, altars, and family-friendly events across the city.

Friday: Day of the Dead Parade & Mission Altars

Kick off your weekend adventure by checking into one of San Antonio’s many welcoming accommodations. From luxury hotels along the River Walk to cozy stays in historic districts, San Antonio offers options to suit every style and budget.

Lunch
Head to La Panadería for a relaxed lunch that blends traditional flavors with modern flair. Known for its artisanal pan dulce, this local favorite also serves hearty tortas, soups, and salads made with fresh ingredients.

During the season, you can also enjoy a slice of pan de muerto, a slightly sweet bread traditionally baked to honor loved ones during Día de los Muertos.

Afternoon Visit to the San Antonio Missions
Spend your afternoon visiting Día de los Muertos at the San Antonio Missions, a peaceful and meaningful experience hosted by El Camino de San Antonio.

Visit ofrendas placed at all four historic Mission Churches, each one created by local parish communities to honor their ancestors. These traditional altars feature candles, flowers, and spiritual symbols that reflect centuries of faith and remembrance.

The event is free and self-guided, and it begins at the Padre Margil Pilgrimage Center, which is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dinner on the River Walk
Choose your favorite River Walk restaurant and reserve a table early. Many restaurants offer special parade-night seating packages that provide a great view of the celebration.

Tex-Mex, Italian, or something more upscale, whatever your dinner craving may be, you’ll find it at a restaurant along the River Walk.

Evening at the Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade
Cap off your first day with the Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade. Held on Friday, October 24, 2025, this stunning nighttime event features elaborately decorated barges that float through the heart of downtown.

Each barge honors a different figure or tradition of Día de los Muertos with glowing altars, costumed performers, and vibrant colors. The parade begins at 7 p.m. at Lexington Avenue, and the first float is expected to reach Arneson River Theatre around 7:45 p.m.

Saturday: Market Square, La Villita, Calaverita Run, and Furry Friends at Dogtober Fest

Breakfast
Start your day at Mi Tierra Café y Pandería. This beloved Historic Market Square staple is where you can find twinkling lights, papel picado, and the smell of fresh tortillas in the air.

Visit their altar on display before enjoying a hearty Mexican breakfast in a space that feels like a celebration all year.

Celebrate in Historic Market Square
Begin your Saturday activities surrounded by color, music, and tradition at Día de los Muertos at Historic Market Square.

This lively celebration features live performances, face painting, traditional altars, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Be sure to catch the Las Monas Cultural Dance Procession from 1 to 2 p.m., where dancers bring stories to life through costume and movement.

Midday Lunch Break
Pause for lunch at La Villita Café, a relaxed and casual spot nestled among local art galleries and artisan shops.

It is the perfect place to refuel before exploring the festivities just steps away.

Explore Art and Tradition at Day of the Dead San Antonio at La Villita
Spend the afternoon immersed in music, food, and vibrant visual art throughout La Villita.

Stroll past the Giant Alebrijes Exhibit and Calavera Collection, then snap a photo with the tallest Catrina statue in the country.

Visitors 21 and older can also enjoy Herradura Legend Tequila tastings on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m.

Spend the day surrounded by wagging tails at the Dogtober Fall Festival

Meet hundreds of adoptable pets ready to find their forever homes, all while enjoying live music, local vendors, and delicious bites. Don’t miss the pet costume contest and parade - where creativity and cuteness take center stage!

It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with family, friends, and a few new four-legged pals.

Evening Remembrance at the Calaverita Run 5K and Family Walk
As the evening falls, head to the Calaverita Run 5K and Family Walk along the San Antonio River Walk. This festive evening event begins at 7:00 p.m. and invites participants to dress in calavera-inspired outfits and run or walk in honor of loved ones.

Inspired by calaveritas, the witty poems written during Día de los Muertos, the event includes opportunities to add a photo to the community altar or sign the “For Whom Do You Run” wall.

Not a runner? Head to the race to cheer participants on!

Late-Night Bites
Need to fuel up before the run? After the run? No need to panic, Alamo Biscuit Co. on the River Walk is open 24 hours.

Alamo Biscuit Co. on the River Walk offers a fun and filling way to end the day. From biscuits to tacos, or breakfast for dinner, it is a local favorite for comfort food and late-night energy. Pick a spot under the concha umbrellas!

Sunday: Muertos Fest & River Walk Alebrijes

Let’s Brunch

Everyone knows Sundays were made from brunch, and there’s no shortage of brunch options in the Alamo City.

Choose from San Antonio’s standout brunch staples like Casa Hernán, Aldaco’s Mexican Cuisine, Blush Restaurant, or many others to start your final day with great food and relaxing vibes.

Spirit Animals Along the River
Take a peaceful morning stroll along the River Walk to view the giant alebrije installations, brightly painted, mythical spirit animals placed throughout the downtown area.

These imaginative creatures are symbols of protection and guidance.

A Grand Finale to a Grand Weekend

Close out your weekend at Muertos Fest, one of San Antonio’s most beloved Día de los Muertos celebrations – and it’s free to attend!

Enjoy live music, original artwork, dance and drum processions, poetry, and the city’s largest open altar exhibition. Families, artists, and visitors come together to honor loved ones and celebrate life in the heart of downtown

Last Round Eats
You might discover your favorite flavors of the weekend without ever leaving the festival. Food and beverage vendors are located throughout the grounds, offering a variety of options from quick bites to local specialties.

If you’re in the mood to sit down and relax, Hemisfair is home to some great dining options just steps away. Try Box Street All Day for a vibrant menu that includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Enjoy seasonal, wood-fired creations at Dough Pizzeria Napoletana, or dig into a juicy burger at Bombay Bicycle Club - one you just might be dreaming about all the way home.

Extend Your Stay: San Antonio Spurs, Pearl Celebration, & Centro Cultural Aztlán

If your San Antonio getaway extends past Sunday, you’re in luck. Día de los Muertos continues across the city with even more opportunities to reflect, celebrate, and explore.

On October 27 and 28, head to Pullman Market’s Karnes Courtyard for Pumpkin Carving on the Patio. Bring your own pumpkin—or grab one onsite—and get creative with your jack-o-lantern design. This free, family-friendly event runs from 4 to 7 p.m. and includes all carving tools, plus delicious food and drinks available for purchase.

On October 30, celebrate Día de los Muertos with the San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center. This special game night blends basketball and tradition with festive activities and an exclusive Dia de los Muertos Spurs jersey available through a special ticket offer.

Take in the glow of downtown with the Río de la Vida – GO RIO River Cruises Tradition Trail Tour, offered every Tuesday and Sunday evening through November 4.

This 45-minute cruise floats through the heart of the River Walk, sharing the stories and symbolism behind the colorful giant alebrijes stationed along the water.

On November 1, head to the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center for their annual Día de los Muertos celebration. This community-driven event features altars, live music, food, and a neighborhood procession filled with color and meaning.

Then, don’t miss Day of the Dead at Pearl, a free, family-friendly celebration happening November 1 and 2. This event blends tradition and creativity with art installations, live music, community ofrendas, puppet processions, face painting, workshops, and festive food offerings.

Finally, extend your visit with a walk through the 48th Annual Día de los Muertos Exhibit: Altares y Ofrendas at Centro Cultural Aztlán, open November 2 through 13.

Opening day features live music, a traditional mercadito with over 30 artisans, and of course, beautifully crafted community altars. It’s a heartfelt tribute to heritage, art, and the enduring spirit of remembrance.

Photo by Hotel Emma

Endless Ways to Remember

In San Antonio, Día de los Muertos is more than a holiday; it’s a city-wide expression of love, culture, and memory.

If this is your first time celebrating in the city, welcome. And if this is your 100^th time with us, we hope you enjoy even more unforgettable moments you’ll carry with you for years to come.