Celebrate Fall Across the Alamo City

Looking for the best things to do in San Antonio this October?

From Oktoberfest and Halloween events to live concerts and cultural festivals, here’s your complete guide.

San Antonio River Walk Cruises in October

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Wine Down Sunset Cruise

Unwind with wine, a glowing golden hour, and a gentle cruise through downtown San Antonio.

Hosted by Zocca Cuisine D’Italia, this scenic sail offers a relaxed vibe with elevated pairings including three glasses of premium wine and a charcuterie board that’s almost too pretty to eat.

  • Who it’s for: Adults 21+
  • Where it launches: The Westin Hotel (420 W Market St)
  • When to go: Select Thursdays, September–November at 7 PM
  • Duration: 45–50 minutes

Ghost Tour Cruise

Hop aboard…if you dare!

This spooky cruise glides through San Antonio’s most haunted zones while expert storytellers recount tales of restless spirits, mysterious legends, and ghostly happenings.

  • Who it’s for: All ages are welcome
  • Where it launches: Briscoe Western Art Museum
  • When to go: Select dates in October at 7 PM
  • Duration: 45–50 minutes

Sip, Drift & Chill Cocktail Cruise

Glide through the River Walk with craft cocktails in hand and chill vibes all around.

This evening cruise is hosted by Zocca Cuisine D’Italia and pairs two creative cocktails with light charcuterie and unbeatable views. This event is perfect for date night, girls’ night, or just a treat-yourself night.

  • Who it’s for: 21+
  • Where it launches: The Westin River Walk
  • When to go: Select evenings, 7:30 PM
  • Duration: 45–60 minutes

Rio de la Vida – Tradition Trail Tour

Hop aboard a GO RIO cruise and explore the meaning behind the vibrant alebrijes on display throughout the River Walk.

This tour dives into the rich traditions and history behind these colorful spirit animals, blending cultural storytelling with an evening of scenic views and seasonal charm.

  • Who it’s for: All ages are welcome
  • Where it launches: Briscoe Western Art Museum
  • When to go: Every Tuesday and Sunday, October 5–November 4 at 7:30 PM
  • Duration: 45–50 minutes

Halloween & Día de los Muertos Pop-Up Bars

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In San Antonio, the fall season isn’t just about pumpkins and patios, it’s also about nightlife with a twist.

This October, several of the city’s most iconic spots are transforming into immersive pop-up bar experiences filled with themed drinks, over-the-top décor, and just the right amount of mystery.

La Vida After Dark at Hard Rock Café

Now – November 9, 2025 | Open Daily from 7 PM to 2 AM

Step into another world at this brand-new rooftop pop-up bar perched above the River Walk at Hard Rock Cafe. “La Vida After Dark” brings the energy of Día de los Muertos to life with glowing altars, floating butterflies, vibrant florals, and a sugar skull or two.

Sip on themed cocktails like Waking the Dead, La Noche Eterna, and Spirits Raised while dancing to live DJ sets every night.

The Horror Section at Be Kind & Rewind

Now through November 2, 2025

If Halloween is your thing, this one’s for you. The Horror Section is back and bigger than ever at Be Kind & Rewind in downtown San Antonio.

This wild pop-up transforms the venue into a haunted hideaway packed with spooky decor, eerie lighting, photo ops, costumed characters, and themed cocktails that lean into the fright-night fun. Expect dance parties every weekend, immersive experiences, and monsters roaming the floor. Costumes are highly encouraged!

 

Day of the Dead Pop-Up Bar at El Colegio at Omni La Mansion del Rio

October 13 – November 2, 2025

Head to El Colegio, the moody, historic bar tucked inside the Omni La Mansión del Rio for a limited-time Day of the Dead themed pop-up.

You’ll enjoy curated cocktails alongside a specialty food menu with craveable dishes like La Calavera Brisket Tacos, The Ofrenda Burger, and Elote “Catrina” Ribs.

October Concerts in San Antonio

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Stable Hall Live Performance with Crowd

Big names are coming to the San Antonio stage this October, from indie electronica to pop icons. Mark your calendar for these can’t-miss concerts.

Oktoberfest & Fall Beer Events in San Antonio

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When the air gets crisp and the weekends call for something festive, San Antonio delivers with steins, pretzels, live music, and cozy beer gardens.

October Beer Garden at San Antonio Botanical Garden

Weekends through October 26, 2025

Unwind with a cold drink surrounded by the natural beauty of the San Antonio Botanical Garden.

The October Beer Garden pops up every weekend with a rotating lineup of interactive activities, acoustic live music, and classic concessions.

Two women dressed in traditional German attire in front of stacked barrels.

Oktoberfest Food Festival at Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Select days through October 26, 2025

Bring both your appetite and your sense of adventure to Six Flags Fiesta Texas for this festive Oktoberfest celebration.

Enjoy bratwurst, warm pretzels, seasonal specialties, and a wide range of craft beers while soaking in lively German music and performances. With all your favorite rides open too, this fall festival is as thrilling as it is delicious.

Oktoberfest Celebration at Mad Dogs British Pub

October 10–11, 2025

Right on the River Walk, Mad Dogs British Pub is putting a Texas twist on a classic German celebration.

Expect stein-hoisting contests, Oktoberfest beer from Shiner, Altstadt, and Samuel Adams, plus live music, bratwurst, pretzels, and prizes. Come for the beer, stay for the swag.

Oktoberfest at The Rock at La Cantera

October 17–18, 2025

Raise your steins and celebrate in style at The Rock at La Cantera, home to one of the city’s biggest Oktoberfest events.

This lively two-day festival features authentic food, oompah music, stein-holding contests, and an elevated VIP experience for those looking to enjoy the festivities with a little more flair.

San Antonio Food & Drink Festivals in October

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If your perfect fall weekend includes craft beer, smoky barbecue, or top-shelf tequila, San Antonio has your cravings covered!

San Antonio Beer Festival (21+ Only)

October 12, 2025 | Civic Park at Hemisfair

Raise your tasting cup at the 20th anniversary of the San Antonio Beer Festival, featuring hundreds of craft and premium brews from around the world.

Enjoy live music, DJs, food trucks, local artists, and interactive games. Choose from VIP, General Admission Plus, or standard GA tickets and spend the day sampling your favorites. Don’t forget your lawn chairs or blankets!

Smoke & Fire BBQ Event at Pullman Market

October 18, 2025 | 5–8 PM (VIP entry at 4 PM)

Ten of the country’s top pitmasters. One epic night. The first annual Smoke & Fire event at Pullman Market is bringing together some of the most celebrated names in BBQ for a family-friendly evening of open-fire cooking, live music, and curated craft drinks.

Tickets include tastings from each pitmaster, beverages, and entertainment. VIP entry includes early access and extra perks.

Children 12 and under are free with General Admission.

Tequila & Tacos Festival at Tower of the Americas (21+)

October 18, 2025 | 6–9 PM

Elevate your Saturday night at the Tequila & Tacos Festival, set beneath the Tower of the Americas.

Sample premium tequilas and mezcals from more than a dozen world-class brands while enjoying a gourmet taco bar, passed appetizers, lawn games, and live music. VIP tickets include swag bags, private sampling areas, and more.

Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival San Antonio

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October 18, 2025 | Brackenridge Park

Every fall, thousands of monarch butterflies pass through Texas on their incredible migration to Mexico and San Antonio throws them a party!

The 10th Annual Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival is a free event that invites you to tag butterflies, explore nature-based activities, and learn how these tiny creatures play a huge role in our ecosystem.

Held at Brackenridge Park next to the San Antonio Zoo, the festival includes hands-on fun from over 40 educational partners and is perfect for families, nature lovers, and curious kids of all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions About October Events in San Antonio