By: Katie Hearsum & Timothy J. Forster | From: Travel US News
Fall brings relief from months of sweltering heat, as people are eager to don their flannel shirts and sweaters to greet the cooler temperatures and crisp air. The season also ushers in plenty of once-a-year activities from apple picking and pumpkin carving to cider sipping and leaf peeping.
With autumn traditionally known as a time to celebrate the harvesting of crops – including grapes, cranberries, apples, squash and pumpkins – people flock to farms and orchards across the country to pick their own produce and take family photos with farm animals and scarecrows. Though the season is short, with most events happening in October, this list is chock full of entertaining fall festivals, events and activities to keep your weekends filled with fun.
Día de los Muertos (Muertos Fest) in San Antonio: Oct. 28-29
San Antonio is home to one of the country's largest celebrations of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday to honor deceased loved ones that occurs around Halloween. This free, two-day event at the end of October is held at Hemisfair in San Antonio and showcases elaborate altars, live music, art vendors, and other activities highlighting Mexican and Latin American heritage. Don't miss the colorful processions, either. A handy phone app puts the event schedule and map at your fingertips and allows you to vote for your favorite altar.
During October and November the city hosts an array of cultural events and entertainment to mark the holiday, such as a river parade and live music, so you may want to stick around San Antonio for a bit. The Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk hotel offers sophisticated accommodations in the heart of the action, within easy walking distance from Hemisfair, where the main event takes place.