SAN ANTONIO (August 31, 2026)—Tickets for the eighth annual Day of the Dead River Parade are now on sale, and San Antonio residents and visitors are encouraged to purchase early. As one of San Antonio’s signature Día de los Muertos events, the Day of the Dead River Parade returns to the river on Friday, October 23. Illuminated barges will make their way along the San Antonio River, showcasing vibrant artistry, music and performers that bring the story and spirit of Día de los Muertos to life.
The river parade is part of a Día de los Muertos event series in collaboration between Visit San Antonio, GO RIO and Day of the Dead San Antonio at La Villita. Now in its third year, this joint effort brings the organizations together to share a commitment to honor the cultural traditions that help define San Antonio while creating memorable experiences for everyone.
Additional Día de los Muertos experiences include:
Culinary Spirits presented by Hennessy | October 2 – November 2
A new experience coming to the River Walk, where participating restaurants will celebrate Día de los Muertos through specially created dishes and Hennessy cocktails inspired by the flavors, memories and traditions associated with the season. The experience highlights San Antonio's renowned culinary community, giving local chefs, mixologists and restaurants an opportunity to express the spirit of remembrance through food and drink.
Tradition Trail | October 2 – November 2
The Tradition Trail invites guests to explore the River Walk and discover altars and artistic installations created by participating hotels, restaurants and businesses. Along the way, colorful calaveras and whimsical alebrijes will transform the downtown River Walk into an immersive celebration of Día de los Muertos. Each installation offers a unique expression of remembrance, allowing visitors to experience the traditions, stories and artistry of the season at their own pace.
Rio de la Vida by GO RIO | October 4 – November 1
Uncover the magic of alebrijes on the Rio De La Vida, a one-hour river cruise along the San Antonio River Walk. Discover their history, cultural traditions, and significance while spotting these vibrant creations along the way. Tickets are available now for this special tour, which runs Tuesdays and Sundays at 7:30 p.m. from October 4 through November 1.
Calaverita Run 5K & Family Walk | Saturday, October 24
Runners will have a chance to run with a purpose of commemoration with the Calaverita Run 5K and Family Walk, taking place Saturday, October 24, at Pearl. Designed for participants of all ages, the event combines movement, remembrance and community, giving runners and walkers a meaningful way to honor someone whose life continues to inspire them. Registration is now open for both the 5K and Family Walk.
San Antonio Day of the Dead Festival at La Villita | October 9 – November 2
Festivities kick off Friday, October 9, with the arrival of the nation’s tallest Catrín and Catrina figures, standing almost 40 feet tall at the entrance to La Villita. Chef Johnny Hernandez’s free, three-day Day of the Dead festival returns to Maverick Plaza in La Villita Historic Arts Village, October 23-25, with live music, traditional food, face painting, family activities, cultural demonstrations and a market featuring local and visiting artists from Mexico. The festival will feature a large traditional ofrenda, or altar of remembrance, along with exciting new works in the giant, colorful Calavera Collection and Alebrije Exhibit. The Day of the Dead festival in Maverick Plaza at La Villita takes place October 23 through 25, with fun events and programming continuing there through Day of the Dead on November. 2.
A Celebration Rooted in Collaboration
Día de los Muertos has deep roots in San Antonio, where generations of families have embraced the tradition of honoring loved ones who have passed while celebrating the enduring connections between the living and those who came before them.
The three-way collaboration builds on that tradition, inviting guests to explore the River Walk and offering opportunities to experience Día de los Muertos through art, food, entertainment, and cultural storytelling while discovering the businesses and attractions that make the River Walk one of San Antonio's most iconic destinations.
“There is something powerful that happens when organizations come together around a shared purpose,” said Mario Bass, President and CEO of Visit San Antonio. “Our goal is to showcase the very best of San Antonio, with our culture, creativity, culinary traditions and stories that make our city unmistakably San Antonio. This collaboration reflects what happens when our community comes together to tell San Antonio's story to the world.”
Chef Johnny Hernandez is the founder of Day of the Dead San Antonio, the annual festival that takes place each year at La Villita since 2019. He says preserving Día de los Muertos traditions is an important part of creating a celebration that is both authentic and welcoming.
“Día de los Muertos is a cultural treasure that brings San Antonio together to honor those who have passed on, celebrate our shared heritage, and preserve these traditions for future generations,” said Chef Johnny. “We are proud that San Antonio is home to the largest Day of the Dead celebrations in the United States, and we welcome locals and visitors alike to celebrate at La Villita and throughout our city.”
Learn more about Day of the Dead on the River Walk, including event details, tickets and registration at TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com.