San Antonio does Día de los Muertos bigger than almost anywhere in the United States — and nearly all of it is free. The weekend kicked off Friday night with the illuminated Day of the Dead River Parade, and the celebrations keep going through Monday, November 2, the Day of the Dead itself. Here is every verified free event, day by day, so you can plan your weekend.
Saturday, October 24
Muertos Fest at Hemisfair — 10 AM to 11 PM. One of the nation’s largest free Day of the Dead celebrations: more than 80 community altars, five stages of music and dance, workshops, and the Muertos Mercado. The big procession steps off at 7 PM. 630 Nueva St. Our full guide: Muertos Fest 2026 — hours, processions and what to see.
Day of the Dead Festival at La Villita — 11 AM to 11 PM. Live music, an artisan market, food, face painting and family activities in Maverick Plaza, with giant Catrín and Catrina figures for photos. 418 Villita St.
Día de los Muertos at Historic Market Square — 10 AM to 6 PM. Traditional altars, marigold giveaways, live music and a cultural dance procession at 1 PM, surrounded by the shops and artists of El Mercado. 514 W. Commerce St.
Día de los Muertos: Celebrando las Misiones — 4 PM to 10 PM. An evening celebration of life and departed loved ones near the historic missions, with altars, offerings, traditional dance and processions at Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave.
Sunday, October 25
Muertos Fest at Hemisfair — noon to 9 PM. Day two, with the Sunday procession at 3 PM — a better pick than Saturday night if you want the altars with smaller crowds. 630 Nueva St.
La Villita Festival — noon to 8 PM. The final festival day at Maverick Plaza, 418 Villita St.
Market Square — 10 AM to 6 PM. Second day, with the cultural dance procession again at 1 PM. 514 W. Commerce St.
All week: the Tradition Trail
Through November 2, walk the downtown River Walk at your own pace to see large alebrijes, calaveras and seasonal altars along the water. It is free, it needs no ticket or schedule, and early morning is the quietest time to go.
Tuesday, October 27 through the week
Día de los Muertos at Pearl begins its weeklong celebration: ofrendas by local artists, a community altar you can add to, live music, children’s activities, vendors and large art installations. 312 Pearl Pkwy. The main celebration is Sunday, November 1 (below).
Sunday, November 1 — Día de los Inocentes
Pearl’s Main Celebration — 5 PM to 9 PM, Pearl Park. Artist ofrendas, the community altar, live performances, a Catrín and Catrina contest, vendors, and a communal procession after sunset. 307 Pearl Pkwy.
Día de los Muertos at Rinconcito de Esperanza — 4 PM to 10 PM. The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center’s 31st annual celebration: more than 20 community altars, live music, and a procession to the Alazán-Apache Courts. 816 S. Colorado St. If you miss the night itself, the altars stay on view November 2–8, 10 AM to 5 PM.
San Anto Cultural Arts — 6 PM to 9 PM. Traditional altars and ofrendas made by students, a neighborhood procession and light refreshments. 2120 El Paso St.
Monday, November 2 — Día de los Muertos
Altares y Ofrendas Opening, Centro Cultural Aztlan — 6 PM to 9 PM. The 49th annual altar exhibition opens with pan de muerto and an artisan market. 1800 Fredericksburg Rd., Suite 103. The exhibit stays on view through November 12.
Día de los Muertos at Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center — from 6 PM, Plaza Guadalupe. The 30th annual celebration: sugar-skull and paper-flower workshops, cultural performances at 6 PM, a procession, and music by Mariachi Origen y Tradición, followed by La Vida de los Muertos by the Guadalupe Dance Company. Bring your own chair. 1327 Guadalupe St.
Carnaval de los Muertos — 6 PM to 8:30 PM, Elmendorf Lake Park. A lantern release on the lake, then Urban-15 dancers in handmade illuminated costumes, music, vendors and glowing banners honoring loved ones. 3700 W. Commerce St.
Before you go
- Every event on this list is free. Food, market stalls and workshops with materials may cost extra — bring small bills.
- Altars (ofrendas) are memorials built by families and neighbors. Look as long as you like, but please don’t touch offerings or move anything.
- Processions draw the biggest crowds. Arrive 30–45 minutes early for Muertos Fest’s Saturday 7 PM procession.
- Want the full month in one place? See our free events calendar.
Helpful links & phone numbers
- Muertos Fest full guide: sanantoniobenefits.com/free-muertos-fest-san-antonio-2026
- Pearl Día de los Muertos series: events.atpearl.com
- Visit San Antonio — Day of the Dead events: visitsanantonio.com
- VIA Metropolitan Transit (routes & fares): 210-362-2020
- City information line: 2-1-1 or 210-207-6000
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