Jump to: Festival Highlights | Community Altars | Muertos Procession | Live Music & Market
Spend a fall weekend at Muertos Fest San Antonio, where families fill Hemisfair with handmade ofrendas, colorful art, live music, and tributes to loved ones who have passed away.
You can wander through more than 80 community altars, watch the Día de los Muertos processions wind through the festival, browse local artists’ stalls, and grab a bite from San Antonio food vendors.
Bring the kids for cultural activities, catch a band between stops, or take your time exploring the stories behind the altars.
However you spend your day, you’ll get a closer look at the traditions, creativity, and community that make this San Antonio celebration special.
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Muertos Fest San Antonio: Main Highlights & Festivities
Image credit: Muertos Fest at Hemisfair
¡Presente! A Night to Remember
Arrive at Hemisfair on Friday at 5 PM and you can explore more than 80 community altars during the festival’s quieter opening hours.
Until 7 PM, sound levels are reduced and attendance is limited, giving you time to read the tributes and take in the personal details before the weekend crowds arrive.
Stay into the evening, and the celebration shifts to live performances and cultural celebrations.
At 8 PM, Kalpulli Ayolopaktzin opens the night on the Civic Park Stage with a blessing rooted in Mexica-Chichimeca danza traditions and Indigenous ancestral practices. Then, at 8:30 PM, you’ll have two performances to choose from: LA 45 and Sunny Ozuna share the Civic Park Stage, bringing generations of Tejano music together.
When: Friday, October 23 | 5 PM – 11 PM (Sensory-Friendly Hours: 5–7 PM)
Where: Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free
Goodwill San Antonio “Walk Through the Marigolds” Fashion Show
Head to the Nueva Stage at 8:30 PM Friday for a fashion show that gives donated clothing a Día de los Muertos-inspired makeover.
San Antonio designer Agosto Cuellar, Goodwill San Antonio’s Community Engagement Manager, spent months transforming secondhand pieces through hand-applied details such as floral roses, spiders, and glitter.
These masterpieces will be modeled by Goodwill team members and instructors and students from Good Careers Academy.
You can catch the show while LA 45 and Sunny Ozuna perform on the nearby Civic Park Stage, so check the schedule and decide which performance you’d rather settle in for.
When: Friday, October 23 | 8:30 PM
Where: Nueva Stage, Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free
Interactive Children’s Cultural Zone
Bring the kids to Yanaguana Garden for crafts, storytelling, music, and face painting that introduce them to the traditions behind Día de los Muertos.
Day of the Dead crafts take place under the tents through a collaboration between Colectivo Cultural and The DoSeum, San Antonio’s children’s museum.
On Saturday, the AM Project opens the Yanaguana Children’s Stage at 10 AM with programming rooted in youth arts, digital creativity, and music.
Later, local author and storyteller Xavier Garza shares a Día de los Muertos cuento, drawing on the South Texas stories and folklore that have shaped his work.
Sunday brings performances by Tallercito de Son, which uses son jarocho music to build cultural connections, and Kalpulli Ayolopaktzin, the Indigenous danza group featured in the festival’s opening ceremony and processions.
Face painting runs throughout both days, so you can fit in a visit between other festival activities without keeping the kids in one place all afternoon.
When: Saturday, October 24 | 10:30 AM – 5 PM | Sunday, October 25 | 12 PM – 5 PM
Where: Yanaguana at Hemisfair, 434 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free
Hemisfair Altars & Community Ofrendas
Image credit: Muertos Fest at Hemisfair
The Grand Community Altar Exhibition
Take your time wandering through more than 80 community ofrendas at Hemisfair, and you’ll find tributes filled with family photographs, favorite foods, personal keepsakes, and handwritten messages to loved ones who have passed away.
Each altar was created by the family, school, or community organization behind it, so you’re seeing personal stories and memories. Even the altar builders get involved in judging the work through the festival’s official app.
Running since 2013, Muertos Fest San Antonio calls this the city’s largest open altar exhibition.
When: All weekend, Friday – Sunday, October 23–25
Where: Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free
Community Altar — Photo Submissions
Add someone you love to the Día de los Muertos celebration, even if you can’t build an ofrenda yourself. Submit a photo through muertosfest.com before the festival, and it can be included in the shared Community Altar at Civic Park in Hemisfair.
Your loved one’s photo will be part of the display throughout the three-day festival, from Friday through Sunday, and will also appear on the festival’s video screens and in the KSAT-12 broadcast special airing after the weekend.
Submissions close as space fills, so don’t leave it until the last minute.
When: On display Friday – Sunday, October 23–25
Where: Civic Park at Hemisfair, 210 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free
UNAM School of Architecture Ofrenda: The San Antonio Chili Queens
Meet the San Antonio Chili Queens through an ofrenda honoring the women who helped shape the city’s food culture.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, these women sold food from open-air stands in San Antonio’s plazas, bringing Mexican street-cooking traditions into the heart of the city.
Their legacy helped lay the groundwork for San Antonio’s restaurant culture, and students from the National Autonomous University of Mexico’s School of Architecture in Mexico City are traveling to Hemisfair to build a large ofrenda in their honor.
It’s part of the festival’s expanded partnership with UNAM San Antonio, bringing together Mexican architecture students and the stories of the women who helped shape San Antonio.
When: On display all weekend, Friday – Sunday, October 23–25
Where: Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free
¡Que vivan los muertos! Adult Workshops
Learn how to build your own ofrenda at home with the ¡Que Vivan los Muertos! adult workshops led by Jesús de la Torre of Colectivo Cultural.
Rather than simply showing you finished examples, he uses an altar he built himself to explain the traditional elements one by one, including why each item belongs there and what it represents.
Sessions run hourly, starting at 10:30 AM Saturday and 12:30 PM Sunday. Try to attend before exploring the community altar exhibition, and you’ll have a better understanding of the objects, offerings, and symbolism you see throughout Hemisfair.
Check the official Muertos Fest app for the day’s workshop schedule so you can plan a session around the other performances and activities you want to catch.
When: Saturday, October 24 | 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM | Sunday, October 25 | 12 PM – 5 PM
Where: Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free
The Dead Poetas Society
Make time for the Dead Poetas Society if you enjoy poetry that gives you something to think about long after the performance ends.
The group brings together San Antonio Poet Laureate Eddie Vega, Grand Slam Poetry Champions Tomás Julián, diamond larae, and Anthony The Poet, along with published author and activist Victoria Zapata.
Their performances include Day of the Dead spoken word, traditional calavera poems, and pieces about remembrance that connect naturally with the stories told through the festival’s community altars.
You can catch them on the Nueva Stage Saturday at 12:20 PM or Sunday at noon.
Stop by between exploring the ofrendas and browsing the festival grounds for a different way to experience the themes behind Día de los Muertos.
When: Saturday, October 24 | 12:20 PM | Sunday, October 25 | 12 PM
Where: Nueva Stage, Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free
Muertos Parade & Cultural Processions
Image credit: Muertos Fest at Hemisfair
The Día de los Muertos Processions
Find a spot along Hemisfair’s pedestrian walkways and watch the colorful Dia de los Muertos processions pass by.
The Muertos parade takes place Saturday at 7 PM and Sunday at 3 PM, with both processions opening with a performance by Kalpulli Ayolopaktzin, an Indigenous danza group rooted in the Mexica-Chichimeca tradition.
As the procession moves through the grounds, look for hand-built altars, people-powered alebrijes, and giant skeleton puppets, each dedicated to a specific person or group of people. The groups’ submitted names and dedications are also shared through KSAT-12’s live broadcasts.
When: Saturday, October 24 | 7 PM | Sunday, October 25 | 3 PM
Where: Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free
The Saturday Evening Procession
Get to Hemisfair around 20 to 30 minutes before the Saturday procession begins at 7 PM to find a good viewing spot along the pedestrian walkways.
Kalpulli Ayolopaktzin will lead the opening, followed by families and community groups carrying illuminated altars, glowing puppets, and lighted banners honoring people who have passed away.
Each group must light its display without open flames, so the tributes are designed to stand out after sunset.
Settle in and watch the displays move past as the festival grounds fill with music, families, and evening crowds.
If you’re deciding between the two processions, Saturday is the one to catch for the illuminated artwork; Sunday’s 3 PM procession offers a daytime view of the same tradition.
When: Saturday, October 24 | 7 PM
Where: Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free
SA Day of Dead Festival Live Entertainment & Artisan Market
Image credit: Muertos Fest at Hemisfair
Live Music Stages (Tejano, Cumbia & Alt-Latino)
Set aside time for the music at Muertos Fest San Antonio, where Tejano, conjunto, cumbia, Latin indie, and traditional Mexican music share the schedule with DJs and cultural performances.
Five main stages run across Saturday and Sunday, while SoundCream Presents: Discos y Recuerdos hosts a dedicated vinyl DJ stage throughout the weekend.
Its record collectors call their sets “audio altars,” with DJ Despeinada spotlighting women musicians of the borderlands and DJ Toshiro building carefully selected sets around his background as a classically trained bassist.
Friday evening starts with LA 45 and Sunny Ozuna sharing the Civic Park Stage at 8:30 PM.
Saturday’s featured performance is Santiago Jiménez Jr. at 4:30 PM on the Nueva Stage. Santiago returns Sunday at 2 PM on the Civic Park Stage.
You can also catch San Antonio Parks & Recreation Dance students performing traditional Folklórico dances on the Nueva Stage Saturday at 12:30 PM and Sunday at 2:15 PM.
For Saturday’s evening music, head to the Civic Park Stage at 6 PM for Llamativa, an all-female Latin band playing cumbia and salsa.
Earlier in the day, Mariachi Las Valquirias performs on the Nueva Stage at 1:50 PM, while son jarocho performer and Chicana scholar Keli Rosa takes the same stage at 11:15 AM.
The night closes with two major acts on separate stages: San Antonio alternative rock trio Girl in a Coma plays the Nueva Stage at 9:30 PM, while Grupo METAL Ft. Chris Perez, featuring the Grammy-winning guitarist, performs on the Civic Park Stage at 9:40 PM.
Sunday’s featured event brings accordionist Michael Salgado to the Civic Park Stage at 7:45 PM. Earlier, Max Baca y Los Texmaniacs perform a tribute to Augie Meyers at 5 PM. Over on the Nueva Stage, Latin Grammy-nominated El Dusty closes out the day at 7:30 PM with bass-heavy production shaped by Southern Texas border sounds.
You can fill the rest of Sunday with traditional conjunto from first cousins Juan & Armando Tejeda, who have performed together for nearly 40 years, at 1 PM on the Nueva Stage.
Mariachi Las Alteñas, an all-female ensemble founded in 2002, plays the Civic Park Stage at 6:15 PM. Catch Volcán at 3:30 PM on the same stage for a mix of cumbia, rock, and funk from the San Antonio Latin indie orchestra.
With performances spread across multiple stages, download the official Muertos Fest app before Saturday morning to check set times, plan your route between stages, and keep up with schedule changes throughout the weekend.
When: Saturday, October 24 | 10 AM – 11 PM | Sunday, October 25 | 12 PM – 9 PM (Friday performances begin 8 PM)
Where: Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free
Muertos Mercado
Save some room in your bag for the Muertos Mercado.
With more than 75 vendors spread across Plaza de Mexico, Tower Reach, Yanaguana Gardens, and the Magik Theatre parking lot, you’ll have plenty to browse as you explore Hemisfair.
Expect handcrafted finds from San Antonio’s small businesses, many of them women-owned, including vendors with roots in Mexico. You might spot Día de los Muertos decorations and art, or stumble across something completely unexpected that you won’t find at an ordinary craft fair.
Bring cash just in case: card readers are available, but heavy festival crowds can make the signal unreliable, especially on Saturday afternoon.
When: Saturday, October 24 | 10 AM – 11 PM | Sunday, October 25 | 12 PM – 9 PM
Where: Various locations
How Much: Free
Day of the Dead Bookstore
Give yourself time to browse the Day of the Dead Bookstore, which returns to Muertos Fest San Antonio for 2026 after making its debut last year.
Curated by Letras en la Frontera and UNAM San Antonio, the collection brings together English- and Spanish-language books about death, remembrance, and Día de los Muertos traditions.
You can browse children’s books, fiction, art, photography, gastronomy, and academic titles, whether you’re shopping for a curious young reader, looking for a gift, or hoping to learn more about the holiday.
The selection also goes beyond seasonal decorations and themed covers, offering books chosen for their connection to the culture and its traditions.
When: All weekend, Friday – Sunday, October 23–25
Where: Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free
¡Que vivan los muertos! Adult Workshops
Take a break from walking around Hemisfair and spend some time getting hands-on with the art and traditions of Día de los Muertos.
Presented by Jesús de la Torre, the ¡Que Vivan los Muertos! adult workshops run Saturday from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM.
You can fit a session into your festival plans without missing either procession, since both workshop windows end before the day’s parade begins.
Check the official Muertos Fest app for the individual workshop times and details, then plan your visit around the sessions that interest you.
When: Saturday, October 24 | 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM | Sunday, October 25 | 12 PM – 5 PM
Where: Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free
Culinary Village & Food Vendors
Come hungry to Muertos Fest San Antonio, because the food deserves a spot on your festival itinerary.
The Culinary Village has even caught the attention of the Cooking Channel’s Carnival Eats, which featured creations such as a loaded Oaxacan tamale, an Elote Dog, a Smash Burger Taco, and La Panaderia’s Breakfast de Muertos, a breakfast sandwich served on a Pan de Muerto bun.
San Antonio favorites El Weinecero, La Panaderia, and NACO Mexican Eatery have also earned shoutouts from Artistic Director Jim Mendiola.
Since most of these can sell out by Saturday afternoon, make an earlier stop to get a taste and have a good selection of foods.
If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, check the vendor map in the official app to see which vendors may be able to accommodate your needs before you order.
When: Saturday, October 24 | 10 AM – 11 PM | Sunday, October 25 | 12 PM – 9 PM
Where: Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Prices vary by vendor
Best Dressed at Muertos Fest — Costume Contest
Bring your best Catrina makeup, flower crown, or Día de los Muertos-inspired outfit to the Best Dressed costume contest on Saturday at 9:15 PM at the Civic Park Stage.
You’ll see the contestants take the stage between the evening’s music sets, after Llamativa and before Girl in a Coma and Grupo METAL Ft. Chris Perez.
Anyone can enter, so put some thought into your look if you’d like to join the competition. Arrive by 9 PM if you want to get close to the stage and catch the contestants as they take their turn.
When: Saturday, October 24 | 9:15 PM
Where: Civic Park at Hemisfair, 210 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free
Know Before You Go
While Muertos Fest takes place right in Downtown San Antonio at Hemisfair, it draws visitors from right across the Greater Metroplex—including nearby hubs like Southtown, Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, and satellite communities like New Braunfels, Schertz, and Boerne.
- Parking & Transit: Downtown parking garages (such as the Tower Life Garage or City Tower Garage) fill fast. Consider taking VIA Metropolitan Transit or ridesharing to drop-off zones along Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.
- Seating: Lawn chairs and blankets are permitted in designated stage viewing areas.
- Weather Preparedness: October in San Antonio can be warm during the afternoon and cool at night—dress in layers and bring comfortable walking shoes.
Common Questions about Muertos Fest in San Antonio
Where is the Muertos festival in San Antonio?
Muertos Fest is held at Hemisfair in Downtown San Antonio (434 S Alamo St), right near the Tower of the Americas and Yanaguana Garden.
What time does the Day of the Dead parade start in San Antonio?
The main Muertos Fest procession at Hemisfair traditionally takes place on Saturday evening starting at 7:00 PM.
How much are the tickets for the Day of the Dead in San Antonio?
Muertos Fest at Hemisfair is 100% FREE and open to the public. No tickets or paid passes are required for general admission.
Know Before You Go
Muertos Fest San Antonio takes over Hemisfair in Downtown San Antonio, making it easy to reach from nearby neighborhoods like Southtown, Alamo Heights, and Stone Oak, as well as surrounding cities such as New Braunfels, Schertz, and Boerne.
Plan your trip ahead of time so you can spend less time sorting out logistics and more time exploring the altars, catching live music, and sampling local food.
- Parking & Transit: Downtown parking garages, including Tower Life Garage and City Tower Garage, can fill up quickly during the festival. Consider taking VIA Metropolitan Transit or using a rideshare service, and check your drop-off options near Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard before heading out.
- Seating: You can bring a lawn chair or blanket for designated stage-viewing areas. Check the festival’s current guidelines for any seating restrictions.
- Weather Preparedness: October afternoons in San Antonio can still be warm, while evenings may cool down. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring layers, and prepare to spend plenty of time on your feet as you explore Hemisfair.
Looking for more? See the upcoming Weekend Events in San Antonio.
- Muertos Fest San Antonio 2026: Massive Día de los Muertos Guide - October 15, 2026
- Things To Do This Weekend in San Antonio – October 16 – October 18, 2026 - October 12, 2026
- San Antonio Highlights: October 12 to October 15 – Food, Music, Arts & More - October 11, 2026
