Jump to: Fall Festivals | Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes | Halloween Events | Food & Seasonal Markets | Free & Cheap Fall Fun
As the cooler breezes begin to blow through Alamo City, San Antonio comes alive with full autumn cheer, culture, flavor, and excitement that fill every corner. Picture mariachi music floating through the crisp air, the scent of roasted turkey legs at a festival, and river barge lights twinkling in the evening as the city gears up for spooky season and Día de los Muertos celebrations.
Whether you are looking for family pumpkin patches, spine-chilling haunted houses, or vibrant cultural celebrations, we have compiled the definitive guide to autumn in the Alamo City. For more local fun, check out our guide to Things to do in San Antonio this weekend.
Editor’s Note: We work hard to provide accurate, up-to-date information. However, all details are subject to change. Please verify information before heading out. This post may contain affiliate links.
If you click and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend experiences we truly believe in!
Curious about how we choose our content? Here’s our process.
Also check out these articles – Best Corn Mazes in San Antonio, Best Pumpkin Patches in San Antonio, Fall Festivals San Antonio, and Haunted House San Antonio.
Fall Festivals & Fairs: Things to Do This Fall in San Antonio
San Antonio Black International Film Festival (SABIFF)
If you love discovering films you probably wouldn’t stumble across at your usual theater, put the San Antonio Black International Film Festival on your fall calendar.
Now in its eighth year, SABIFF brings more than 50 films from the U.S., Ghana, Nigeria, Canada, France, Jamaica, and beyond to San Antonio, with 19 visiting filmmakers joining the festivities.
This year’s theme, “HISTORY upRISING,” puts Black history and the stories too often left out of the spotlight front and center.
The opening-night film, The Eyes of Ghana, comes from Oscar-winning director Ben Proudfoot and Higher Ground Productions, with Barack and Michelle Obama among its executive producers.
Stick around for filmmaker conversations, workshops, awards, and free community events, then wrap up the festival with Cinema Under the Stars.
You can catch screenings across the East Side or watch virtually, so there’s no excuse to miss out on one of the more thought-provoking San Antonio fall events.
When: October 2 – 4, 2026
Where: Various locations in San Antonio
How Much: $10 donation
Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival
San Antonio became the world’s first Monarch Champion City in 2015, and its annual Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival celebrates the tiny travelers that pass through Texas on their way to Mexico.
You can even help tag monarchs yourself and take part in real citizen science.
Bringing the kids? They’ll have a Monarch Migration Obstacle Course to tackle, a Lights Out! Bird City Maze to explore, and a chance to meet the new Bizzee BumbleBee character.
More than 50 educational partners will be on hand, along with plant and tree giveaways, food, live music, and a procession by San Antonio’s Bexar Brass every 30 minutes.
When: October 3, 2026, 9 am – 2 pm
Where: Brackenridge Park, 3700 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78209
How Much: Free
Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival
For Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival, there will be more than 200 artists turning the historic district into a nighttime playground of paintings, digital art, interactive installations, film, dance, live music, poetry, and whatever else their imaginations come up with.
The best part is that you’ll be able to admire these works up close and personal.
The artists create pieces specifically for the neighborhood’s buildings, railroad facilities, balconies, courtyards, and public spaces, so the whole area becomes part of the show.
Since 2008, Luminaria has brought San Antonio’s creative community into the spotlight alongside artists from around the country and the world.
When: November 14, 2026; 6:00 PM – Midnight
Where: 600 Hemisfair Plaza Way, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free admission
Day of the Dead San Antonio at La Villita
If you haven’t seen La Villita during Day of the Dead San Antonio, you’re in for a treat.
This free, three-day celebration fills Maverick Plaza with giant calaveras, colorful altars, larger-than-life art, music, and the sights and sounds of Día de los Muertos.
The star of the show is a towering 38.5-foot La Catrina statue, created by Mexican brothers Jesús and Amauri Sanabria of Artsumex Colectivo de Arte Mexicano.
You’ll also find giant alebrijes made by artists from Mexico City and 25 oversized skulls decorated by San Antonio artists, each with its own intricate designs and personality.
Take your time wandering through the displays, grab some traditional Mexican food, get your face painted, and browse the market for work by local and visiting artists.
There are cultural demonstrations and family activities, too, so you can easily spend a few hours here.
Founded by chef Johnny Hernandez, the festival has grown into one of the country’s largest Día de los Muertos celebrations. If you love colorful cultural events, this is one of the fall festivals in San Antonio you really shouldn’t miss.
When: October 23 – 25, 2026
Where: La Villita Historic Village, 418 Villita St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free admission
Day of the Dead River Parade
Image credit: San Antonio River Walk
San Antonio’s River Walk is pretty at any time of year, but wait until you see it lit up for the Day of the Dead River Parade.
Now in its eighth year, this nighttime celebration features 23 illuminated barges floating along the river, each decorated to tell a different part of the Día de los Muertos story.
Find a spot along the route, settle in, and watch the glowing displays drift by.
The parade begins at Lexington Avenue, with the first barge expected to reach the Arneson River Theatre around 7:45 p.m.
New for 2026, the Culinary Spirits experience brings local chefs, mixologists, and restaurants into the celebration, sharing their take on remembrance through food and drink.
You can watch for free from standing areas, but book reserved seats early if you’d rather guarantee yourself a view.
When: October 23, 2026, 7 pm
Where: San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free admission
Muertos Fest at Hemisfair
Clear some space on your October calendar, because Muertos Fest is the kind of weekend where you’ll want time to see it all.
Now in its 14th year, San Antonio’s longest-running Día de los Muertos celebration takes over Hemisfair with more than 80 community-created altars, five stages of live music and performances, two processions, workshops, food, and over 75 artists selling their work at the Muertos Mercado.
You can spend the afternoon admiring the altars and learning the stories behind them, catch a performance, grab something delicious, and browse the market without ever running out of things to do.
The festival kicks off Friday, October 23, with ¡Presente! A Night to Remember, featuring sensory-friendly altar viewing from 5 to 7 p.m. and a Goodwill San Antonio fashion show inspired by Día de los Muertos.
When: October 23 – October 25, 2026
Where: 434 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free admission
Diwali San Antonio (DiwaliSA)
Image credit; Hemisfair
Imagine 2,000 little oil lamps glowing on the San Antonio River, traditional Indian music filling the air, and fireworks lighting up the night. That’s DiwaliSA Festival of Lights.
The festival began in 2009 to celebrate the sister-city relationship between San Antonio and Chennai, India, and brings the spirit of India’s traditional five-day Festival of Lights to the city in one big celebration.
Expect Indian music and dance, a River Parade of Indian States, displays of Indian art, and performances that mix Indian dance with Flamenco and Ballet Folklórico.
Make sure you leave room for food, too. Vendors serve Indian sweets such as kalakand, rasgulla, and ras malai, alongside other treats, jewelry, and handicrafts.
The diya release, when 2,000 small oil lamps are lit and set afloat on the river, is a highlight worth staying for, and the night wraps up with fireworks around 10 p.m.
When: November 7, 2026
Where: 418 Villita St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free admission
Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival
The Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival takes place at the Briscoe Western Art Museum and honors the Payaya people, the area’s earliest recorded inhabitants, who called the San Antonio River “Yanaguana.”
The day begins with a Native American spiritual blessing and ceremonial drum circle, followed by demonstrations in pottery, carving, ledger art, stonework, flute-making, and jewelry.
Rather than simply walking past finished pieces, you get to see artists at work and learn about the skills and traditions behind what they create.
When you get hungry, stop by REZR’vation Only, a food truck serving Native American-inspired cuisine that’s owned and operated by a registered member of the Navajo Nation.
Your festival admission also includes access to the Briscoe’s permanent collection and current fall exhibitions, giving you even more to explore while you’re there.
When: November 8, 2026, 10 am – 4 pm
Where: Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free admission
Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes Near San Antonio
Traders Village Corny Maze & Fall Fest
If your idea of a perfect fall day involves getting lost in a corn maze, eating your weight in kettle corn, and squeezing in a few carnival rides, Traders Village has you covered.
Known for its massive weekend flea market, the property transforms into a fall playground with a 10-acre CORNy Maze featuring three difficulty levels.
Take the kid-friendly route with little ones, try the medium trail for a 30-minute to one-hour challenge, or brave the hard route if your group thinks it has what it takes to escape in under two hours.
There’s plenty more waiting outside the maze, including a petting zoo, duck races, calf roping, axe throwing, a corn pit, pumpkin painting, and an apple cannon.
Stick around on Saturdays for live music and food, or visit on select nights to cruise through the nearly mile-long Enchanted Lights drive-thru, complete with a Halloween soundtrack.
When: September 18 – November 8, 2026 | Thursday – Friday: 6 pm – 9:30 pm, Saturday – Sunday: 11 am – 9:30 pm (Corny Maze) | Thursday – Sunday: 7 pm – 10:30 pm (Enchanted Lights)
Where: 9333 SW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78242
How Much: $9.99 for corny maze | $14.99 for combo tickets (maze + rides) | Free for kids 2 and under
Devine Acres Farm
Pumpkin patches are fun, but Devine Acres Farm goes all in on the whole fall experience.
Located about 40 minutes south of downtown San Antonio, this family favorite packs more than 50 attractions into its seasonal lineup, from a pumpkin vine maze and gemstone mining to cypress slides, a fishing pond, and plenty of places for the kids to run wild.
Don’t skip the flower fields, either. You can wander through blooming sunflowers and zinnias, then cut your own bouquet to bring home.
Come hungry, because the loaded donut milkshakes are a signature treat, joined by apple cider donuts, loaded mac and cheese, and fresh cookies.
Adults can sneak away to the Giggly Goat Beer Garden for a frozen cocktail, craft beer, or wine while the kids enjoy the Groovy Goat Races at noon, 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.
Add the Seasonal Stroll’s hanging pumpkins and floral photo spots, and you’ll see why the farm calls itself a Hallmark-worthy fall tradition.
When: September 26 – November 1, 2026 | Saturdays and Sundays: 10 am – 6 pm
Where: 944 FM 2200, Devine, TX 78016
How Much: $20.43
Circle N Maze
Think your family has a good sense of direction? Circle N Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch is ready to put that confidence to the test.
Located in La Vernia, about 30 minutes east of San Antonio, this farm boasts a 10-acre corn maze with three routes: a quick 0.3-mile trail, a 1.5-mile middle ground, and a whopping 2.9-mile route for anyone who really wants to earn their pumpkin patch bragging rights.
The 2026 maze takes inspiration from E.T., with the full design revealed when the season opens October 2.
Your $12 admission also covers the pumpkin patch, mini maze, corn pit, hay bale climb, and petting zoo, so there’s plenty to do even if someone in your group gets turned around five times.
Weekly food trucks, baby farm animals, vendors, and a roping area round out the visit.
Feeling brave? Come on a Friday evening for the Lights Out Maze, when finding your way out gets a whole lot trickier.
Just remember to bring cash: tickets are sold at the gate, with no online or presale option.
When: October 2 – November 1, 2026 | Friday: 6 pm – 9 pm | Saturday: 12 pm – 9 pm | Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm
Where: 558 County Road 345, La Vernia, TX 78121
How Much: $12
Tower of the Americas Pumpkin Patch
Image credit: Tower of the Americas
Want your pumpkin patch photos with a downtown skyline in the background? Head to the Tower of the Americas, where the base of San Antonio’s iconic 750-foot tower gets a seasonal makeover from October 5 through November 15.
The free pumpkin patch is open daily during regular Tower hours, with pumpkins available to purchase while supplies last and plenty of fall decorations for your photos.
But why stop at pumpkins? You can head up the tower for sweeping city views, book a meal at the revolving Chart House restaurant, or grab a cocktail at Bar 601 and watch the skyline light up.
There’s even a 4D Skies Over Texas theater ride if you’re visiting with kids. Observation deck admission costs extra, but pairing a little pumpkin-patch wandering with dinner high above the city makes for a fun date or family outing.
When: October 5 – November 15, 2026
Where: Tower of the Americas, 739 E César E. Chávez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free
BellCreek Acres
If you’re bringing little ones along for your fall farm adventure, BellCreek Acres is the kind of place where they can play to their hearts’ content while you enjoy a slower-paced day outdoors.
Near Castroville, about 25 minutes west of San Antonio, this family-friendly farm has a pumpkin patch and hayrides alongside a Tiny Town Playground built just for small children.
Kids can also visit the petting zoo, hop aboard a barrel train or cow train, try putt-putt, dig around in the sandbox, get their faces painted, or zip through the trees on a zip line.
Tractor-pulled hayrides, bonfires, s’mores, and a trick-or-treating event add even more autumn fun.
One important planning note: the farm is closed on Halloween, October 31, so choose another date for your pumpkin-patch outing.
When: September 26 – November 1, 2026 | Saturdays and Sundays: 10 am – 6 pm
Where: 1877 Co Rd 4713, Lacoste, TX 78039
How Much: $16 | $14 for military | $12 for seniors (65+) | Free for kids under 2
Halloween Events: Family Friendly & Adult Haunts
Zoo Boo! at San Antonio Zoo
Image Credit: San Antonio Zoo FB Page
Alongside its familiar Halloween festivities, the zoo is introducing Fiesta de los Muertos, a Día de los Muertos-inspired experience with colorful cultural art, live entertainment, face painting, and Plaza de los Recuerdos.
You can also walk across the Marigold Bridge to reach the Ofrenda de Animales, a tribute honoring animals that have passed.
Kids can also trick-or-treat for free every day from 4 to 5 p.m. at six stations around the zoo, with sustainably sourced palm oil in all the candy as part of the zoo’s conservation efforts.
Saturdays bring DJ sets and themed costume parties, while seasonal snacks include deep-fried Oreos, pumpkin spice pretzel bites, and Zombie Brains, a crispy cauliflower dish with a wonderfully creepy name.
Bring your pup on October 18 for Dog Day, complete with dog-friendly trick-or-treating and a costume contest.
On Halloween, October 31, the zoo stays open until 9 p.m., with extended programming and a second trick-or-treating session from 7 to 9 p.m.
When: September 20 – October 31, 2026
Where: San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212
How Much: Included in admission
World Halloween Spooktacular
SeaWorld San Antonio makes Halloween planning easier by offering two very different experiences at the same park: a daytime celebration for younger kids and a nighttime event for anyone who likes their Halloween with a serious dose of fright.
Halloween Spooktacular runs Thursdays through Sundays through November 1, with trick-or-treat trails, the Spookley the Square Pumpkin hay maze, Baby Shark meet-and-greets, storybook character encounters, and Día de los Muertos displays.
The atmosphere is deliberately low-scare, making it a comfortable introduction to Halloween fun for little ones, and the daytime festivities run until 5 p.m.
After dark, Howl-O-Scream takes over for its 25th anniversary at SeaWorld San Antonio.
The 2026 lineup includes five haunted houses, three of them brand-new: Jason Universe: Survive the Night, based on the Friday the 13th franchise; Witch of the Woods; and Dead Wreckoning, which takes guests aboard a doomed pirate ship.
Returning attractions include The Swamp at Blackwater Bayou and Dis-Assembly Line. You’ll also find eight scare zones, the anniversary-themed Terror Through Time zone, the new Shamu Rocks: Moonlight Mayhem show, themed bars, and nighttime roller-coaster rides.
Howl-O-Scream runs on select Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights starting at 7 p.m.
Just check the schedule before visiting if you’re hoping to experience both events, since their operating hours and age appeal differ.
When: September 11 – November 1, 2026
Where: SeaWorld San Antonio, 10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251
How Much: Starts at $53.99
BOOtanica & Bibbidi Bobbidi Boofest
It’s also two for one at the San Antonio Botanical Garden this Halloween.
BOOtanica returns on select weekends in October with pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating through the gardens, face painting, live music, and hands-on plant activities led by garden educators.
One of the highlights is the returning Scarecrow Row Competition, where individuals and groups create scarecrows displayed along a glowing garden path. Both events take place at the garden, and BOOtanica activities are included with general admission.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boofest, presented by Once Upon a Party, takes a more theatrical approach and requires a separate ticket.
More than 20 fairytale, superhero, and villain characters will appear throughout the garden, including special appearances by the Sanderson Sisters.
Kids can meet the characters, enjoy live animal experiences from Once in a Wild, watch musical performances by the Skeletones, and trick-or-treat along an enchanted fairytale lane. There will also be a villains’ stage.
If you’re looking for fall activities in San Antonio that combine outdoor exploring with seasonal entertainment, check the dates and ticket requirements for both events before choosing which one suits your family.
When: October 17, 2026, 9 am – 1 pm
Where: San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209
How Much: Included in garden admission
Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours
Image Credit: Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours & Oddities Parlor FB Page
San Antonio’s past has plenty of stories that sound downright unsettling, and Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours brings them to life with local history, reported paranormal encounters, and a costumed guide who isn’t afraid to add a little dark humor.
It’s the city’s original ghost bus tour, and USA Today has ranked it among the country’s top three ghost tours.
The 2.5-hour Ghost Bus Tour departs nightly from the Sisters Grimm Oddities Parlor beside the Menger Hotel.
Along the way, you’ll get exclusive access inside the Menger, widely regarded as one of Texas’ most haunted hotels, take a 30-minute guided walk through one of San Antonio’s oldest historic cemeteries after dark, stop at the former city jail — now a Holiday Inn Express — and pass through the city’s former Red Light District.
Prefer your ghost stories with a drink? The separate Ghost Bus Pub Crawl is available to guests aged 21 and older and adds stops at historically haunted bars.
There’s also a walking Haunted History Tour covering Alamo Plaza, Main Plaza, and Military Plaza entirely on foot. Tours run year-round, so you don’t have to wait until October to join one.
Just note that the Ghost Bus Tour includes gruesome historical crime photos and other material unsuitable for children 13 and under.
For anyone planning a San Antonio Halloween outing, this is a chance to explore the city’s history after dark while hearing the stories that don’t usually make it into a daytime sightseeing tour.
When: Dates vary
Where: Various locations across San Antonio
How Much: Starts at $25
13th Floor Haunted House
The 13th Floor Haunted House has been a fixture of San Antonio’s Halloween season for years, and its 2026 lineup gives returning visitors two new reasons to test their nerves.
The attraction introduces Jason Universe: Survive the Night, a licensed walkthrough based on the Friday the 13th franchise, where guests encounter Jason Voorhees in a series of winding corridors.
There’s also a limited-time premium add-on called the Director’s Cut, which lets a small group control a four-button panel that determines whether Jason panics, slashes, strikes, or stalks.
The other new haunt, Dose of Decay, drops visitors into a decaying cityscape overrun by victims of a rogue chemist known as The Pharmacist.
Beyond the two main haunted attractions, the 2026 additions include The Last of the Spinehelm Zombie Shooting Range and two themed secret speakeasies.
The Copper Tavern is a 21-and-over VIP add-on, while the Expedition Bar offers another place to grab a drink before or after the haunts.
Respawn Passes are available for an additional fee if you’d rather skip the lines.
Check the schedule for your preferred date, particularly if you’re interested in the limited Director’s Cut experience.
When: September 12 – November 8, 2026
Where: 1203 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Starts at $19.99
Terrorland Haunted Adventure
Instead of walking through a succession of constructed sets, you’ll be climbing aboard a hayride and descending a real hillside into the dark with the Terrorland Haunted Adventure.
Billed as San Antonio’s only haunted hayride, it takes place on a property on the city’s southeast side, where foggy wooded lowlands and natural terrain become part of the experience.
As the ride winds downhill, creatures lurk behind the trees, and the darkness of the surrounding landscape adds an extra layer of tension you simply don’t get in an enclosed attraction.
The experience is best suited to teens and adults who enjoy outdoor scares and are comfortable with the atmosphere of a dark, wooded setting.
When: October 3 – November 1, 2026
Where: 15204 E Loop 1604 S Access Rd, San Antonio, TX 78223
How Much: $15 for opening | $22.99 onwards
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Antonio
Howl-O-Scream celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026 with five haunted houses, eight scare zones, nighttime roller-coaster rides, themed bars, and the new Shamu Rocks: Moonlight Mayhem show.
Three haunted houses make their debut this year: Jason Universe: Survive the Night, which brings the Friday the 13th franchise to life; Witch of the Woods; and Dead Wreckoning, a doomed pirate-ship experience.
Returning haunts The Swamp at Blackwater Bayou and Dis-Assembly Line round out the lineup, while the special Terror Through Time scare zone celebrates the event’s milestone anniversary.
You can spend the daytime enjoying SeaWorld’s regular rides and attractions, then stay into the evening for a much darker atmosphere.
Just check the operating calendar for your chosen date, since the nighttime event doesn’t run every day.
When: September 11 – November 1, 2026
Where: 10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251
How Much: Included in park admission
Food, Drink & Seasonal Markets
Oktoberfest at Six Flags Fiesta
Image credit: Six Flags Fiesta
You can get your German festival fix without leaving San Antonio at Oktoberfest in Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
The celebration takes over Spassburg, the park’s German heritage section dating back to its 1992 opening, on select weekends through October 31.
Start with the daily Keg Tapping Ceremony, then catch live performances by Der Wurst Band at Sangerfest Halle Stage, home to the largest dining investment in park history following its multimillion-dollar transformation last year.
Come hungry, too, for bacon-wrapped bratwurst skewers with beer cheese, Bavarian soft pretzels, creamy spätzle, and traditional German sausages.
Beer options include German favorites such as Paulaner Oktoberfest, Hefeweizen, Munich Lager and Grapefruit Radler, plus Hofbräu, Spaten, and Texas brews like Shiner Oktoberfest and Rahr Oktoberfest.
The festival is included with park admission, though food and drinks cost extra. It also runs alongside Fright Fest, so you can pair your Oktoberfest feast with Halloween thrills on the same ticket.
When: September 5 – October 31, 2026
Where: Six Flags Fiesta, San Antonio, TX 78257
How Much: Free
Tequila & Tacos Festival
Tequila lovers, taco fans, and anyone who enjoys a lively night out have a lot to look forward to at the Tequila & Tacos Festival.
Now in its fourth year, this 21-and-up outdoor event takes place at the base of the Tower of the Americas, with more than 20 tequila and mezcal brands, including Patrón, Casamigos, Casa Dragones, Herradura, Dos Hombres, and Mijenta, served across multiple mixology stations offering more than 70 specialty cocktails.
General admission includes 20 drink-sample tickets, a gourmet taco bar with Chicken Al Carbon, Pork Al Pastor, Shrimp Yucatán Style, and Beef Barbacoa, plus appetizers such as Cheddar Jalapeño Bites and Enchilada Meatballs.
Look for the signature Butterfly Effect cocktail, which uses dry ice to create a smoky, color-changing presentation.
Want a more exclusive experience? The $125 VIP ticket adds private-tent seating, dedicated bartenders, a swag bag, and premium spirit tastings reserved for VIPs
Add live music and lawn games, and you have the makings of a full evening out.
When: October 17, 2026, 6 pm – 9 pm
Where: Tower of the Americas, 739 E César E. Chávez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Starts at $90
San Antonio Beer Festival
Image credit: San Antonio Beer Festival
With roots dating back to 2005, when it launched as the Ale Fest, the San Antonio Beer Festival has grown into a major annual gathering for beer enthusiasts and has previously been recognized as Texas’ largest single-day beer festival.
Its 21st edition brings more than 400 premium, craft, and specialty beers from over 100 breweries around the world, including unique casks and one-off brewery collaborations you won’t find just anywhere.
You can also expect wine, cider, food trucks, local vendors, live music, and lawn games at Civic Park at Hemisfair.
A portion of every ticket sale supports the San Antonio Food Bank.
When: October 17, 2026, 12 pm – 6:30 pm
Where: Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Starts at $45
Free & Cheap Fall Things to Do in San Antonio
Free Outdoor Fall Film Series
Bring a blanket, grab your favorite snacks, and enjoy a movie under the stars at Mission Marquee Plaza, a South Side outdoor theater built on the site of the original Mission Drive-In near Mission San José.
The City of San Antonio World Heritage Office presents its H-E-B-sponsored 2026 Outdoor Family Film Series on the first and third Saturdays and the third Thursday of each month through November 21.
For the fall season, the venue opens at 6 p.m. from October through November, with films starting 15 minutes after dusk on the original 1948 jumbo screen. The lineup includes Hamilton, Hidden Figures, Superman, Frankenweenie, and Elf.
Admission, on-site parking, and music are free; leashed pets are welcome, and you can bring outside food and picnic supplies. Local food trucks will also be on-site.
You can also catch free outdoor films at The Rim Shopping Center in La Cantera on Saturday nights throughout October, with screenings starting at dusk.
When: Varies
Where: Various locations in San Antonio
How Much: Most are free
Stroll the San Antonio River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk is beautiful any time of year, but fall brings a colorful reason to explore its 15-mile network of walkways.
The downtown stretch hosts the Día de los Muertos Tradition Trail from October 3 through November 2, featuring five-foot alebrijes, fantastical spirit-animal sculptures, and vibrant calaveras at designated locations.
Look for installations at Floodgate 4 near Biga on the Banks, across from Hugman’s Oasis, the Omni La Mansion del Rio, the River Walk Streetcar Station, and the Go Rio Historia Ticket Booth.
Want to hear the stories behind the art? The Rio de la Vida – Tradition Trail Tour runs Tuesdays and Sundays at 7:30 p.m. through November 1, 2026, with a narrated river cruise exploring the installations’ symbolism and cultural significance. Tour tickets cost extra.
Walking the River Walk is free, so you can take your time enjoying the art, scenery, and restaurants before deciding whether to hop aboard a Go Rio boat tour.
When: Varies
Where: San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations
Hispanic Heritage Month takes on a special significance in San Antonio, where more than two-thirds of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino.
Running September 15 through October 15, the 2026 celebration features more than 40 events across the city, from Mexican independence festivities to mariachi performances and traditional equestrian competitions.
Catch the free Mariachi Festival on October 10 at the Arneson River Theatre, where middle and high school mariachi ensembles from San Antonio and surrounding communities perform from 1 to 9 p.m.
Throughout the month, Historic Market Square, the largest Mexican market in the United States, also hosts weekend mariachi performances, folklórico dancing, and artisan vendors.
When: Varies
Where: Various locations in San Antonio
How Much: Most are free
Live Music at the Japanese Tea Garden
A garden with a waterfall, winding stone bridges, and lush landscaping is already a lovely place to spend an evening. Add live jazz, and the Japanese Tea Garden becomes one of San Antonio’s most atmospheric fall concert settings.
The Jazz in the Garden Fall Concert Series, now in its 10th year, is presented by the San Antonio Parks Foundation in collaboration with KRTU 91.7 FM, Trinity University’s jazz radio station, which is celebrating 50 years on air.
Select Friday concerts run through November, with the 2026 lineup featuring the Audra Menconi Trio & Friends on October 9 and Nina & The Gypsies on November 6, both from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
There’s also a Halloween Dance Party scheduled for October 30 from 6 to 9 p.m., giving you another reason to visit this beautiful garden after dark.
When: Varies
Where: Japanese Tea Garden, 3853 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212
How Much: Most are free
Know Before You Go: Local Context
While many of these fall activities are concentrated around Downtown San Antonio, Hemisfair, and the River Walk, autumn events span across the entire Greater San Antonio Metroplex. Surrounding areas like New Braunfels, Castroville, Helotes, and Boerne are easily accessible via I-10 or Loop 1604, making day trips to regional pumpkin patches and farm mazes quick and convenient for local residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fall events in San Antonio for families?
Top family-friendly fall activities include Zoo Boo! at the San Antonio Zoo, SeaWorld Spooktacular, Devine Acres Farm, and the Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival at Brackenridge Park.
When do Día de los Muertos events take place in San Antonio?
Major Día de los Muertos festivities run from late October through November 2nd, featuring iconic events like the Day of the Dead River Parade and Muertos Fest at Hemisfair.
Are there free fall activities in San Antonio?
Yes! Events like Muertos Fest, Luminaria, DiwaliSA, outdoor movie nights, and strolling the River Walk or Japanese Tea Garden are completely free to attend.
Looking for more? See the upcoming Weekend Events in San Antonio.
- Halloween Events in San Antonio 2026: Family Events & Zoo Boo Guide - October 8, 2026
- Things To Do This Weekend in San Antonio – October 9 – October 11, 2026 - October 5, 2026
- San Antonio Highlights: October 5 to October 8 – Food, Music, Arts & More - October 4, 2026
