United States' Largest Día de los Muertos Celebrations Come Alive in San Antonio This Fall

From UNESCO World Heritage festivities and Fiestas Patrias to Halloween thrills, Diwali and contemporary arts, San Antonio packs fall with culture and jubilee

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This fall, San Antonio invites travelers to experience its distinctive Spirit Season, when centuries of heritage, vibrant cultural traditions and Halloween thrills fill the city. With patio-perfect weather setting the stage, September through November brings festivals, Día de los Muertos traditions, family celebrations and after-dark adventures across the Alamo City.

The season begins with the 11th Annual World Heritage Festival, September 9-13, celebrating the San Antonio Missions, the first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. Fiestas Patrias Weekend, September 12-13, honors Mexican Independence and San Antonio's Mexican American heritage with the Dieciséis de Septiembre Parade, El Grito, mariachi and folklórico performances, food and family activities. Jazz'SAlive follows September 25-26 at Civic Park at Hemisfair with free live music and festivities.

October brings Spirit Season into full color. From October 2 through November 2, Día de los Muertos experiences fill the River Walk, including the new Culinary Spirits presented by Hennessy, the altar- and art-filled Tradition Trail and GO RIO's Rio de la Vida cruises. On October 22, The Monarch San Antonio joins the celebration with an immersive iLaCatrina Runway Show and La Cena De Las Mariposa, a three-course culinary experience.

The signature Day of the Dead River Parade returns October 23 with illuminated barges, music and performers, while the free San Antonio Day of the Dead Festival at La Villita, October 23-25, features live music, traditional food, family activities, ofrendas and nearly 40-foot-tall Catrín and Catrina figures. Additional celebrations continue at Pearl, Historic Market Square and Centro Cultural Aztlan.

For Halloween thrills, Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Antonio and Fright Fest at Six Flags Fiesta Texas offer haunted attractions and nighttime rides, while Zoo Boo at San Antonio Zoo and Morgan's Wonderland Halloween Bash provide family-friendly seasonal fun.

The celebrations continue into November with DiwaliSA, November 7, bringing Indian culture, cuisine, dance and fireworks to Hemisfair, followed by the free Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival, November 14, illuminating downtown Houston Street with music, film, dance and large-scale art.

For event schedules, admission information, and trip-planning inspiration, visit Visit San Antonio.

SOURCE Visit San Antonio