Día de los Muertos in San Antonio
Glowing floats gliding down the river, catrinas all over downtown and altars for the ones you miss: San Antonio's late-October tribute to the dead.
Get there in time for the parade
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Hotels for Muertos season
Rates for 3 nights and 2 adults that update automatically; book early, downtown fills up that weekend.
Hotels steps from the River Walk
Four downtown picks so you can walk to the parade, Hemisfair and La Villita without hunting for parking.
Round out your weekend
Between altars and parades, spend an afternoon at one of the city's best-loved museums.
- Late OctDía de los Muertos season
- HemisfairHome of Muertos Fest
- River WalkRoute of the floating parade
- ≈15 minFrom SAT airport to downtown
Día de los Muertos in San Antonio: what to know
Timing, the main events and tips for enjoying the celebrations downtown.
When does San Antonio celebrate Día de los Muertos?
The big events cluster on the last weekend of October, when the river parade and Muertos Fest line up. Smaller events run through October across town, and some River Walk installations stay up until November 2. Dates shift each year, so confirm them on the official sites before you book.
What is the Day of the Dead River Parade like?
It's a nighttime parade of illuminated floats that sail along the River Walk, decorated with catrinas, marigolds and tributes to loved ones. You can watch from the riverbanks, and reserved seating is also sold and tends to sell out early.
What is Muertos Fest?
One of the largest Day of the Dead festivals in the US, held at Hemisfair on the edge of downtown. Expect community altars, live music, art, food and catrina contests. Hemisfair is a short walk from the River Walk.
Can I take part with an altar or a photo of a loved one?
Several events around the city include community altars and spaces for photos, candles or notes. Rules and sign-ups change every year and depend on each organizer, so check their calls for participation before your trip.
Where should I stay for the parade and the festival?
Downtown, on or near the River Walk. You can walk to the parade, Hemisfair, La Villita and the Alamo, and skip the parking hunt, which gets scarce and pricey that weekend. Book several weeks out because demand is high.
What's the weather like in late October?
Usually pleasant: warm days with highs that typically land in the upper 70s to low 80s °F, and cooler evenings. Pack a light jacket for the nighttime parade by the river and comfortable walking shoes.
What else can I do that weekend?
Spend a morning at the Witte Museum next to Brackenridge Park, devoted to natural history and Texas heritage. You can also tour the UNESCO-listed Spanish missions or grab breakfast at the Pearl before heading back downtown for the evening events.
Which airport do I use, and what documents do I need?
Fly into San Antonio International (SAT), about 15 to 20 minutes from downtown. Travelers from Mexico need a valid passport and a US visa; if you cross by land, you'll also need an I-94 permit, which you can get online before crossing.
Is it a good celebration for kids?
Yes. The parade and the festival are family events, and plenty of kids show up with sugar-skull face paint. Arrive early to grab a good spot along the river, and expect crowds downtown all weekend.
Keep your hotel and flights for San Antonio's Muertos weekend at hand with the Ticketón app.
