The City of San Antonio invites the community to visit Historic Market Square, La Villita Historic Arts Village and Houston Street this October for fun fall events and to celebrate Día de los Muertos.

While enjoying La Villita and Market Square events, don’t forget to stop inside their stores to shop for one-of-a-kind treasures!

Find everything you need at Historic Market Square!

With over 100 locally owned shops, you’ll find cultural curios, artifacts, hand-crafted leather goods, and a diverse collection of traditional apparel at Historic Market Square.

Market Square Website

Market Square 11th Annual Car Show
Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.

Join us for the 11^th Annual Car Show at Historic Market Square. Experience the nostalgia and beauty of vintage cars on display, celebrating automotive history. This event is perfect for car enthusiasts and families, offering a glimpse into the past with classic vehicles, live entertainment, and local vendors.

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Cultural Celebration: Día de los Muertos
Saturday, October 25 & Sunday, October 26, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.

Get ready for a lively celebration of Día de los Muertos, a two-day event bursting with color, culture, and community spirit! Join us as we honor this beautiful Mexican tradition with an array of cultural activities, stunning traditional altars, vibrant face painting, live music, and so much more. Don’t miss Las Monas Cultural Dance Procession, a captivating fusion of dance and storytelling that brings ancestral tales to life, happening both days from 1 to 2 p.m. This family-friendly event is open to all ages and is the perfect way to experience the rich heritage, artistry, and joy that make Día de los Muertos so special. Join us and celebrate life, memory, and community!

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Self-Guided Día de los Muertos Altar Tour
October 13 - November 3, every day from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.

Take a self-guided tour of Día de los Muertos ofrendas (altars) at Historic Market Square. The ofrendas show gratitude, celebrate memories, and highlight the best and the brightest of departed loved ones' time on earth. Learn more about Día de los Muertos by visiting uniquely themed altars throughout Historic Market Square.

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Calaveras de Azucar Festival
Saturday, November 1 & Sunday, November 2, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.

The Market Square Farmers Market Association invites all to attend their vibrant Calaveras de Azucar Festival to celebrate Día de los Muertos with family, friends, and the community. The colorful and memorable festival features altars, live music, and local vendors.
 

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Market Square Weekends: Live Performances, Local Eats & Art in Action
Every weekend in October, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.

Enjoy music, working artists, and food booths at Market Square every weekend!

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The Pass at Market Square
Open daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE
Location: 612 W. Commerce St.

The Pass at Market Square is a recreation area located at the IH-35 elevated highway underpass between Dolorosa and Commerce streets. It features a family-friendly recreation area that includes a basketball court, ping pong tables, swing chairs and tables, murals, and more.

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New finds await at La Villita Historic Arts Village!

Located in the heart of downtown, La Villita offers over 15 unique boutiques, art galleries, and dining experiences. 

La Villita Website

riverARTober
Saturday, October 4 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. & Sunday, October 5, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; FREE
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, 418 Villita St.

Meet artists from all over Texas while experiencing the beauty of La Villita Historic Arts Village. Make plans to attend this free weekend festival of art, music, food, and find that perfect, one-of-a-kind creation to take home.

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Painting in the Plaza
Sunday, October 5, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.; FREE
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, Cos House, 418 Villita St.

Painting in the Plaza is a free, family-friendly event that takes place every first Sunday of the month from September 2025 to May 2026 in the Cos House at La Villita Historic Arts Village. Acrylic artist Chantia “Tia” Bailey is leading a nine-part series of painting classes focusing on the theme of music. Registration is required; sign up online. All supplies are provided. City Tower Sundays offers free parking on Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight at the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.).

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Diez y Seis Mariachi Festival
Saturday, October 11, 2-9 p.m.; FREE
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, Arneson River Theatre, 418 Villita St.

The Mariachi Festival features performances by middle and high school students from schools in San Antonio and the region. The festival has been hosted by the Diez y Seis de Septiembre Commission for over 20 years. Food and arts and crafts booths will be available for patrons’ enjoyment.

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Sana Sunday Goat Yoga in La Villita
Sunday, October 12, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.; FREE
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, Plaza Juarez, 418 Villita St.

Start your healthy Sunday with a goat yoga class at the serene, tree-shaded Plaza Juarez in beautiful La Villita Historic Arts Village. Bring yourself, your bestie, your family, and your friends for a free 45-minute goat yoga experience. The class will be taught by a certified yoga instructor, ending with 15-minutes of goat cuddle time. Please bring your own yoga mat. Registration is required; sign up online. All supplies are provided. City Tower Sundays offers free parking on Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight at the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.).

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Craft Tuesday: Pumpkin Painting Party
Tuesday, October 14, 6-8 p.m.; FREE
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, Cos House, 418 Villita St.

You’re invited to a free, family-friendly pumpkin painting party! All supplies provided – just bring yourself, your friends, and family. Come early to grab a bite or beverage from onsite restaurants. Registration is required; sign up online. Downtown Tuesday free parking begins at 5 p.m. in City-owned lots and garages.

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Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade and Festival
River Parade: Friday, October 24, 7 p.m.; ticketed event
Festival & communication activations: Friday, October 24 - Sunday, October 26; see website for full schedule
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, 418 Villita St.

Experience the magic of San Antonio’s Day of the Dead River Parade on Friday, October 24, along the iconic River Walk! Watch in awe as stunning, altar-adorned floats glide by, featuring dazzling catrinas, colorful costumes, and joyful celebrations of life and memory. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Join us Friday through Sunday as La Villita transforms into a vibrant fiesta filled with live music, delicious food, and free family fun honoring cherished Día de los Muertos traditions. Don’t miss your chance to snap a selfie with the second largest Calavera Catrina in the world, wander among 20 colorful alebrije spirit-animals, and marvel at 10 giant, hand-painted calaveras spread throughout the village. It’s a celebration rich in culture, bursting with color, and open to all! Come honor the past, celebrate the present, and be part of something truly unforgettable at La Villita.

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Dancing in the Dark
Tuesday, October 28, 6-8 p.m.; FREE
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, 418 Villita St.

Looking for a fun, free date night? Join us for La Villita’s Dancing in the Dark series with free dance lessons! Come a little early with your partner, friends, or by yourself to grab a bite or a beverage from onsite restaurants. Downtown Tuesday free parking begins at 5 p.m. in City-owned lots and garages.

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Lunch Break on Houston Street
Thursday, October 2 & 16, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: In front of the Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St.

Make your way to Houston Street for food trucks and music in front of the Majestic Theatre!

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Downtown can get busy, so make a plan! Saturday, October 25 will be especially busy with several large festivals happening downtown and the Paul McCartney concert at the Alamodome. Visitors are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and arrive early to downtown events to avoid expected disruptions related to traffic and construction projects. 

• Leave Early and Plan Ahead – Expect heavy traffic on busy event weekends. Plan to leave early and be sure to consult a navigation app, such as Google Maps or Waze, to find the best route to your destination.

• Take Public Transportation – Find nearby VIA Metropolitan Transit routes by visiting Google Maps and selecting the public transport option. VIA also offers its Link ride-sharing service for $1.30 a ride within its downtown service area zone.

• Use Ride Share or Taxis – Using these services avoids traffic congestion and keeps you and those around you safe from traffic accidents. 

Know Before You Go Downtown Website

Downtown Street Closure Website

We've got your spot!

The City of San Antonio offers convenient and affordable parking at its parking garages and lots. The St. Mary’s Garage (205 E. Travis St.) and the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.) are located just steps from the River Walk, Houston Street and Travis Park, and they generally have many public parking spaces available. Note that event parking rates (up to $15 at City parking facilities) may be in effect at some parking facilities during busy event weekends.

• A map showing a full list of City-owned garages and lots can be found on the City’s SAPark website.

• Downtown Tuesday offers free parking at city-operated parking garages, parking lots and parking meters every Tuesday evening from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

• City Tower Sundays offers free parking on Sundays from 7 a.m. to midnight in the City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.).

Parking Map

Click map to enlarge.

Visit our downtown partner websites to view a list of their upcoming events.