Everything You Should Know About San Antonio’s Muertos Fest

day of the dead parade crowd — Photo courtesy of Muertos Fest.

San Antonio has plenty of ways to celebrate Día de los Muertos, but Muertos Fest is hard to miss.

What began in 2013 has grown into one of the country’s largest Día de los Muertos celebrations. Now in its 14th year, the free festival brings more than 100 community-created altars, processions, music, art, and cultural programming to Hemisfair.

Best of all? Admission is completely free!

When and Where is Muertos Fest?

Muertos Fest takes over Hemisfair, 630 Nueva St., all weekend.

The festival begins Friday, October 23, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., continues Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and wraps up Sunday, October 25, from noon to 9 p.m.

Friday kicks off with ¡Presente! “A Night to Remember,” an evening centered around the festival’s altars, music, and shared memories. From 5–7 p.m., the festival will offer sensory-friendly altar viewing.

person in day of the dead costume — Photo courtesy of Muertos Fest.

There’s a lot happening across the three days, so check out the full festival schedule before you go. You can also download the Muertos Fest app to keep the schedule handy.

Over 100 Altars Will Fill Hemisfair

At the heart of Muertos Fest are more than 100 handmade ofrendas created by families, schools, artists, and organizations to remember people who have died.

day of the day altar outdoors — Photo courtesy of Muertos Fest.

“Every altar at Muertos Fest tells the story of someone who was loved. Every procession carries those memories forward,” said Jim Mendiola, Artistic Director of Muertos Fest, in a press release shared with Spotlight San Antonio. “When families come together to share their stories and honor those who came before them, they’re doing more than remembering the past. They’re keeping our traditions alive and passing them on to the next generation.”

Some are deeply personal, others honor larger groups or community figures, and, together, they’re what gives the festival its meaning beyond the performances and celebration happening around them.

Visitors can see the altars throughout all three days, but you don’t have to build your own ofrenda to take part in the tradition. Muertos Fest is inviting anyone who wants to honor someone they’ve lost to submit a photo for possible inclusion in its Community Altar at Civic Park.

day of the dead community altar — Photo courtesy of Muertos Fest.

The Community Altar will be on display Friday through Sunday, creating a shared space where people can remember loved ones in community with others. Photos can be submitted through the Muertos Fest Community Altar form.

That remembrance carries into the festival’s two processions, happening Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., where each participating group builds its entry around honoring a person or group of people.

There Will Be Plenty of Music, Too

On Saturday and Sunday, more than 50 performances will take place across five stages, spanning Tejano, conjunto, cumbia, rock, mariachi, dance, and more. The 2026 lineup includes LA 45 with Sunny Ozuna, Grupo Metal featuring Chris Pérez, Michael Salgado, and many others.

band on stage and concert crowd — Photo courtesy of Muertos Fest.

The programming goes beyond traditional stage performances, too, with Nicho Sonido: Música for Grieving and Healing, a music experience centered on grief and remembrance, plus the SoundCream DJ Stage and a dedicated Yanaguana Children’s Stage.

And you don’t have to spend the whole day parked in front of a stage. Between performances, you can browse the Muertos Mercado, featuring more than 85 art vendors, stop for food, check out the returning Day of the Dead Bookstore, or take part in poetry, cultural workshops, and hands-on activities for kids.

A Few Things to Know Before You Go

If you’re heading downtown, give yourself extra time to arrive. Parking around Hemisfair will be limited, and organizers recommend walking, biking, carpooling, using a rideshare service, or taking VIA Transit when possible.

Muertos Fest happens rain or shine, so check the forecast before leaving home.

You can bring a blanket if you want somewhere to sit, but leave chairs and coolers behind. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, too, but organizers note that the festival can get crowded and loud.

day of the day couple in traditional costumes — Photo courtesy of Muertos Fest.

With three days, five stages, and 100+ altars is a lot to take in, you probably won’t see everything in one visit, and that’s okay! Pick the performances you don’t want to miss, make time for the ofrendas, wander the mercado, and leave yourself some room to stumble across something unexpected.

For updated schedules, maps, and festival information, make sure to check the Muertos Fest website before you go.