There are plenty of ways to celebrate the return of autumn and Halloween season. From Dia de los Muertos activities and haunted houses to pumpkin patches and fall markets, check out these seasonal celebrations taking place in and around San Antonio.
Have a fall seasonal community event that you want to promote for free? Please email edmond@focusonsanantonio.com and eortiz@journalist.com with the basic details, including prices (if applicable) and public contact information.
PUMPKIN PATCHES
Now through Oct. 26
Traveling Loaves and Fishes invites community members to check out its pumpkin patch and enjoy other activities 10 a.m.-7 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday through October. There will be train rides, inflatables, a zip line, swings, food trucks and more. Admission is free; $8 for all-inclusive wristband. St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1602 Thousand Oaks Drive.
Now through Oct. 31
The city of Universal City will have its pumpkin patch open through Halloween, with sales proceeds benefiting 27 area charities.Admission is free. Open 4-8 p.m. Sun.-Thu., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri. and Sat. 2150 Universal City Blvd., Universal City.
Now through Oct. 31
Alamo Heights United Methodist Church’s pumpkin patch is open 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through Halloween. Proceeds go to benefit the church’s programs and outreach initiatives. Admission is free. 825 E. Basse Road.
Now through Oct. 31
Bracken United Methodist Church’s pumpkin patch is open 4-6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends through Halloween. A fall festival featuring Ma’s Ranch and Rescue, an animal rescue and mobile petting zoo will be held 1-3 p.m. Oct. 18. Vendor markets are held 1-6 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free. 20377 FM 2252 near Garden Ridge.
Now open
Windcrest United Methodist Church is hosting its annual pumpkin patch where proceeds go to benefit church programming. Admission is free. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. 8101 Midcrown Drive, Windcrest
Now through Nov. 17
Tower of the Americas will be surrounded by a pumpkin patch that is open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun.-Thu., and 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri. and Sat. 739 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd.
MARKETS
Oct. 25
The Local Finds Market at Bandera Pointe will host a Halloween market with trick or treating, vendors, costumes and food trucks. Admission is free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 11625 Bandera Road.
Oct. 25
Alamo City Pit Bull Rescue will hold a family and pet friendly popup market at Tandem, with vendors offering various pet treats, toys and apparel (with some goodies for the humans, too), a Halloween pet costume contest, and a pet-dedicated Dia de los Muertos ofrenda where visitors may place a photo of their beloved late pet(s). There will also be photo opportunities with Marshall of “Paw Patrol,” and a donation drive where the following are requested: used towels, blankets, and newspapers and/or new unopened items. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free. 310 Riverside Drive.
Schertz United Methodist Church will host the Fall Into the Holidays Market, with 80-plus vendors offering seasonal items, handmade crafts, and unique gifts, food trucks, games and crafts for all ages, and a children’s scavenger hunt. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. 3460 FM 3009, Schertz.
FALL FESTIVALS
Now through Nov. 4
PumpkinFest at the Rim includes family friendly activities daily through 9:30 p.m., including a giant pumpkin-shaped bounce house, pumpkin carving, decorating and smashing, a corn pit play zone, games, carnival and seasonal refreshments such as funnel cakes, candied nuts and hot cocoa, and a build-your-own-cauldron station. Visitors ages 21-up can enjoy seasonal cocktails, pumpkin-inspired drinks, and Instagrammable light displays and themed performances. Admission: $12 adults on weekdays, $15 adults on weekends; $10 children on weekdays, $12 children on weekends. That Venue at The Rim, 17619 La Cantera Pkwy., Suite 204.
Oct. 10 and 11
Beethoven Maennerchor’s Oktoberfest is a family- and dog-friendly event designed to feel, look and sound like a classic German festival complete with traditional foods, music and beer. Admission ranges $8-$10 for adults, free for children ages 12 and under, active duty military, first responders, members of German-American organizations, and Fiesta San Antonio Commission members. 4-11 p.m. Oct. 3, 4, 10 and 11. 422 Pereida St.
Oct. 11
KLRN-TV will present the Kids Fall Festival, featuring games, costumed fun, a screening of Halloween episodes from popular PBS children’s shows, and an appearance from Elmo of “Sesame Street.” Families may bring snacks, a picnic basket, lawn chairs and blankets. Admission is free. 6-9 p.m. Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave.
Oct.11
The city of Live Oak puts on Shindig on Shin Oak, a family friendly annual event, which will include carnival games, food trucks, a petting zoo, face painting, live music and a silent auction. Admission is free. 4-10 p.m. Live Oak City Hall, 8001 Shin Oak Drive.
Oct. 18
Bexar County Pct. 2 Commissioner Justin Rodriguez’s office will present a fall festival at Rodriguez Park. There will be a costume contest, trunk-or-treating, craft vendors, live music, food trucks, children’s activities and more. Admission is free. Noon-4 p.m. 2060 Rodriguez Ave.
Oct. 18
The 20th annual San Antonio Beer Festival will have dozens of breweries from around San Antonio, Texas and across the nation pouring samples. Attendees can also sample seltzers and ciders, and enjoy music, food, interactive displays, games and shopping with retail vendors. Portion of proceeds will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank. Admission: $45-$105.VIP entry starts at noon; general admission begins after 1 p.m. Hemisfair, 630 E. Nueva St.
Oct. 18
Boerne Barktoberfest is a dog-friendly event that will feature pet costumes, contests, adoption opportunities, a doggie dash, local vendors, live music, entertainment and more. Admission is free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Main Plaza, 100 N. Main St., Boerne.
Oct. 18
New Braunfels Dia de los Muertos Festival will offer music, dancing, a remembrance procession, food trucks, children’s activities, face painting, arts and crafts, shopping and more. Proceeds benefit scholarships for local students. Admission is free. Noon-10 p.m. 500 Main Plaza, New Braunfels.
Oct. 18
Cibolofest is Cibolo’s annual festival, which includes a variety of live entertainment, a carnival, food and craft vendors. Admission is free; carnival wristbands start at $10. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Cibolo Multi-event Center, 200 S. Main St.
Oct. 24
Trinity Preschools will host a harvest festival, a family friendly event that will offer games, bounce houses, food, vendors and more. 5:30-8 p.m. Admission is free. 5401 N. Loop 1604 E.
Oct. 24
Brackenridge Park Conservancy will offer safe trick or treating in the park. RSVP is required. 5-8 p.m. Admission is free. Brackenridge Park Koehler Pavilion.
Oct. 24-26
Day of the Dead at La Villita will have more than 25 giant skulls crafted by local artists, and a giant alebrije exhibit featuring vibrant spirit animals from Mexico City. There will also be music and food, along with free children’s face-painting workshops on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. 418 Villita St.
Oct. 24-26
The 13th annual Muertos Fest will feature more than 80 Dia de los Muertos altars crafted by local artists, students, businesses and organizations. There will also be music on five stages, nightly processions, food, a marketplace, workshops and more. The evening of Oct. 24 will offer a special sensory-friendly altar viewing and a tribute to the late Flaco Jimenez. Admission is free. 5-11 p.m. Oct. 24; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Oct. 25; noon-9 p.m. Oct. 26. Hemisfair, 630 E. Nueva St.
Oct. 25
Fall Fest will take place at The Village at Stone Oak retail center. There will be trick-or-treating at participating retailers, a costume contest with prizes, live entertainment, caricature and balloon artists, children’s crafts and other activities, and a character meet-and-greet. Admission is free. Noon-3 p.m. 22610 U.S. 281 N.
Oct. 25
Dogtoberfest is a pet-friendly event where visitors could adopt a new pet, and enjoy a pumpkin patch, fall family photo opportunities, hayrides, a foster pet parade, and enter a pet costume contest. There will also be puppy yoga, a children’s craft zone, food, and local vendors offering lots of shopping. Admission is free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. San Antonio Animal Care Services, 4710 Texas Hwy. 151.
HAUNTED HOUSES
Oct. 9-31
House of Insanity at Retama Park will offer realistic scares in an immersive setting, complete with tight spaces, creepy crawlers, and lots of clowns. Admission: $20 weekdays, $25 weekends. 1 Retama Pkwy., Selma.
Open now through Oct. 31
Verse Immersive presents an interactive, augmented reality experience based on the movie “Trick ‘R Treat,” where the visitors must follow the rules of Halloween or pay the consequences. A visit can be booked in advance; visits are available every 30 minutes throughout the day until 7 p.m. Sun.-Thu. and until 9 p.m. Fri. and Sat. Tickets: $24.99. Airtopia, 16628 San Pedro Ave.
Oct. 25-31
Helotes Haunted Gardens turn the The Gardens at Old Town Helotes into a landscape of mystery and horror, filled with spirits, clowns, monsters and more. There’s one path for teenagers and adults, and a child-friendly path, too. 7-10 p.m. daily. Admission: $12 online, $15 at the door; free for children ages 10-under. 15060 Antonio Drive, Helotes.
Oct. 11-Nov. 1
Haunted Hill Road in La Vernia, organizers say, is where “shadows move, screams echo and nightmares come to life.” Attendees are urged to wear shoes safe to walking on uneven ground. Admission is free, but donations are taken. Fees range $50-$80 for groups of four people or more. 8-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 1. 174 Oak Road.
Open Thursday-Sunday nights now through Nov. 2
Nightmare at Owl Creek includes three zones of scares and madness: a blackout maze, a haunted trail, and a zombie hunt. 7:30-10 p.m. Thu. and Sun., 7:30 p.m.-midnight Fri. and Sat. The same farm site hosts a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, hay rides, pony rides and other activities during the day on Wed., Fri.-Sun. 12355 Military Drive W.
Open Friday-Sunday nights now through Nov. 9
The 13th Floor is back with two major attractions: The Legend of the Donkey Lady, who roams the ruins of an abandoned terminal and junkyard; and The Blood Shed, where a butcher-turned-monster haunts a former morgue. Admission starts at $19.99. 1203 E. Commerce St.
Oct. 24 and 25
Converse Fire Department will host “Haunted Hospital,” an event that comes with music, food trucks, a pumpkin patch and photo booths 6-10 p.m. Oct. 24 and 25. There will also be trunk-or-treating and a costume contest on Oct. 25. Admission: $8 for ages 13-up; $4 for ages 12-under. 602 Toepperwein Road, Converse.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Now through Oct. 31
San Antonio Zoo invites the public to Zoo Boo, where guests can enjoy trick-or-treating, engaging entertainment, animal encounters, fall-flavored food and drinks, and special themed weekends through Halloween. Dog owners may bring their pup to the zoo on Oct. 19 so they can join in the Halloween fun. The first 150 dogs through the gate will get a complimentary fall-themed bandana. Admission varies. 3903 N. St. Mary’s St.
Oct. 10 and 11
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Fest promises Halloween fun for all ages, including whimsical characters and performances, and after-parties. General admission: $40, VIP admission: $75; two-day pass is $70. 5-8 p.m. Oct. 10, 3-9 p.m. Oct. 11. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place.
Oct. 11
Leon Valley Historical Society will present Halloween at the Homestead where visitors may enjoy seasonal, family friendly fun at the historic Huebner-Onion Homestead. Admission is free. Parking available at Leon Valley City Hall. 2-5 p.m. 6613 Bandera Road.
Oct. 18
The San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation and Slab Cinema are inviting the public to a free screening of “Coco,” Disney’s popular Dia de los Muertos movie in City Cemetery No. 1 on the East Side. Visitors may bring a picnic or snacks with a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the film. Admission is free. 6 p.m. 550 Paso Hondo St.
Oct. 24
The seventh annual Day of the Dead River Parade will feature decorated floats with altars, catrinas, and costumed riders, all celebrating life and loved ones. Ticket prices vary for reserved seating areas; free viewing is allowed in other areas along the parade route. The parade begins at 7 p.m. near the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts; route ends near Main Plaza.
Oct. 24
Bexar County Parks and Recreation will present a free screening of the movie “Hocus Pocus” in Bullis County Park. Attendees may bring snacks, blankets or a lawn chair. Concessions will be available at this family friendly event. Admission is free. 7:30 p.m. 27583 Old Blanco Road.
Oct. 25-26
Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo present its 10th annual Howl-O-Ween Extravaganza with trick-or-treat stations, Halloween-themed animal shows, haunted hay maze, face painting, costume contests, capybara encounters, and “creepy crawly challenges.” Children ages 12-under in costume get in for free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 25-26. 5460 I-35 S., New Braunfels.
Oct. 25
La Esquina Food Park will host Spookfest, a family friendly Halloween festival with trunk-or-treating, costume contests for adults and children, a car and bike show, a DJ, horror movie screenings, food and merchandise vendors, and a fun house filled with clowns. Also, San Antonio Ghost Hunters will display some of their evidence and tools of the trade. 6 p.m. Admission is free. 1120 Gillette Blvd.
Oct. 25
San Antonio Botanical Garden hosts “BOOtanica!” the annual family friendly event where visitors may trick-or-treat down a scary trail inside the garden. Guests may also explore nature-themed education stations, and enjoy concessions available for purchase. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free with SABG admission. 555 Funston Place.
Oct. 26
San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside will present HalloEast, a family friendly Halloween event that celebrates the East Side. There will be safe trick-or-treating, free food, games, bike raffles, tree giveaways, dance-offs, costume contests, and more. Registration is encouraged. 1-5 p.m. Admission is free. Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 200 Noblewood Drive.
Oct. 29
Barrio Network will present Barrio Boo, a family friendly Halloween event featuring a costume contest, candy, games, artistic performances, community organization vendors, a cake walk and food. 5-7 p.m. Admission is free. Plaza Guadalupe, 1327 Guadalupe St.
Oct. 30
Olympia Hills Golf and Event Center will host “Halloween at the Hills!” a family friendly event that features a scavenger hunt, sweet treats, vendors representing local businesses, live music, and food and drink specials. Costumes are encouraged. 6 p.m. Admission is free. 12900 Mount Olympus, Universal City.
Oct. 30
Rackspace Technology headquarters will host “Tech-or-Treat,” a family friendly, carnival-style community Halloween event, which will include trunk-or-treating, games, a costume contest, a silent auction, STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) booths, and more. Proceeds will benefit the Rackspace Foundation. 2:30-6:30 p.m. Admission is free. 19122 U.S. 281 N.
Oct. 30
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute -San Antonio will host its second annual Halloween haunted house. This family-friendly event will contain haunted halls, live music, a costume contest, food trucks, candy and giveaways while supplies last. 4-7 p.m. Admission is free. 734 SE Military Drive.
Oct. 30
Boeing Center at Tech Port will host Tech or Treat, a community event where guests can enjoy activities such as tech demonstrations, esports gaming, a trunk-or-treating adventure filled with school supplies, goodies and toys, while supplies last. 6-8 p.m. Admission is free. 3133 General Hudnell Dr.
Oct. 31
Kimpton Santo – San Antonio Riverwalk will host a “High Spirits” Halloween night celebration at its Tenfold Rooftop bar. The event, open to the public, will include a DJ, a specialty cocktail menu, spooky decor, $10 flash tattoos and more. Reservations are encouraged. Partygoers are urged to come dressed to impress or to haunt. 8 p.m.-midnight. Admission is free. 431 S. Alamo St.
Oct. 31
Children of all ages may go trick-or-treating at participating stores at Alamo Quarry Market. Visitors may start by picking up a bag near Learning Express Toys. 4-6 p.m. Admission is free. 255 E. Basse Road.
Oct. 31
A number of businesses along South Main Street in “Old Town Cibolo” will be hosting a family friendly trick-or-treat block party. There will also be trunk-or-treating, a children’s play area, and festive music. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Admission is free. Main Street between Schlather Street and the Cibolo Multi-Event Center.
Oct. 31
Tree of Life Church will host Fall Fest with free candy, free games, a petting zoo, bounce houses, street performers and more. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Admission is free. 5513 I-35 S., New Braunfels.
Oct. 31
First United Methodist Church of Boerne will host a Halloween festival with free food, inflatables, trunk-or-treating and games. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Admission is free. 205 James St., Boerne.
Oct. 31
Garden Ridge Library will host its sixth annual trunk-or-treat event, which will include a hayride, a haunted house, barrel train rides and a DJ. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Admission is free. 9401 Municipal Pkwy., Garden Ridge.
Nov. 1
San Anto Cultural Arts will present a Dia de los Muertos celebration, which includes food, music and the presentation of a community altar. Attendees may join in a procession from San Anto Cultural Arts to the peace and remembrance mural at 1013 S. Trinity St., and return. 6-9 p.m. Admission is free. 2120 El Paso St.
Nov. 1
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church will host a Dia de los Muertos event, including a screening of the movie “Coco,” a community ofrenda where attendees may place a photo of a late loved one, face painting, snacks, and an opportunity to create a sugar skull. 3-7 p.m. Admission is free. 1310 Pecan Valley Drive.
Nov. 1
Esperanza Peace and Justice Center will present its Dia de los Muertos observance with community ofrendas, pan de muerto, music, food, a traditional procession and more. 4-10 p.m. Admission is free. El Rinconcito de Esperanza, 816 S. Colorado St.
Nov. 1
Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas will offer an educational workshop for youth with Dia de los Muertos-inspired activities, including face painting and a chance to dress up with marigolds, butterflies, fairy wings, or alebrije-inspired designs. Participants can join a guided hike at Bulverde Oaks Nature Preserve and learn about local fauna and flora, and collect natural materials and build a little fairy house that reflects local habitats. Participants may also celebrate Mexican folk art traditions by learning about alebrijes and designing their own colorful, imaginative creature. 9 a.m.-noon. Admission is by donation; RSVP is required. 17901 Judson Road.
Nov. 1
Community members are invited to the “Monster Mash Pumpkin Smash” at the University of Texas at San Antonio main campus. Students from UTSA’s Kleese College of Engineering and Integrated Design will use their own designed contraptions to launch pumpkins into the air and the ground. There will also be food trucks, music and STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) activities for all ages, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Admission is free. UTSA east parking lot, East Campus Drive off Valero Way.
Nov. 2
La Vida de los Muertos, a bilingual theatrical dance production featuring the Guadalupe Dance Company, combines dance, puppetry, tradition and humor. 6 p.m. Admission is free. Plaza Guadalupe, 1327 Guadalupe St.
Nov. 2
Centro Cultural Aztlan will host its 48th annual Dia de Los Muertos altares y ofrendas (altars and offerings) exhibition and celebration. The event kicks off with an artisan market, pan de muerto, musical performances and more. Noon-6 p.m. Admission is free. 1806 Fredericksburg Road.
