Below is a list of select events taking place in the San Antonio area. Have a local event you would like Focus On San Antonio to promote? Email all the details to eortiz@journalist.com.
CINEMA
Oct. 17
Windcrest Parks and Recreation will have a free screening of the movie “Hocus Pocus.” Attendees may bring their own blankets and lawn chairs. Popcorn and snacks will be available. 7 p.m. Takas Park, 9310 Jim Seal Drive
LITERARY
Oct. 23-24
Nowhere Bookshop will host a spooky book fair over the weekend, with a Halloween twist on the classic childhood book fair. The bookstore’s community room is filled with seasonal books, gifts and, for adults, a chance to sip on adult beverages. The fun begins at 4 p.m. Oct. 23. Admission is free. 5154 Broadway St., Alamo Heights
STAGE
Weekly
Woodlawn Comedy at Woodlawn Theatre presents Friday Night Lights. Each Friday night features standup comics or improv comedy activities. Ages 21-over allowed. Seating is first-come, first-served. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20. 1920 Fredericksburg Road
Now through Oct. 18
Circle Arts Theatre offers final performances of the “Steel Magnolias.” Set in a busy small Louisiana town salon, a group of women enjoy gossip, relish friendship and build strength while enduring life’s joys and sorrows. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16; and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17; and 2 p.m. Oct. 18. Tickets: $25. 124 Elizabeth Ave., New Braunfels
Now through Oct. 25
Magik Theatre opens its new season, in its recently renovated home venue, with performances of “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.” Based on Laura Numeroff’s titular picture book, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” is about a boy whose peaceful afternoon of cookies and comics is interrupted by a mouse whose tiny request grows into an adventure. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sat., and 3 p.m. Sun. through Oct. 25. Tickets: $26.50-$33.50. 420 S. Alamo St.
Now through Oct. 31
San Pedro Playhouse will host performances of the classic musical-comedy “Little Shop of Horrors,” where shy florist Seymour discovers a unique little plant that grows with very special needs. Check the website for showtimes. Tickets: $53 adults, $33 children ages 12-under, $43 seniors, first responders, military. 800 W. Ashby Place
Oct. 15, 17
Opera San Antonio presents performances of the classic fairy tale “Cinderella” with music composed by Rossini. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15 and 17. Tickets start at $20; attendees are encouraged to attend a free educational lecture that is open to all ticket holders one prior to showtime. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle
Oct. 15-Nov. 1
La Bete Productions performs “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors,” where five actors take on dozens of characters in a parody packed with quick changes, seductive vampires, and total mayhem. Shows at 7:30 p.m. Thu.-Sat., and 3 p.m. Sun., with special performances set for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28, and 2 and 10 p.m. Oct. 31. Tickets: $25. Woodlawn Pointe, 702 Donaldson Ave.
Oct. 16, 17
Overtime Theater marks its 20th anniversary with a performance of five short plays that are about the production of Overtime Theater shows over the years and at six different venues. 8 p.m. Oct. 16 and 17. Tickets: $40. 4335 Vance Jackson Road, Suites 103-104
Oct. 16-25
Boerne Community Theatre’s Teen Troupe offers performances of “Seussical Jr.” a musical comedy narrated by the Cat in the Hat, and blending the plots of Dr. Seuss’ “Horton Hears a Who!,” “Horton Hatches the Egg,” and “Gertrude McFuzz.” 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 2:30 p.m. Sun., and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16. Tickets: $15. 907 E. Blanco Road, Boerne
SPECIAL EXHIBITS
Now through Nov. 29
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory co-presents Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience, which offers a VR journey through the cosmos. Visitors can feel like they are using the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory to look deep into space and encounter extreme exoplanets and galaxies, and explore the vastness of the universe. Guests can order tickets by date and time. Admission: $24 general; discounts available for children, students, seniors and groups. Family Space Week Oct. 4-10 has family-friendly activations, special ticket offers, local radio giveaways, STEM-inspired social content, and community partnerships. The Shops at Rivercenter (lower level on the Alamo side below H&M), 849 E. Commerce St.
Now through Nov. 1
San Antonio Zoo’s 40th Zoo Boo is a daily, family friendly celebration of fall and the Halloween season. There is daily trick-or-treating, themed food and seasonal treats, entertainment, a spider rainforest with real spiders, interactive animal experiences, and the debut of Fiesta de los Muertos. The latter, inspired by Dia de los Muertos traditions, features three themed realms with large-scale artistic displays and special photo opportunities. Entry with zoo admission for the general public; free for zoo members. 3903 N. St. Mary’s St.
Now through Nov. 2
“Jardín de las Catrinas” blends art, plants, and tradition across the San Antonio Botanical Garden, as visitors get to explore eight larger-than-life catrinas created by local artist Regina Moya. Surrounded by thousands of colorful, living plants and thousands of marigolds, each catrina is inspired by nature, Mexican traditions, and refranes—traditional sayings that share wisdom passed down through generations. Entry with garden admission. 555 Funston Place
Now through Feb. 7
The Witte Museum is hosting “Gather ‘Round the Table: Texas Food Traditions,” an exhibit that explores the ingredients, people, and cultural exchanges behind familiar Texas foods. The exhibit also includes interactive areas where guests can make their own plate of Texas foods, visit a model icehouse, and learn how Texans have grown, prepared and distributed their food for market through the decades. Special exhibit ticket required. 3801 Broadway St.
WELLNESS
Weekly
Wellness at The Tobin is a weekly series of fitness and exercise classes designed to nurture the body and mind. Classes are held from 10-11 a.m. Saturdays at the Will Naylor Riverwalk Plaza. Dress and equip accordingly. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle.
ART EXHIBITS/SHOWS
Now through Oct. 26
San Antonio Museum of Art hosts “Canvas to Clay: Georgia O’Keeffe and Maria Martinez to Mata Ortiz and Tonalá.” Featuring paintings by O’Keeffe and ceramic vessels by Martinez, including works from Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, and Tonalá, Jalisco, this exhibit explores both artists’ cultural and natural inspirations, which transcend the U.S./Mexico border. Free with museum admission. 200 E. Jones Ave.
Now through Nov. 1
Sala Diaz will host Anthony Rundblade’s exhibit “Paranoid Style Vital Farms,” which is viewable during certain weekend afternoon hours or by appointment. Check the gallery website for details. 517 Stieren St.
Now through Nov. 8
McNay Art Museum hosts “A People’s History: The American Experiment on Stage.” Inspired by the United States’ 250th anniversary, this exhibit explores theater’s role in telling the evolution of America through maquettes and set and costume designs from a range of iconic productions, such as “Hair,” “Hamilton,” “The Color Purple,” “In the Heights” and “Porgy and Bess.” Entry with museum admission. 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave.
Now through Dec. 18
Mexican American Civil Rights Institute hosts “Somos Americanos: Our American Story,” an exhibit chronicling noted Mexican-American trailblazers who have lived out the nation’s highest democratic ideals through public service, civic leadership, and acts of valor. Viewable 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Wed.-Fri. or by appointment. Admission is free. 2123 Buena Vista St.
Now through Jan. 4, 2027
Briscoe Western Art Museum hosts “Selena Forever/Siempre Selena,” an exhibit featuring San Antonio photographer John Dyer’s images that celebrate the life and career of the late Tejano star Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. Entry with museum admission. 210 W. Market St.
Now through Jan. 9, 2027
Witte Museum hosts “The Witte Museum: 100 Years,” an exhibit that shows how the institution has interpreted and shared the story of Texas through natural history specimens, cultural artifacts, Texas art, and global collections. Free with museum admission. 3801 Broadway St.
Now through Jan. 15. 2027
The exhibit “Built on Legacy: Artists of San Antonio” features paintings, prints, installations, and more from 23 artists, living and deceased, reflecting San Antonio’s artistic community over the last 50 years. Admission is free. Centro de Artes Culture Commons gallery, 115 Plaza de Armas
Now through Jan. 18, 2027
“Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story” is an exhibit of 100-plus rare paintings, sculptures, saddles, weapons, and maps from U.S. and Mexican collections. Free with museum admission. Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St.
Now through Feb. 26, 2027
Alamo Colleges District is hosting “La Línea/The Line: Works by Vincent Valdez,” an exhibition of works by San Antonio artist Vincent Valdez, ACD’s inaugural artist-in-residence. The exhibit brings together more than two decades of Valdez’s work exploring lineage, memory, inheritance and cultural history through painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture. Admission is free and open to the public .Alamo Colleges District ACCESS Building, Common Ground Gallery, 2222 N. Alamo St.
Now through May 30, 2027
Institute of Texan Cultures hosts “Pure Conjunto: Border(less) Sound,” an exhibit of photos, instruments, posters and other artifacts that demonstrate the power of Conjunto music, and how it was shaped by German and Eastern European immigrants, and influenced by Tejano communities drawing on Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican traditions. Entry with museum admission. 111 W. Houston St., Suite 121.
Now showing
Bihl Arts Haus hosts “With a Shared Vision,” an exhibition celebrating participants in UT San Antonio’s Artist-In-Residence program, where local artists serve as art educators and advocates in San Antonio public schools. Admission is free. 2803 Fredericksburg Road
Now showing
Centro de Artes hosts “Mercado/Material,” an exhibit that features artists who use vibrant imagery and popular culture to address themes of their Latinx cultural identity and consumerism. Admission is free. 101 S. Santa Rosa St.
Oct. 15-June 14, 2027
Briscoe Western Art Museum will host “Kathy Sosa: Revolutionary Women of Texas and Mexico,” an exhibit of more than 30 works created by San Antonio artist, author and former advertising business leader Kathy Sosa. The paintings, mixed media works and sculptures highlight women who shaped Texas and Mexico as participants, survivors, cultural transmitters, laborers, activists, mothers, revolutionaries and community leaders. The exhibit marks the reopening of the Briscoe’s Women of the West Gallery. Exhibit preview reception 6-8 p.m. Oct. 15. Admission is free with pre-registration, but a $20 donation is suggested. Entry after Oct. 15 is included with museum admission. 210 W. Market St.
MUSIC
Oct. 16
Metalcore band Dark Divine headlines a night of live music, with bands Fire From the Gods and Outlier. 7 p.m. Tickets start at $23. The Rock Box, 1223 E. Houston St.
Oct. 17
The Rock Box hosts Club Taylor: The Midnights Party, a Taylor Swift dance party starting with music from the “Midnights” album, and then delving into all things Swift. 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets start at $11. 1223 E. Houston St.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Weekly
The city of San Antonio is extending its Downtown Thursday series of family friendly, public block parties through the end of 2026. Each Thursday night, residents and visitors are encouraged to experience different parts of downtown. Programming after 5 p.m. includes music, art, culture, free light bites and drinks, kids’ activities and more. The Local SATX micro‑transit service offers transportation from other downtown locations to the event. Free parking is available in the City Tower Garage, 60 N. Flores St. after 5 p.m. The Downtown West SATX organization will present Journey West, when visitors can walk around the neighborhood and enjoy $5 deals and live music from participating businesses between 6 and 10 p.m. Pick up a passport in Legacy Park, 103 W. Houston St., and get it stamped from at least three businesses to win a prize. Also, Alamo Music will also host Guitar Wars in Legacy Park.
Oct. 15
Centro Cultural Aztlan will host the 17th annual Mole Festival, where 20-plus local restaurants and top chefs will cook up their signature mole dishes, which will be judged. There will be an official best mole award and a people’s choice winner. Attendees can also enjoy refreshments. 6-10 p.m. Tickets: $40. 1803 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 103
Oct. 15
PechaKucha San Antonio Vol. 49 is an evening of big ideas, creative inspiration and unexpected stories provided by seven guest speakers, each of whom has a few minutes to share their experiences and vision in 20 images lasting 20 seconds each. This edition of PechaKucha is a special collaboration with the Texas Society of Architects, featuring presenters curated with a nod to design, architecture, community, and the built environment. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets: $10. Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St.
Oct. 16
Homegrown Chef will present Burger Showdown 7.0, a competition involving nine local chefs who will cook up their best and most creative signature burger. Attendees will get to taste each competing burger with fries, dessert, and submit a vote. Four awards are up for grabs this year: People’s Choice Best Burger, Judges’ Choice Best Burger, Overall Runner-Up and Kids’ Favorite Burger. There will also be drinks and a DJ. Proceeds benefit SerenityStar Recovery, which provides a safe, sober and spiritual environment for individuals and families working to recover from addiction. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $50 (VIP guests receive early entry, one complimentary beer and three voting tokens.) Cherrity Bar, 302 Montana St.
Oct. 16-18
St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church will host its annual Greek FUNstival, a three-day, family friendly festival that is filled with all things traditional Greek – food, music, dance, arts, crafts, as well as children’s activities and church tours. This is a cashless event. 6-11 p.m. Oct. 16, noon-11 p.m. Oct. 17, and noon-6 p.m. Oct. 18. Admission: $5 general; free for children ages 12-under. 2504 N. St. Mary’s St.
Oct. 17
Lavaca Neighborhood Association presents Art in the Park, a family friendly gathering involving area artists displaying and selling their artistic creations. There will also be local vendors and makers, food and drinks.10 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free. Florida Park, 144 Florida St.
Oct. 17
Bexar County Precinct 2 commissioner’s office will present a fall festival with trunk-or-treating, a costume contest, face painting, balloon art, a petting zoo, inflatable games, a fall craft station, food trucks, and a fall market featuring local artisans and small businesses. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Rodriguez Park, 2060 Rodriguez Ave.
Oct. 17
The historic Huebner-Onion Homestead and Stagecoach Stop will be open to community members of all ages who want to hear spooky stories about the house, and enjoy some games, treats and door prizes. 5-8 p.m. Admission is free. 6613 Bandera Road, Leon Valley
Oct. 17
San Antonio Beer Festival allows visitors to enjoy selections of short pours from hundreds of beers brewed locally, around Texas, across the country and even some international producers. There will also be food and entertainment. Some proceeds go to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank. Noon-6 p.m. Tickets start at $45: Hemisfair Civic Park, 210 S. Alamo St.
Oct. 17
Pup Pup and Away’s Howl-o-ween Fest is a family and pet friendly event featuring a “monster market” with local vendors, a dog costume contest, fun photo booths, and a chance for dogs to show off their skills in a tricks for treats contest. 5-8 p.m. Admission is free. 3701 San Pedro Ave.
Oct. 17
Sunny Spot Market, a pop-up market, will hold its second annual Spooky Spot Market with more than 20 local vendors, festival photo opportunities, free candy and other Halloween surprises. 6-10 p.m. Admission is free. Urban Office, 1209 S. St. Mary’s St.
Oct. 17
Live Oak Village Garden Club presents a monarch butterfly festival where residents can view a live monarch butterfly release, take part in arts and crafts, and enjoy face painting, visits with local vendors, a plant sale, and mystery box giveaways. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free. 7302 Sage Oak, Live Oak
Oct. 17
Boerne’s Barktoberfest is a family- and pet-friendly Oktoberfest-style event with doggie dash races, a dog costume contest, a petting zoo, a pet parade, local beer vendors and music, food trucks, a silent auction, and pet adoptions. 1- a.m.-4 p.m. Boerne Main Plaza, 118 S. Main St.
Oct. 17
The city of Cibolo presents Cibolofest, its annual signature event for the family. Visitors can expect a children’s carnival and games, a petting zoo, pony and train rides, a vendor market, live music, demonstrations from the San Antonio Area Kite Club, and more leading up to a fireworks finale. Guests can bring their lawn chair or blanket. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission is free; $10 wristband entitles the user to unlimited carnival rides; discounts available for kids ages 4-under covering certain children’s activities. Cibolo Multi-Event Center, 200 S. Main St.
Oct. 17-18
San Antonio Animal Care Services presents Dogtober, where more than 300 adoptable pets will be looking for their forever home. There will also be a pumpkin patch with photo opportunities, a market with local vendors and merchants offering fall seasonal gift items, treats and more for pets and their owners, live music, food trucks, a foster pet parade, fall carnival games, kids’ activities and more. All pet adoptions include a first round of vaccinations, first month of flea, tick and heartworm prevention, spay/neuter surgery, and a health exam. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is free; a $50 early access family pack option gets two adults and kids under age 18 into the event an hour early. Camargo Park, 5738 Castroville Road
Oct. 21
San Antonio City Council Districts 9 and 10 will present a free trunk-or-treat event. There will also be face and pumpkin painting, and a bounce house. 5-7 p.m. Walker Ranch Senior Center parking lot, 835 W. Rhapsody Drive
Oct. 24
The city of Live Oak presents its annual Shindig on Shin Oak, a family friendly celebration featuring live music, carnival rides and games, food trucks, local restaurants, a petting zoo, pony rides, giveaways and more. 4-10 p.m. Admission is free; attendees may bring their own beverages. 8001 Shin Oak Drive
Oct. 24
New Braunfels’ Monarch Festival invites community members of all ages to enjoy games, creative crafts, educational nature exhibits, and hands-on activities all centered around monarch butterfly migration. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. Fischer Park, 1935 Hilltop Summit Road
Oct. 24
Castle Hills Community Organization will have a trunk-or-treat event with candy, food and games. 6-7 p.m. Admission is free. Castle Hills Commons, 209 Lemonwood Drive
Oct. 24
Sunset Ridge shopping center tenants invite community members to help celebrate the retail destination’s 75th anniversary by enjoying a tenant crawl, giveaways, free ice cream, and other family friendly festivities. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free. 6310-6488 N. New Braunfels Ave.
Oct. 24
The city of Windcrest holds an Arbor Day event with a tree giveaway, and demonstrations and tips for proper planting techniques, repurposing tree materials, and supporting healthy tree growth. 9 a.m.-noon. Admission is free. Brook Falls Park, 6309 Windrock Drive, Windcrest
Oct. 25
The organization San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside (SAGE) will present HalloEast, a Halloween-themed, family friendly event featuring trick-or-treating, a costume contest, food, arts and craft vendors, and prizes. 1-5 p.m. Admission is free. The Espee, 1174 E. Commerce St.
GOVERNMENTAL/ELECTION MEETINGS
Oct. 15
Residents of San Antonio City Council District 1 may attend a state-of-the-district town hall. Councilmember Sukh Kaur, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, State Sen. Jose Menendez, and State Rep. Diego Bernal will discuss issues such as property taxes, housing, immigration, transportation and education from the local, state legislative and Congressional angles. 6 p.m. San Pedro Playhouse, 800 W. Ashby
Oct. 15
City of Converse will facilitate a town hall for residents ahead of the city’s Nov. 3 election, where Converse voters may choose to opt out of VIA Metropolitan Transit service. 6-8 p.m. Converse Community Center, 407 S. Seguin Road
Oct. 15
Converse residents may learn more about candidates running in the Nov. 3 Converse City Council election. Each candidate is invited to talk about themselves and their campaign. Robert Yowell, Northeast Lakeview College political science professor, will moderate the forum. 6:30 p.m. City Council chambers, 402 S. Seguin Road. (The forum will also be livestreamed at www.conversetx.net
Oct. 16
Bexar County Heritage Center will have a discussion about the historic Alameda Theater, its past and what will happen at the downtown venue when it reopens. Anyone may attend. Noon-2 p.m. Bexar County Courthouse double-height courtroom, 100 Dolorosa St.
Oct. 17
San Antonio ISD board President Alicia Sebastian invites District 2 constituents to an informational meeting where they can get an update on projects and other happenings in District 2. 10 a.m. Sam Houston High School cafeteria, 4635 E. Houston St.
Oct. 19
Northeast Neighborhood Alliance hosts a public forum with candidates running in Nov. 3 elections affecting the Northeast Side. 6:30 p.m. Northeast Senior Center, 4135 Thousand Oaks
PUMPKIN PATCHES
Now through Oct. 31
Bulverde Pumpkin Patch has plenty of activities for children and adults, including games, a putting green, a calf roping station, an obstacle course, a hay bale maze, a “monster bus,” sack races, and hayrides. The patch is open 3-7 p.m. Mon.-Thu., and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Attendees get charged $30 for a monthlong membership pass, regardless of number of occupants. 3800 West Ammann Road, Bulverde
Now through Oct. 31
Universal City Parks Partners presents Universal City’s official community pumpkin patch. It’s open 4-8 p.m. Mon.-Thu., and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Special events are scheduled during the month, such as Kids’ Day Oct. 17, Family Fun Day Oct. 24, and Wine on the Vine, a ticketed event Oct. 16. Admission is free. 2160 Universal City Blvd.
Now through Oct. 31
Alamo Heights United Methodist Church has its pumpkin patch open 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through Halloween. Admission is free. 825 E. Basse Road
Now through Oct. 31
Bracken United Methodist Church will host its pumpkin patch with refreshments and special activities happening throughout the month. Patch is open 4-6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends. Admission is free. 20377 FM 2252
Now through Nov. 1
Gruene Pumpkin Festival transforms Gruene Mini Golf into a pumpkin patch with fall-themed bounce houses, a corn pit, unique photo opportunities, train rides and more. 3-10 p.m. Mon.-Thu., and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Tickets start at $15.1632 New Braunfels St.
Now through Nov. 1
Good News Lutheran Church’s pumpkin patch includes special events all month, such as movie nights, market days, a blessing of the animals, as well as trunk-or-treating on Halloween. There are also hayrides and barrel train rides. Admission is free. 11020 Old Corpus Christi Hwy.
Now through Nov. 1
La Luz Del Mundo Church has its annual pumpkin patch open to the public 4-8 p.m. weekdays, and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. weekends. Admission is free. 4932 Old Seguin Road, Kirby
HAUNTED HOUSES/MAZES/FARMS
Now through Oct. 27
Sundrop Springs, a 22-acre farm, offers a monthlong fall festival with hayrides, a fall-themed maze, jumping pillow, corn clay pit, live entertainment, and more. Sundrop Screams also has a Pumpkin King’s Trail, a hillbilly hayride, and a haunted hay maze from 7-10 p.m. Admission: $19 for ages 12; $14 for ages 4-11; free for children 3 and under. 953 Hueco Springs Loop Road, New Braunfels
Now through Nov. 1
Circle N Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch features a corn maze inspired by “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,” alongside a petting zoo, a corn pit, a pumpkin patch, tractor tire climb, games, refreshments and more. Circle N Maze is open on weekends through Nov. 1 and is located in La Vernia. Check the website for details.
Now through Nov. 1
Owl Creek Farm/Nightmare at Owl Creek is, by day, a family friendly Halloween season destination filled with pumpkins, a petting zoo, pony rides, hayrides, games, vendors, food, and haunted trails – without the monsters. At night, six different haunted doll trails come alive with lurkers waiting in the woods. Owl Creek Farm, 12355 W. Military Drive.
Now through Nov. 8
The 13th Floor offers multiple areas filled with different kinds of scares, from “Friday the 13th” icon Jason Voorhees stalking visitors to a journey through a decaying cityscape. There are other spooky activations, and two themed secret bars. Tickets start at $32.99. 1203 E. Commerce St.
OTHER SPOOKY SITES
Now through Oct. 31
The DoSeum hosts Halloween everyday in October as families can explore galleries filled with playful decorations, pose at Halloween-themed photo stations and shake their bones during hourly “BOOgie breaks.” Guests who snap a picture at a photo station and upload it can enter a weekly raffle for a free DoSeum membership, or a free renewal if they are already members. Spooky workshops and member activities also take place on select days throughout the month. The monthlong celebration ends with a Halloween trick-or-treating event. 2800 Broadway St.
Now through Nov. 1
Natural Bridge Caverns host Cavern Bat Fest. Each weekend, visitors can enjoy fall-inspired, family friendly activities, including a mini-hay maze, scavenger hunt, dressing a scarecrow, live entertainment, photo opportunities, yard games. Entry is part of cavern admission. There is free trick-or-treating set for Oct. 31.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
Now through Nov. 5
Mission San Jose will have a display of Spanish colonial mission descendents’ familial ofrendas (offerings) in a traditional Day of the Dead setting. 6701 San Jose Drive
Oct. 23
Day of the Dead River Parade offers elaborately decorated parade barges, traditional catrinas and calaveras, floats featuring ofrendas (altars), and costumed riders celebrating life and remembrance. The parade starts at 7 p.m. at Lexington Avenue and ends between Commerce and Houston streets. Viewing along most of the route is free, but there are reserved seating areas with tickets beginning at $19.95.
Oct. 23-25
Muertos Fest is an annual celebration of Dia de los Muertos traditions. Attendees can expect to see more than 80 handmade community altars, five stages of live music and cultural performances, two candlelit processions, hands-on workshops, and the Muertos Mercado featuring local artisans and food vendors. Sensory-friendly activities will be offered 5-7 p.m. Oct. 23. Muertos Fest is the nation’s biggest free Day of the Dead celebration. 5-11 p.m. Oct. 23, and 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Oct. 24, and noon-9 p.m. Oct. 25. Admission is free. Hemisfair, 600 Hemisfair Plaza Way
