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Remembering loved ones
See the tallest Catrina statue in the US at the Historic La Villita. | Photo by SATXtoday team
There are just a few celebrations throughout the year that have unquestionably become staple holidays for San Antonians — like Fiesta, and Día de los Muertos.
Also known as Day of the Dead, this holiday is celebrated in remembrance of the departed not only in Mexico, but in many parts of South America as well.
The Alamo City is no exception, and is gearing up for one of the largest celebrations yet.
Excited to eat all the pan de muerto + visit a public ofrenda or two? Check out these Día de los Muertos events happening around the city.
Altares + Exhibitions
Altares y Ofrendas | Saturday, Nov. 2-Thursday, Nov. 7 | 12-6 p.m. | Centro Cultural Aztlan | Free | View altars celebrating loved ones who have passed on featuring marigolds, photographs, food, and other offerings.
Día de los Muertos Procession and Catrin & Catrina Contest | Saturday, Nov. 2 | 5-9 p.m. | Historic Pearl | Free | Visit the annual community altar created by local artists and participate in a costume contest while listening to live music.
See ofrendas like this one of Emma Koehler at the Pearl’s Dia de los Muertos festivities.
Photo by the Historic Pearl
For the kiddos
Día Doe Los Muertos | Friday, Nov. 1-Saturday, Nov. 2 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | San Antonio Zoo | $27+ | Take a trip to the zoo for themed activities, a pet altar, and bring a photo of a passed on furry friend to be featured on the altar.
“The Book of Life” | Saturday, Nov. 2 | 6-10 p.m. | Mission Marquee Plaza | Cost of purchase | See the animated story of La Muerte, Xibalba, and a love triangle.
The Alamo City comes alive at night with vibrant floats during the Day of the Dead River Parade.
Photo by City of San Antonio
Festivals
Day of the Dead River Parade | Friday, Oct. 25 | San Antonio River Walk | $17+ | See decorated floats with altars, catrinas, and costumed riders all celebrating life + loved ones.
Muertos Fest | Saturday, Oct. 26-Sunday, Oct. 27 | Times vary | Hemisfair | Free | Enjoy a day of dancing, art, a drum + puppet procession, and the largest altar exhibition in the 210.
Asked
Asked
Do you celebrate Día de los Muertos?
A. Yes, every year B. No, but I want to C. No, I don’t
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” | Friday, Oct. 18 | 4-5:30 p.m. | Central Library | Free | Bring the kiddos to see a showing of this Tim Burton classic.
Saturday, Oct. 19
Barktoberfest | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Main Plaza, Boerne | Cost of purchase | Spend the day watching doggy dash races + a dog costume contest at this event also offering local beer vendors, music, food trucks, pet adoptions, a petting zoo, and more.
Fall Festival 2024 | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Helton Nature Park, Floresville | Free | Browse a car show, participate in a baking contests + animal shows, and walk through a fall maze.
UTSA Homecoming Football Game | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 2:30 p.m. | Alamodome | $10+ | Students get in free to watch the Roadrunners take on the Florida Atlantic Owls.
Diwali at Pearl | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 6-10 p.m. | Pearl Park | Cost of purchase | Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a screening of “Bollywood Hollywood,” shopping a vendor market, and by eating authentic Indian food.
Sunday, Oct. 20
Paws and Paths: Exploring the Bauer Unit | Sunday, Oct. 20 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Guadalupe River State Park, Spring Branch | $0+ | Join a two-mile dog walk sniffing out hidden treasures and exploring trails.
Volunteer Meetup | Sunday, Oct. 20 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Folklores Coffee House | Free | Period Palooza is looking for volunteers to help further its mission of fighting against period poverty.
Filipino American History Month Celebration | Sunday, Oct. 20 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Sari-Sari Filipino Restaurant, Market, & Bakery | Cost of purchase | Celebrate Filipino culture with pumpkin painting, Filipino food, karaoke, a vendor market, lumpia eating contest, and live music.
Halloween Market | Sunday, Oct. 20 | 12-4 p.m. | Feliz Modern | Cost of purchase | Dance, craft, and shop from a seasonally themed vendor market.
Friday, Nov. 1
Somerset Academy Collegiate Fall Festival | Friday, Nov. 1 | 4:30-7 p.m. | Somerset Academy Collegiate | Free | Meet the school’s administration, view the campus and facilities, and ask questions while you enjoy food trucks, games, prizes, and more — plus, support collegiate clubs, athletics, and programs.*
VIA is bringing its 10th transit center to the city’s east side at 4211 E. Houston St. Construction on the aptly-named East Side Transit Center begins next month and is expected to open in 2026. (SA Report)
Cause
The Bexar Branches Alliance and the City of Leon Valley are partnering to plant 225 trees along the Huebner Creek Greenway Trail. If you’re interested in helping, the organization is meeting to plant today from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 5601 El Verde Rd.
Eat
Laika Cheesecakes & Espresso will donate all revenue made on Sunday, Oct. 20 from its three locations to Feeding America to help the victims of Hurricane Helena and Milton. Find a location near you.
Closing
International Paper is closing its San Antonio Sheet Plant and laying off 89 employees. The closure comes after the company completed a strategic assessment and made the decision to cut operations. The plant will fully close on Monday, Nov. 18. (KENS 5)
Ranked
San Antonio ranked No. 6 on Business Insider’s list of 24 cities where rent is 10% less than the national average. For an even deeper dive on the Alamo City’s cost of living, thumb through our guide.
Watch
Now that it’s finally dropped below 90°, we can wear a light sweater and enjoy free outdoor movies. Check out our recent reel to find out where to catch a free flick. Showings include “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “The Grinch.” Don’t forget to follow us.
Coming Soon
San Antonio may not have a pygmy hippo, but we are getting a Moo Deng restaurant. Details are scarce, but according to Axios we can expect a traditional Thai food offering at Moo Deng Thai Restaurant. Stay tuned for more details. (Axios San Antonio)
Sports
Could the Astros sign soon-to-be free agent Paul Goldschmidt? Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Houston Astros with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Finance
If you have outstanding credit card debt, getting a new 0% intro APR credit card could help ease the pressure while you pay down your balances. Experts identified these top credit cards for anyone looking to pay down debt with no interest until 2026.*
Drink
Staying hydrated is easy (and delicious) with NativePath’s Hydrate drink mix. Each serving includes essential amino acids + electrolytes that foster optimal hydration with zero added sugar.*
Category
Plan Ahead
Holiday cheer right here
This year’s theme at Belle & Union is “Happy Hueful Holiday,” featuring merchandise inspired by retro and mid century designs. | Photo courtesy of Belle & Union
“Oh Santa, if you get this letter won’t you help me out?”
Well, you need a card, an envelope, and stamps first. Skip the big box stores + generic-looking stationary, and opt-in for something local, fun, merry, and bright.
Meet Belle & Union and get ready to shop one of its most anticipated events of the year — the Holiday Reveal.
Ringing in the holidays
The one-stop stationary store will be closing for three days, from Wednesday, Oct. 30 until Friday, Nov. 1 to transform its daily look into a winter wonderland.
To celebrate its holiday reopening, Belle & Union is throwing a VIP party on Friday, Nov. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Grab your elf hat because this is what your $25 ticket includes:
Shoping the collection first
Enjoying sweet treats
A festive cocktail
A swag bag filled with merch valued at over $100
Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m.
The Buy
The Buy
These best-selling flameless floating candles. Transform your living room or entryway with a touch of October magic, thanks to these candles that appear to be floating in midair.
