San Antonio’s Muertos Fest Returns to Hemisfair October 23–25 for Three Days of Remembrance and Celebration
Stories of loved ones, family traditions and San Antonio’s cultural heritage will fill Hemisfair this October when Muertos Fest returns for three days of remembrance, art, music and community celebration.
Scheduled for October 23–25, 2026, the free Día de los Muertos festival is expected to draw more than 100,000 people to downtown San Antonio. This year’s event will feature more than 80 community-created altars, two remembrance processions, five stages of live entertainment, workshops, food and more than 75 art vendors at the Muertos Mercado.
The festival’s theme, “Remember. Honor. Celebrate.,” captures the purpose behind the weekend: creating a public space where people can remember those who have died, honor the lives they lived and celebrate the cultural traditions that keep their memories present.
From Local Festival to San Antonio Tradition
Founded in 2013, Muertos Fest has grown into San Antonio’s signature Día de los Muertos celebration and one of the largest Day of the Dead events in the United States.
The annual festival brings together families, schools, artists and community organizations, placing personal stories and shared cultural traditions at the center of the experience. While live music, food, art and performances contribute to the lively atmosphere, remembrance remains the foundation of the event.
The San Antonio Area Chevy Dealers return as the title sponsor of the 2026 Muertos Fest.
What Día de los Muertos Represents
Traditionally observed November 1 and 2, Día de los Muertos is a time for families to remember and honor loved ones who have died. The observance developed through a blending of Indigenous traditions from Mexico with Catholic commemorations associated with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Although the holiday’s colorful calaveras, flowers and decorations are widely recognized, Día de los Muertos is not simply a Mexican version of Halloween. Its focus is remembrance—the belief that a person’s life and influence remain present through stories, traditions and the memories held by family and community.
Ofrendas, or altars, are among the observance’s most meaningful elements. Families may decorate them with photographs, candles, marigolds, papel picado, pan de muerto, favorite foods and personal belongings associated with those being honored. The individual items help tell a story, inviting visitors to learn something about the lives behind the photographs.
Processions, music, poetry and dance can also be part of Día de los Muertos traditions. Though celebratory in appearance, these expressions are grounded in respect for those who came before and in the enduring connection between generations.
That balance between reflection and celebration is central to Muertos Fest.
More Than 80 Altars Will Fill Hemisfair
The festival’s large-scale outdoor altar exhibition will feature more than 80 tributes created by local families, schools, artists and community organizations.
Some altars commemorate one person, while others honor families, community figures or groups whose lives left a lasting impact. Together, the displays transform Hemisfair into a collection of personal histories shared in a public setting.
The 2026 celebration begins Friday, October 23, with ¡Presente! A Night to Remember, an evening centered on the altar exhibition. Sensory-friendly viewing hours will be offered from 5 to 7 p.m., providing a quieter opportunity to experience the displays before the evening’s larger performances begin.
Friday’s program will also include a Goodwill San Antonio fashion show featuring Día de los Muertos-inspired designs and musical performances on the main stage.
Processions Turn Remembrance into a Moving Tribute
Muertos Fest’s two signature processions are scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, October 24, and 3 p.m. Sunday, October 25.
Unlike a conventional parade, each entry must commemorate a person or group of people who have died. Participating families, schools, artists, dancers and community groups may incorporate music, handmade banners, portable altars, giant skeleton puppets, people-powered alebrijes and other creative elements into their tributes.
Motorized vehicles and commercial displays are not permitted. Organizers describe the processions as cultural expressions centered on people and remembrance rather than promotion.
Applications to participate in the 2026 processions are now available. Accepted groups must commit to participating on both Saturday and Sunday.
Community Members Can Help Create the Celebration
Individuals, families, artists, schools and community organizations may also apply to build one of the festival’s community altars.
Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis and will remain open until all available spaces are filled. Organizers encourage interested participants to apply early because the altar exhibition has reached capacity in previous years. If space remains available, applications may stay open through September 15.
A refundable $30 cleanup deposit is required, although organizers encourage anyone who may have difficulty paying it to contact the festival. Additional guidelines and the 2026 altar application are available online.
Music, Art, Books and Cultural Programming
During the full festival on Saturday and Sunday, visitors will find five stages of music, dance, poetry, DJs and other performances. The complete 2026 entertainment lineup will be announced separately.
Workshops and children’s activities will give visitors opportunities to explore the art and traditions associated with Día de los Muertos. The Muertos Mercado will feature more than 75 art vendors, including local makers offering original artwork, handcrafted goods and culturally inspired pieces.
The festival’s 2026 nonprofit partner is Letras en la Frontera, a San Antonio-based literary organization that regularly collaborates with UNAM San Antonio, the local presence of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.
Together, the organizations will bring back the Day of the Dead Bookstore, which debuted at Muertos Fest in 2025. The bookstore adds literature and storytelling to a weekend built around preserving memories and passing cultural traditions from one generation to the next.
Muertos Fest 2026 Schedule
Friday, October 23: 5–11 p.m.
- ¡Presente! A Night to Remember
- Sensory-friendly altar viewing from 5–7 p.m.
Saturday, October 24: 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Día de los Muertos procession at 7 p.m.
Sunday, October 25: Noon–9 p.m.
- Día de los Muertos procession at 3 p.m.
Muertos Fest will take place at Hemisfair in downtown San Antonio. Admission is free, and the event will be held rain or shine.
Downtown parking is expected to be limited, so attendees are encouraged to consider VIA Metropolitan Transit, ride-sharing, carpooling, bicycling or walking. Nearby public garages and parking lots may also be available.
Visitors may bring blankets, but chairs and coolers are not permitted. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Hemisfair is dog-friendly, although owners are encouraged to consider whether their pets will be comfortable in a large, noisy crowd.
Festival maps, transportation guidance, performance announcements and other updates are posted at MuertosFest.com.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.Do you own a business?