Activities in downtown San Antonio, North San Antonio and elsewhere begin a season full of local celebrations and commemorative efforts for Halloween and Dia de los Muertos.
Below are a few locally-scheduled Dia de los Muertos and Halloween events.
Oct. 28: Trunk-or-treat in Precinct 3
Bexar County Precinct 3 Commissioner Trish DeBerry presents a trunk-or-treat event that will include free candy and hot dogs, and a pet costume contest. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. 320 Interpark Blvd. 210-335-4750.
Oct. 28-31: Start holiday shopping
Junior League of San Antonio presents its 25th Holiday Ole Market, a four-day shopping fundraiser. The event involves regional and national merchants offering home decor, apparel, accessories, unique gift ideas and holiday merchandise. There also will be a preview party as well as Sip, Savor and Shop, a charcuterie and wine tasting party. Strollers are not permitted during general shopping hours. Wearing masks is recommended by event organizers. Proceeds benefit JLSA, which promotes volunteerism, developing women’s potential, and improving communities through action and leadership of trained volunteers. Oct. 28: preview party 7-10 p.m.; Oct. 29: general shopping 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sip, Savor and Shop 6-8 p.m.; Oct. 30: general shopping 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Oct. 31: general shopping 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets: $10 one-day general shopping pass; $40 preview party; $60 Sip, Savor and Shop. San Antonio Shrine Auditorium, 901 N. Loop 1604 West. www.jlsa.org/events/holiday/tickets
Oct. 29: Tour a cemetery and learn about local history
The San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum hosts a walking tour of City Cemetery No. 3. Tour groups of nine with masks will go on a 1-mile trek through the cemetery to learn some of the lesser-known historical parts of San Antonio’s African American community. Museum member tickets are discounted. Tours are for those age 21 and older. Attendees should wear comfortable clothing and shoes. 6 p.m. $25. City Cemetery No. 3, East Commerce Street, and North Palmetto and South New Braunfels avenues. www.facebook.com/events/915416516050830/
Oct. 29: Day of the Dead on the San Antonio River
The Day of the Dead River Parade features decorated floats carrying altars, catrinas and costumed riders celebrating the lives of their dearly departed family members and friends. 7:30 p.m. $50 reserved tickets for seating at Arneson River Theater available for purchase. The river parade starts near Travis and North St. Mary’s streets and ends near East Commerce Street and Main Plaza. https://dayofthedeadsa.com
Oct. 30-Nov. 7: Celebrate at Pearl
Pearl will host several altars created by local residents, artists and organizations all day each day. Free (admission). 303 Pearl Parkway. http://atpearl.com
Oct. 30: Run for Culinaria
Hallowine Run encourages runners and walkers to wear their best costume for this 5K event to benefit Culinaria, a local nonprofit that helps to promote locally-sourced food and wine experiences. 8 a.m. $45-$55. The Shops at La Cantera, 15900 La Cantera Pkwy. www.culinariasa.org/hallowine-run
Oct. 30: Culinary Day of the Dead celebration
Day of the Dead Culinary Ofrenda honors this cultural celebration of life through fine cuisine and cocktails provided by local chefs and mixologists. There also will be live music and a procession. 7-10 p.m. $125. La Villita’s Plaza Juarez. https://dayofthedeadsa.com
Oct. 30: Dia de los Muertos at the Missions
The fourth annual Día de los Muertos: Celebrando las Misiones begins at Mission San José’s granary with altars on display, educational workshops and a blessing. A dance and drum procession will then lead the audience to Mission Marquee Plaza, where all can contribute to the community altar. There also will be a film screening, live music and face painting for children. Face coverings and social distancing are recommended. 2-10 p.m. Free. Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave. www.facebook.com/WorldHeritageSA
Oct. 30-31: Dia de los Muertos at Market Square
The historic shopping and culinary destination on the western edge of downtown includes free children's activities, altars to honor the departed, a procession, and trick-or-treating. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sat.-Sun.). Free (admission). Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St. www.marketsquaresa.com/whats-happening
Oct. 31: A Shavano Park Halloween
Shavano Park families are invited to a trunk-or-treat event. Mayor Bob Werner will judge the best trunk presentation and award a grand prize. 4-6 p.m. Free. City Hall, 900 Saddletree Court. 210-493-3478.
Oct. 31 Fall Bash at Cornerstone
Cornerstone Church hosts an autumn harvest celebration with games, free candy, a costume show, food trucks, hayrides, inflatables and a pumpkin drop. 5-8 p.m. Free admission. 18755 Stone Oak Parkway. 210-490-1600. www.sacornerstone.org/event/family-events/10-31-21-fall-bash
Nov. 1-2: Personal tributes for Dia de los Muertos
Esperanza Peace and Justice Center encourages West Side residents to build commemorative altars in their front yards for display from Nov. 1-8. The Esperanza will also host a large altar near the Rinconcito de Esperanza during this time to honor community members, including victims of COVID-19. Mariachi Esperanza will perform at 6 p.m. Nov. 1 and 2. Free (admission). Rinconcito de Esperanza, 816 S. Colorado St. www.facebook.com/events/867344483977544
Nov. 2: Dances to honor the dearly departed
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center presents "La Vida de los Muertos," a performance by the Guadalupe Dance Co., Guadalupe Dance Academy and Mariachi Guadalupe. 7 p.m. Free (admission). Guadalupe Theater, 1300 Guadalupe St. https://guadalupeculturalarts.org
Nov. 2: Dia de los Muertos at Centro Cultural Aztlan
Centro Cultural Aztlan, a Deco District institution, hosts its "Altares y Ofrendas Dia de los Muertos" exhibit and celebration beginning with a reception involving an artisan market. The display is available for in-person and remote viewing. 6-9 p.m. Free. 1800 Fredericksburg Road. http://www.centroaztlan.org (main) and www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwMXA110JIVCskeaxtjEmg (virtual exhibit viewing)
Nov. 2: Mark Dia de los Muertos with Say Si
Say Sí’s Muertitos Fest 2021: Artes Curativas pays homage to native and Indigenous traditions. This year’s event will feature artisan vendors, entertainment, educational workshops, an exhibition of student and visiting artists, and more. 3-9 p.m. Free (admission). Say Si, 1310 S. Brazos St. www.saysi.org
