Summer might be coming to a close, but there’s still plenty to do in South San Antonio. San Antonio festivals and events offer fun and entertainment for friends, families, tourists, and residents throughout the year.
These events cover a range of cultural traditions, artistic ventures, and community gatherings that offer a taste of the city’s vibrant culture. From seasonal parades to Historic Market Square weekends, the city center and south side of San Antonio offer many options to enjoy a day out. Whether you’re visiting, new to the area, or looking for local plans, knowing what the city offers helps you make the most of every season.
Upcoming Festivals and Events Near South San Antonio
When you live in the Southside, nearby festivals and events in the city center and surrounding neighborhoods offer a convenient and enjoyable experience. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:
Rey Feo Superhero River Parade
Occurring on September 26, 2026, at the Arneson River Theatre, this parade features illuminated superhero-themed floats, live entertainment, and family fun. Ticket purchases help support the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation, investing directly in local higher education. To date, the event has raised $100,000 for scholarships supporting students planning to attend college. Learn more or purchase tickets at the Rey Feo Superhero River Parade Event Page.
Viva Mexico Women’s Festival at Mission Marquee Plaza
This celebration features performances, music, dance, food trucks, craft vendors, and community activities. The event will occur on October 11, 2026, at Mission Marquee Plaza in Southside San Antonio. Find additional details through the Mission Marquee Plaza Calendar.
KLRN Kids Fall Festival
Presented by KLRN in partnership with the World Heritage Office at Mission Marquee Plaza, this event offers hands-on, family-friendly outdoor activities. Open to the public, the festival takes place on October 10, 2026. Check the KLRN Kids Fall Festival Page for full schedules.
Barbacoa and Big Red Festival
Celebrating its 12th year, this festival brings together two quintessential San Antonio traditions alongside live music and vendors. Held at the Freeman Coliseum grounds, it takes place from October 10th to 11th, 2026. Visit the Barbacoa & Big Red Festival Website for tickets and details.
Día de los Muertos Celebrations
Experience the tradition of honoring loved ones with events hosted across the city, including Mission Marquee Plaza, Pearl, Historic Market Square, Esperanza Peace & Justice Center, and the Spanish Colonial Missions. Major highlights running late October through early November include:
• Day of the Dead River Parade – October 23, 2026
San Antonio’s Day of the Dead River Parade is where tradition meets magic on the water. As the sun slips behind the city skyline, the River Walk comes alive with glowing barges carrying calavera characters, folklórico dancers, and musicians whose rhythms echo through the cypress‑lined banks, woven with marigolds, memory, and the vibrant artistry that defines Día de los Muertos.
Families gather along the river’s edge to see every illuminated float honor the beauty of remembrance, celebrating loved ones. It’s one of San Antonio’s most iconic traditions for a reason: the parade isn’t just a spectacle; it’s an experience that wraps guests in culture, community, and the joy of honoring those who came before us.
• Día de los Muertos Tradition Trail – October 2 to November 2, 2026
A month‑long cultural trail connecting altars, installations, and storytelling stops across the River Walk. Expect handcrafted ofrendas, papel picado pathways, and artist‑made calaveras honoring loved ones.
• Río de la Vida Tours – Tuesdays & Sundays, Oct 4–Nov 1 at 7:30 p.m.
GO RIO’s special cultural cruise exploring alebrijes, ancestral symbolism, and Día de los Muertos traditions while floating past glowing riverfront installations.
• Calaverita 5K Run/Walk – October 24, 2026
A remembrance‑themed run at Pearl where participants dress in calavera attire, enjoy live music, and contribute to a community altar honoring loved ones.
• Altares y Ofrendas Exhibitions – November 2–10, 2026
Part of the Tradition Trail, this exhibition showcases intricate altars, folk art, marigold‑lined pathways, and sculptural calaveras created by regional artists.
DiwaliSA: The Festival of Lights
Celebrating the traditions and culture of India, DiwaliSA features authentic regional food, traditional dance performances, artisan booths, and a ceremonial candle lighting. It will be held on November 7, 2026, at the Arneson River Theatre and Hemisfair Park. Visit DiwaliSA Official for event maps and times.
Ford Holiday River Parade
A cherished holiday tradition, this evening parade showcases brightly lit floats gliding along the downtown River Walk. Taking place on November 27, 2026 (the day after Thanksgiving), options include free viewing sections along the route or reserved dining and seating packages. Purchase reserved seats via the San Antonio River Walk Parade Tickets Page.
San Antonio MLK March
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., San Antonio hosts one of the largest MLK marches in the nation. On January 18, 2027, the 2.75-mile march kicks off at 10:00 a.m. from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academy, traveling through the East Side to Pittman Sullivan Park for a post-march celebration featuring main stage performances, community booths, and vendors.
Historic Market Square Year-Round Events
Historic Market Square features local vendors, live music, and dancing year-round. Catch the Market Square Weekends throughout the year, or look out for annual traditions like the 4-day Market Square Spring Fest in mid-March and Fiesta crown crafting during Fiesta.
Enjoying Your Day in Southside, San Antonio
Festivals and major events are far from the only way to spend your time in Southside and South San Antonio, even if they are incredibly fun. Whether you are a student looking for somewhere to study or need an interesting, new place to eat, San Antonio has the options for you. There is community all throughout San Antonio with plenty of ways to enjoy your time, and VIDA is proud to support this community.