October in San Antonio is when the city truly shines. Crisp evenings, lively festivals, and cultural celebrations fill every weekend. Whether you’re new to the area, here on PCS orders, or a longtime local, this month’s lineup has something for everyone, from family festivals and live concerts to haunted tours and veteran appreciation nights.

Whether you’re new in town, stationed nearby at JBSA, or a long-time local, this month is full of ways to celebrate, connect, and enjoy community.

7th Annual Day of the Dead River Parade

Celebrate one of San Antonio’s most breathtaking traditions as the River Walk comes alive with illuminated barges, marigolds, music, and culture honoring loved ones who’ve passed. This unforgettable night is part of the city’s Día de los Muertos weekend celebration.

• 📅 Date: Friday, October 24, 2025

• 🕖 Time: Parade begins at 7:00 PM (first barge reaches Arneson River Theatre around 7:45 PM)

• 📍 Location: Along the San Antonio River Walk, from Lexington Ave. to the Arneson River Theatre

• 🎟️ Tickets:

  • Free Viewing: Standing-room only areas between East Commerce St. and the end of the route (no chairs or strollers allowed)

  • Reserved & ADA-Accessible Seats: Available at select locations like The Tobin Center, Hotel Valencia, and Main Plaza

  • Purchase Tickets Here: Day of the Dead River Parade — Official Website

• 🔗 More Info: VisitSanAntonio.com – Day of the Dead Celebration

Barbacoa & Big Red Festival

📍 Freeman Coliseum Grounds & Expo Hall
🗓 October 11–12, 2025
🌮 San Antonio’s most iconic comfort combo takes center stage! Taste dozens of barbacoa dishes, sip on ice-cold Big Red, and enjoy live Tejano and country music. There’s a kids’ zone, cooking competitions, and even a “Big Red Chug-Off.”
👉 Learn more

San Antonio Beer Festival

📍 Civic Park at Hemisfair
🗓 October 18, 2025
🍻 With over 400 craft beers from Texas and beyond, this one-day event is a fall favorite for locals and visitors alike. Live bands, food trucks, lawn games, and a chill park vibe make it one of the city’s best festivals for adults.
👉 Official website

Día de los Muertos (Muertos Fest at Hemisfair)

📍 Hemisfair Park
🗓 October 24–26, 2025

🕒 Times:

Friday, Oct 24: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Saturday, Oct 25: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Sunday, Oct 26: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

San Antonio’s largest Day of the Dead celebration returns with live music, dance, community altars (ofrendas), art vendors, and a vibrant procession honoring loved ones who have passed.

🔗 More Info: Official Muertos Fest Website

Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival

📍 Downtown San Antonio
🗓 October 18, 2025
🎨 Luminaria transforms downtown into an outdoor art gallery for one glowing night. Local and international artists light up buildings, streets, and stages with immersive art, dance, and live music. Bring your camera, this one’s stunning.
👉 Visit San Antonio Events 

Greek Funstival (San Antonio Greek Festival)

📍 St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church
🗓 October 17–19, 2025
🥙 Get ready to shout “Opa!” while you dance, eat, and celebrate Greek culture. With traditional food, handmade pastries, live music, and folk dancing, it’s one of San Antonio’s most beloved community festivals.
👉 More info

💃 San Antonio Tango Festival

📍 Hermann Sons Hall, Downtown San Antonio
🗓 October 16–19, 2025
💫 Experience the rhythm, grace, and passion of Argentine tango in the heart of San Antonio. This four-day festival features world-class instructors, live music, nightly milongas, and workshops for every skill level, from beginners to pros. A must-attend for dance lovers and culture seekers alike.
🎟 Tickets: Early Bird Full Festival Pass – $365 | À La Carte Milonga Passes Available
👉 Visit the Official Tango Festival Site

🎭 Concerts, Theatre & Performing Arts

October is a powerhouse month for the arts. Whether you love classical ballet, Broadway shows, or comedy, San Antonio’s stages are lighting up this fall.

🎶 Pro Tip: Arrive early and enjoy dinner along the River Walk,  several restaurants offer pre-show specials in October!
👉 Tobin Center Schedule

🌳 Family-Friendly & Community Events

San Antonio is all about togetherness, and these fall events are perfect for families, friends, and newcomers alike.

Fall Fest 2025

📍 Helton Nature Park (Floresville)
🗓 October 18, 2025
🎃 Free and fun for the whole family! Enjoy live music, nature walks, wildlife exhibits, costume contests, and a classic car parade — all set among the trees and trails near the San Antonio River.
👉 River Authority Event Page

Tejanos at the Alamo

📍 The Alamo Plaza
🗓 October 18, 2025 | 10 AM – 2 PM
A celebration of Hispanic heritage and Tejano culture, complete with traditional music, history displays, and family activities in the heart of downtown.
👉 The Alamo Events

Oktoberfest at The Rock at La Cantera

📍 Frost Plaza – The Rock at La Cantera, San Antonio
🗓 October 17–18, 2025 at 7:00PM11:00PM
🥨 Get ready for a Texas-sized take on a German classic! Oktoberfest at The Rock brings Bavarian culture to San Antonio with live polka bands, traditional German food, and locally brewed beer. Guests can join stein-hoisting contests, dance to authentic music, and enjoy family-friendly entertainment all weekend long.

🎟 Tickets:

• General Admission: Free — open to all ages

• VIP Packages: Starting at $95 – includes access to the Kaiser’s Rooftop Experience, complimentary beer stein, reserved seating, and private bar service

👉 More Info & VIP Tickets

Six Flags Fiesta Texas Oktoberfest Food Festival

📍 Six Flags Fiesta Texas – Spassburg Village, 17000 IH-10 W, San Antonio, TX
🗓 Select Dates: September 6 – October 26, 2025
🕒 Festival Hours: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (weekends)

🎡 Celebrate the flavors of fall with a German twist at Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ Oktoberfest Food Festival! Wander through Spassburg Village to enjoy Bavarian-inspired dishes, craft beers, and sweet desserts, all served alongside live polka bands and festive décor. From bratwurst and pretzels to schnitzel sliders and spiced cider, there’s something for every taste bud.

This event blends family fun with foodie flair, featuring seasonal games, photo ops, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the park.

🎟 Tickets / Admission:

• Included with regular park admission or Season Pass

• Food and drinks available for purchase via Festival Tasting Card or pay-as-you-go options

👉 More Info & Festival Details

🎃 Halloween & Haunted Happenings

San Antonio knows how to do spooky season right! Whether you’re brave enough for a haunted tour or prefer a fun costume party, there’s no shortage of thrills.

• 👻 Haunted History Tours – October 20 at the Tobin Center

• 🕯️ Candlelight Halloween Concerts – October 25 at The Josephine Theatre

• 🎭 It’s a 2000s Halloween Party – October 31 at Stable Hall

• 🏚️ Ghost Tours of the Menger Hotel & Alamo Plaza – Nightly throughout October

October in San Antonio isn’t just about the events, it’s about the feeling. The smell of smoked brisket at Hemisfair, kids in costumes along the River Walk, couples dancing at Muertos Fest under glowing marigolds. Every parade, concert, and community fair reminds us why this city is so special: it’s big enough to explore, but close enough to feel like family.

As a proud Army veteran and longtime San Antonian, I’ve seen firsthand how this city opens its arms to everyone, military families finding their new duty station home, young professionals moving downtown, retirees chasing sunshine and community. No matter your journey, there’s a corner of San Antonio waiting for you.

At Veteran Real Estate San Antonio: The Beal Group, our mission goes beyond buying or selling homes. We’re here to help you find your place in the community, near the parks, schools, and events that make life in South Texas unforgettable.

🏡 Ready to Make San Antonio Home?

Let’s make it happen!

🎯 Call or Text: (210) 882-8583
📧 Email: gobealgroup@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.veteranrealestatesa.com