Fall in love with these 9 enchanting autumn festivals in San Antonio
Although almanacs and Home Goods word art may have announced, "It's fall, y'all," it hardly feels that way in San Antonio. With nary a changing leaf or nubby sweater in sight, locals resort to a bit of delusion. Grab a PSL (make it iced) and throw on a russet tank. If the actual autumn won't appear for another month, this year's slate of fall festivals makes for a nice pipe dream.
Hispanic Trails Cultural Festival October 13, 1-8 pm. Wonderland of the Americas. Free. Now in its sixth year, this bash observes the rich heritage of Latin-Hispanic Americans. Watch mesmerizing folkloric dances, listen to music, and taste delicious bites from 15 countries.
Fall Festival October 19, 11 am to 4 pm. Helton Nature Park. Free. Floresville may not be Stars Hollow, but for one day, it will be chock-full of Gilmore Girls quaintness. Guests can expect a fall maze, s'mores tastings, a baking contest, hay rides, and a car show.
Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival October 19, 6 pm to midnight. St. Paul's Square. Free. Now in a new location, this illuminated festival is one of the most dazzling nights on the Alamo City calendar. Guests can expect dozens of multimedia works, including visual arts, live music, theatre, poetry, and performance art.
Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival October 5, 9 am to 1 pm. Brackenridge Park. Free. Who needs tawny trees when thousands of vibrant butterflies are fluttering through the skies? Celebrate the annual flight at this family friendly event featuring an obstacle course, interactive art, a tree and plant giveaway, and live music. Then, cosplay as a favorite bird, bug, or bat during the People as Pollinators Experiment.
Muertos Fest October 26, 10 am to 11 pm & October 27, noon to 9 pm. Hemisfair. Free. The city's largest Día de los Muertos festival draws celebrants nationwide. Activities include over 50 performances from poets, dancers, puppeteers, and bands, including headliners Girl in a Coma, Piñata Protect, and Jesse Borrego. Still, the show's star is the 80 ofrendas honoring loved ones who have passed.
San Antonio Beer Festival October 19, noon to 6:30 pm. Crockett Park. $55-$110. Put down the White Claw. Autumn is made for lagers, pilsners, and stouts. Drink it all in during this one-day fair benefitting the San Antonio Food Bank. A who's who of brewers are participating, from national heavyweights to local sweethearts like Man Overboard.
San Antonio Black International Film Festival October 4-6. Various locations. $50-$150. More than just a cinematic jubilee, this festival is a networking event for aspiring and current filmmakers. Happy hours, panels, and a Sunday Glory brunch provide plenty of extracurricular activities, while screenings showcase Black excellence. Be sure to catch the premiere of The Beautiful Struggle, a romantic comedy by Texas director Rock White.
November 2, 4:30 pm-midnight. Arneson Theatre and Hemisfair. Free. Created in 2009 to salute the Sister-City status between San Antonio and Chennai, India, this yearly happening has become one of the state's biggest Diwali celebrations. Toast the triumph of light over dark through dance, food, and artisan goods. And stay for the grand finale, the ceremonial lighting of candles over the River Walk.
