Muertos Fest is bringing new cultural experiences, art, remembrance, live music and family activities to Hemisfair when the 14th annual Día de los Muertos celebration returns Oct. 23-25.
Organizers say festivalgoers will enter through an enhanced South Alamo/Market Street entrance featuring a new 40-foot papel picado installation. The festival will also include an immersive altar set within a church structure, where visitors journey through a vibrant panteón (cemetery) before entering a scene reminiscent of a church service celebrating the artistry and traditions of Día de los Muertos.
The free, three-day festival will feature its largest number of altars ever, with more than 90 community-created altars honoring loved ones. UNAM San Antonio is set to create a special altar honoring legendary singer Lydia Mendoza. Attendees are also invited to bring their own photos to place on the community altar.
The Day of the Dead Bookstore presented by Letras en la Frontera is returning this year. The festival will include two signature processions, five stages of live entertainment and a Goodwill sustainable fashion show.
On Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, the festival is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. A sensory-friendly altar viewing is planned from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., giving guests a chance to explore the community altar exhibition in a calm, reflective environment.
On Saturday, Oct. 24, more than 50 performances will take place on five stages across the park, featuring Tejano, conjunto, cumbia, rock, mariachi, dance, and more from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. At 7 p.m., The signature procession honors loved ones who have passed through music, dance, art, and celebration. Visitors can explore the Muertos Mercado, featuring more than 85 art vendors, along with poetry, workshops, and family activities.
On Sunday, Oct. 25, five stages of music, dance, and cultural programming continue throughout the day, alongside workshops, poetry, and activities for families from noon until 9 p.m. The festival’s second signature procession brings the community together to remember and celebrate those who have passed, starting at 3 p.m. Additional highlights include Nicho Sonido: Música for Grieving and Healing, SoundCream presents: Discos y Recuerdos, and the Yanaguana Children’s Stage.
The opening night celebration, “¡Presente! A Night to Remember,” will feature a traditional blessing by Kalpulli Ayolopaktzin at 8 p.m. Later, “Lotería: A Night to Remember” is scheduled for 8:30 p.m., with Goodwill San Antonio presenting a sustainable fashion show inspired by the Mexican Lotería game in the Magik Theatre parking lot.
More information is available at www.MuertosFest.com. Organizers also encourage the public to download the Muertos Fest app for programming updates and follow @MuertosFest on social media.