SAN ANTONIO – Muertos Fest, one of the largest Day of the Dead festivals in the U.S., returns to San Antonio, giving the community a chance to honor loved ones who have passed away.
Organizers said the festival drew an estimated 130,000 attendees last year.
Muertos Fest kicks off a day earlier this year, with organizers unveiling plans for a special opening night tribute on Friday, Oct. 24.
This year’s festival will continue on Saturday, Oct. 25, and Sunday, Oct. 26, at Hemisfair.
Can’t make it to the festivities? No worries. KSAT will air a special broadcast recapping all the fun! You can watch the broadcast on KSAT 12 and KSAT Plus at 8 p.m. on Oct. 29.
Things to Do
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For those planning to attend the celebration, here’s everything you need to know about the 13th annual Muertos Fest.
Hours
The free festival will open with “¡PRESENTE! Opening Night Tribute” on Friday, Oct. 24, honoring Flaco Jimenez, a Conjunto legend who died this summer at 86 years old.
That same evening, Santiago Jimenez, renowned Conjunto accordionist and brother to Flaco Jimenez, will be among the performers.
Festival hours are:
Friday, Oct. 24: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 25: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 26: Noon to 9 p.m.
Under a newly signed 10-year agreement, Muertos Fest will continue to call Hemisfair home through 2034.
To see the festival dates announced for the next 10 years, click here.
Map
The celebration transforms Hemisfair to honor the traditions of Día de los Muertos with art, music and more than 80 altars created by community members.
Muertos Fest will feature five stages and two processions, scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26. Workshops, including two kids’ crafts sessions, will also be offered to attendees.
Performances
The festival will showcase dozens of performances by bands, singers, poets and others across the five stages.
Here’s a closer look at this year’s lineup:
Friday, Oct. 24
David Hidalgo
César Rosas
Max Baca & Los Texmaniacs
Santiago Jiménez Jr.
Dwayne Verheyden
Stefani Montiel
Patsy Torres
Rubén Ramos
Rick Treviño
Rebecca Valadez
Jesse Borrego
Lisa Morales
Nunie Rubio
Laura Denisse y Los Brillantes
Saturday, Oct. 25
Erick y su Grupo Massore
La Doña
El Dusty
Piñata Protest Santiago Jimenez Jr.
Dwayne Verheyden & Los Texmaniacs
Jesse Borrego Y Tribú
Campanas de America
Mariachi Las Alteñas
The Mexican Standoff
Los Juanos
Juan & Armando Tejeda
Kalpulli Ayolopaktzin
Guadalupe Dance Company
Tallercito de Son
Bexar Brass
San Antonio Parks & Rec Dance
Black Bird Sing
DJ Despeinada
DJ Plata
DJ Toshiro
DJ Errthang
Joannachills
Deejay Cesar Wang
DJ Olivia Garcia
Goodwill Fashion Show
Sunday, Oct. 26
The Last Bandoleros
Gabriella
Kings del Wepa
Combo Chimbita
Nick Gaitan
Santiago Jimenez
Ritmo Lokura
The Tiarras
Llamativa
Guadalupe Dance Company
Joaquin & The Growliners
Mariachi Las Valquirias
San Antonio Parks & Rec Dance
DJ Toshiro
DJ Consentida
DJ Rolas y Ranflas
DJ Jaz-Funk
Here’s a list of the poetry lineup:
Eddie Vega
Amalia Ortiz
Anthony The Poet
Tomás Julián
Diamond Larae
Victoria Garcia-Zapata
Parking and VIA Park & Ride
Parking is expected to be limited, according to the Muertos Fest website. Visitors are encouraged to use VIA transit, bike or walk to the festival.
VIA Park & Ride
On Saturday, Oct. 25, buses will depart from Crossroads Park & Ride, Brooks Transit Center and Frost Bank Center Lots 6 and 7, providing service to the Alamodome. On Sunday, Oct. 26, departures will be from Crossroads Park & Ride and Brooks Transit Center, also heading to the Alamodome.
Signage at the Alamodome will guide patrons to Muertos Fest.
VIA Park & Ride service will run from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday, with return trips available for one hour after the festival concludes.
Parking
Some nearby parking lots and garages in the downtown area from the City of San Antonio website, include:
City Tower Garage: Located at 60 North Flores Street. Parking is free from 7 a.m.- 11:59 p.m. every Sunday, according to the city’s website.
Convention Center Garage: Located at 41 South Bowie Street and 850 East Commerce Street
Houston/Nolan Lot: Located at Houston at Elm under the Interstate 37 underpass
Houston Street Garage: Located at 111 College Street
Martinez Parking Lot: Located at South Alamo and Martinez streets
South Alamo Street: Located at 418 South Alamo
For more information on Muertos Fest, click here.
More Muertos Fest coverage on KSAT:
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