Muertos Fest's Biggest Day Runs All Saturday at Hemisfair, With the Procession at 7 P.M.

Muertos Fest runs its longest day on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Hemisfair in downtown San Antonio. Admission is free and the festival is held rain or shine, according to the festival's published schedule. Saturday follows Friday's opening night, ¡Presente! A Night to Remember, and the weekend closes Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.

The grounds carry more than 80 community-created altars built by local families, schools, artists and community organizations, five stages of music, dance, poetry and other performances, workshops and children's activities, and food for purchase. The Muertos Mercado features more than 75 art vendors offering original artwork, handcrafted goods and culturally inspired pieces. The festival's 2026 nonprofit partner, Letras en la Frontera, working with UNAM San Antonio, brings back the Day of the Dead Bookstore that debuted in 2025. Organizers expect the three-day festival, founded in 2013 and themed 'Remember. Honor. Celebrate.' this year, to draw more than 100,000 people.

Saturday's signature moment is the first Día de los Muertos procession, at 7 p.m. Unlike a conventional parade, each entry must commemorate a person or group of people who have died, and participating families, schools, artists, dancers and community groups carry music, handmade banners, portable altars, giant skeleton puppets and people-powered alebrijes. Motorized vehicles and commercial displays are not permitted. A second procession follows Sunday at 3 p.m.

Downtown parking is expected to be limited, and attendees are encouraged to consider VIA Metropolitan Transit, ride-sharing, carpooling, bicycling or walking, with nearby public garages and lots also available. Visitors may bring blankets, but chairs and coolers are not permitted. Hemisfair is dog-friendly, though owners are encouraged to consider whether their pets will be comfortable in a large, noisy crowd. Festival maps and updates are posted at MuertosFest.com.