Things to Do in October
Discover the top events and activities happening in San Antonio this October to make the most of the season!
Six Flags Fiesta Texas Oktoberfest Food Festival
September 6 - October 2
Six Flags Fiesta Texas transforms for a full-flavored Oktoberfest Food Festival where guests can taste German and seasonal favorites across the park. Expect hearty dishes like bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzel, and more, paired with craft beers and festive drinks. There’s live music, themed entertainment, and décor that brings Bavarian spirit to the rides and attractions.
Baby Shark @ SeaWorld San Antonio
September 11 - November 1
SeaWorld San Antonio is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Baby Shark with a limited-time event running on select dates from September through November. Families can meet Baby Shark and Pinkfong during live character appearances, enjoy a special themed mini show, and take photos to capture the experience. The park will also offer exclusive Baby Shark merchandise and themed food and beverage items to mark the occasion. All activities are included with regular park admission, making it an easy way to add extra excitement and kid-friendly fun to a fall visit at SeaWorld.
San Antonio Zoo Boo!, Presented by PNC Bank
September 20 - October 30
The San Antonio Zoo invites guests to enjoy a full day of animal encounters and family activities during this special event. In addition to exploring the zoo’s wide variety of exhibits and habitats, visitors can look forward to themed programming, interactive experiences, and unique opportunities that highlight conservation and community. Regular hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and all activities are included with admission.
September 25 - October 31
LEGOLAND Discovery Center San Antonio transforms into a Monster Party playground for Halloween with activities running September 25 through October 31. Families can watch the 4D film The Great Monster Chase, take part in a Monster Hunt through MINILAND, mix imaginative potions in the Potion Kitchen, and capture photos with a giant LEGO DUPLO pumpkin. The event is specifically designed for children aged 3 to 12, offering a festive and family-friendly way to celebrate the season.
San Antonio Black International Film Festival – SABIFF 2025
September 27 - October 5
SABIFF presents a powerful celebration of film and Black storytelling, featuring competitive screenings of narrative and documentary features, short films, music videos, and student works. The festival also hosts panel discussions, award ceremonies, art receptions, and community events across multiple venues in San Antonio. Its mission is to spotlight underrepresented voices and expand audiences’ exposure to stories from the African Diaspora.
Red Riding Hood - A Family Friendly Play!
September 27 - October 12
Magik Theatre presents a clever and fast-paced retelling of Red Riding Hood from September 27 through October 12. In this version, Wolfgang, a self-proclaimed “greatest actor in the world,” begins a one-man performance of the classic tale but is interrupted by a delivery driver carrying a mysterious package and plenty of opinions on how the story should unfold. Together they act out every role, add unexpected twists, and bring creativity and humor to a family-friendly show recommended for ages 5 and up. Special performances include a sensory-friendly showing, ASL interpretation, and pay-what-you-wish options.
Starlight Movie Series: Nightmare Before Christmas
October 3
The San Antonio Botanical Garden invites guests to enjoy a movie under the stars as part of its Starlight Movie Series. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to relax on the lawn and take in the film surrounded by the beauty of the gardens. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. For those who want to elevate the experience, a picnic basket is also available, which includes charcuterie, salad, a sandwich, and premium seating.
October 4 - 27
The San Antonio Botanical Garden will host its October Beer Garden every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from October 4 through October 27. Guests can enjoy an afternoon or evening stroll through the gardens while sampling a selection of beer and wine, listening to live acoustic music, and trying classic concessions. Each weekend also features a rotating lineup of interactive activities that add to the festive atmosphere.
October 4
The Boerne Book Festival will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Patrick Heath Public Library from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The festival celebrates literature and storytelling with author panels, book signings, and engaging discussions that connect writers with readers of all ages. Guests can browse vendor booths, discover new titles, and enjoy a day filled with literary activities in a welcoming community atmosphere.
39th Annual Gruene Music & Wine Fest Kickoff Party
October 9 - 12
The Gruene Music & Wine Festival takes place October 9–12, 2025, in New Braunfels. What began in 1987 as a small celebration of Texas and Americana music has grown into a four-day event filled with live performances, wine and beer tastings, artisan vendors, and community fundraising. The festival features a kickoff party at The Grapevine, a special “Stars and Guitars” dinner with a private concert and auction, a Saturday of tastings from Texas wineries and breweries paired with live music, and a Sunday all-day concert led by Cody Canada’s All-Star Playlist. Proceeds benefit the United Way of Comal County.
October 10 & 11
BooFest returns for a magical weekend of Halloween fun with whimsical characters, festive shows, and spooky surprises across the garden. On Friday evening, guests can enjoy a not-so-scary welcome show, character interactions, and the Villain Spooktacular stage show. The celebration continues Saturday with more fairy tale encounters, live entertainment, trick-or-treating, glowing after-party energy, and exciting villain performances after dark. Guests of all ages can explore full garden access, live animal encounters, train rides, seasonal shopping booths, music and dance parties, photo ops, and more.
San Antonio Beer Festival 2025
October 18
The San Antonio Beer Festival returns on Saturday, October 18, 2025, marking its 20th anniversary at Civic Park in Hemisfair. Founded in 2005, it showcases hundreds of craft and premium beers from breweries around the world while also offering wine, cider, live music, games, food trucks, local vendors, and interactive activations. The festival encourages guests to bring lawn chairs or blankets to relax and enjoy a beautiful fall day in the city. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank.
Hollydays Market of New Braunfels
October 17 - 19
The Hollydays Market in New Braunfels fills the Convention Center with more than 130 vendors and crafters showcasing handmade goods, holiday décor, jewelry, boutique clothing, gourmet treats, and unique seasonal gifts. Shoppers can browse aisles of one-of-a-kind finds, enjoy festive photo opportunities with Santa, and support small businesses while getting a head start on holiday shopping. Admission is family-friendly with free entry for children and complimentary parking available.
Dia de los Muertos Fashion Show
October 18
The La Catrina Museum presents Luxury & Heritage, a special event that blends high fashion, cultural legacy, and artistic celebration of Día de los Muertos. Expect runway shows that meld traditional motifs with contemporary design, curated exhibits that highlight the craftsmanship behind Mexican heritage, and immersive storytelling through fashion, visuals, and performance. This event invites attendees to experience the intersection of elegance and tradition as artists and designers honor ancestral roots in a modern, celebratory context.
October 18
The Tequila & Tacos Festival at the Tower of the Americas is an evening celebration of bold flavors and festive vibes. Guests can sample cocktails from top tequila and mezcal brands, enjoy a gourmet taco bar with signature dishes and flavorful toppings, and groove along to live music while trying their hand at lawn games and soaking in the ambiance. VIP ticket holders receive special perks like a dedicated tent, extra sampling privileges, and exclusive seating.
Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival
October 18
The Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival lights up San Antonio with music, film, dance, performance, poetry, digital art, and large-scale installations from local and international artists. Visitors can enjoy live music, interactive art, pop-up galleries, and the 3rd Friday Artwalk, creating a citywide celebration of creativity and community.
Barktoberfest 2025
October 18
Barktoberfest is an Oktoberfest-inspired celebration with pets, people, and community at its heart. Held at Boerne Main Plaza, the event features local beer vendors, food trucks, live music, a silent auction, and a petting zoo. Dogs can compete in dash races, dachshund races, and a costume contest, and there’s a parade for adopted pets. Rescue groups will bring adoptable cats and dogs, and vendor booths offer pet gear, crafts, and more. Proceeds support affordable spay, neuter, and wellness services for pets in the Hill Country.
October 24 - 26
Muertos Fest returns to Hemisfair for its 13th year, expanding into a three-day celebration October 24–26, 2025. This vibrant Día de los Muertos festival brings together community altars, live music, and dance across multiple stages, vendor markets, processions on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, workshops, children’s crafts, DJs, and interactive art installations. The festival invites visitors to honor loved ones, experience cultural traditions, and enjoy a rich mix of music, art, and remembrance.
October 24
The San Antonio River Walk comes alive with the Day of the Dead River Parade, a breathtaking evening event that honors life, love, and remembrance. Decorated barges float through the river lined with glowing altars, giant catrinas, marigolds, and costumed riders bringing Día de los Muertos traditions to life. Spectators can gather along the banks or at the Arneson River Theatre to watch the procession as it makes its way through downtown with music, dance, and artful displays that celebrate culture and community.
October 25
The Calaverita Run is a vibrant evening 5K and family walk held in San Antonio as part of Día de los Muertos celebrations. Participants are invited to run, walk, or cheer in calavera-inspired outfits while passing beautifully decorated altars and live music along the route. Each runner can carry a photo of a loved one on their bib and post it afterward on a community altar. After the finish line, festivities continue with local vendors, art installations, and a community gathering. Registration varies by tier, and the event includes both competitive and non-competitive options.
October 25
Brackenridge Park Conservancy hosts its annual Family Fishing Day, where more than 600 channel catfish are released into the San Antonio River for a morning of outdoor fun. Families are invited to bring their kids, cast a line, and learn the basics of fishing with poles and instruction provided on-site. No license is required during the event, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. Children can take part in a youth fishing contest with awards for the first catch and the biggest fish, while everyone enjoys time together in one of San Antonio’s most historic parks. This free community event highlights the importance of outdoor recreation and conservation in a family-friendly setting.
October 25
Seguin Pecan Fest invites visitors into downtown Seguin for a day of fall fun centered around the town’s proud pecan heritage. The festival features local artisans and vendors throughout Trade Days near Central Park and extends to the Big Red Barn at the Texas Agricultural & Heritage Education Center for even more heritage-themed activities. Guests can shop for pecan-inspired treats, crafts, and décor while enjoying live music, history tours, contests, and family-friendly entertainment.
Dogtober Adoption & Foster Fall Festival
October 25 - 26
Dogtober is San Antonio’s biggest fall pet festival, hosted by Animal Care Services in partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank. The event features more than 200 adoptable pets, a pumpkin patch, hay rides, a foster pet parade, and a pet costume contest. Families can enjoy live music, food trucks, kids’ activities, and puppy yoga while browsing over 40 local vendors and small businesses. Adoption perks include spay or neuter services, vaccinations, training support, microchips, and custom ID tags, with special starter kits for the first adoptions of the day. Admission is free, with an optional Early Access Family Pass available for priority entry and parking.
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