As the air in San Antonio begins to cool—well, just barely—autumn brings more than a change in temperature. It ushers in a citywide celebration that blends chills, thrills, and centuries-old traditions. From haunted houses and theme park spectacles to the vibrant, heartfelt tributes of Día de los Muertos, San Antonio transforms into a tapestry of spooky fun and cultural remembrance every fall. Whether you’re looking to scream in delight or reflect on the memories of loved ones, there’s no shortage of ways to mark the season in the Alamo City.
For those who crave a good scare, Six Flags Fiesta Texas is the place to start. According to the San Antonio Report, the park’s annual Fright Fest, running weekends from September 6 to November 2, 2025, is the biggest in its history. “We begin planning as soon as the previous Fright Fest is over so it’s truly a year in the making,” said Jeffery Siebert, regional general manager for all the Six Flags parks in Texas. “We always take our guest feedback and research and want to make the next year the biggest and best that we’ve ever done. … [This year is] the biggest, largest Fright Fest that we’ve ever done in our parks history.”
The event features six scare zones and six haunted mazes—four of which are brand new—including labyrinths inspired by horror classics like Saw, Nosferatu, and The Conjuring. At 7 p.m. sharp, the park’s train rolls in behind a cloud of smoke, unleashing creepy clowns, ghosts, and other nightmarish creatures. The frights are recommended for guests 13 and older, but younger visitors can get in on the fun during the day with the Tricks and Treats event, which includes a Trick-or-Treat Trail and family-friendly activities. And if you’re in the mood for something savory, Six Flags’ Oktoberfest—running through October 26—serves up pretzels, bratwursts, and German specialties. Entry to the park and haunted attractions is bundled for $69, or you can add haunted attractions to your ticket for $30.
But Six Flags isn’t the only place serving up Halloween chills. SeaWorld San Antonio’s Howl-O-Scream, held Thursdays through Sundays from September 12 to November 1, transforms the park after dark. The event boasts six haunted houses, eight “terror-tories,” and “sinister shows,” all included with park admission. For those who want to skip the lines, “evil upgrades” are available for purchase. According to San Antonio Report, the SINdustry terror-tory features acrobatic performances, while the Nightmare Midway brings out the creepy clowns. The Pretzel Kitchen is serving up ghoulish snacks like Creepy Mummy Dogs and Shadow Twist Pretzels. For parents seeking a tamer experience for their kids, SeaWorld offers Spook-Camp-ular—an educational, activity-filled camp for $49.
If you’re after a more immersive haunted house, the 13th Floor Haunted House claims the title of “ultimate Halloween event.” Open select nights from September 13 to November 9 at 1203 E Commerce St., it features two chilling attractions: The Legend of the Donkey Lady and The Bloodshed. For those who fancy themselves zombie hunters, The Last Spinehelm: Zombie Shooting Range lets you test your aim against the infected townsfolk. As described on the attraction’s website, “From the chefs of the cafe to the hotel’s bellhops, it is your mission to stop the infected townsfolk from escaping to the rest of San Antonio, be wary though, some targets in the room are not the most friendly.” Two secret bars—Copper Tavern and UV Obscura—are hidden within the haunted hallways. Tickets range from $19.99 to $34.99, making it a frightfully good deal for thrill-seekers.
Families looking for a lighter touch can head to the San Antonio Zoo for Zoo Boo, running select days from September 20 to October 31. Free Trick-or-Treating takes place daily from 4-5 p.m., with extended hours and special activities on Halloween night. This year, new attractions include the Booterfly Tree—“a magical tree filled with giant sparkling butterflies”—and the Día de los Muertos Plaza, where visitors can see “larger-than-life sugar skull themed zoo animals.” There’s also the John & Greli Less Spider Rainforest, where guests can come face-to-face with real spiders and gothic butterflies. Admission starts at $29.99 for adults and $23.79 for children.
Morgan’s Wonderland offers an inclusive Halloween Bash every Saturday from September 27 through October 31. The festivities include photo stations, costume contests with prizes, live entertainment, and themed treats like Graveyard Parfait and Dracula’s Delight. The park is especially welcoming to individuals with disabilities and special needs, who receive free admission, as do children under two. Tickets for others range from $20 to $28.
For something truly unique, the San Pedro Playhouse is celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with two screenings on Halloween night. Attendees can join in costume contests, enjoy themed decorations, and take advantage of VIP perks like priority entry and a meet-and-greet with the cast. Tickets are $55, with VIP options at $75.
Yet, the Halloween season in San Antonio isn’t just about frights—it’s also a time for honoring loved ones and cultural heritage. The city’s Día de los Muertos celebrations are some of the most vibrant in the country, reflecting deep Mexican-American roots and a passion for art and remembrance, as highlighted by San Antonio Things To Do.
The festivities kick off with the San Antonio River Parade on October 24, where elaborately decorated floats travel from Lexington Avenue through the Arneson River Theatre. The next two days, Hemisfair hosts the 13th Annual Día de los Muertos celebration, featuring live music on five stages, processions, original artwork, and the city’s largest open altar exhibition. Families can browse the Muertos Mercado for crafts or participate in kid-friendly workshops—all for free.
Historic Market Square offers its own two-day celebration October 25-26, with traditional altars, professional face painting, lively music, and the mesmerizing Las Monas Cultural Dance Procession each day from 1 to 2 p.m. The self-guided Día de los Muertos Altar Tour, from October 21 to November 3, lets visitors wander through beautifully crafted ofrendas adorned with marigolds, candles, and photos, each telling a story of love and remembrance.
For the active and the sentimental, the Calaverita Run 5K on October 25 at La Gloria – The Pearl invites participants to honor loved ones by wearing their photos on race bibs and contributing to a community altar after the run. Registration is $45, with discounted options for families and groups.
Art lovers can join the Painting with DiZurita: Day of the Dead Alebrije Art workshop at the Briscoe Western Art Museum on October 30, where international artist Gio DiZurita helps guests create vibrant canvases inspired by Mexican folk tradition. The cost is $20 for museum members and $35 for nonmembers.
The celebrations continue with events like the four-day fiesta at Pullman Market, interactive experiences at The Rock at La Cantera, and a moving remembrance tribute at Mission Marquee Plaza, where visitors can display photos of departed loved ones. On November 1, Main Plaza Conservancy’s Mariposas on the Plaza turns the plaza into a fluttering tribute with dedicated butterflies symbolizing the souls of the departed.
As autumn unfolds, San Antonio proves itself a city that knows how to celebrate both the playful and the profound. From haunted thrills to heartfelt traditions, the season offers something for everyone—reminding residents and visitors alike that in San Antonio, the spirit of community is always alive.
