Halloween in full swing… 👻💀
Hey 210,
This weekend is serving up Día de los Muertos magic, local market finds, and a few reasons to get out of your usual Sunday routine. Whether you’re looking for a festive family outing, hunting for hidden gems, or ready to turn $30 into a flea market treasure haul, I’ve rounded up a few ways to make the most of your weekend. Consider this your reminder that some of the best adventures happen when you skip the usual plans and try something new.
Let’s get into it! 🎃🌼
Halloween Bash at the Tower of the Americas
When: Friday, Oct 30 (7:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
Where: Tower of the Americas (739 E. César E. Chávez Blvd)
The Vibe: Costumes, glowing pumpkins, spooky-season tunes, decorated cars, and Halloween chaos with a downtown skyline backdrop.
The Details: This Halloween celebration brings together a trunk-or-treat car show, pumpkin painting, a carving contest, live music, food trucks, a costume contest, and a moon bounce. It’s a family-friendly way to kick off Halloween weekend without committing to a pricey theme park experience. A Dracula 4D movie is also listed as an additional attraction requiring separate admission.
The Move: Arrive early enough to enjoy the activities before the evening gets busy. Bring the kids in costume and check the event organizer’s latest updates for activity schedules and any additional attraction fees.
Calaveras de Azúcar Festival @ Market Square
When: Saturday, Oct 31 (10:00 AM – 8:00 PM) | Sunday, Nov 1 (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
Where: Historic Market Square (514 W. Commerce St)
The Vibe: Marigold petals, colorful papel picado, folklórico skirts in motion, and the sounds of traditional Mexican music spilling through the market.
The Details: Celebrate Día de los Muertos at one of downtown San Antonio’s most vibrant cultural gatherings. Explore traditional altars, browse artisan booths, sample local food, and catch live music and folklórico performances throughout the weekend. It’s a celebration of remembrance, community, and the traditions that make San Antonio special.
The Move: Arrive early to photograph the altars before the crowds build, then wander through the vendor stalls for unique handmade finds. Check the official schedule before heading out for a specific performance.
The Weekend Lineup
Southside Farmers & Artisan Market
When: Saturday, Oct 31 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: Mission Marquee Plaza Click to open side panel for more information (3100 Roosevelt Ave)
The Vibe: Unhurried lawn strolls, neighborhood makers, fresh baked pan dulce, and zero parking stress.
The Details: Held on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month on the grounds of the historic Mission Drive-In, this open-air community market brings together local small-batch artisans, bakers, herbalists, and South Texas produce growers.
The Move: Bring a canvas tote bag and arrive by 9:30 AM; on-site parking is completely free and easy to navigate compared to central downtown corridors.
Tavern Pour @ The Esquire Tavern
When: Friday, Oct 30 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Tavern stays open until 2:00 AM)
Where: The Esquire Tavern (155 E. Commerce St)
The Vibe: Historic wooden bar rails, leather booths, cold draft specials, and prime downtown people-watching.
The Details: $3 off all house menu cocktails and wines by the glass, plus $1 off Texas craft drafts. Pair your pours with their tavern happy hour bites—including $3 deviled eggs, curried wings, and fried chicken skins.
The Move: Walk in right around 4:30 PM to claim a stool along the 100-foot wooden bar before the after-work rush hits Commerce Street.
McNay Family Day: Passport to Art
When: Sunday, Nov 1 (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Where: McNay Art Museum
The Vibe: Museum galleries, hands-on creativity, live performances, and an afternoon of family exploration without the usual admission cost.
The Details: The McNay’s Passport to Art Family Day invites visitors to explore art through interactive activities, gallery tours, and live performances. It’s a refreshing alternative for families ready for a break from Halloween festivities.
The Move: Arrive near the beginning so you have time to explore the galleries and participate in the hands-on activities. Check the museum’s event page for the final activity schedule and any registration requirements. Admission for the event is listed as free.
Día de los Muertos at Pearl
When: Sunday, Nov 1 (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
Where: Pearl (303 Pearl Parkway)
The Vibe: Artful ofrendas, larger-than-life calaveras, candlelit remembrance, and the unmistakable magic of Pearl after dark.
The Details: Pearl celebrates Día de los Muertos with community altars, local artwork, live performances, and a Catrin and Catrina contest. Explore the colorful installations, take in the festive atmosphere, and experience a celebration rooted in honoring loved ones who have passed. The evening culminates in a community procession.
The Move: Get there before sunset to capture the artwork in natural light, then stay for the evening festivities. Make dinner reservations nearby if you want to turn this into a full Sunday night out. Confirm the procession time before you go.
Mission Open Air Market Treasure Hunt
The Mission: Trade your usual Sunday plans for a treasure hunt at Mission Open Air Market, one of San Antonio’s sprawling outdoor flea markets. Set a $30 budget and weave through the vendor stalls in search of five unexpected finds, from vintage home décor and quirky collectibles to bargain toys and one-of-a-kind curiosities. The challenge? See just how much San Antonio treasure you can bring home without breaking the bank.
The Reward: A budget-friendly Sunday adventure packed with unexpected discoveries, bargain-hunting fun, and a haul worth showing off. Whether you uncover a vintage gem or a delightfully weird find, the real win is seeing what $30 can get you on the South Side.
The Spot:
Mission Open Air Market (207 W. Chavaneaux Rd): Head out early to explore the rows of outdoor vendors, browse everything from household finds to collectibles, and practice your best bargaining skills. The market is listed as open Sundays from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM, so aim for the morning while you have plenty of time to hunt. Bring small bills, comfortable walking shoes, and water, and keep your $30 budget in mind. Cash and payment options may vary by vendor.
See you out there!
Jenna
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Want to put your spot on San Antonio’s weekend radar?
Whether you’re launching a new fall cocktail menu, hosting an artisan market pop-up, or rolling out a game-day special, we’d love to check it out. Send an email to [email protected] or simply reply to this email with info.