This December, enjoy live performances with crisp drinks and good eats in the heart of a true Texan ice house. Photo: Otto’s Ice House
Live Music All Month at Otto’s Ice House on the San Antonio River
Otto’s Ice House, your relaxed, riverside watering hole at the Pearl, is rolling out a fresh lineup of artists for December, and the vibes couldn’t be better. All shows are free, all-ages, and held on the backyard stage beneath the shady trees along the San Antonio River. (Otto’s Ice House, 2025)
Throughout the month, guests can enjoy soulful rock, authentic Americana, and talented folk troubadours who bring a genuine Texas energy to every song. Each artist carries a distinctly local spirit that pairs perfectly with the easygoing charm of this iconic ice house.
While you soak in the music, grab an ice-cold drink and savor Otto’s favorites like the Cantina Queso, Hill Country Deluxe Smashburger, Otto’s Last Shot, and more. It’s a welcoming spot to “come as you are,” trade tallboys, and enjoy community, all in one of San Antonio’s most scenic settings.
Pearl launches a first-ever outdoor ice rink. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
Pearl Unveils New Outdoor Ice-Skating Rink for the 2025–26 Holiday Season
SAN ANTONIO — Pearl is bringing even more magic to the holidays this year. The beloved destination announced that its anticipated mini golf experience will transform into a sparkling outdoor ice-skating rink for the 2025–26 season. (Pearl, 2025)
The rink opens Friday, November 28, 2025, and will welcome skaters through Sunday, January 4, 2026. Guests are invited to lace up their skates and enjoy a festive winter escape right in the heart of San Antonio. Make an evening of it by stopping by Pearl’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony from 3:30 to 7 p.m. in Pearl Park, perfect before or after some time on the ice.
A Festive Setting in the Heart of Pearl
Located next to 1100 Springs Plaza, between Stable Hall and Ladino, the seasonal rink promises twinkling lights, holiday music, and joyful memories for all ages. Tickets will be available for purchase online.
A New Tradition Kicks Off With a New Festival
The debut of Pearl’s outdoor ice rink arrives just in time for another exciting first: the Taste of Pearl Festival, happening Saturday, November 29, from 3 to 8 p.m. This property-wide celebration invites visitors to explore live music, culinary experiences, art, shopping, and more.
Guests can skate beneath the lights, then wander through a festive hub featuring:
A live DJ
Special market vendors (to be announced)
Seasonal sips from Otto’s Ice House
Participation from beloved Pearl restaurants and shops
The Taste of Pearl Festival aims to deliver a vibrant day filled with discovery, flavor, and holiday spirit.
A Message from Pearl
“The holidays are a time for gathering and joy, and Pearl is honored to be part of those traditions. The addition of a new ice-skating rink offers a beautiful way for the community to come together, celebrate, and create lasting memories in the heart of San Antonio.” — Mesha Millsap, CEO of Pearl
About Pearl
Pearl is a dynamic cultural hub in San Antonio, built around the historic former Pearl Brewery along the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Walk. Known for its iconic plazas, chef-driven restaurants, independent shops, and lively entertainment, Pearl celebrates the creativity of the city’s chefs, artists, musicians, and makers.
The neighborhood’s architectural treasures—including the 1894 brewhouse and stable—house the MICHELIN Two-Key and AAA Five Diamond Hotel Emma, along with Stable Hall, a standout live-music venue. At the center of Pearl, Pullman Market features acclaimed culinary concepts, including two MICHELIN-starred restaurants.
Hotel Contessa is lighting up the season with a front-row parade watch party and its first-ever tree lighting on the River Terrace. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.
🎄 San Antonio Weekend Holiday Events Roundup
The holiday season is officially underway in San Antonio, and this weekend is packed with festive celebrations across the city. From tree lightings to river parades, here’s where to find the magic.
✨ Gunter Hotel Tree Lighting Ceremony
📅 Saturday, November 29 | ⏰ 2–3 p.m. 📍 205 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Kick off the holidays at the historic Gunter Hotel, where a dazzling 16-foot Christmas tree will take center stage in the lobby. Enjoy a special performance by the talented Kingwood High School carolers from Houston, and warm up with complimentary sweet treats and hot cocoa. It’s the perfect blend of cheer, music, and community spirit in the heart of downtown. (Gunter Hotel, 2025)
🎉 Ácenar HotMex & CoolBar: River Parade Viewing
📅 Friday, November 28 📍 146 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Riverside Seating – $28/person Up-close views with a dedicated server for cocktail orders.
Riverfront Patio Dining – $70 minimum per person A more elevated experience complete with Ácenar’s contemporary Mexican cuisine and crafted cocktails.
Reservations are required and seating is limited. To book, call (210) 222-2362.
🌟 Hotel Contessa: Parade Watch Party & First Annual Tree Lighting
📅 Friday, November 28 | ⏰ 5–7 p.m. 📍 306 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hotel Contessa is lighting up the season with a front-row parade watch party and its first-ever tree lighting on the River Terrace. (Hotel Contessa, 2025)
Marriage Island VIP – $85 (includes upgraded seating, complimentary beverage & valet)
Tree lighting begins at 6:30 p.m., with the parade passing by shortly after 7 p.m.
🍸 Hotel Contessa: Ford Holiday VIP Terrace Party
📅Friday, November 28 | ⏰5:30–9 p.m. Guests 21+ can upgrade their night with exclusive terrace access overlooking the River Walk. $75 per ticket includes:
Two handcrafted cocktails
Chef-inspired appetizers
Live holiday DJ
Luxury crafting station
Express massages from the Spa at Hotel Contessa
Raffle entry for a 2026 one-night stay
Note: Limited parade views from the terrace; 15% off parade seating with code VIP.
🍽️ Ambler: VIP Parade Dining Experience
📅Friday, November 28 | ⏰5–9:30 p.m. Ambler’s private dining experience includes prime parade views, a three-course dinner, valet parking, and premium drinks.
Pricing:
Table of Four – $600
Individual Tickets – $175
Kids menu available.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy tree lighting or an unforgettable River Walk parade experience, San Antonio is sparkling with ways to celebrate. Bundle up, grab some cocoa, and enjoy the start of the season! 🎅✨
Twang launches Pickle Gift Box for National Pickle Day, November 14. Photo: Twang, used with permission.
Celebrate National Pickle Day with Twang’s Ultimate Pickle Gift Box 🥒
Pickles are having a major moment. According to GrubHub, pickle orders surged 89% in 2023, and pickle-flavored products are popping up everywhere, from Flamin’ Hot® Dill Pickle Cheetos to Jimmy John’s Picklewich. Whether you’re a long-time pickle enthusiast or a recent convert to the briny craze, there’s no denying that America is deep in its dill era. (Twang, 2025)
Pickles and Twang: A Perfect Pair
For Twang, the San Antonio–based salts and seasonings company, pickles aren’t just a passing trend, they’re part of their flavor DNA. Known for bold blends that bring zest to any snack or drink, Twang has long celebrated the tangy, salty joy that pickles bring.
Introducing the Pickle Gift Box
In honor of National Pickle Day (November 14), Twang is launching the Pickle Gift Box, a limited-edition collection packed with pickle-inspired goodies:
🥒 1 Clear Green Fanny Pack
🐶 1 Pickle Dog Keychain
✨ 1 Twang Glitter Sticker
🍸 1 Pickle Drink Rimmer
🧂 1 Pickle Fiesta-Sized Flavored Salt Jar
🌶️ 1 Hot Pickle Snack-Sized Flavored Salt Shaker
🍺 1 Pickle Beer Salt Bottle
🍈 1 Cucumber Chile Lime Beer Salt Bottle
Retailing for $50.00, the gift box is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves all things tangy, crunchy, and crave-worthy.
A Dill-Lightful Deal
From November 1–14, Twang is offering 10% off all pickle products, including the Pickle Gift Box. Use code PICKLEDAY at checkout to claim your discount. (One-time purchases only; offer can’t be combined with other discounts.)
So whether you’re seasoning your snacks, rimming your cocktail glass, or just living your best pickle-loving life, Twang’s got your flavor fix this National Pickle Day.
On Tuesday November 11, H-E-B will distribute gift bags to veterans inside their stores. Photo: H-E-B, used with permission.
Honoring Veterans Day with Chef Nicola Blaque and H-E-B
Every year on November 11, we pause to honor Veterans Day, a time to recognize the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. This day reminds us that freedom comes at a cost, and it’s an opportunity to express gratitude to those who have sacrificed to protect it. From community parades to acts of service and remembrance, Veterans Day is about acknowledging courage, resilience, and dedication that continue to inspire generations.
This year, in celebration of Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, James Beard-nominated chef and U.S. Army veteran Nicola Blaque invites veterans and community members to come together over good food and shared appreciation. (The Jerk Shack/Freight Fried Chicken, 2025)
Celebrate with Chef Nicola Blaque
At her award-winning San Antonio restaurants, The Jerk Shack and Freight Fried Chicken, Chef Blaque is offering a special way to honor veterans, with a comforting fried chicken plate for just $10.
The Jerk Shack will feature its island-style fried chicken paired with bold Caribbean sides like pineapple slaw and masala fries.
Freight Fried Chicken will serve its signature boneless fried chicken plate, highlighting classic Southern flavors with sides such as mac ’n cheese, seasoned fries, and fried corn.
📍 The Jerk Shack 10234 TX-151, Suite 103, San Antonio, TX 78251 🕚 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025
📍 Freight Fried Chicken 312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 6, San Antonio, TX 78215 🕙 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025
About Chef Nicola Blaque
Lattoia Nicola Massey, known professionally as Chef Nicola Blaque, is a proud veteran, chef, and restaurateur based in San Antonio, Texas. Her Jamaican-inspired restaurant, The Jerk Shack, quickly became a local favorite after opening in 2018, earning a Bib Gourmand designation from the Michelin Guide in 2024.
In early 2024, she expanded her culinary footprint with Freight Fried Chicken, located in the Pearl district, a restaurant that pays homage to the formerly enslaved women who sold fried chicken in post-Civil War Virginia to support themselves and their families.
H-E-B’s Ongoing Commitment to Veterans
On Veterans Day and every day, H-E-B Partners across Texas honor the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans and their families through Operation Appreciation, a companywide initiative launched in 2013. (H-E-B, 2025)
This year, H-E-B stores across the state will distribute gift bags filled with H-E-B brand items and notes of gratitude to veterans both in stores and at local nonprofits such as VFW and American Legion posts.
Through Operation Appreciation, H-E-B has contributed over $17 million to military-based nonprofits in Texas, supported employment for more than 30,000 veterans and military spouses, and even provided mortgage-free homes to severely wounded veterans.
Customers can also give back by purchasing items from the Café Ole by H-E-B Commemorative Collection, with $0.35 from every purchase donated to military nonprofits across Texas.
A Shared Moment of Gratitude
Veterans Day is more than a holiday, it’s a moment to come together as a community to say thank you. Whether through a warm meal, a handwritten note, or a simple act of kindness, every gesture helps honor those who’ve served.
This Veterans Day, celebrate courage, community, and connection, one plate at a time.
An indoor pow wow at the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month at the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival
San Antonio, TX — The Briscoe Western Art Museuminvites the community to honor Native American Heritage Month at the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival on Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum’s beautiful campus along the San Antonio River Walk. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)
This annual celebration is free and open to the public, offering a full day of art, music, dance, storytelling, hands-on crafts, and cultural connections for all ages. Festival admission, museum access, and all activities are included at no cost. 👉 Free registration is available online.
A Day Full of Culture, Art, and Connection
Throughout the day, guests can:
Enjoy arts and crafts for all ages
Meet and learn from Native artists and performers
Experience music, storytelling, and dance rooted in Native traditions
Explore the Briscoe’s galleries for free
Festival Highlights
Opening Blessing and Drum Circle
A spiritual blessing by United San Antonio Pow Wow, Inc., an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Native American traditions.
A Pow Wow-style drum circle and dance demonstration by United San Antonio Pow Wow and Enemy Horse Drumming, showcasing the meaning and movement behind pow wow styles.
Storytelling and Music
Joyous Windrider and Rosie Torres bring Native stories to life through storytelling and movement.
Enjoy live music from Tim Blueflint Ramel, an award-winning flute player and member of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa. Ramel has shared the stage with Grammy Award–winner Mary Youngblood and will also demonstrate flute and jewelry making throughout the day.
Traditional Arts and Demonstrations
George Curtis Levi shares ledger art, a Cheyenne tradition dating back to the 1840s that uses repurposed record book pages to depict daily life. Levi, a member of the Southern Cheyenne, also has ties to the Arapaho and Oglala Lakota tribes.
Chase Kahwinhut Earles, a Caddo Nation artist, demonstrates traditional Caddo pottery techniques, reviving a centuries-old art form celebrated for its authenticity and cultural depth.
Shane Hendren, a Diné/Navajo jewelry maker and turquoise expert, showcases his intricate work and commitment to the integrity of Native craftsmanship.
Wayne TaySha Earles, a Caddo stone carver, presents cultural stonework and jewelry inspired by ancient Caddo artifacts from the Spiro Mounds in Oklahoma.
Hands-On Crafts and Family Fun
Festival guests can create their own:
Ledger art and mixed media collages
Leather medallions
Basket and loom weaving projects
Community weaving basket
Parfleche cases — traditional painted pouches made from rawhide, once used by Plains Indians for both beauty and practicality
Visitors can also browse and purchase Native artwork directly from the artists, including jewelry, pottery, beadwork, and textiles.
Honoring the Yanaguana Legacy
The festival’s name, “Yanaguana,” comes from the Payaya people, who were indigenous to the San Antonio area. It was their word for what we now know as the San Antonio River.
Held annually since the Briscoe’s opening, the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival celebrates the vital role of Native Americans in shaping the West. It’s a day to learn, connect, and appreciate the vibrant living cultures that continue to inspire the region today.
📅 Date: Saturday, November 8 🕙 Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 📍 Location: Briscoe Western Art Museum, San Antonio River Walk 💲 Admission: Free (including museum entry and activities) 🔗 Register: [Free event registration available online]
Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
The final PechaKucha of 2025 will take place this Thursday November 6. Photo: PechaKucha San Antonio, used with permission.
PechaKucha San Antonio Closes Out 2025 with Volume 47 at the Tobin Center
SAN ANTONIO, TX —PechaKucha San Antonio, the global arts and culture series known for its fast-paced storytelling format, is excited to announce Volume 47— the final event in its 2025 series. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2025)
📅 Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025 📍 Location: Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, TX 78205 🕕 Schedule:
6:30 p.m. — Welcome Reception
7:30 p.m. — Presentations Begin
A Night of Creativity at the Tobin Center
Nestled along the banks of the San Antonio River, the historic Tobin Center is a downtown landmark that blends its original facade with a state-of-the-art performance space. This beautifully restored venue has become a beacon of creativity, fine art, and urban revitalization and it’s the perfect setting for PechaKucha’s final 2025 event.
Meet the Volume 47 Presenters
This edition of PechaKucha San Antonio will spotlight seven inspiring local voices, each sharing their passions through the signature 20×20 format — 20 images, 20 seconds each.
✨ The evening’s emcee will be Naomi Shihab Nye, San Antonio–based poet, educator, editor, and former Poet Laureate.
Music, Food, and Community
The welcome reception will feature live music by Kitten Mitten, a band of animal-loving friends turning their pets’ antics into anthems, blending heart and humor to amplify both furry and human voices that too often go unheard.
Guests will enjoy complimentary bites from local favorites including: 🍽 Liberty Bar • Tio Pelon’s Salsita • Cheesy Jane’s • Bakery Lorraine • Tobin Catering
The Tobin Center will also offer drinks and cocktails for purchase throughout the night.
Tickets
🎟 Tickets: $10 per person 🔗 Purchase here:Tobin Center
About PechaKucha
PechaKucha (pronounced PEH-chuh KOO-chuh) is a global arts and culture event where presenters share their passions through 20 images x 20 seconds — a total of 6 minutes and 40 seconds per talk.
The format was created by Klein Dytham Architecture in Tokyo in 2003 to encourage creative professionals to share ideas in a concise and engaging way. Since then, PechaKucha has grown to over 1,200 cities worldwide.
San Antonio hosted its first PechaKucha Night in February 2011 and now attracts hundreds of attendees each quarter, featuring architects, artists, makers, academics, community leaders, and more.
Pearl ofrenda. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
Where to Celebrate Día de los Muertos in San Antonio: A Guide to New and Expanded Events
From art-filled altars to soulful dinners, the city honors life, love, and remembrance.
San Antonio is a city that remembers, a place where history, heart, and heritage intertwine beautifully during Día de los Muertos. In 2025, the celebration grows even more vibrant, with expanded events at Pearl, Pullman Market, and Clementine. Whether you’re drawn by the music, the food, or the cultural traditions, these celebrations offer a meaningful way to honor loved ones and embrace the spirit of community.
Día de los Muertos at Pearl
Dates: Saturday, November 1 & Sunday, November 2 Location: Pearl Park
Pearl once again comes alive with color, music, and memory as it hosts its annual Día de los Muertos festivities, now a two-day celebration.
Highlights include:
Large-scale, artist-curated ofrendas across the Pearl campus
Live performances by Grupo Volcan (Sunday)
Children’s art activities hosted by the Consulado de México
A communal procession through Pearl on Sunday evening at 7:15 p.m.
Roaming entertainers, art installations, and food inspired by Mexican traditions
A Catrin & Catrina Contest featuring a partnership with i la Catrina, showcasing seven live fashion Catrinas that tell the story and evolution of La Catrina through the ages
Special Experiences:
Sabores de México at Pearl – November 2 at Stable Hall A ticketed event featuring live-fire cooking, storytelling, traditional gastronomy, and music honoring Mexico’s ancestral flavors and cultural heritage.
Mark your calendars and experience a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, and community remembrance at Pearl.
Pullman Market: A Four-Day Celebration
Dates: October 23 – November 2 Location: Pullman Market
Pullman Market honors Día de los Muertos with a lively four-day celebration featuring ofrendas, costume contests, live DJ sets, and family-friendly fun at Mezquite.
Event Highlights:
Ofrenda Live (Oct. 23–Nov. 2): The Pullman Market altar honors San Antonio’s farmers and market pioneers, adorned with fresh produce, baked goods, and a Texas beer as an offering of remembrance.
Muertos Mariachi (Oct. 30, 5–7 p.m.): Enjoy live mariachi performances by the market’s ofrenda, blending music and memory in a community gathering.
Muertos at Mezquite (Nov. 1–2): A two-day celebration of music, color, and community featuring food, fun, and festive beats for the whole family.
Halloween Offerings at Pullman Market
Mezquite Halloween Pachanga – Friday, October 31, 6:30 p.m. to midnight Celebrate with food, music, and costume contests for both kids and adults.
Clementine, the beloved Castle Hills restaurant, is hosting its annual Día de los Muertos dinner in collaboration with 2M Smokehouse and Baked.
Chefs John and Elise Russ, Esaul Ramos Jr., and Grecia Ramos join forces for a one-night-only six-course prix-fixe menu, a heartfelt celebration of remembrance, flavor, and community.
Evening Highlights:
Mariachi performances and a stunning community ofrenda on the patio
Guests can write love affirmations for departed loved ones and place them on the ofrenda
Interactive beverage tasting stations featuring a curated selection of wines
To close the evening, Elise and Grecia will present Día de los Muertos-inspired desserts, including creative takes on pan de muerto, calabaza treats, mini sundaes, and sweet mignardises.
Clementine’s annual dinner is a beautiful tribute to loved ones, where food, music, and shared memories bring the community together in true Día de los Muertos spirit.
Celebrate, Remember, and Reconnect
From Pearl’s grand installations to intimate culinary experiences at Clementine, San Antonio offers countless ways to celebrate life and honor those who came before us. This Día de los Muertos season, immerse yourself in the city’s rich blend of culture, remembrance, and community spirit.
Monumental Botanical Fridas. Photo: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos in San Antonio: Luxury, Culture, and Flavor
San Antonio is known for honoring its rich Mexican heritage in spectacular ways, and this year, two of the city’s most iconic hotels are taking Día de los Muertos celebrations to new heights. From stunning art installations to tequila-paired dinners and runway shows, here’s what awaits you at Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa and Omni La Mansión del Rio. (Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa/Omni La Mansión del Rio, 2025)
🌹 La Reina de La Vida at Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025 Location: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
On Saturday, November 1, 2025, Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa will transform into a one-night-only “La Reina de La Vida” (The Queen of Life) experience, an immersive celebration of Día de Los Muertos that honors Mexican culture through art, fashion, cuisine, and music. Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion and fully embrace the vibrant spirit of the holiday.
Evening Highlights
5:30 p.m. — Cocktail Reception & Runway Showcase The evening begins in the resort’s lobby with craft cocktails featuring Volcan de Mi Tierra Tequila, followed by a Runway Showcase by iLaCatrina at Plaza San Saba.
6:30 p.m. — La Catrina Glamour Experience Guests can indulge in professional Catrina makeup styling and enjoy a private photoshoot, leaving with five high-resolution keepsake images.
8:00 p.m. — Five-Course Dinner at Primero Terrace Hosted by Volcan de Mi Tierra Tequila and presented by Chef Abraham Proa of Primero Cantina, this exquisite meal includes a tequila cocktail paired with each course.
Additional Offerings
Throughout the weekend, Volcan Tequila will feature limited-time specialty drinks at the resort’s restaurants, including Sire Bar, SweetFire Kitchen, Club Se7en, and Primero Cantina, available through Sunday, November 2, 2025.
Art & Culture
Don’t miss the Monumental Botanical Fridas, a series of Frida Kahlo-inspired sculptures crafted from fiberglass, resin, and acrylic paint, vibrant, bold, and free to the public through Sunday, November 2.
The resort will also feature an honorary ofrenda curated by Gabriela Gamez, showcasing the stunning Day of the Dead on My Mind painting by artist Kathy Sosa, a 5-foot-tall masterpiece depicting a powerful female figure wearing a traditional hand-embroidered huipil, symbolizing resilience, unity, and strength.
💀 Omni La Mansión del Rio: Dos Calaveras & Día de los Muertos Delights
Location: 112 College St, San Antonio, TX
Right along the iconic River Walk, Omni La Mansión del Rio is embracing the spirit of Día de los Muertos with cultural displays, handcrafted cocktails, and festive food offerings.
Ofrenda to Lydia Mendoza
The hotel’s lobby now features a beautifully adorned Día de Los Muertos altar (ofrenda) honoring Lydia Mendoza, the legendary San Antonio singer-guitarist known as “La Alondra de la Frontera.” Her legacy of giving voice, hope, and dignity to the Mexican community is celebrated in this heartfelt tribute.
Dos Calaveras Pop-Up Bar
A must-visit this season, the hotel’s signature El Colegio Bar has been transformed into “Dos Calaveras,” a lively pop-up running through Sunday, November 2, 2025.
Sip on limited-time cocktails created in partnership with Maestro Dobel Tequila, including the Pan de Muerto Flip ($16), a creamy blend of cinnamon, vanilla, orange bitters, and nutmeg that nods to the traditional sweet bread of the season.
Festive Food Offerings
The themed menu at Dos Calaveras includes:
🍔 The Ofrenda Burger: Pan De Muerto bun, chorizo-beef patty, Oaxaca cheese, mole negro aioli, candied pepitas, and pickled onions, served with chili-dusted fries.
🌮 La Calavera Brisket Tacos
🍖 Elote “Catrina” Ribs
Perfect for those exploring downtown’s Día de los Muertos festivities, these dishes combine bold flavors and cultural creativity.
Family-Friendly Dining
For a more relaxed dining experience, visit Four Brothers, Omni’s in-house South Texan restaurant, where a newly refreshed menu includes highlights like:
Smoked Dino Rib
Bexar Cornbread
Chicken Osso Buco with butternut squash and cheese-filled agnolotti pasta
🌼 Celebrate Life, Culture, and Community
From the luxury hills of La Cantera to the historic charm of the River Walk, San Antonio’s Día de los Muertos celebrations offer a perfect blend of art, cuisine, and cultural connection. Whether you’re dressing as La Catrina, savoring tequila pairings, or simply admiring the ofrendas, this weekend promises to be a feast for the senses and the soul.
Hotel Contessa will host various spirited activations for Día de los Muertos. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos All Month Long at Hotel Contessa
This October, Hotel Contessa invites guests and locals alike to experience a vibrant monthlong Día de los Muertos celebration along San Antonio’s iconic River Walk. The festivities will feature colorful cultural traditions, hands-on workshops, culinary delights, and live entertainment designed to honor remembrance and bring the community together. (Hotel Contessa, 2025)
🎉 Día de los Muertos River Parade Celebration
📍 River Level Atrium & River Patio 🗓 Friday, Oct. 24 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
San Antonio’s Day of the Dead River Parade returns with elaborately decorated floats, catrinas, and costumed riders. Guests staying at Hotel Contessa can enjoy front-row seats to the parade, plus face painting, mariachi music, a live DJ, and local tacos and food vendors.
🎟 Tickets: $50–$110 (via Eventbrite) Status: Sold Out
🌺 Día de los Muertos River Parade – VIP Terrace Experience
Enjoy an elevated view of the River Parade from Hotel Contessa’s private rooftop terrace. This exclusive VIP experience includes two specialty cocktails, private bar access, DJ entertainment, and a flower crown-making station. VIP guests will also be entered into a raffle to win a one-night stay at Hotel Contessa in 2026.
🎟 Tickets: Starting at $175 per person (Eventbrite)
Watch as culinary students from St. Philip’s College compete to create the best taco in town. Guests can enjoy complimentary light bites and refreshments while cheering on the chefs.
Perfect for kids 12 and under, this interactive workshop led by local artist Mary Carmen Sessions teaches the traditions of Día de los Muertos through hands-on art projects. Children will create tissue paper marigolds, colorful papel picado, and mini pan de muerto from modeling clay while learning the meaning behind each symbol.
🎟 Tickets: $25 per child (includes supplies, drink, and snacks) — purchase tickets [here].
An evening for adults to sip, socialize, and create. Guests will design their own mini altar while enjoying a signature cocktail and learning about the cultural significance of altar traditions.
🎟 Tickets: $55 per person (includes cocktail and altar kit) — purchase tickets [here].
🖼️ Monthly Art Fair: Día de los Muertos Edition + CAST School Art Reveal
This special edition of Hotel Contessa’s monthly art fair transforms the atrium into a lively marketplace of local artists and artisans, featuring Día de los Muertos–inspired works. Guests can also enjoy a student art reveal from CAST School, where young artists collaborate with professional mentors.
🎟 Free and open to the public — no RSVP required.
👻 Spooky Spa Halloween Party
📍 Rooftop Spa 🗓 Thursday, Oct. 31 | 6–9 p.m.
Cap off the month with an adults-only Halloween celebration at Hotel Contessa’s rooftop spa. Enjoy spa and jacuzzi access, themed demos, light bites, spooky cocktails, and a crystal sound bath experience. Guests can sign up for up to three spa sessions, including chair massages, Japanese head spa demos, infrared sauna services, and cold plunge stretch sessions.
The evening also includes adult trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and complimentary parking.
🎟 Sound bath tickets: $30 per person (limited availability; RSVP required)
📍 Hotel Contessa 306 W. Market St. San Antonio, TX 78205
SA Examiner 