Halloween Fun is Here in San Antonio!
Hey there, San Antonio! The spooky season has officially kicked off, and with it comes a delightful array of autumn activities that you won’t want to miss out on this weekend. Grab your pumpkins and your costumes because October is bursting with fun!
Pick Your Perfect Pumpkin
First up, let’s talk pumpkins! The Fall Pumpkin Patch has opened at the iconic Tower of the Americas, and it’s ready for some serious pumpkin picking! Open daily from October 1 to November 17, this is your chance to find your perfect pumpkin and capture those memorable autumn snapshots amidst some quirky fall displays. And guess what? Admission is FREE!
- When: Open daily during regular operating hours
- Where: Tower of the Americas (739 East Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard)
A Day of Delight at the San Antonio Pumpkin Festival
If you’re looking for a festival vibe, head over to the San Antonio Pumpkin Festival. This shindig is happening now through the end of the month, right by the historic Pearl on Broadway. Besides the usual pumpkin patch fare, get ready for some seriously fun attractions. Picture yourself riding a nostalgic train through a replica Alamo, spinning around on a whimsical carousel, or jumping into a massive corn pit! This year features even more fun with human hamster wheels and giant bouncy pumpkins. Be sure to make a reservation because walk-ups may not be easy due to high demand.
- When: Daily until October 27, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends
- Where: 1603 Broadway
- Cost: $15 on weekdays / $22 on weekends
Oktoberfest Celebrations
For those of you who enjoy a taste of culture, don’t miss the Beethoven Männerchor Halle und Garten’s Oktoberfest taking place over the next two weekends. With over a century of tradition, this festival brings German culture to life with delicious food like bratwursts, Reubens, and sauerkraut, plus a lineup of live music!
- When: October 4-5 and October 11-12 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Where: Beethoven Maennerchor (422 Pereida Street)
- Cost: Pre-purchased tickets are $8; at the gate, it’s $10
Friday Night Fun at the Haunted Dollhouse Museum
Kick off the weekend with the First Fright Friday at the Haunted Dollhouse Museum. From 8 p.m. to midnight, get ready for a night filled with creeps and giggles—the event promises real haunted house vibes, a Break It Room for smashing stuff, and an opportunity to shop from local vendors. With tasty food, lively music, a costume contest, and even a Monster Mash dance-off, you won’t want to miss this event!
- When: Friday from 8 p.m. to midnight
- Where: The Haunted Dollhouse (619 West Hildebrand Avenue)
- Cost: FREE
Experience Rich Culture at the International Latin Jazz & Arts Festival
On Saturday, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Latin America at the International Latin Jazz & Arts Festival. The event will feature amazing performances, with the Grammy Award-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra headlining. It’s a perfect way to enjoy great music and fall festivities, and if you’re 21 and over, don’t miss out on “El Gran Baile” afterparty!
- When: Saturday from noon to 11 p.m.
- Where: UTSA Downtown Campus (501 West Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard)
- Cost: FREE
Say Hello to Owl Creek Farm
Owl Creek Farm also ushers in the Halloween spirit starting this Friday, featuring a family-friendly day filled with pumpkin patches, hay rides, a petting zoo, and fun photo ops. As night falls, the park turns eerie with a haunted hay maze to keep the thrill alive!
- When: Open every weekend in October
- Where: Owl Creek Farm (12355 Military Drive)
- Cost: $10 for daytime pumpkin patch; $25 for the haunted maze at night
A Brush with Nature
If you’re looking for something less spooky, check out the 9th Annual Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival at Brackenridge Park or the traditional Aki Matsuri Japanese Fall Festival in Castroville, both happening this Saturday and free to the public.
So there you have it, San Antonio! Whether you’re digging into fall festivities, embracing spooky vibes, or appreciating vibrant cultures, October is off to a fantastic start. Make sure you enjoy every moment of it!
