SAN ANTONIO — Spooky season has officially arrived and there is no shortage of Halloween fun kicking off the month of October. Here are just a few events you won’t want to miss this weekend.
Pumpkin patch at Hemisfair
The start of October marks the opening of pumpkin patches in and around the city, including one right next to the Tower of the Americas.
Now open daily until mid-November, San Antonians can experience the Fall Pumpkin Patch at the tower, where you can pick your favorite pumpkin and snap unforgettable photos with charming autumn displays.
When: Open daily from Oct. 1 to Nov. 17 during regular operating hours
Where: Tower of the Americas (739 East Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard)
Cost: Free
San Antonio Pumpkin Festival
Also open now through the end of the month is the San Antonio Pumpkin Festival, presented by Peter Pan’s Backyard.
The charm of the season meets the vibrant energy of the city at this festive fall experience. Located on Broadway near the historic Pearl, this event is more than just your average pumpkin patch.
Experience an endless array of attractions from a nostalgic train ride through a replica Alamo to a whimsical carousel, a massive corn pit, human hamster wheel, giant bouncy pumpkins and much more. Plus, the festive atmosphere will make for plenty of Instagrammable moments.
Walkups have become unlikely due to high demand, so be sure to reserve your spot now.
When: Now open daily until Oct. 27, 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. on weekends
Where: 1603 Broadway
Cost: $15 on weekdays / $22 on weekends
Oktoberfest
Happening for the next two weekends, the Beethoven Männerchor Halle und Garten will host what they call the most authentic Oktoberfest in San Antonio.
This family-friendly festival spans over 100 years with German recipes, beers, traditions and music. Celebrate German culture with a long lineup of live performers and food like bratwursts, Reubens and sauerkraut.
See the festival’s musical lineup for both weekends here.
When: Oct. 4-5 and Oct. 11-12 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Beethoven Maennerchor (422 Pereida Street)
Cost: Pre-purchased tickets $8, tickets at the gate $10
First Fright Friday
On Friday, join the Haunted Dollhouse Museum in celebrating the start of the month during the First Fright Friday Halloween Kick Off Block Party.
This free event is sure to be a spook-tacular time. Experience a real haunted house, break stuff at the Break It Room, and shop from some of the coolest vendors in the city. There will also be food, drinks, music, a costume contest, a Monster Mash dance off, tarot reading, a pumpkin bake off and much more.
Attendees are invited to dress in Halloween costumes.
When: Friday from 8 p.m. to midnight
Where: The Haunted Dollhouse (619 West Hildebrand Avenue)
Cost: Free
International Latin Jazz & Arts Festival
Take part in San Antonio’s newest Hispanic Heritage Month by experiencing the sounds, tastes, art and culture of all things Latin at the International Latin Jazz & Arts Festival, happening Saturday.
This free family-friendly event will be the launch of what is set to be an annual statewide “pachanga.”
Headlining the festival is Grammy Award-winning Salsa and Latin Jazz band, Spanish Harlem Orchestra along with other well-known artists and groups set to perform throughout the day. See the full lineup here.
Plus, attendees 21 and over can continue the fun at “El Gran Baile,” an afterparty featuring some of Texas’ best DJs in the Latino music scene. Purchase tickets here.
When: Saturday from noon to 11 p.m.
Where: UTSA downtown campus (501 West Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard)
Cost: Free
Nightmare at Owl Creek Farm
Starting this Friday, a San Antonio Halloween-time staple Owl Creek Farm opens for the season. By day, experience a family-friendly pumpkin patch featuring hay rides, pony rides, petting zoo, bouncy houses and photo ops. Then, as the sun sets, the park transforms for some spooky thrills including a haunted hay maze and more.
When: Starts Friday and runs every weekend in October. See operating hours here.
Where: Owl Creek Farm (12355 Military Drive)
Cost: Daytime pumpkin patch $10 admission / Nighttime haunted maze $25 admission
Plus…
Don’t miss the debut of two new spooky attractions at the San Antonio Botanical Garden with the family-friendly Happy Frights and the after-dark Haunting Nights running every weekend this month until November 2.
The Pumpkin Patch at Winding Branch Ranch also opens this weekend in Bulverde where visitors can search for the perfect pumpkin, play games, meet rescue animals, paint, hear live music and more.
Finally, if you’re opting out of the spooky, Halloween-themed fun you can instead check out the 9th Annual Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival happening at Brackenridge Park or JASSA’s annual Aki Matsuri Japanese Fall Festival in Castroville. Both events take place on Saturday and are free and open to the public.
