Halloween in San Antonio

San Antonio comes alive with spooky magic every October. Halloween in San Antonio is more than costumes and candy—it’s a citywide celebration that mixes fun, fright, and culture. Families can enjoy safe trick-or-treat trails, glowing gardens, and zoo adventures made just for kids. Thrill seekers can brave haunted houses, ghost tours, and theme park scares at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld. Adding to the spirit is San Antonio’s rich tradition of Día de los Muertos, where music, altars, and colorful displays honor loved ones. Whether you want a night of chills or a day of family fun, the Alamo City offers something unforgettable. This guide covers the best Halloween events in San Antonio to plan your perfect spooky season.

When Does Halloween Kick Off in San Antonio?

In San Antonio, you know Halloween season has begun when Spirit Halloween stores open. These pop-up shops start appearing in late August and early September. They are the go-to place for costumes, décor, and spooky party supplies.

Theme Parks

Big theme parks like Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio start their Halloween programming in early September. Families can enjoy daytime trick-or-treat fun, while thrill seekers get haunted houses and scare zones after dark.

Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals

Local pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and family festivals usually begin in late September. They run on weekends throughout October, offering hayrides, games, and plenty of photo spots.

What is the Best Time to Visit San Antonio for Halloween?

The Halloween spirit is strong all October, but the best time to visit San Antonio is from mid-October through Halloween week. This is when the weather cools, and most events are in full swing.

What are Family-Friendly San Antonio Halloween Activities?

San Antonio is full of Halloween events that are perfect for families. From safe trick-or-treat spots to glowing gardens, kids and parents can celebrate together without the scares.

Zoo Boo at the San Antonio Zoo

The San Antonio Zoo transforms into a Halloween wonderland during Zoo Boo. Families can enjoy trick-or-treat stations, pumpkin displays, and scarecrow trails. It’s a fun way for kids to dress up and explore while meeting animals along the way.

Happy Frights at the San Antonio Botanical Garden

Happy Frights offers a magical evening with glowing jack-o’-lanterns, a neon maze, and Día de los Muertos displays. Children can collect candy at trick-or-treat stations while exploring colorful, not-so-spooky setups.

Howl-O-Ween at Phil Hardberger Park

This event is all about pets and families. Dogs take center stage in adorable costume contests, while kids enjoy games and safe trick-or-treating.

Monster Bash at the Witte Museum

The Witte Museum hosts Monster Bash, where kids can show off their costumes and enjoy hands-on exhibits.

Halloween at the Pearl

The Pearl district becomes a lively Halloween spot with community trick-or-treating, live music, and family activities.

Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes

For classic fall fun, visit nearby pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Devine Acres Farm, South Texas Maize, and Braune Farms offer hayrides, photo opportunities, and plenty of pumpkins to take home.

Haunted Houses & Scary Attractions in San Antonio

San Antonio is also home to some of the scariest haunted houses in Texas. These attractions are designed for teens and adults who love spine-chilling experiences.

13th Floor Haunted House

The 13th Floor Haunted House is one of the city’s most famous Halloween attractions. It features immersive sets, professional actors, and new 2025 themes like twisted fairy tales and zombie zones. Guests can also try zombie shooting games or visit the hidden cocktail bar for a creepy twist.

Terror Mansion

Terror Mansion is an extreme haunted maze known for its intense scares. Dark rooms, terrifying effects, and unexpected frights make it one of the boldest haunted houses in San Antonio.

Ripley’s Haunted Adventure

Located near the Alamo, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is a multi-level haunted house with live actors and eerie special effects.

Nightmare at Owl Creek

Nightmare at Owl Creek offers two experiences in one. Families can visit during the day for a festive pumpkin patch, but at night, it transforms into a haunted trail with scary surprises, zombie hunts, and blackout mazes.

Theme Park Halloween Events in San Antonio

San Antonio’s theme parks go all out for Halloween. Both Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio offer daytime fun for kids and spooky nights for thrill seekers.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

During the day, families can enjoy Howl-O-Ween, which includes trick-or-treat trails, costumed characters, and lighthearted shows.

At night, the park transforms for Fright Fest. Haunted houses, scare zones, and themed shows like the Monster Mash Bash and Haunted Hollywood keep the thrills coming. This is the time for older kids and adults who want big scares.

SeaWorld San Antonio

SeaWorld’s daytime Spooktacular is all about family fun. Kids can wear costumes, join candy trails, and meet friendly characters in safe trick-or-treat zones.

When night falls, Howl-O-Scream takes over. Haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment, and even roller coasters in the dark make it a chilling experience. For those who prefer fewer frights, guests can wear a “No Boo” necklace to signal scare actors to stay away.

Día de los Muertos

San Antonio’s cultural identity is closely tied to Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. This tradition is celebrated alongside Halloween and adds a unique cultural touch to the season.

Celebrations at La Villita

La Villita Neighbourhood hosts one of the city’s largest Día de los Muertos events. Visitors can see beautifully decorated altars, enjoy live music, and join colorful parades. Traditional food and art vendors make it a festive and welcoming experience.

Market Square Festivities

Historic Market Square also comes alive with music, dancing, and cultural displays. Families can explore altars, shop for crafts, and enjoy authentic Mexican food.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

These events are family friendly and full of artistic flair. Bright costumes, face painting, and live performances create a joyful environment that honors loved ones while celebrating life.

Unique & Local Halloween Experiences

Beyond haunted houses and theme parks, San Antonio offers unique Halloween events that you won’t find anywhere else. These activities mix history, nature, and local charm with festive fun.

San Antonio Historical Ghost Tour

The Historical Ghost Tour takes you through the city’s haunted past. Guides share eerie stories as you explore famous landmarks like the Alamo, the Menger Hotel, and the Spanish Governor’s Palace.

Cavern Fall Bat Fest at Natural Bridge Caverns

This event combines Halloween fun with nature. Families can enjoy pumpkin-themed activities and fall games while watching thousands of bats take flight. The mix of science, wildlife, and spooky vibes makes it a memorable October outing.

Halloween Spook-Track-ula at the Texas Transportation Museum

For younger kids, Halloween Spook-Track-ula is a safe and festive choice. Families can ride decorated trains, stop at trick-or-treat stations, and join pumpkin decorating activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does San Antonio do anything for Halloween?

Yes! San Antonio celebrates Halloween with a wide variety of events. Families can enjoy Zoo Boo at the San Antonio Zoo, Happy Frights at the Botanical Garden, and trick-or-treating at the Pearl. Thrill seekers can visit haunted houses like 13th Floor or theme park events such as Six Flags Fright Fest and SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream.

Are there any haunted places in San Antonio?

San Antonio is full of haunted history. Popular spots include the Alamo, the Menger Hotel, and the Spanish Governor’s Palace. Many ghost tours highlight these locations and share the spooky stories behind them.

What are the best family friendly Halloween events in San Antonio?

Top family friendly events include Zoo Boo, Happy Frights, Monster Bash at the Witte Museum, and Halloween at the Pearl. Pumpkin patches and corn mazes like Devine Acres Farm and South Texas Maize are also perfect for kids.

What are the scariest haunted houses in San Antonio?

The 13th Floor Haunted House is one of the most intense and detailed attractions in the city. Other spooky options include Terror Mansion, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, and Nightmare at Owl Creek.

When is the best time to visit San Antonio for Halloween events?

The best time to visit is mid-October through Halloween week. By then, all major events—theme parks, haunted houses, and cultural festivals—are in full swing, and the weather is cooler for outdoor activities.

Conclusion

Halloween in San Antonio is more than a holiday—it’s an experience filled with thrills, culture, and family friendly fun. From haunted houses that test your courage to glowing gardens and trick-or-treat trails for kids, the city offers something for everyone. Add in the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos, and San Antonio becomes a truly unique place to celebrate the season.

Plan early, grab your costumes, and explore all the events this vibrant city has to offer. Whether you’re chasing scares, making family memories, or honoring cultural traditions, San Antonio has a way of turning Halloween into something unforgettable.