If you’re looking for an unforgettable Halloween experience, San Antonio has everything you need to make the 2024 spooky season magical! From haunted tours to family-friendly festivals, the Halloween Riverwalk San Antonio is just the beginning of a citywide celebration filled with ghoulish fun, eerie adventures, and fall festivities. With so many exciting events and activities, Halloween in San Antonio is sure to be a thrilling experience in 2024. Be sure to plan ahead, dress in your spookiest costume, and enjoy everything this wonderful city has to offer during the Halloween season.
From family-friendly fun to spine-chilling scares, there’s something for everyone this Halloween. Make the most of it by attending the Halloween Riverwalk and exploring all the spooky events happening throughout the city! Whether you’re a fan of haunted houses, live shows, or nature-inspired events, this guide will take you through the top 20 Halloween happenings in San Antonio for 2024.
1. Attend the First-Ever Cavern Fall Bat Fest at Natural Bridge Caverns
In 2024, San Antonio will host the first-ever Cavern Fall Bat Fest at Natural Bridge Caverns. This event offers a unique blend of natural wonder and Halloween excitement, perfect for families and nature enthusiasts alike. The festival centres around the incredible sight of thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerging from the cavern at dusk for their nightly flight.
The festival also includes live music, local food vendors, and activities like pumpkin carving, face painting, and scavenger hunts. There’s even a chance to meet bat experts who can answer all your questions about these fascinating creatures. If you’re looking for an educational and exciting way to celebrate Halloween, the Cavern Fall Bat Fest is a great option. Don’t forget to bring your camera — this is one event you’ll want to remember!
2. Ghoulish Halloween Happenings at SeaWorld San Antonio
Each year, SeaWorld San Antonio transforms into a spooky wonderland with its Halloween Spooktacular, but 2024 promises to be the biggest and best yet. This event offers something for all ages, making it one of the most popular family-friendly Halloween celebrations in the city. For the little ones, there’s trick-or-treating throughout the park, with candy stations set up near your favourite marine animal exhibits.
The Halloween Happenings don’t stop there. SeaWorld also offers live, Halloween-themed shows, such as spooky sea lion performances and eerie dance parties where kids and families can groove to Halloween hits. For those looking for more thrill than chill, SeaWorld’s haunted mazes and scare zones are sure to deliver. These attractions feature professional actors in full makeup and costumes, designed to provide a mix of suspense and jump scares that will keep you on your toes.
3. Scary Good Fall Fun at Six Flags Fiesta Texas
If heart-pounding thrills are more your style, Six Flags Fiesta Texas is where you need to be this Halloween season. The park goes all out for Halloween with their Scary Good Fall Fun, which includes rides, games, and attractions that take on a haunting twist for the season. Picture riding your favorite roller coaster — but this time, surrounded by fog, eerie lighting, and the occasional skeleton or zombie lurking nearby.
In addition to the regular thrill rides, Six Flags offers several haunted houses and scare zones designed to frighten even the bravest souls. Each year, the park adds new twists and themes to these haunted attractions, ensuring that even regular visitors will find something new to scream about. Characters in elaborate costumes roam the park, ready to jump out and scare guests at any moment. For an extra thrill, make sure to visit after dark when the scares get more intense!
4. Fright Fest at Six Flags Fiesta Texas
By night, Six Flags Fiesta Texas transforms into a terrifying landscape for its annual Fright Fest. As the sun sets, the park becomes engulfed in darkness, with only the dim glow of pumpkins, flickering lanterns, and glowing eyes to light your way. This experience is not for the faint of heart! The scare zones are taken up a notch, with more elaborate settings and scarier characters ready to chase you through the park’s darkest corners.
Fright Fest is packed with haunted attractions, each designed to send shivers down your spine. Popular haunts include Burial Grounds, a cemetery filled with restless spirits, and Zombie Horde, where the undead come to life and are on the prowl for new victims. These haunted houses and mazes are immersive, filled with shocking special effects, professional actors, and plenty of jump scares that will leave you screaming for more.
5. Wild Encounters at the San Antonio Zoo
For families looking for a less intense Halloween experience, the San Antonio Zoo offers its annual Zoo Boo!, an event that combines the joy of Halloween with the wonder of wildlife. This daytime event is perfect for young children and families, offering all the fun of Halloween without the scares. Kids can come dressed in their favorite costumes and trick-or-treat throughout the zoo while learning about their favorite animals.
The zoo is decorated with festive Halloween displays, from jack-o’-lanterns to cobwebs, creating a whimsical and welcoming atmosphere. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, including pumpkin patch photo ops, face painting, and interactive animal exhibits. The zoo’s friendly animal ambassadors also make special appearances, making it a great educational experience as well.
6. Catch “The Rocky Horror Show” at San Pedro Playhouse
For fans of cult classics and musical theater, “The Rocky Horror Show” at San Pedro Playhouse is a must-see event this Halloween season. Known for its outrageous costumes, quirky characters, and interactive audience participation, this show is unlike any other. The 2024 production promises to be even more extravagant, with updated sets, special effects, and a cast of talented performers ready to bring this beloved musical to life.
The experience of attending “The Rocky Horror Show” goes beyond just watching the performance. Audience participation is a big part of the fun, so be prepared to shout back lines, dance the Time Warp, and even throw some props during key moments. Dressing up is highly encouraged, so break out your fishnets and lab coats to fully immerse yourself in the weird and wonderful world of Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
7. Ghostly Adventures with Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours
Explore the haunted history of San Antonio with Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours, one of the most popular ghost tours in the city. This walking tour takes you through some of San Antonio’s most famous haunted landmarks, offering a mix of historical facts and eerie ghost stories. The tour is a great way to learn more about the city’s rich history while getting into the Halloween spirit.
One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the Menger Hotel, widely regarded as one of the most haunted places in Texas. Guests have reported sightings of ghosts in period clothing, strange sounds, and other paranormal activity. The tour also takes you to the famous Alamo, where many spirits are said to linger from the battle fought there centuries ago.
8. More Spooky Fun Around San Antonio
While the Halloween Riverwalk San Antonio is a must-see, the city is brimming with even more spooky events and attractions throughout October. Haunted houses, Halloween-themed escape rooms, and even spooky 5K races pop up all over San Antonio. Whether you prefer a classic haunted house experience or something more interactive, like solving puzzles in a haunted escape room, there’s plenty to keep you entertained all season long.
One popular haunted attraction is the 13th Floor Haunted House, one of the scariest and most immersive haunted houses in Texas. With multiple terrifying scenarios, professional actors, and Hollywood-quality special effects, it’s a must-visit for anyone who loves a good scare. For those looking for a different kind of thrill, try San Antonio’s Haunted Asylum, where guests are challenged to navigate through an old, abandoned asylum filled with deranged patients and ghostly figures.
If you’re a fitness enthusiast, check out one of the city’s Halloween-themed 5K races, like the Monster Dash or Run for Your Life Zombie Run. These races combine fitness with fun, as runners don their costumes and race through haunted courses, often dodging zombies or other spooky creatures along the way. It’s a fun and active way to celebrate the Halloween season while staying fit!
9. Plan A Spooky Stay
For those who want to extend the Halloween experience, why not plan a spooky stay at one of San Antonio’s haunted hotels? Some of the city’s most famous accommodations, like the Menger Hotel and the Emily Morgan Hotel, are said to be haunted by spirits from the past. Guests have reported everything from strange noises and moving objects to actual ghost sightings, making these hotels the perfect places to stay during Halloween.
The Menger Hotel, located just steps away from the Alamo, is steeped in history and is believed to be haunted by the spirits of Civil War soldiers, as well as the ghost of President Teddy Roosevelt. Meanwhile, the Emily Morgan Hotel, built in the early 20th century, is said to be haunted by former patients from when the building served as a medical facility. Guests staying at these hotels during Halloween often find themselves experiencing eerie and unexplained phenomena.
10. The Haunted House at The Alamodome
The Alamodome hosts one of the largest and most terrifying haunted houses in San Antonio each year, and 2024 is set to be the scariest yet. This haunted house is famous for its detailed sets, professional actors, and state-of-the-art special effects that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life horror movie. Each room and corridor is filled with surprises, from blood-curdling screams to realistic props designed to shock even the bravest visitors.
The haunted house experience at The Alamodome is not for the faint of heart. The intensity ramps up as you make your way through dark hallways, twisted mazes, and rooms filled with nightmarish creatures. Expect to encounter chainsaw-wielding maniacs, deranged clowns, and ghostly figures lurking in the shadows. It’s the perfect choice for thrill-seekers and horror fans who want a true test of their nerves this Halloween.
11. Haunted River Tours on the San Antonio Riverwalk
For a truly unique Halloween experience, hop aboard a haunted riverboat tour along the San Antonio Riverwalk. These guided tours offer a mix of spooky storytelling and beautiful scenery as you glide through the waters of the iconic Riverwalk. The boat tours are a fun and eerie way to learn about the haunted history of San Antonio while enjoying the city’s natural beauty.
During the tour, expert guides share ghost stories and legends tied to San Antonio’s rich history. From tales of restless spirits who wander the riverbanks to stories of eerie occurrences in nearby buildings, the ghostly narratives are sure to send chills down your spine. The Riverwalk itself is also decorated with spooky lights, fog, and Halloween decorations that add to the eerie atmosphere.
12. Trick-or-Treat at La Villita Historic Arts Village
For a charming and family-friendly Halloween experience, visit La Villita Historic Arts Village for a fun-filled day of trick-or-treating, live entertainment, and Halloween festivities. The entire village gets into the spirit of Halloween, with local artisans and vendors offering candy, crafts, and seasonal treats for children and families. La Villita is one of the most charming spots in San Antonio, and its cobblestone streets and historic buildings create the perfect backdrop for a festive day out.
In addition to trick-or-treating, La Villita hosts costume contests, face painting, and pumpkin decorating stations. Kids can enjoy arts and crafts activities while parents browse the village’s many artisan shops, which offer everything from handmade jewellery to local artwork. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place to spend a fall afternoon, especially for families with younger children.
13. Monster Bash at Pearl District
One of San Antonio’s trendiest areas, the Pearl District, goes all out for Halloween with its annual Monster Bash. This family-friendly event features live music, dance performances, and a costume contest where both kids and adults can show off their creative outfits. The Pearl’s collection of restaurants and cafes also get in on the action, offering seasonal menu items like pumpkin-flavoured treats, hot cider, and spooky cocktails.
The Pearl District is a vibrant, historic area that has been revitalised with trendy shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it a perfect location for a Halloween celebration. During the Monster Bash, the entire district is decorated with Halloween decor, from giant pumpkins to cobwebs and twinkling orange lights. There are also kid-friendly activities like face painting, craft stations, and trick-or-treating.
14. Day of the Dead Celebrations
In San Antonio, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations are an integral part of the city’s fall festivities, blending Mexican cultural traditions with Halloween fun. The Day of the Dead celebrations are a time to honor deceased loved ones, and San Antonio hosts one of the largest celebrations in the United States. Held in the heart of the city, this vibrant and colorful event features traditional altars, folkloric dances, parades, and live music.
One of the main hubs for the Day of the Dead celebrations is Market Square, where the entire plaza is filled with vendors selling traditional Mexican foods, crafts, and Día de los Muertos-themed items. Artists create elaborate altars (ofrendas) to honor the dead, adorned with flowers, photos, candles, and food offerings. Visitors can participate by decorating sugar skulls, painting masks, and learning about the rich cultural significance of this holiday.
15. The Magik Theatre’s Halloween Special
The Magik Theatre in San Antonio is known for its engaging and family-friendly productions, and their Halloween Special is a great option for families with young children. Each year, the theater puts on a Halloween-themed show that’s more fun than frightening, perfect for kids who want to celebrate the season without the scares. The 2024 production is set to be a delightful mix of music, comedy, and light-hearted spookiness that the whole family can enjoy.
The theater itself gets into the Halloween spirit, with decorations and special activities for kids before and after the show. Children are encouraged to come dressed in their costumes and can participate in fun games, photo ops, and meet-and-greets with the cast. The Magik Theatre’s productions are always top-notch, with professional actors, elaborate sets, and engaging storylines that capture the imagination of young audiences.
16. Haunted Escape Rooms
Escape rooms have become incredibly popular in recent years, and during the Halloween season, many of San Antonio’s top escape rooms offer spooky, haunted themes. If you’re looking for a more interactive and immersive way to celebrate Halloween, try one of the haunted escape rooms scattered throughout the city. These rooms challenge participants to solve puzzles and riddles to “escape” within a certain time limit, all while being immersed in a haunted or eerie setting.
Some of the most popular haunted escape rooms in San Antonio include Escape the Asylum, where players must escape from a haunted psychiatric hospital, and The Haunting of Crestwood Manor, a ghostly escape room set in a spooky mansion. These rooms feature detailed set designs, eerie lighting, and immersive sound effects that create a truly spine-chilling experience.
17. Spooky Salsa Nights at Salsa on the Square
Looking for a Halloween event that’s a bit different? Head over to Salsa on the Square for a night of dancing at their Spooky Salsa Nights. This unique event combines Latin music, dancing, and Halloween fun, creating an exciting atmosphere for anyone who loves to dance. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume, and there are often prizes for the best-dressed dancers.
The event features live salsa bands and dance instructors who will teach beginners how to salsa, bachata, and merengue. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or a complete newbie, you’ll have a blast learning the steps and dancing the night away. The Square is decked out in Halloween decorations, adding to the festive and spooky atmosphere.
18. Pumpkin Patch and Hayrides at Traders Village
Nothing says fall like a visit to a pumpkin patch, and Traders Village in San Antonio offers one of the best in the area. Their annual Pumpkin Patch and Hayrides event is perfect for families looking to enjoy some classic fall fun. Visitors can pick out pumpkins to take home, explore the pumpkin patch, and enjoy a scenic hayride through the farm.
In addition to the pumpkin patch, Traders Village hosts a variety of other fall activities, including carnival rides, a petting zoo, and live music performances. There’s also a flea market where you can shop for seasonal crafts, decorations, and homemade treats. For kids, there are games, face painting, and photo ops with costumed characters. The atmosphere at Traders Village is friendly and welcoming, making it a great spot for families to spend a day celebrating fall and Halloween.
19. Haunted Ghost Tours at the Alamo
For history buffs and ghost hunters alike, the Alamo offers ghost tours that explore the haunted past of this iconic landmark. The Alamo is one of the most historically significant sites in Texas, and it’s also considered one of the most haunted. During the Halloween season, you can take a guided ghost tour that delves into the eerie legends and ghostly encounters associated with the Alamo.
The tour includes tales of soldiers who died in the famous battle, ghostly apparitions seen by staff and visitors, and unexplained phenomena that have occurred on the grounds. Tour guides share historical facts and spooky stories as they lead you through the Alamo grounds after dark, creating a chilling and unforgettable experience.
20. Kid-Friendly Fall Festival at Morgan’s Wonderland
Finally, for families with young children or those looking for an inclusive and accessible event, Morgan’s Wonderland hosts an annual Fall Festival that is perfect for kids of all abilities. This family-friendly festival includes games, trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, and costume contests, all set in the beautiful and welcoming environment of Morgan’s Wonderland.
Morgan’s Wonderland is a unique theme park designed to be fully accessible for people of all abilities, and their Fall Festival is no exception. The event features a variety of activities tailored to children with different needs, ensuring that everyone can participate in the Halloween fun. From sensory-friendly games to adaptive trick-or-treating stations, Morgan’s Wonderland creates a magical experience for all families.
