Fall in San Antonio means marigolds, sugar skulls, and families honoring the people (and animals) they love. This year, San Antonio Zoo is joining the celebration with Fiesta de los Muertos, an all-new Día de los Muertos experience inside Zoo Boo!, presented by PNC.
Here’s the short answer. Fiesta de los Muertos runs as part of Zoo Boo! through November 1, it’s included with standard admission, and it’s always free for members. Guests walk through three themed realms full of larger-than-life art, photo spots, face painting, and festive food.
What Is Fiesta de los Muertos?
Fiesta de los Muertos is new for 2026. It brings the color, art, and meaning of Día de los Muertos into Zoo Boo!, San Antonio Zoo’s not-so-scary fall tradition that’s celebrating 40 years.
The experience centers on family, memories, and celebrating loved ones who have passed. It also gives animals a special place in the story, which makes it a natural fit for San Antonio Zoo.
Día de los Muertos 101
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a tradition with roots in Mexico and Central America, observed November 1 and 2. It isn’t a sad holiday. It’s a joyful way to remember loved ones and welcome their spirits home.
Here are a few symbols you’ll see around San Antonio this season:
- Ofrenda: an altar decorated with photos, marigolds, candles, and a loved one’s favorite foods
- Calaveras: skulls, often shown as colorful sugar skulls
- Alebrijes: brightly painted fantasy creatures from Mexican folk art
- Catrina: an elegant, dressed-up skeleton figure that has become a symbol of the holiday
- Marigolds: bright orange flowers believed to help guide spirits home
Explore the Three Realms
Fiesta de los Muertos is split into three themed areas. Grab the map so you can find each one.
Plaza de los Recuerdos: Cross the Marigold Bridge into a realm built around remembrance. Enjoy festive décor and themed treats, then stop by the Ofrenda de Animales. This animal ofrenda honors the animals who have touched people’s lives, so it’s a sweet moment to think of a pet you’ve loved.
Calaveras Salvajes: Here, wildlife meets sugar-skull art. Animal sculptures are covered in detailed calavera-inspired designs, which makes this a great place to snap photos with your favorites.
El Jardín de los Alebrijes: This garden is packed with colorful alebrijes inspired by Mexican folk art. It’s a fun stop for kids who love bright colors and made-up creatures.
Things to See and Do
Every realm has something to explore, and there’s plenty happening around them:
- Visit the ofrenda honoring the meaning and spirit of Día de los Muertos
- Get your face painted
- Catch live entertainment around the park
- Try limited-time themed food and drinks
- Take family photos in every realm
Saturdays add a DJ to the mix, so weekend visits come with extra energy.
Pair It With the Rest of Zoo Boo!
Fiesta de los Muertos is just one part of the day. Since everything is included, you can build a full afternoon around it.
Here’s what else Zoo Boo! offers:
- Free trick-or-treating daily from 4 to 5 pm, with candy made using sustainably sourced palm oil
- The John and Greli Less Spider Rainforest, with real spiders
- Seasonal eats like Zombie Brains (crispy cauliflower fritters with sweet Thai chili) and Deep Fried Oreos
Between realms, swing by the Whataburger Theater, a space built for up-close animal ambassador programs. Check the daily schedule when you arrive so you don’t miss a show.
Dates Zoo Members Won’t Want to Miss
A few days during Zoo Boo! come with extra perks:
- Membership Appreciation Day, Saturday, October 24: Bring a Friend Free plus a member giveaway while supplies last
- Halloween, Saturday, October 31: extended hours until 9 pm
- Sunday, November 1: the last day of Zoo Boo!, which lands on Día de los Muertos itself
Since Zoo Boo! is always free for zoo members, a San Antonio Zoo Membership lets you come back to every realm as often as you’d like. Bring a Friend Free on October 24 makes it even better.
Make It a Día de los Muertos Weekend in San Antonio
San Antonio goes all out for Day of the Dead, and Fiesta de los Muertos is a great way to kick things off. After your visit, head to downtown San Antonio for more:
- Muertos Fest at Hemisfair, October 23 to 25: one of the largest Day of the Dead celebrations in the country, with 80+ community altars, two processions, five stages of live music, and more than 75 art vendors
- Day of the Dead San Antonio at La Villita, October 23 to 25: free family fun with live music, kids’ face painting, a giant alebrije exhibit, and what organizers call the largest catrina and catrín in the U.S.
- The Día de los Muertos Tradition Trail along the River Walk, free through November 2: ofrendas, calaveras, and alebrijes at hotels, restaurants, museums, La Villita, and Hemisfair
- The Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade, Friday, October 23, at 7 pm: decorated floats along the River Walk, with tickets required
Muertos Fest is free and kicks off Friday, October 23, with sensory-friendly hours from 5 to 7 pm. The full festival runs Saturday and Sunday.
Here’s a fun local plan. Spend Saturday, October 24, at San Antonio Zoo for Membership Appreciation Day, then head to Hemisfair on Sunday for Muertos Fest.
Tips for Your Visit
- Buy tickets online in advance for the best price
- Explore the realms earlier in the day, before the 4 pm trick-or-treat rush
- Wear comfy shoes, since three realms plus candy stops add up
- Bring your own trick-or-treat bag
- Check Zoo Hours before you go, especially on Halloween
FAQs
Is Fiesta de los Muertos included with admission?
Yes. It’s part of Zoo Boo!, presented by PNC, which is included with standard admission and always free for members.
How long does Fiesta de los Muertos run?
It runs during Zoo Boo!, which wraps up November 1. Check daily hours before you visit.
What is the Ofrenda de Animales?
It’s a special ofrenda in Plaza de los Recuerdos. It honors the animals who have touched people’s lives.
Is Fiesta de los Muertos good for kids?
Yes. Zoo Boo! is built to be festive, not frightening. Kids can enjoy face painting, colorful alebrijes, and daily trick-or-treating.
Is Fiesta de los Muertos the same as Muertos Fest?
No. Fiesta de los Muertos takes place at San Antonio Zoo. Muertos Fest is a separate free festival at Hemisfair in downtown San Antonio, October 23 to 25.
Do zoo members get extra perks?
Yes. Members get into Zoo Boo! free. On October 24, they can also enjoy Bring a Friend Free during Membership Appreciation Day.
Celebrate With Us This Fall
Come celebrate Día de los Muertos with us at San Antonio Zoo. Grab your tickets online in advance for the best price, or become a Member for unlimited visits, free parking, and Zoo Boo! free all season long. Either way, make sure you explore all three realms before Fiesta de los Muertos ends November 1!