River Walk Hotel Hosts Spirited Activations for Día de los Muertos
River Walk Hotel, Hotel Contessa, Celebrates Dia de los Muertos Throughout October
San Antonio’s vibrant River Walk hotel, Hotel Contessa, to host various cultural events including parade viewing, a student-led street taco cook-off, a special art fair and more!
WHAT:
Hotel Contessa is excited to present a monthlong Día de los Muertos celebration along San Antonio’s iconic River Walk, filled with vibrant cultural traditions, culinary experiences and live entertainment. Guests can enjoy VIP front-row seats to the Día de los Muertos River Parade, creative community workshops, a special seasonal edition of the monthly Sunday art fair and much more. These festivities are designed to honor the spirit of remembrance and bring the community together across all ages.
Día de los Muertos River Parade Celebration | River Level Atrium & River Patio
Friday, Oct. 24 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
San Antonio’s Day of the Dead River Parade features elaborately decorated floats with altars, catrinas and costumed riders. Guests who book at Hotel Contessa can expect front row seats to the parade, as well face painting, mariachi music, a live DJ, plus tacos and local food vendors. Tickets range from $50 to $110 (depending on preferred seat proximity and viewing quality) and can be booked via Eventbrite.
Día de los Muertos River Parade Celebration – VIP Terrace Experience
Friday, Oct. 24 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
For those seeking an elevated view of San Antonio’s iconic Día de los Muertos River Parade, Hotel Contessa’s VIP terrace experience offers an intimate celebration on the hotel’s private rooftop. Guests will enjoy two specialty cocktails, private bar access, live DJ entertainment, and a flower crown-making station, all while overlooking the River Walk festivities. VIP guests will also be entered into a raffle to win a one-night stay at Hotel Contessa in 2026. Tickets start at $175 per person and can be reserved via Eventbrite.
Street Taco Cook-Off with St. Philip’s College | River Patio
Saturday, Oct. 25 | 10:30 a.m to 1 p.m.
Hotel Contessa invites guests to celebrate Día de los Muertos weekend with a lively Street Taco Cook-Off on Ambler’s patio. Culinary students from St. Philip’s College will compete for their dish to be named best taco, showcasing their skills and creativity. Attendees will enjoy complimentary light bites and refreshments during the event. This event is free and open to the public; no RSVP is required.
Make Your Own Altar Kids Workshop | River Level Atrium
Saturday, Oct. 25 | 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Hotel Contessa will offer a hands-on workshop designed for kids (ages 12 and under) to explore the traditions of Día de los Muertos through art and creativity. Guided by local artist Mary Carmen Sessions, children will craft marigolds from tissue paper, design colorful papel picado, shape and paint a mini pan de muerto from modeling clay and learn the meaning behind each element and its cultural significance. Tickets cost $25 per child and include all supplies, one drink (soda, juice or water) and snacks (chips and a cookie), and they can be purchased at THIS link.
Spirits & Sips Altar Workshop (Adults Only) | River Level Atrium
Saturday, Oct. 25 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.
This adults-only altar-making workshop offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a signature cocktail while designing their own mini altar. Set along the River Walk, the event provides a lively, social atmosphere where participants will also learn about the cultural traditions behind each altar element.
Tickets are $55 per person and include one cocktail, a complete altar kit and all necessary art supplies. Purchase tickets here.
Monthly Art Fair: Día de los Muertos Edition + CAST School Student Art Reveal | River Level Atrium
Sunday, Oct. 26 | 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hotel Contessa’s monthly art fair returns with a special Día de los Muertos edition, transforming the property into a colorful showcase of local artistry. Highlights include a curated marketplace of San Antonio artists and artisans with Día de los Muertos-inspired works, plus a special reveal of artwork created by CAST School students, who are mentored by professional local artists. This event is free and open to the public; no RSVP is required.
Spooky Spa Halloween Party | Rooftop Spa
Saturday, Oct. 31 | 6 to 9 p.m.
Locals are invited to an adults-only, Halloween-themed evening at the spa featuring rooftop spa and jacuzzi access, themed spa demos, light bites, spooky cocktails, a crystal sound bath experience and more. Guests will sign up upon arrival for their top three spa services and demos, including chair massages, Japanese head spa demos, infrared sauna services, cold plunge stretch sessions and more. The evening also includes adult trick-or-treating, a costume contest and complimentary parking. Sound bath tickets are limited and available for $30 per person with RSVP.
WHEN:
Friday, Oct. 24 to Sunday, Oct. 31, 2025 (event times vary; see schedule above)
WHERE:
Hotel Contessa, 306 W. Market St., San Antonio, TX 78205
About Hotel Contessa
An intimate, all-suite retreat set directly on San Antonio’s beloved River Walk, Hotel Contessa delights arriving guests with stylish suites that take their design cues from the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Discover stylish suites and unwind at our spa, complemented by Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails serving up agave cocktails and authentic Texas fare. Hotel Contessa is located at 306 W. Market St., San Antonio, TX 78205. For more information, visit thehotelcontessa.com.
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