The Ultimate Guide to Fall in San Antonio: 11 Must-Do Activities

By Kelsey Kennedy | October 2, 2025

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Ahh… blessed fall in San Antonio! As summer finally cools off, locals emerge from their air-conditioned hideouts to soak up the season. From 75° days and pumpkin patches to Halloween thrills and Oktoberfest fun, fall in SA is short but sweet.

Need ideas for the next few months? We’ve got you covered! Whatever you do, get outside—it’s not too hot, not too cold… just right. Welcome to Goldilocks season in the Alamo City!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelsey Kennedy is a local Texas author, photographer, blogger, and native Texan who is fully obsessed with all things local San Antonio. She has written on her travel sites for more than 12 million readers across 38 countries who are looking for cool things to do in the hottest cities in Texas.

11 Things To Do In The Fall In San Antonio

1. Friday Night Lights

It’s football season, and in Texas we don’t just watch football—we live it. In San Antonio, you can catch Friday night high school games or cheer on the city’s own D1 team, the UTSA Roadrunners, on Saturdays.

If pro ball is more your speed, head to a sports bar packed with Cowboys, Texans, and even out-of-town fans repping their home teams. Local favorites include Slacker’s, Mitchell’s Sports Bar, and Lucy Cooper’s Ice House (don’t miss the Tin Can Nachos!).

Many San Antonio craft breweries also stream the games on weekends—check out our top picks here!

2. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

San Antonio might not bring the crisp fall air, but a pumpkin patch can make it look like autumn. Local patches offer games, food, music, and endless pumpkins for photo ops. After snagging the perfect fall pic, grab a pumpkin to take home for your Halloween jack-o-lantern.

Pumpkin patches around San Antonio range from free to ticketed, with different activities and hours. Check out our full guide to the best pumpkin patches in and around the city.

3. Six Flags Fiesta Texas Fright Fest

Starting in early September, Six Flags Fiesta Texas transforms into Fright Fest, a full-on Halloween celebration. After dark, the park fills with haunted houses, spooky shows, Halloween-themed rides, and roaming monsters ready to creep you out.

Fright Fest is on select nights this September - November. Check for specific dates on the Six Flags website.

4. Get Outside - Hiking in San Antonio

Cooler fall temps in San Antonio mean it’s finally time to hit the trails. The city offers plenty of great spots like Comanche Park, Government Canyon, and Friedrich Wilderness Park.

Want to venture out a bit? Head to Guadalupe State Park, the Mission Trail, or Blanco State Park for even more hiking (and some rivers to cool off in).

Check out our full list of the best hikes in and around San Antonio here.

5. Zoo Boo

From mid-September through October, the San Antonio Zoo hosts Zoo Boo, a kid-friendly Halloween celebration with live music, costume parties, trick-or-treating, and plenty of animals.

The best part? It’s included with regular zoo admission—tickets available online.

6. Eat Something Pumpkin Spice Flavored

Nothing says fall in San Antonio quite like having pumpkin infused into any and every possible dish and hot drink. You’re not going to beat ‘em, so why not just join ‘em and enjoy this tasty autumn treat.

Check out some of the best coffee shops in San Antonio and some of the best brunch restaurants in San Antonio as many will be breaking out the pumpkin spice lattes, pancakes, and waffles.

7. Celebrate Oktoberfest

When Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest in San Antonio

Oktoberfest in San Antonio is all about German food, polka, and (of course) beer. Festivals pop up across the city each fall, ranging from family-friendly to 21+ celebrations—lederhosen encouraged!

See our post on where to celebrate Oktoberfest in San Antonio for a list of locations to get your chicken dance on.

8. Visit a Haunted House

If you love ringing in fall with a thrill, San Antonio has haunted houses that deliver plenty of scares.

Popular spots include 13th Floor San Antonio and the Haunted Oaks, where the jump scares and creepy vibes are in full force.

9. Barbacoa and Big Red Festival

It may not scream “fall,” but it definitely screams San Antonio. The Barbacoa and Big Red Festival, October 11-12 2025, celebrates two of the city’s most iconic foods. This family-friendly event features games, live music, vendors, and, of course, all the barbacoa and Big Red you can eat—judge for yourself if they’re a match made in heaven!

10. Muertos Fest

Named one of the “7 Best Fall Festivals in the USA” by National Geographic, Muertos Fest brings Día de los Muertos and fall in San Antonio to life.

The festival draws over 135,000 attendees with altars, processions, live music, workshops, and plenty of food and art vendors. Muertos Fest takes place in late October and is free and open to the public—check their website for details.

11. Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld

SeaWorld’s annual Howl-O-Scream returns in September and October with six haunted houses and eight “terror-tories,” all included with daily park admission.

Guests can also enjoy spooky bars, nighttime coaster rides, and ghostly live shows in the Nautilus Amphitheater. Howl-O-Scream starts at 7 PM daily and is not recommended for children under 13!!

No matter how you choose to spend it, fall in San Antonio is a season to savor. Grab your friends, family, (or just your sense of adventure!) and explore the city’s cool mix of thrills and flavors. By the time the leaves (or the lack thereof) change, you’ll have made memories that are unmistakably San Antonio.

Need more fall ideas in San Antonio?

Pumpkin Patches in San Antonio

Best San Antonio Hiking Trails

Where To Celebrate Oktoberfest in San Antonio