Tackle San Antonio’s Day of the Dead river parade hassle-free

This weekend, the San Antonio River Walk will look the same as ever. But on Friday, October 24, barges will float along it through downtown, spreading marigolds, colorful calaveras and the spirit of Día de los Muertos throughout the Alamo City.

During the Day of the Dead River Parade, each barge will represent a different figure or tradition associated with the holiday. In an email, a spokesperson for Visit San Antonio told MySA that the 23 barges are “uniquely decorated to tell the story of Dia de los Muertos,” and each is sponsored by an organization or business, such as Las Palapas, 7Brew, Modelo and others.

There are a few different ways to experience the parade. One option is to buy tickets for reserved seating along the parade route, which start at $17.49 in the cheapest section (Area K). Area L is at the Arneson River Theatre, where there will be entertainment throughout the night. Packages are available for watch parties at certain River Walk establishments, such as the InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk hotel and The Westin Riverwalk.

A free section with standing room-only availability (that means no chairs allowed) can be accessed between Presa Street and College Street, according to the River Walk website. Visit San Antonio told MySA that spots in this section are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can view the different areas along the river parade route on a map posted on the River Walk’s website.

The parade begins at 7 p.m. from the Tobin Center on Lexington Avenue. If you’re watching from the Arneson River Theatre, the first barges are expected to come through 45 minutes later. The River Walk will be closed down for the parade starting at 5 p.m., and gates will open at 6 p.m. for attendees. Anywhere you watch it from, folks are advised to get there as early as they can to snag parking and a good view. There are also multiple options for ADA-accessible seating and viewing. 

The spokesperson recommended using the City of San Antonio’s website to locate downtown parking areas.

New this year is the Parade Plaza, a ticketed area that features “a new festival-like experience with local artisans, entertainment, and food vendors as the barges float through the section,” the spokesperson said. 

The City of San Antonio has indicated there will not be road closures for the parade — or Muertos Fest, for that matter — but those attending either should expect heavy traffic and delays while driving to or through the area. 

Though 2022’s parade was streamable on Peacock (and hosted by Mario Lopez), this year’s will look a bit different. Folks who can’t make it out to the River Walk will be able to catch a livestream of the parade online through Telemundo.