San Antonio TX, October 25, 2025
News Summary
San Antonio is gearing up for a vibrant weekend filled with concerts, parades, and cultural activities, including the Day of the Dead River Parade and a Paul McCartney concert. Attendees are advised to expect large crowds, limited parking, and possible thunderstorms. City agencies are coordinating transit and safety measures in anticipation of over 100,000 attendees across various events. Public safety officials will increase their presence, while attendees are encouraged to arrive early and utilize free Park and Ride services.
San Antonio
San Antonio is preparing for a busy weekend of concerts, parades and cultural events, with officials warning attendees to plan for heavy crowds, limited parking and possible thunderstorms. The weekend’s major draws include a large Day of the Dead program downtown and a Paul McCartney concert at the Alamodome, and city agencies are arranging additional transit, traffic coordination and public safety staffing to handle an estimated surge in visitors.
Immediate overview
Attendees should be prepared for rain, as thunderstorms are forecasted from late Friday night through midday Saturday. The most visible event on Saturday night will be the Day of the Dead River Parade on the San Antonio River, while the Alamodome will host a major concert the same evening. Organizers and city officials expect heavy travel and crowded streets across downtown and near major venues.
Key events and logistics
The Day of the Dead River Parade is scheduled for Saturday evening at 7 p.m. at 418 Villita Street. The River Parade features decorated floats and costumes celebrating life and loved ones and is a ticketed event. On Saturday, Paul McCartney’s Got Back Tour concert will take place at the Alamodome, starting at 8 p.m.
Sunday will continue the cultural programming downtown. Sunday will see continuing Day of the Dead celebrations at Historic Market Square, featuring cultural activities, traditional altars, face painting, and live music. That Market Square event is unrestricted by age and does not charge admission.
Transit, parking and crowd expectations
VIA will provide free Park and Ride service on Saturday from 3 p.m. until one hour after the Paul McCartney concert. Park and Ride services will be available from 151 N. Crossroads Blvd, the Brooks Transit Center, and Frost Bank Center Lots 6 and 7. Attendees are advised to use transit options to avoid parking delays and congestion.
The city anticipates more than 100,000 people to attend major events over the weekend. Events are scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to midnight on the weekend. Given the expected crowds, attendees should arrive early and plan ahead due to anticipated traffic and parking challenges.
Public safety, traffic control and weather guidance
SAPD will increase the number of officers on duty for the weekend events and has implemented a designated rideshare pick-up and drop-off zone at Ellis Alley on Chestnut Avenue. No new road closures or detours are planned for the weekend, and Public Works will coordinate traffic signal timing with SAPD. City public relations staff have noted that this weekend will be among the busiest of the year for public events downtown.
The Sunday Market Square event is free and open to all ages, and events will proceed regardless of weather conditions. Attendees are advised to check the event’s social media pages for the latest updates on festivities.
Event context
Day of the Dead celebrations have become a major cultural highlight in downtown San Antonio, drawing decorated floats, costumed participants and family altars that honor deceased loved ones. The River Parade and Market Square activities are among the weekend’s signature offerings, with programming designed for families and adults alike. Organizers have emphasized both the celebratory and commemorative aspects of the events.
Practical tips for attendees
- Expect heavy traffic and limited parking near downtown venues; allow extra travel time.
- Consider using the free VIA Park and Ride services beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
- Plan for wet weather on Friday night into Saturday morning; bring rain gear and check event social media for updates.
- Use designated rideshare zones at Ellis Alley on Chestnut Avenue to streamline pick-ups and drop-offs.
- Purchase tickets in advance for the River Parade and the Alamodome concert where applicable.
Summary of responsibilities
City transit, public works and police units will coordinate schedules and traffic signals to accommodate the expected crowds. Organizers and officials are urging early arrival and use of transit options, while maintaining that major events will move forward according to schedule unless weather or safety concerns force changes. Attendees should monitor official event pages for any last-minute updates.
FAQ
When is the Day of the Dead River Parade?
The Day of the Dead River Parade is scheduled for Saturday evening at 7 p.m. at 418 Villita Street.
What is the status of weather for the weekend?
Attendees should be prepared for rain, as thunderstorms are forecasted from late Friday night through midday Saturday.
What does the River Parade feature?
The River Parade features decorated floats and costumes celebrating life and loved ones and is a ticketed event.
When and where is the Paul McCartney concert?
On Saturday, Paul McCartney’s Got Back Tour concert will take place at the Alamodome, starting at 8 p.m.
Who encouraged attendance at the Day of the Dead festivities?
Johnny Hernandez, Founder of Day of the Dead San Antonio, encourages everyone to come out and enjoy the festivities.
How are downtown Day of the Dead programs described?
Day of the Dead celebrations throughout downtown San Antonio mark it as one of their signature celebrations.
What will occur at Historic Market Square on Sunday?
Sunday will see continuing Day of the Dead celebrations at Historic Market Square, featuring cultural activities, traditional altars, face painting, and live music.
Is the Sunday Market Square event free?
The Sunday Market Square event is free and open to all ages, and events will proceed regardless of weather conditions.
Where can attendees find updates?
Attendees are advised to check the event’s social media pages for the latest updates on festivities.
What Park and Ride service is available?
VIA will provide free Park and Ride service on Saturday from 3 p.m. until one hour after the Paul McCartney concert.
Where are Park and Ride pickup locations?
Park and Ride services will be available from 151 N. Crossroads Blvd, the Brooks Transit Center, and Frost Bank Center Lots 6 and 7.
How many people are expected this weekend?
The city anticipates more than 100,000 people to attend major events over the weekend.
When are events scheduled to run?
Events are scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to midnight on the weekend.
What planning advice is given to attendees?
Attendees should arrive early and plan ahead due to anticipated traffic and parking challenges.
What are SAPD and traffic arrangements?
SAPD will increase the number of officers on duty for the weekend events and has implemented a designated rideshare pick-up and drop-off zone at Ellis Alley on Chestnut Avenue.
Are there road closures planned?
No new road closures or detours are planned for the weekend, and Public Works will coordinate traffic signal timing with SAPD.
How busy is the weekend expected to be?
Kelly Saunders, Public Relations Manager for the City of San Antonio, notes that this weekend will be one of the busiest of the year.
Key features
| Feature | Detail | Cost / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Day of the Dead River Parade | Saturday evening, 7 p.m., 418 Villita Street | Ticketed event |
| Paul McCartney concert | Saturday, 8 p.m., Alamodome | Ticketed event |
| Historic Market Square activities | Sunday, cultural activities, altars, face painting, live music | Free and open to all ages |
| VIA Park and Ride | Saturday from 3 p.m. until one hour after concert | Free; multiple pickup locations |
Weekend timeline
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Late Friday night through midday Saturday | Thunderstorms forecasted | Forecasted |
| Saturday, 3 p.m. until one hour after concert | VIA free Park and Ride service | Scheduled |
| Saturday, 7 p.m. | Day of the Dead River Parade at 418 Villita Street | Scheduled |
| Saturday, 8 p.m. | Paul McCartney’s Got Back Tour concert at the Alamodome | Scheduled |
| Sunday, 11 a.m. onward | Day of the Dead events at Historic Market Square | Scheduled |
Quick statistics (visual)
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Additional Resources
- San Antonio Things to Do
- Wikipedia: San_Antonio
- Axios San Antonio
- Google Search: San Antonio events
- KENS5 San Antonio
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- Community Impact San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio events
- San Antonio Current
- Google News: San Antonio philharmonic postpones concerts
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The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
