The organizers of a popular San Antonio Día de los Muertos festival at Woodlawn Lake have canceled the event days before its November 2 date. Planet K Texas says concerns over U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) forced their hand.

“Planet K started this festival in San Antonio, Texas, 20 years ago, and for two decades we have remained dedicated to bringing our community together each year to celebrate, honor, and remember those who came before us,” wrote the planners in a statement. “Throughout these 20 years, we have only had to cancel this beloved tradition twice — once due to COVID-19 and now due to the current political and economic challenges.”

The annual event includes vendor booths, a community ofrenda, kids' activities, and a grand finale fireworks display. Each year, proceeds benefit several local nonprofit organizations.

In a repost of the statement, the Woodlawn Community Association noted that neither they, the city of San Antonio, nor D7 Councilmember Marina Alderete Gavito were involved in the decision to cancel.

But the decision comes as tensions are rising between the City Council and ICE. On October 13, the city filed a federal petition against the Department of Homeland Security seeking to block the conversion of an East Side warehouse into a detention facility. The suit alleges that DHS violated the National Environmental Policy Act and the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to review the environmental impact of the project.

No other San Antonio Día de los Muertos event has altered its 2026 plans, including the annual Muertos Fest at Hemisfair (October 23-25). Planet K says it hopes it can return to Woodlawn Lake in 2027, ending its statement with a call to vote.

“¡Viva la tradición! ¡Viva nuestra comunidad!” wrote the organizers.