San Antonio's largest Día de los Muertos celebration, Muertos Fest at Hemisfair, is back with an expanded lineup and a musical tribute to Grammy-winning conjunto legend Flaco Jiménez. The star-studded free concert kicks off Friday evening, October 24, as part of the festival's growing weekend offerings.

Held in downtown San Antonio from October 24-26, the 13th annual festival is recognized as the largest Día de los Muertos festival in the U.S. The event draws more than 100,000 attendees annually and has earned acclaim from national publications like USA Today and National Geographic.

The weekend opens October 24 at 5 pm, when visitors can explore more than 80 ofrendas decorated with calaveras (skulls), marigolds, pan de muerto (a sweet bread of the dead), and personal items honoring the lives of the dearly departed. The quiet hours will be reflective and sensory-friendly, before the tribute kicks off at 8 pm.

Tejano Conjunto Festival founder Juan Tejeda, with support from musician Max Baca, curated a lineup of Tejano greats, including David Hidalgo and Cesar Rosas of Los Lobos, Santiago Jiménez Jr., Dwayne Verheyden, Stefani Montiel, Patsy Torres, Rubén Ramos, Rick Treviño, Rebecca Valadez, Jesse Borrego, Lisa Morales, Laura Denisse y los Brillantes, Nune Rubio, and more. Baca's Los Texmaniacs will serve as the house band.

"Flaco Jiménez is not only a San Antonio treasure, but a global icon whose artistry has transcended borders," said Jim Mendiola, Muertos Fest artistic director, via a release. "It is an honor for Muertos Fest to pay tribute to him in this special way, surrounded by the community, music, and traditions he helped elevate."

On Saturday, October 25, and Sunday, October 26, the festival offers back-to-back performances, with more than 50 acts spread across five stages. Highlights include Erick y Su Grupo Massore, La Doña, The Last Bandoleros, Gabriella, El Dusty & the Homies, Piñata Protest, and The Tiarras. Festivalgoers can expect music, dance, poetry, and more from morning to night, with Saturday running 10 am–11 pm and Sunday 12 pm–9 pm.

During the weekend, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico San Antonio will also debut a pop-up Day of the Dead bookstore, offering books and cultural programming throughout the weekend. Among the returning festival favorites will be the popular children's area, the curated Muertos Mercado, hands-on workshops, and DJ experiences from Nicho Sonido: Música for Grieving and Healing and the SoundCream Airstream.

This year's processions — Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday at 3 pm — will honor Jiménez, San Antonio arts educator Mary Cantu, and the Queens of Tejano Music: Lydia Mendoza, Laura Canales, and Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.

“Muertos Fest at Hemisfair is one of the most meaningful and inspiring events held each year in our community," said Justin Rodriguez, Bexar County Commissioner Precinct 2, via a statement. "The citizens of Bexar County invite everyone from throughout our region and our country to join us as we pay tribute to our loved ones with respect and dignity in celebration
of our culture and our people.”

Festival hours, activities, and information on how to contribute to the community altar can be found online. KSAT-12 will also be airing a two-hour prime-time special on October 29 for those who don't want to brave the crowds.