Day of the Dead River Parade Watch Party

Hard Rock Cafe San Antonio is hosting a watch party for the Day of the Dead River Parade on Friday, October 23, from 7 PM to 9:30 PM, with doors opening at 6:30 PM. The party includes a buffet, gelato, a DJ, and festive favors, and it's built around the parade passing right by on the Riverwalk.

The parade itself is one of San Antonio's signature celebrations of remembrance. Elaborately decorated barges float down the downtown River Walk, each carrying altars, catrinas, and costumed riders. The route runs about 2.5 miles, starting near Lexington Avenue by the Tobin Center and Thompson San Antonio, with the first float expected at Parade Plaza around 8:15 PM. Beyond the river, the evening extends to Parade Plaza Presented by Hennessy at the Convention Center Lagoon, with entertainment, food, drinks, and immersive Hennessy activations, and to the Day of the Dead Tradition Trail, where alebrijes, calaveras, and altars line the River Walk.

Hard Rock Cafe bills itself as the city's best parade watch party, and it offers a few ways to see it. General Admission is $75++ per person. For those 21 and over, there's a Day of the Dead Balcony Pop-up Bar for $55++ per person, which puts you on the balcony for a view of the barges passing below. If you're bringing a group, there's a VIP section at that same pop-up bar for $800++, which covers up to 10 guests. Children 2 and under enter free. A few practical things to keep in mind: strollers, carriers, and ice chests aren't permitted on the River Walk, so plan accordingly if you're coming with kids.