San Antonio’s largest Día de los Muertos celebration, Muertos Fest at Hemisfair, returns in 2025 with an exciting new addition: a Friday night experience dedicated to the life and legacy of conjunto legend Flaco Jiménez. The event, titled ¡Presente! A Night to Remember – An Evening of Altar Viewing and a Musical Tribute to Flaco Jiménez takes place on Friday, October 24, 2025, setting the tone for a powerful weekend of remembrance, music, and culture.
The evening begins with sensory-friendly altar viewing from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., offering guests the opportunity to explore more than 80 altars in a calm and reflective setting. At 8 p.m., the spotlight turns to a spectacular musical tribute to five-time Grammy Award–winner Flaco Jiménez. Curated by Juan Tejeda with the support of Max Baca, the tribute features an all-star lineup of performers including David Hidalgo and Cesar Rosas of Los Lobos, Santiago Jiménez Jr., Dwayne Verheyden traveling in from the Netherlands, Stephanie Montiel, Patsy Torres, Rubén Ramos, Rick Treviño, Rebecca Valadez, Jesse Borrego, Lisa Morales, Laura Denisse y los Brillantes, Nune Rubio, and others. Serving as the house band for the evening will be Max Baca & Los Texmaniacs, ensuring an unforgettable musical journey celebrating the artistry and legacy of Flaco Jiménez.
“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. “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.”
Following the Friday evening tribute, the complete Muertos Fest 2025 program continues with events on Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, October 26, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. More than 50 performances will take place across five stages throughout the weekend, featuring live music, dance, poetry, DJs, and various forms of cultural entertainment. Audiences will enjoy performances by Erick y Su Grupo Massore, La Doña, The Last Bandoleros, Gabriella, El Dusty & the Homies, Campanas de America, Piñata Protest, Kings del Wepa, Llamativa, Los Juanos, Nick Gaitán, The Tiarras, The Guadalupe Dance Company, and many more.
In addition to the music, new and returning cultural experiences will enhance the festival. UNAM San Antonio will debut a pop-up Day of the Dead Bookstore on the festival grounds, offering a selection of books and cultural programming throughout the weekend. Festival favorites also return, including the Children’s Area, presented by Metro Health; the curated Muertos Mercado; hands-on educational workshops; and unique DJ experiences, such as Nicho Sonido: Música for Grieving and Healing, and the SoundCream Airstream. The festival’s signature processions take place on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., with special tributes planned for Flaco Jiménez, beloved 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. “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.”
Now in its thirteenth year, Muertos Fest continues to grow as the largest Día de los Muertos celebration in San Antonio, drawing more than 100,000 attendees annually. The event is recognized nationally and internationally as one of the premier Day of the Dead celebrations, having been named one of the 10 Great Day of the Dead Celebrations in the world by USA Today and one of the 7 Best Fall Festivals in the United States by National Geographic.
For more information and the full festival program, visit www.muertosfest.com. Stay updated by following @MuertosFest on social media, downloading the Muertos Fest app, and tuning in to KSAT-12 on October 29, 2025, for a two-hour primetime special showcasing the event.
