San Antonio foodies have some decisions to make in October as festival season kicks into high gear. The middle of the month is packed with celebrations themed around everything from Big Red and barbacoa to Romanian ruler Vlad Tepes. But first, Alamo City locals can check out a weekend beer garden, a salsa cook-off, a burger competition, and a steamy Latin night on a downtown rooftop.
October Beer Garden
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is transforming the historical Carriage House into a lively fall gathering spot every weekend in October. Guests can enjoy cold beer, wine, live acoustic music, concessions, and interactive activities.
Friday, October 3 through Sunday, October 26. Fridays & Saturdays, 1–6 pm and Sundays, 1–8 pm. Free with admission or membership.
Salsa Cook-Off
San Antonio’s most magical salsa wizards are turning up the heat for this friendly competition at the Ranch Motel. All funds raised benefit Blood Cancers United (formerly Leukemia and Lymphoma Society).
Saturday, October 4, 2-5 pm. $25.
Gruene Music & Wine Festival
The 39th annual festival is kicking off the Hill Country event season with four days of tastings, live music, and artisan markets centered around the town’s charming historic district. Read our write-up for more details.
Thursday, October 9, through Sunday, October 12. Free, special events cost extra.
12 San Antonio chefs will battle in a Burger Showdown October 10. Photo courtesy of Hometown Chef/Burger Showdown
Burger Showdown
12 of Alamo City’s culinary superstars go bun-for-bun in a side-by-side taste test at Cherrity Bar. Check out this year’s competitors here.
Friday, October 10, 6:30-9:30 pm. $77.08-$117.51
Barbacoa & Big Red Festival
The long-running homage to, well, barbacoa and Big Red, returns to Freeman Coliseum for another year of tastings, live music, and family fun. Check out the full list of performers here, including a dead ringer Taylor Swift cover act.
Saturday, October 11, 4-11 pm and Sunday, October 12, 10 am-midnight. $8.29-$24.12, food and drink sold separately.
Noche Caliente
The High Praise rooftop bar at the InterContinental San Antonio hotel is feeling hot, hot, hot. During their monthly Latin-inspired party, guests can sip on Código Tequila cocktails and sample bites like chicken tinga tostadas, corn arepas, and carne asada street tacos. The DJ will keep temperatures rising with a Spanish-language mix of hitmakers like Selena and Bad Bunny.
Thursday, October 16, 7-11 pm. Attendance is free, food and drink available for purchase.
Rye and Cigars
The Hotel Valencia is bringing the smoke with a six-course dinner paired with Still Austin cocktails. Guests can enjoy Chef Mark Scheck’s whiskey-inspired menu featuring dishes like flambé jumbo prawns and Akaushi smoked tri-tip. During the feast, attendees can enjoy a hand-selected house cigar on the terrace overlooking the River Walk.
Friday, October 17, 6-9 pm. $103.22.
Wine will be flowing at Spain Fusion. Photo courtesy of Spain Fusion
Spain Fusion
This traveling showcase of Spanish cuisine is making its way back to San Antonio after stops in Germany, Tokyo, and Switzerland. Although a food and beverage industry event, the planners have generously opened up select tickets to the public.
Friday, October 17, 11:30 am-10 pm. Free with RSVP.
The Greek FUNstival
Taste delicious dishes, enjoy lively performances, and immerse yourself in Greek cultural traditions during this event organized by St. Sophia Orthodox Church. Opa!
Friday, October 17, 6-11 pm; Saturday, October 18, noon-11 pm, and Sunday, October 19, noon-6 pm. Free for GA, VIP party costs $50.
Smoke & Fire
Pullman Market’s inaugural festival features nine top Texas pitmasters, plus a special guest from Charleston, South Carolina. During the event, attendees will sample signature bites from each chef, sip beverages, and enjoy live music and live fire demos that will teach guests some essential grill skills. Read more about the mini-festival here.
Saturday, October 18, 4-8 pm. $77.08-$146.39.
Champagne & Charms
What’s better than sipping champagne on a Saturday afternoon? Combining the bubbly with a customized charm bracelet. Son of a Sailor owner and jewelry designer Jessica Knopp hosts with Champagne expert Anne Plummer.
Saturday, October 18, 5-7 pm. $125.
Pullman Market is breaking out the grills for Smoke & Fire. Photo by Robert J. Lerma
Tequila & Tacos Festival
We don’t have to tell you what this Tower of the Americas festival is all about, but there will be live music, too.
Saturday, October 18, 6-9 pm. $85-$125.
San Antonio Beer Festival
Head to Civic Park at Hemisfair for San Antonio’s original beer fest, pouring hundreds of craft beers, seltzers, and ciders from breweries from around the world. While sipping (or chugging, we don’t judge), enjoy live music, DJs, local food and retail vendors, artists, interactive activities, games, and more.
Saturday, October 18, noon-6:30 pm. $45-$105.
Dracula Fest
Decisions, decisions. October’s busiest foodie weekend continues with this fête honoring the legendary Romanian ruler Vlad Tepes. No spookiness is involved, but there will be tons of Southeastern European fare. Check out this teaser of the menu coming to Rosedale Park.
Saturday, October 18, 11 am-8 pm. Free.
Ladino’s Birthday Cookout
The Pearl standout is celebrating its third anniversary with a family-friendly cookout on the restaurant’s patio. Bites from Mezquite, Jerk Shack, and Pullman Market will keep revelers well-fed, while a balloon artist and face painting will keep the kiddos entertained.
Sunday, October 19, 3-9 pm. $55 for adults, $20 for kids.
Ladino is celebrating its third birthday. Courtesy of Ladino
Whiskey Pairing Dinner at Antler’s Lodge
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas’ signature restaurant presents a five-course dining experience paired with a whiskey pour or infused cocktail created by the Still Austin team. Menu highlights include duck confit with honey roasted carrot puree, smoked prime New York strip, and sticky toffee pudding topped with a whiskey caramel sauce.
Wednesday, October 22, 6 pm. $141.60.
Shinerfest
Celebrate Texas’ most iconic beer at the K. Spoetzl Brewery and Distillery. Sip a cold one while bopping along to this year’s musical guests: Shane Smith and The Saints, The Wilder Blue, and Bottomland .
Saturday, October 25, noon-9:30 pm. $42.42-$233.02. San Antonio shuttle service available.
Turkic Festival
The Raindrop Foundation of San Antonio hosts a day filled with delicious food, live music, folk dance, and vibrant art performances. Experience the rich heritage of the Turkic region (Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Turkiye, and Tajikistan).
Saturday, October 25, noon-6 pm. Free, food and drink available for purchase.
Texas Trails and Whiskey Tales
Author Andrew Braunberg takes guests on a spirited journey through the history of Texas whiskey at the Briscoe Museum’s Jack Guenther Pavilion.
Sunday, October 26, 2-4 pm. $35 members, $50 nonmembers.