Helotes Life

🎃👻 CALLING ALL TRUNK OR TREATS! 👻🎃

Spooky season is officially here, Helotes! 🧡🖤

I know there are A LOT of Trunk or Treats, fall festivals, Halloween parties and other spooky events coming up around Helotes and the surrounding area, and I want to make sure we don’t miss any!

👇 POST YOUR EVENT IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!

Churches ⛪
Schools 🎒
Local businesses 🛍️
Neighborhoods 🏡
Community organizations 🎃
Fall festivals 🍂
Trunk or Treats 🚗🍬
Haunted houses 👻
Pumpkin patches 🎃
Halloween parties 🧙‍♀️

If it’s family-friendly and happening around the Helotes area, drop it below!

Please include the event name, date, time, location/address and a flyer or event link if you have one.

🎃 Helotes Life will take everything submitted and put together one GIANT Halloween & Trunk or Treat Guide so families can easily see what’s happening around our community.

And please TAG anyone hosting an event so they can add theirs too!

Let’s fill up those candy buckets and show some love to all the schools, churches, businesses and organizations putting these events together. 🍬🍫👻

Happy Spooky Season, Helotes! 🎃🕷️🦇

Know about one? DROP IT BELOW! 👇👇👇

Ok, what do y'all think it is!?

👀 Big news dropping Monday. Don’t miss it.

🚨 TEXAS VOTER REGISTRATION ISSUE |

New records show state officials were aware of problems months ago

A new report from Votebeat Texas says Texas officials were warned as early as March 2026 about problems involving voter registration information submitted through the Texas Department of Public Safety’s online portal.

According to public records obtained by Votebeat, DPS acknowledged in March that a programming change had prevented nearly 1,000 voter registration applications and updates submitted between December 2025 and February 2026 from being properly processed.

The larger issue became clear months later.

State officials eventually identified a backlog involving at least 500,000 voter registration records, which were sent to county election officials in September so they could be processed ahead of the November election.

The report says the larger backlog was connected to an October 2025 software update to the DPS system that caused certain information to be omitted from files sent to the Texas Secretary of State.

DPS says that issue was resolved as of September 13, and the agency says it has not identified additional problems with the daily transfer of voter information.

The situation has also drawn bipartisan calls from Texas lawmakers for an investigation into how the problem occurred and why it was not discovered sooner.

This isn't about Republicans or Democrats.

It is about making sure Texans understand what happened with a state system responsible for transmitting voter registration information.

We’re sharing the full Votebeat investigation below so you can read the reporting and the responses from state officials for yourself.

👇 FULL STORY IN THE COMMENTS/LINK BELOW
Helotes Life Local news. Local events. Our community.

Spooky! Always a great event!

🌙 WHEN DARKNESS FALLS… THE GARDENS COME ALIVE.

Helotes Haunted Gardens officially OPENS October 26! Gather your bravest friends and get ready for a week of screams… if you dare.

🕷️ October 26–30: Dark–10 PM
🎃 Halloween night, Saturday, October 31: Dark–11 PM

🎟️ Tickets are available ONLINE NOW! Lock in your spooky night and buy yours today!

Tag the friend who’s going to scream the loudest. 👀👇

💚 HELOTES MAKES THE LIST!

Pretty cool recognition for our little corner of the Texas Hill Country!

WorldAtlas published a new article TODAY, October 2, naming Helotes one of “The Safest Small Towns in Texas.”

The article looked beyond just one year of crime statistics and focused on communities that have maintained low crime rates across multiple reporting periods.

According to the article, using 2024 FBI UCR data, Helotes recorded approximately:

👮 29 violent crimes per 100,000 residents

🏡 1,074 property crimes per 100,000 residents

WorldAtlas also noted that violent crime in Helotes has remained low across several recent reporting years.

And of course, they couldn’t talk about Helotes without mentioning some of the things that make our town special. 💚

They highlighted Old Bandera Road, historic Old Town Helotes and John T. Floore’s Country Store, including its longtime connection to Willie Nelson.

It’s always nice seeing Helotes getting some statewide recognition, especially for something as important as being a safe place to live and raise a family.

We know Helotes isn’t perfect, but there’s a reason so many of us love calling this place home.

👇 What do YOU think makes Helotes such a great place to live?

🔗 Read the full WorldAtlas article here: https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/the-safest-small-towns-in-texas.html

💚 Helotes Life

The Safest Small Towns In Texas Small and quiet isn't the same as safe. In these eight Texas towns, crime has stayed low for years, making them real places to settle and raise a family.

🗳️ HELOTES — CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION!

There are only a couple of days left to register to vote for the November 3 General Election.

📅 Voter Registration Deadline: Monday, October 5
Even if you KNOW you’ve registered before, take 30 seconds and check your status.

There’s been plenty of discussion, changes and confusion surrounding voting information this year, so rather than assume everything is correct, verify it yourself.

Make sure:
✅ You are still registered
✅ Your name is correct
✅ Your address is current
✅ Your voter information looks right

You can check your Texas voter registration through the official Texas voter portal at VoteTexas.gov.

If you still need to register, don’t put it off — Monday is the deadline.

🗳️ EARLY VOTING
📅 Monday, October 19 – Friday, October 30
And yes — we have an early voting location right here in Helotes:

📍 Helotes City Hall
12951 Bandera Rd.
Helotes, TX 78023

A few other early voting locations convenient to the Helotes/NW San Antonio area include:

📍 Igo Library
13330 Kyle Seale Pkwy.

📍 Northwest Vista College
3535 N. Ellison Dr.

📍 Maverick Library
8700 Mystic Park

📍 UTSA
1 UTSA Circle

📍 Christian Family Baptist Church
1589 Grosenbacher Rd.

The great thing about early voting in Bexar County is that you can vote at ANY Bexar County early-voting location — you are not limited to the location closest to your home.

🕗 Bexar County currently lists the standard early-voting hours for most locations as:

Week 1, Monday–Friday: 8 AM–6 PM
Saturday: 7 AM–7 PM
Sunday: 12 PM–6 PM
Final Monday–Friday: 7 AM–7 PM

🗳️ Election Day: Tuesday, November 3

Regardless of who you plan to vote for, make sure you’re registered, make sure your information is correct, and make a plan to vote.

It takes less than a minute to check.

💚 Helotes Life

☔️ YOUR HELOTES WEEKEND GUIDE | OCTOBER 2–4

Looks like we’ve got a wet weekend ahead in Helotes, but there is still a LOT going on around town!

From bull riding and MarketPlace to live music, BBQ, pumpkins, pets, Cowboys football and family events, there are plenty of reasons to get out — just keep an eye on the weather and check outdoor events for updates before heading out.
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🐂 FRIDAY & SATURDAY

🎡 BULL BLOWOUT 2026

Two nights of extreme bull riding at the Helotes Festival Grounds!
🚪 Gates open 6:00 PM
🐂 Bulls buck 7:30 PM
📍 Helotes Festival Grounds, 12210 Leslie Rd

Plus Mutton Bustin’, food, drinks and live music.
🎶 Friday — The Peyotes
🎶 Saturday — The Mark Berry Band
🎟️ GA $20 + fees
👧 Ages 6–12: $5
👶 5 & under: FREE
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly
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🎶 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

🎮 XP League Parents Night Out
Drop the kids off for a supervised night of gaming, tournaments, game-design activities and snacks.
⏰ 5:00–9:00 PM
📍 XP League NW San Antonio, 12540 Bandera Rd #208
🎮 Ages 7–17
🎟️ $25/child
🇺🇸 $20 military & first responders
🆓 FREE for XP League members
⚠️ Limited spots

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🏈 Friday Night Lights — O’Connor vs. Stevens

The O’Connor Panthers take on the Stevens Falcons in a District 29-6A matchup.
⏰ 7:30 PM
📍 Dub Farris Stadium
🏠 O’Connor is the home team
🎟️ Tickets through NISD/GoFan

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⚠️ Floore’s Friday Night Update
The Stephen Wilson Jr. show scheduled for Friday night has been cancelled.
Ticket holders are being automatically refunded.

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☀️ SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

🛍️ HELOTES MARKETPLACE

The big one Saturday!
Spend the morning and afternoon shopping local vendors, grabbing something to eat, enjoying Old Town and supporting local businesses.
⏰ 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
📍 14392 Riggs Rd, Old Town Helotes
💵 Free admission
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly
Because of the weather, keep an eye out for any Saturday-morning updates.

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🥾 Explore the Canyon — Guided Hike

Explore Government Canyon with knowledgeable volunteers while learning about local plants, wildlife, geology and Hill Country history.
⏰ 8:00–11:00 AM
📍 Government Canyon State Natural Area
🥾 Approximately 2–5 miles
👟 Ages 10+
🐕 No pets
💧 Bring at least 2L of water
🎟️ Hike is free; normal park admission applies
Only the first 15 people to check in between 7:30–7:45 AM get a spot.

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🦅 Reading Ranger
Hear some verses about vultures, then take a walk with a ranger to look for them overhead.
⏰ 9:00 AM
📍 Government Canyon State Natural Area
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly
🎟️ Program free; park admission applies

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🐾 Penny Paws Mobile Clinic — Jupe Mills Feed Store
Low-cost pet vaccinations and preventive care.
⏰ 9:00–11:00 AM
📍 14096 Bandera Rd

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🐾 Penny Paws Mobile Clinic — Helotes Humane Society
Another Saturday opportunity to take care of your pet’s vaccines and preventive care.
⏰ 12:00–2:00 PM
📍 Helotes Humane Society, 10671 Shaenfield Rd
While you’re there, check out the Second Chances Thrift Shop and see how you can support the Humane Society.

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🎸 Jackson Wendell with Braedon Barnhill at Floore’s
A Saturday night honky-tonk show inside Floore’s.
🚪 Doors: 7:00 PM
🎤 Braedon Barnhill: 8:30 PM
🎶 Jackson Wendell: 10:00 PM
📍 John T. Floore’s Country Store
🎟️ GA $16.19 including fees
🎟️ Day-of $20.31
👨‍👩‍👧 17 & under with parent/guardian only
🪑 Indoor show, first-come seating
👜 Clear bag policy

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🤘 Tool, Deftones & Rage Against the Machine Tribute Night at Josabi’s
Saturday night gets a little heavier at Josabi’s!
🎸 Learn to Swim — Tool Tribute
🎸 Knifeprty — Deftones Tribute
🎸 War Within a Breath — Rage Against the Machine Tribute
🚪 Doors: 6:00 PM
🎶 Music: 8:00 PM
📍 Josabi’s, 17200 TX-16 N
🎟️ $20 presale / $25 day-of + fees
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All ages
🆓 17 & under free with parent/guardian
🍻 Full bar + food
🚗 Free on-site parking
🌧️ Moves indoors if necessary

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🌞 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4

⛪️ Rise Church Serve Day 2026
Instead of regular Sunday services, Rise Church is heading out to serve the community.
⏰ 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
📍 Rally at Helotes Festival Grounds
The group will gather, pray and then head out to community service projects.

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🙏 Round Up Sunday — First Baptist Church of Helotes
First Baptist Church of Helotes celebrates 123 years with a special anniversary Sunday.
⏰ 10:00 AM
📍 14889 Old Bandera Rd

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🍖💃 Reese Bros BBQ Sunday Lunch + FREE Family Dance at Floore’s
This is the first Sunday of Floore’s new weekly Reese Bros BBQ lunch!
⏰ BBQ begins 11:00 AM until sold out

📍 John T. Floore’s Country Store
Reese Bros serves the full menu until sellout, followed by a limited menu.
Then stick around:
💃 FREE dance lessons — 3:30 PM
🎶 Live music — 4:30 PM
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Free family dance
Come early and come hungry!

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🏈🍳 Cowboys Watch Party + Brunch Potluck at Stetson
Bring a dish, grab a drink and watch the Cowboys with the Stetson crew.
⏰ 12:00 PM
📍 Stetson Helotes, 11881 Bandera Rd
🍾 Mimosas & Bloody Marys
🍻 Bucket specials
🥃 Shot specials
💵 No cover

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🎃 Pumpkin Patch Opening — Helotes Hills UMC
Fall is officially here!

The 23rd Annual Pumpkin Patch opens Sunday and runs through November 1 or until the pumpkins sell out.
📍 Helotes Hills United Methodist Church, 13222 Bandera Rd
🎟️ Free admission
🎃 Pumpkins available for purchase
📸 Photo spots throughout the patch
Pumpkin purchases help support local charities and church ministries.

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🐶🙏 Blessing of the Pets — Our Lady of Guadalupe

In honor of the Feast of St. Francis, bring your furry — or not-so-furry — family members out for a special blessing.
⏰ 5:30 PM
📍 Green area beside the rectory, 13715 Riggs Rd
💵 Free
🐕 All pets welcome

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🌵 WHILE YOU’RE OUT — SUPPORT LOCAL

If you’re already out enjoying the weekend, spend a little extra time supporting businesses around Helotes and Old Town.

🥖 Spread the Loaves — artisan sourdough, breads, pastries, sandwiches and more.

☕ The Cracked Mug Coffee House — coffee, breakfast tacos, food and a pet-friendly patio.

🎨 Helotes Gallery — work from more than 70 Hill Country artists, with the Isabelle Lopez Kotara exhibit running through Sunday.

🍔 Old Town Helotes Family Food Park — food trucks, full bar, pickleball, putting green and activities for the kids.

🍦 The Meadows Original Frozen Custard — check out the seasonal Halloween treats or catch The Meadows at MarketPlace Saturday.

🧋 Candy Cloud — boba, coffee and specialty drinks just outside Helotes along the Bandera Road corridor.

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🔭 COMING UP

🎃 Thursday, Oct. 8 | 5–7 PM
Inclusive Evening in the Pumpkin Patch + BINGO
A special evening at Helotes Hills UMC for special-needs friends and families, including time in the pumpkin patch followed by inclusive BINGO.
📍 13222 Bandera Rd
💵 Free

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🏃 Saturday, Oct. 17 | 8 AM
Greater Helotes Little League Diamond Dash 5K Fun Run
Run, walk or cheer while helping raise money for future Greater Helotes Little League projects and improvements.
🏅 Finisher medals
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family activities and vendors

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👜 3rd Annual Bags & Bingo Night — Handbag Donations Needed
Got a gently used handbag sitting in the closet? Give it a second chance!
Organizers are collecting bags of all styles and brands for the Bingo Handbag Raffle supporting local athletes.
📅 Saturday, Oct. 17
⏰ 7:00 PM
📍 Pedrotti’s Ranch
📞 Nicole Christy: 210-240-6699
✉️ [email protected]
Donate a bag. Support the athletes. Make a difference! 💙💛

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😂🎶 Saturday, Oct. 17 — A Night Outside Old Town
Helotes Life + Josabi’s are bringing comedy, live music, bingo, food and plenty of laughs to Helotes.
🚪 Doors: 6:00 PM
🎭 Show: 8:00 PM
📍 Josabi’s
🔞 21+ ONLY
🎟️ Tickets: $20

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☔️ WEEKEND HEADS-UP

The biggest thing to watch this weekend is the weather.

Rain and thunderstorms are possible through the weekend, so outdoor events — especially Government Canyon, MarketPlace and Bull Blowout — may make changes if conditions warrant.

⚠️ Please double-check dates, times, ticket availability, weather updates and event details with the venue before heading out, as schedules can change.

Did we miss something happening around Helotes this weekend? Drop it in the comments so everyone can see it! 👇

Stay dry and have a great weekend, Helotes! ☔️🌵🎶

🐂🔥 THE HELOTES BULL BLOWOUT IS BACK THIS WEEKEND! 🔥🐂

If you’re looking for something to do Friday or Saturday night, the 2026 Helotes Bull Blowout is taking over the Helotes Festival Grounds October 2–3!

Expect two nights of:
🐂 Bull Riding
🐑 Mutton Bustin’
🎶 Live Music
🍻 Cold Drinks
🌮 Food
🤠 And a whole lot of Helotes fun

Gates open at 6:00 PM
Bull riding starts at 7:30 PM

🎟️ General Admission: $20 + fees
🎟️ Ages 6–12: $5 + fees
🎟️ Ages 5 & under: FREE
📍 Helotes Festival Grounds

📅 Friday & Saturday, October 2–3

If you’ve never been to the Bull Blowout, this is one of those events that just feels very Helotes. Come watch the bulls, grab something to eat, enjoy the music and make a night of it.

Tickets and more info: Cornyval.org

Bill Taylor Are we getting any more rain!?