Día De Los Muertos is approaching, and there are countless celebrations going on this year in Texas. Whether you’re curious to learn more about the history and culture of the holiday or you already have an altar at home, you won’t want to miss these upcoming family-friendly events.
RELATED: The history of remembering, honoring the dead through Día De Los Muertos
Austin
Viva La Vida Festival & Parade 2022
Organized by the Mexic-Arte Museum in downtown Austin, Viva La Vida is Austin’s largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos event. The festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 29 at Fourth Street and Congress Avenue from noon to 6 p.m. Festivities include arts and crafts activities, traditional foods, a low-rider exhibition, live music and local vendors. Admission is free.
WHEN: Oct. 29, 2022
Grand Procession: Noon to 1 p.m.
Festival: Noon to 6 p.m.
WHERE: 100-200 Blocks East and West 4th St. Austin, TX 78701
Día De Los Muertos at Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC)
The Emma S. Barrientos MACC is hosting several events this year to celebrate Día De Los Muertos. On Nov. 2, there’s an ofrenda (altar) viewing where visitors can contribute to a communal altar and view altars created by community members specifically for the events. Hot chocolate and bread will be provided.
There will also be a Day Of The Dead Festival on Nov. 5. Festivities include an artisan mercado by Frida Friday ATX, sugar skull decorating and face painting, loteria games, art exhibits, food trucks and much more.
Altar Viewing
WHEN: Nov. 2 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St, Austin, TX 78701
Day Of The Dead Festival
WHEN: Nov. 5 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
WHERE: Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (Zocalo Plaza)
Rosita y Conchita: A Día De Los Muertos Play
Rosita y Conchita is a kid-friendly play about two sisters trying to reunite on Día De Los Muertos. The play is hosted by the Scottish Rite Theater and is performed in English and Spanish. It’s based on the award-winning children’s book "Rosita y Conchita" by Erich Haeger and Eric González. Buy tickets here.
WHEN: Now until Oct. 30
WHERE: Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W 18th St, Austin, TX 78701
San Antonio
Muertos Fest is a two-day celebration of Día De Los Muertos that includes live music, vendors, a dance, drum and puppet procession, live poetry and the largest open altar exhibition in San Antonio.
WHEN:
Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Oct. 30 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WHERE: Hemisfair, 630 Nueva St. San Antonio, TX 78205
Market Square Día De Los Muertos
If you’re looking to create your own altar, visit the historic Market Square to find everything you need. You can also tour various altars here to find inspiration.
WHEN: Oct. 28 @ 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
WHERE: Market Square, 514 W Commerce St. San Antonio, TX 78207
Candlelight Día De Los Muertos: Celebrating the Day of the Dead
Visit San Antonio’s Josephine Theatre for a candlelight performance by DIVISI's Amp'd String Quartet celebrating Día De Los Muertos through song. The tentative program includes “La Llorona,” “Recuerdame (Remember Me)” from Disney Pixar’s “Coco,” “Amor Eterno” by Juan Gabriel, “La Bamba” and many more. Buy tickets here.
WHEN: Nov. 2 @ 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m
WHERE: The Josephine Theatre, 339 W Josephine St., 78212
Dallas
3rd Annual Dallas Dia De Los Muertos Parade
Come celebrate Día De Los Muertos with the Dallas community at this free parade. The celebration includes live music, food, arts and crafts and more.
WHEN: Oct. 29 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Parade from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
WHERE: Dallas City Hall, 1500 Marilla St, Dallas, TX 75201
Bath House Cultural Center 36th Annual Day Of The Dead Exhibition
This Day Of The Dead Exhibition is called “Día de Muertos: Estampas de Vida” (Day of the Dead: Prints of Life) and includes artwork by artists from Texas, Wisconsin and Mexico. Altars and ofrendas created by local artists will also be available for the public to view.
WHEN: Now until Nov. 2
WHERE: Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E Lawther Dr, Dallas, TX 75218
Create Your Own Sugar Skull Masks At Dallas Public Library
Come visit the Grauwyler Park Branch Library for a “create your own sugar skull” crafting activity for kids of all ages to celebrate Day Of The Dead.
WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Grauwyler Park (Florence Jeanette Coe Meeting Room B) 2146 Gilford Street Dallas, TX 75235