Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is coming up! For many Hispanic families in Houston, this holiday – which is typically celebrated November 1 and 2 – is meant to remember one’s ancestors and honor the deceased.
Originating in Mexico and dating back to the time of the Aztecs, the celebration of the dead is a lovely way for everyone to cherish family and enjoy life as it is being lived. And there is no better way to do that than to celebrate the holiday at one of the many family-friendly events across town!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21st
SUGAR LAND DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION
12 to 5 p.m. | Sugar Land Town Square (15958 City Walk, Sugar Land)
Celebrate your ancestors by spending the afternoon in the beautiful Sugar Land Town Square. This free event will include mariachi music, ballet folkloric performances, Aztec dancers, art exhibitions, children’s activities, delicious food, and a costume contest for adults. Please note: anyone interested in entering the contest must register here.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27th
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Miller Outdoor Theater (6000 Hermann Park)
This educational play centers on the Burgos family and how they celebrate Día de los Muertos. Featuring traditional Mexican songs performed by mariachi musicians and a colorful performance by Houston Ballet Folklorico, this amazing production is one you don’t want to miss!
Noted: The performance will be in Spanish with English subtitles available. Also, tickets for seats will become available online October 26th, but it should be made clear that this performance is free for everyone! People looking for seating on the hill do not need tickets. Additionally, anyone who wants to attend but is unable to make it in person can livestream the show.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28th
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts (6815 Cypresswood, Spring)
Free family event offers an outdoor market, public ofrenda, art activity booths, ballet folklorico and Aztec dance performances, storytime, crafts, face painting, and more!
10th ANNUAL MAGNOLIA PARK DIA DE LOS MUERTOS PARADE & FESTIVAL
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.| Hidalgo Park (7000 Avenue Q)
This incredible festival will be held in Houston’s “first barrio,” the historic East End Latino neighborhood of Magnolia Park. Parade begins at 11 am. Live music begins at 12 pm. There will also be food, activities for the kids, cultural performances and a huge community altar.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FALL FESTIVAL
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.| EAST ALDINE AMPHITHEATRE (2909 East Aldine Amphitheatre Dr.)
Hosted by the East Aldine District, this fun event will celebrate the departed with music, live entertainment, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, a haunted house, costume contest, and more!
7TH ANNUAL DIA DE LOS MUERTOS – EAST END
12 to 9 p.m. | The Esplanade at Navigation (2800 Navigation Blvd.)
Hosted by The Tamale Festival Houston, this locally curated event is one of Houston’s largest and most respected. Dedicated to carrying on the culture and traditions of Houston’s East End, this event showcases the holiday by exhibiting and offering traditional art, music, and food alongside a bevy of vendors and shops. Admission is free but you may want to bring some cash for all the tasty concessions and treats!
MECA’S DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. |The Dow School (1900 Kane Street)
This fun and free two-day festival is located at the Dow School in the Historic 6th Ward. There will be live entertainment and a community ofrenda, as well as opportunities to buy food and merchandise from vendors.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29th
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home (6900 Lawndale)
This special event will honor deceased loved ones by allowing the living to celebrate their memories with tons of fun! There will be folklorico dancers, face art, a Selena tribute artist, costume contest, custom cars, food and merchandise vendors, music, raffles and loteria.
DAY OF THE DEAD CELEBRATION
Sunday, October 29th | Kemah Boardwalk (215 Kipp Avenue, Kemah)
Enjoy this family-friendly Day of the Dead celebration against the backdrop of Kemah’s 60-acre sprawling waterfront. Full of mariachi bands, sugar skull crafts, and more, this may be the most tranquil place to celebrate such a beautiful holiday. Also, don’t forget to check out all the fun rides, shops, and dining options along the boardwalk. While this event is free, be sure to note these other parts of the boardwalk are not.
MECA’S DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. |The Dow School (1900 Kane Street)
This fun and free two-day festival is located at the Dow School in the Historic 6th Ward. There will be live entertainment and a community ofrenda, as well as opportunities to buy food and merchandise from vendors.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Historic Hollywood Cemetery (3506 N. Main)
Founded in 1895, this historical cemetery will host a special mid-week event to honor the dead. Join in the fun with dancers, music, face painting, food and drinks.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4th
2 to 10 p.m. | Sam Houston Park (1000 Bagby Street)
With the mission to celebrate the living and honor the dead, this fun event has something for everyone! The festival – full of live music, delicious concessions, and arts and crafts – begins at 2:00 P.M. The parade begins at 7:00 P.M. The procession is open for everyone to take part in and will also honor Houston leaders for their service. Admission is free, but be prepared to pay for food, drinks, or other goodies offered by the many vendors.
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