This year, experience all the ways to celebrate Day of the Dead in Dallas TX! Dia de Los Muertos, or “the day of the dead,” is a Mexican and Latin American remembrance holiday. During which, the souls of the departed come back to Earth to visit their loved ones. It officially lasts from midnight on November 1st until November 2nd at noon.
There are so many unique and beautiful Day of the Dead events in Dallas. During this time, families construct ofrendas (altars decorated with offerings of their loved ones’ favorite things, as well as photos of them) and visit their graves.
Papel picado is hung in the streets; pan de muerto (sweet bread) and Calaveras (skulls with elaborate decorations and colors) are made; flor de muerto (Mexican marigolds) and its fiery orange glow light up the night, and depictions of La Catrina (a female skeleton that often wears a hat with flowers) and alebrijes (fantastical creatures often portrayed in Mexican folk art) appear.
Discover unique and meaningful items to commemorate Day of the Dead in our Texas Latina collection.
Support Local Artists
Dia de Muertos: Estampas de Vida (Free)
The Bath House Cultural Center will showcase art in a variety of mediums from all over the U.S. in celebration of Day of the Dead. This year’s show is titled “A Love Letter for the Departed.”
The celebration of Day of the Dead is often associated with large, public displays like parades, but this year’s event will focus on the private ways observers remember their loved ones. There will also be altars and ofrendas by local artists on display. The exhibit will be featured October 14th through November 4th, 2023.
Art on Main’s Day of the Dead Small Art Exhibition
On Friday, October 27th, 2023 (6pm to 9pm), Dallas art gallery Art on Main will host an opening ceremony marking the beginning of their Day of the Dead Small Art Exhibition.
A portion of the proceeds from this exhibition will go to the Stewpot Art Program, which supports those experiencing and at-risk of homelessness in Dallas by providing them a safe place to express themselves through art.
Costumes are encouraged but guests are asked to keep their Halloween costumes at home. Refreshments will also be provided. Be sure to RSVP here. The reception is a no-cost event.
If you aren’t able to attend the opening reception, the exhibit will on display at Art on Main from October 23th through November 4th, 2023.
Make a Mosaic
At Tree House Studio, you’ll learn to make a skull mosaic alongside complimentary snacks and drinks. All supplies will be provided, including a grout kit to complete your creation at home. Tickets can be purchased online. The workshop will take place Saturday, October 28th, 2023, from 10:30am to 3:30pm.
Upcycled Calaveras with Sharon Zigrossi
At Makers Connect Gallery, join local artist Sharon Zigrossi as she guides you through the process of crafting Calaveras from discarded, upcycled materials. Your creation will be perfect for decorating your home, adding to your ofrenda, or as a gift for a loved one.
This event will take place Saturday, October 7th, 2023, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. General admission is $55. All necessary materials will be provided.
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And the Youth of Garland (Free)
The young people of Garland will be playing an active part in their city’s Day of the Dead celebration on November 1st, 2023, from 5:30pm to 9pm. GISD and I.L. Texas students will perform everything from Mariachi to Ballet Folklórico.
On top of all of that, there will be a kids bounce house, food trucks, altar displays, commemorative t-shirts for sale, performances by Los Matchines and Mexico 2000, as well as an artisan market (so bring some funds to support them if you can). This event is free to attend and will take place at the Granville Arts Center.
Attend a Day of the Dead Concert
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
On October 31st, 2023, at 7:30pm, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will perform an array of pieces by guest artists that highlight traditional Latin American music and culture. This event will take place at Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center 2301 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201. Tickets can be purchased online. There will also be ofrendas on display along with other family-friendly events.
Make sure to give you and your party plenty of time to park and walk to the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. It’ll prove to be a beautiful night in Dallas on Day of the Dead.
Attend a Day of the Dead Festival
Day of the Dead Festival in Dallas (Free)
The Dallas Dia de Los Muertos Festival event in Dallas is an all-day affair! The energy, the food, live music, plus the activities and crafts will keep you entertained for hours. The traditional attire and make-up are gorgeous, and you’re welcome to dress up too!
The entire festival will last from 2pm to 10pm on Saturday, October 28th, 2023. The parade will last from 7pm to 8pm at Dallas City Hall.
Miguel Ángel el Aventurero, a singer and horse show performer, will be decked out alongside his horse in wings and body paint! Take this opportunity to dive into the meaning behind Day of the Dead and go all-out. This can be a great way to incorporate your entire family or friend group while learning about Hispanic heritage.
Additionally, you can linger inside Dallas City Hall and admire the ofrendas created by local artists and members of the community for this year’s Best Altar Competition.
Day of the Dead Festival in Denton (Free)
Celebrate Day of the Dead in a unique way at Denton’s 2023 Day of the Dead Festival. On October 27th & 28th, 2023, the city of Denton will be hosting a multi-cultural celebration of fall, Halloween and, of course, Day of the Dead.
There will be a pumpkin patch, costume contest, performance by Cirque du Horror, coffin races, a Twilight Lantern Parade, local vendors, and ‘lots of free treats for the whole family. The festivities will take place the afternoon of the 27th and all day the 28th.
Photos by Discover Denton
Day of the Dead Fiesta Latina in Grand Prairie (Free)
The Grand Prairie Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Dia de Los Muertos Fiesta at the Uptown Theater on November 2nd, 2023, from 4pm to 9pm. There will be art displays, traditional food, vendor booths, and a Catrina contest. RSVP here.
Day of the Dead Festival in McKinney (Free)
The streets of downtown McKinney will come alive in celebration of Day of the Dead. People from all walks of life will gather to honor their ancestors with an array of music, dance, and song. There will also be arts and crafts and activities for the kiddos.
This festival will take place at Dr. Glenn Mitchell Memorial Park on Saturday, October 14th, 2023, from 12:00pm to 9:00pm.
Day of the Dead Festival at La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth (Free)
Celebrate Day of the Dead by contributing to local ofrendas and participating in the traditional blessings and songs of this cultural
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Celebración de Vida y Cultura by Artes de la Rosa (Free)
Artes de la Rosa will celebrate their 20th Annual Day of the Dead Festival with a parade (beginning at N. Main St. & Central Ave.) that will head northbound towards the Fort Worth Stockyards. The festival will take place at Marine Park, where the spirit of Day of the Dead in Dallas will come alive with music, dancing, and art, all on October 28th, 2023, from 10am to 5pm.
Las Almas Rotas Mezcaleria (Free)
This year promises to be an extraordinary experience with at local Dallas restaurant, Las Almas Rotas Mezcaleria! There will be a DJ, late-night live music by Los Gran Reyes band, and a special pop-up appearance by Molino Oloyo Food & Beverage.
What makes this event even more exciting is the change in location, as the festivities will unfold on the patio behind their bar! There will also be a mobile mezcaleria! Doors will open at 2pm, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to secure your spot. This event is set to take place on November 4th, 2023.
Common Hearts x CocoAndre Catrina Party (Free)
Participate in a Catrina contest and enjoy music, food, face painting, local vendors, and flash tattoos by Inky Spot Collective, all at Four Corner Brewing Co. on October 28th, 2023, from 4pm to 9pm.
Oak Cliff Day of the Dead Block Party (Free)
One of Common Hearts’ biggest events of the year is their Día de los Muertos Block Party. In partnership with Dallas chocolatier, CocoAndre, guests can look forward to live music, dance performances, artisanal food, and local vendors.
You are also encouraged to bring photographs of your departed loved ones to add to the community altar. The event will be held at CocoAndre Chocolatier & Horchateria on November 4th, 2023, from 4pm to 10pm.
Folklore & Tradition Artisan Boutique Day of the Dead Festival (Free)
This local boutique at the Dallas Farmers Market will offer an array of delectable Mexican treats, including freshly baked pan de muerto, conchas, yema candies, and mezcal, on October 21st, 2023, beginning at 10:30am. Nuestra Aztec will also perform beginning at 11am.
Festival de Calveras (Free)
This celebration invites you to honor your departed loved ones on the largest community altar in the world, presented by OCCA. You’re encouraged to bring copies of family photos and some of their favorite items to contribute.
The Trinity Groves Bridge, where the altar will be on display, will be lit up beginning at 6pm and decorated with bright flowers, papel picado, and cempasúchil flowers. There will also be vendors, a beer garden, arts & crafts, and a Tienda on the bridge.
Enjoy everything from music to dance and poetry at the riser next to the Altar, as well as performances like Calveritas, Ballet Folklorico, and Mariachi on the Main Stage from 2pm to 8pm. From 8pm to 10pm, a live DJ will be playing.
All festivities will take place at Ronald Kirk Bridge and Felix H. Lozada, Sr. Gateway on Sunday, October 29, 2023, from 2pm to 10pm.
Sundance Square Catrina Contest (Free)
The Sundance Square Catrina Contest will award a cash prize to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for their original Catrina costumes. There will also be live music, delicious food, local vendors, and family-friendly activities. The event will take place at Sundance Square Plaza in Fort Worth on October 28th, 2023, from 12pm to 9pm.
Honor Your Loved Ones
Hughes Family Tribute Center Day of the Dead Celebration (Free)
It is tradition for families to visit the graves of those that have passed during Day of the Dead. As a historical Dallas landmark, the Crown Hill Memorial Park & Mausoleum has seen families visit the grounds for years, particularly during this time.
To celebrate the lives of those our community has lost, the Hughes Family Tribute Center will be hosting their 9th Annual Dia de Los Muertos Celebración on October 27th, 29th, 31st, November 1st, 2nd, 4th, & 5th, 2023. See their Facebook for start times.
The event will feature an art installation by La Ceiba: The Sacred Tree of Life by Ricardo Alarcón, a visual art exhibition, dance performances by Mayan dance group Grupo Pakal, live mariachi, activities for the whole family, and concessions. This is a wonderfully immersive way to celebrate Day of the Dead 2023 in Dallas and it’s free to attend!
Build a Community Ofrenda (Free)
This event will be taking place at Makers Connect Gallery in Dallas on Saturday, October 21st, 2023, from 2pm to 5pm. Make handmade marigold flowers from special Mexican crepe paper, build an altar, or visit the glitter area to fashion spikes for a tiara.
You can also bring photos of departed loved ones or small mementos from their past to add to the ofrenda. Valuables, however, should be left at home.
Decorate Sugar Cookies
The Cooking School at Central Market Fort Worth will be hosting a Make & Take class on Sunday, October 29th, 2023, beginning at 3pm, in celebration of Day of the Dead. Here, you’ll learn to decorate sugar cookies with icing before trying to master it yourself. In the end, you’ll leave with 12 beautiful and tasty cookies! Anyone 10 years and older is welcome, although children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased online for $50.
Celebrate at an Afternoon Luncheon
For just $25 a ticket (non-member ticket price), you can attend the Day of the Dead Luncheon, hosted by the Grand Prairie Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, at the city’s Uptown Theater. Make your lunch plans accordingly on Wednesday, November 1st, 2023, from 11:30am to 1pm. Tickets can be purchased online.
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How to Celebrate Day of the Dead in Dallas (2023): Final Thoughts
Around the world, every celebration of Day of the Dead is as colorful and festive as it is important. However, after the amount of loss the world has experienced over the last few years, these festivities will continue to hold a special place in history.
Whether you want to honor the departed in quiet contemplation, or with music, elaborate costumes and numerous activities, Dallas is the place to be for Day of the Dead in 2023.
Click the button below to shop our Texas Latina collection in support of local businesses this Day of the Dead!
Last Updated 6 months ago by Jessica Serna | Published: October 8, 2023
