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 1 until November 2 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
Día de Muertos: Messages of Love for the Forgotten and Disappeared
The Bath House Cultural Center in Dallas celebrates four decades of Día de Muertos art with its 40th annual exhibition, “Día de Muertos: They’re Having a Party!” This year’s exhibition invites visitors to imagine their departed loved ones enjoying a joyful celebration in the afterlife. Explore a diverse collection of artwork and altar installations by local, regional, and national artists, honoring the Mexican tradition of remembrance through creativity, love, and celebration.
The exhibition runs October 10–November 7, 2026, at the Bath House Cultural Center, located at 521 E. Lawther Drive, Dallas. Admission is free. The opening reception with the artists took place on October 11 from 5 PM to 7 PM. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 PM.
Día de los Muertos: A GARLAND STORY (Free)
Celebrate life, family, and tradition at Garland’s annual Día de los Muertos celebration in Downtown Garland, Texas. This free community event, established in 2017 through a partnership between the City of Garland, Garland ISD, and local community leaders, honors loved ones through vibrant cultural performances, student artwork, and beautifully decorated altars. Browse El Mercado for handcrafted goods, enjoy food trucks, and let the kids take part in arts and crafts, face painting, lawn games, and inflatables. You can also visit the community altar at Granville Arts Center, contribute a photo of a loved one, and watch the Catrín and Catrina contestants showcase their elaborate costumes. The festivities wrap up with an energetic cumbia performance by Los Komberz.
October 24, 2026, from 2 PM to 8 PM. Admission is free, with food and merchandise available for purchase. Visitors can take DART to Downtown Garland Station for convenient access.
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Attend a Day of the Dead Concert
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Celebrate life and remember loved ones at Día de los Muertos with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra! This beloved annual concert brings Mexican music and traditions to the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, featuring conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, mariachi ensembles, and traditional ballet folklórico performances. Guests can bring an offering for the ofrenda, enjoy pan de muerto and hot chocolate, and experience an evening filled with vibrant music, color, and cultural celebration. October 30, 2026, at 7:30 PM. Tickets start at $34.
Attend a Day of the Dead Festival
Dallas Day of the Dead Parade and Festival
Celebrate life, culture, and remembrance at the Dallas Día de los Muertos Parade and Festival! This lively, family-friendly celebration brings the community together for an evening of live music, food concessions, arts and crafts, vendor booths, and colorful cultural traditions. Enjoy the vibrant parade featuring elaborate costumes and festive pageantry as participants honor loved ones who have passed. Guests are welcome to wear traditional attire and join in celebrating this meaningful Mexican holiday. October 31, 2026, from 4 PM to 10 PM. The parade begins at 7 PM at Dallas City Hall Plaza, located at 1500 Marilla Street. Admission is free.
Day of the Dead Festival in Denton (Free)
Celebrate fall, Halloween, and Día de los Muertos at Denton’s lively, family-friendly Day of the Dead Festival in downtown Denton! This multicultural street festival features live music, traditional folklórico dancing, food vendors, arts and crafts, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Watch the exciting coffin races, join the costume contest, explore the spooky Street of Screams, and enjoy the spectacular Twilight Lantern and Costume Parade. The weekend also features Cirque du Horror performances and the Pinebox Derby, making it a fun-filled celebration for all ages.
October 22–25, 2026. The main festival takes place on Saturday, October 24, from 11 AM to 9 PM, along Hickory, Oak, and Industrial Streets. Admission to the main festival is free, although some activities may have separate details or requirements.
Day of the Dead Fiesta Latina in Grand Prairie (Free)
Celebrate Día de los Muertos in downtown Grand Prairie with an evening honoring loved ones and celebrating Mexican culture and traditions. This family-friendly community event features cultural performances, a festive procession, food vendors, and a community altar where visitors can remember those who have passed. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and colorful traditions as the community comes together for a meaningful celebration of life and remembrance.
November 1, 2026, from 6 PM to 9 PM. The event takes place at Grand Prairie City Hall Plaza, at 300 W. Main Street. Admission and parking are free.
Day of the Dead Festival in McKinney (Free)
Get ready to experience the life, culture, and remembrance at McKinney’s Día de los Muertos Festival! This vibrant, family-friendly celebration brings the community together with live music, traditional dance performances, colorful Catrina costumes, and a lively marketplace featuring local artisans and food vendors. Bring a photo of a loved one to add to the community ofrendas, leave a heartfelt message on the butterfly memorial, or enjoy fun activities like face painting and the La Chancla Toss. With cultural performances, family activities, and plenty of opportunities to honor loved ones, it’s a meaningful way to experience this cherished Mexican tradition.
October 17, 2026, from 12 PM to 9 PM. The festival takes place at TUPPS Brewery, 402 E. Louisiana Street, McKinney, TX. Admission is free.
Day of the Dead Festival at La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth (Free)
The annual “Día de Los Muertos” or “Day of the Dead” event at La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth is a colorful community event honoring the memory of departed loved ones. This annual celebration embraces the Mexican tradition of remembering family and friends through meaningful tributes and cultural festivities. Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere and live musical performances, including mariachi music, while celebrating the traditions that bring families and the community together.
November 1, 2026, from 1 PM to 6:30 PM. The event takes place at La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth, 4200 South Freeway, Fort Worth, TX.
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Celebración de Vida y Cultura by Artes de la Rosa (Free)
Artes de la Rosa’s annual Día de los Muertos celebration in Fort Worth! This vibrant community event honors loved ones through colorful traditions, cultural performances, and festive activities. Watch the Día de los Muertos parade travel north along North Main Street toward the Historic Stockyards, featuring festive entries and colorful displays. After the parade, head to Marine Park to enjoy food vendors, visual artists, face painting, mariachi music, ballet folklórico, opera, and more. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy this meaningful celebration of Mexican culture and remembrance with the whole family.
October 31, 2026. The parade runs from 10 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by the festival at Marine Park.
Dia de los Muertos Oak Cliff (Free)
Dia de los Muertos Oak Cliff, a beloved community tradition hosted in partnership with CocoAndré Chocolatier & Horchateria. This colorful celebration honors loved ones who have passed through traditional dance performances, live music, local vendors, and beautiful altar displays. Stroll through the market, sample delicious food and drinks, and enjoy family-friendly activities such as face painting while experiencing the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos.
November 1, 2026. The celebration takes place at CocoAndré Chocolatier & Horchateria, 423 Centre Street, Dallas, TX.
Día de los Muertos at Dallas Farmers Market (Free)
Día de los Muertos at the Dallas Farmers Market with a festive weekend of family-friendly activities, live music, and cultural performances. Browse vendors offering special items inspired by the holiday, enjoy a lively mariachi performance, and watch traditional dances by Ollimpaxqui Ballet Company. Families can also enjoy kids’ activities and take photos with Catrina models while exploring the market’s vibrant atmosphere. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience Mexican cultural traditions while supporting local vendors and enjoying a fun fall outing.
October 31–November 1, 2026. The event takes place at Dallas Farmers Market, 920 S. Harwood Street, Dallas, TX. Saturday activities run from 9 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday activities run from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Sundance Square Catrina Contest (Free)
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Sundance Square’s annual Catrina Fest in downtown Fort Worth! This lively, family-friendly celebration honors Mexican culture and the memory of loved ones through colorful costumes, music, dance, and festive activities. Watch contestants showcase their creative Catrina looks during the Mini Catrina Contest for children and the main Catrina Contest. Enjoy live performances by Ballet Folklórico de Fort Worth, Mariachi Damas de Tejas, Monica Saldivar, Grupo Pakal, and Fusion Latina. You can also browse artisan market booths and grab delicious bites from food trucks while soaking up the festive atmosphere.
October 17, 2026, from 12 PM to 11 PM. The festival takes place at Sundance Square Plaza, 420 Main Street, Fort Worth, TX. Admission is free. The Mini Catrina Contest begins at 2 PM, followed by the main Catrina Contest at 5 PM.
Honor Your Loved Ones
Hughes Family Tribute Center Day of the Dead Celebration (Free)
Honor the memory of loved ones at the Hughes Family Tribute Center’s annual Día de los Muertos Celebración in Dallas. Held at the historic Crown Hill Memorial Park and Mausoleum, this meaningful community event celebrates Mexican traditions through art, music, dance, and family-friendly activities. Explore Pathways of Past Lives: The Persistence of Existence, a special art exhibition featuring works by regional artists and a central installation by Josh Niccolai-Belfi. On November 2, visitors can enjoy Mayan performances by Grupo Pakal, folklórico dancing by Herrera Dance Project, live mariachi, a theatrical presentation by Teatro Dallas, and Catrina designs by Alfa de las Catrinas. Family art activities, children’s entertainment, craft vendors, and food concessions add to this heartfelt celebration of life and remembrance.
October 17–November 2, 2026, on selected dates. The event takes place at Crown Hill Memorial Park and Mausoleum, 9718 Webb Chapel Road, Dallas, TX.
Where To Celebrate Day of the Dead in Dallas in 2026: FAQs
Do they celebrate Day of the Dead in Texas?
Yes, Day of the Dead is celebrated in Texas, particularly in areas with strong Mexican and Latino communities. Cities like San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas host vibrant festivities, including altars (ofrendas), parades, cultural events, and art exhibits. The celebrations often include traditional foods, music, and dance, making it a rich and colorful expression of culture and remembrance.
Where is the biggest Day of the Dead celebration in Texas?
The biggest Day of the Dead celebration in Texas typically takes place in San Antonio. The city’s events include a large parade, cultural performances, art exhibits, and community altars, drawing thousands of attendees. The celebration often takes place in areas like Hemisfair Park and the historic Market Square. These events showcase the traditions and customs associated with this important holiday.
What happens during Day of the Dead?
Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), is usually celebrated primarily in Mexico and among Mexican communities worldwide. They engage in various activities and traditions to keep their memories alive. Key elements of the celebration include:
- Altars (Ofrendas): Families create altars at home or in cemeteries, decorating them with photos, candles, and flowers, often marigolds. They also add the departed’s favourite foods to invite their spirits back.
- Cemetery Visits: Families often visit gravesites, cleaning and decorating them with flowers and offerings, spending time in remembrance and celebration.
- Cultural Events: Many communities host parades, festivals, and cultural performances, including music, dance, and traditional art displays.
- Sugar Skulls (Calaveras): Decorated sugar skulls, often personalized with names, are a popular symbol and are given as gifts.
- Traditional Foods: Special foods like pan de muerto (a sweet bread), tamales, and other regional dishes are prepared and shared among families and friends.
- Processions and Rituals: Many communities hold processions that may include music, dancing, and vibrant costumes, celebrating life and death together.
These elements combine to create a rich tapestry of remembrance, joy, and cultural pride during the celebration.
Where To Celebrate Day of the Dead in Dallas in 2026: 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 the Day of the Dead in 2026.
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