This year you can explore all the different ways to celebrate Día de los Muertos here in Dallas, TX. El Día de los Muertos, or “the day of the dead,” is a Mexican and Latin American remembrance holiday that welcomes the souls of the departed back to Earth for a short visit with their loved ones. It officially lasts from midnight on November 1st until November 2nd at noon.
During this time, families construct ofrendas (altars decorated with offerings of their loved ones’ favorite things, as well as photos of them) and visit the cemeteries where their loved ones are buried; 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. There are so many unique and beautiful Día de los Muertos events in Dallas.
Eat Chocolate Calaveras
The Oak Cliff Cultural Center and local chocolatier CocoAndré team up together every year to create the ultimate Día de los Muertos event in Dallas. From marigold-colored twinkling lights, papel picado flapping in the breeze above you, and large ofrendas for lost loved ones lining the sidewalk, the chocolate will be the cherry on-top. You can also contribute to the community altar with photos of your loved ones (preferably copies of your prized family photos). Don’t miss the chance to see and taste edible art pieces like chocolate Calaveras and tiny coffins with a skeleton inside, intricately made and delicious!
There will be live music, dance performances from native Dallas groups, art, food, face painting, flash tattoos by Betty Tattoos, and vendors galore! This event is free and family-friendly, so mark your calendar for November 5th, 2022, from 4pm to 10pm at CocoAndré Chocolatier & Horchateria.
And Mexican Food with Mezcal Samples
What says Día de los Muertos in Dallas better than traditional and reinvented Mexican cuisine? October 29th, 2022, from 2pm to 2am, Las Almas Rotas Mezcaleria will host Oaxacan mezcaleros, Banhez Mezcal, including tastings and company swag, as well as Mexican band Los Gran Reyes. The public is also encouraged to bring photos of their lost loved ones to place on the community ofrenda. This event is free, and you’re encouraged to indulge in food from Las Almas, along with their mobile mezcaleria and mole negro tacos from Doña Lorena.
Walk Down a Marigold Carpet
The Botanical Research Institute of Texas will be celebrating Día de los Muertos at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s Rose Garden on October 29th, 2022, from 1pm to 5pm. You’ll be amazed by the marigold carpet, which will be lined with 350 painted bricks donated by community organizations, as well as the ofrenda you’ll find at the top of the rose ramp. There will also be a harpist playing between 3pm and 5pm and paletas will be for sale. This celebration will be included with the cost of admission to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, a destination you have to add to your itinerary for Día de los Muertos in Dallas.
Support Local Artists
Día de Muertos: Estampas de Vida
The Bath House Cultural Center will be showcasing art from Texas, Wisconsin, and Mexico in a variety of mediums. This year’s show is titled “Día de Muertos: Estampas de Vida,” or “Day of the Dead: Prints of Life.” Although artists aren’t limited by their form of artistic expression, there will be a special emphasis on traditional printmaking due to its prominence in the celebration of Día de los Muertos. So, who knows what you’ll see! The exhibit will be on display through November 5th, 2022.
Día de los Muertos Multi-Art Event
On Saturday, October 29th, 2022, the Visual Art League of Lewisville will host an art exhibit featuring Latin American and Mexican painters, as well as pre-Columbian cultures. Arrive at the Lewisville Grand Theater and enjoy live performances, poetry, dance, live music, and other interactive events. The event is free to attend and will take place from 6:30pm to 9pm. Be sure to RSVP by October 28th.
And the Youth of Garland
The young people of Garland will be playing an active part in their city’s Día de los Muertos celebration on November 1st, 2022, beginning at 5:30pm. 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 Día de los Muertos Concert
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
On November 1, 2022, at 7:30pm, in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in Dallas, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will perform an array of pieces with guest artists that highlight traditional Latin American music and culture. Tickets can be purchased online. There will also be an ofrenda on display set-up on behalf of the Consulate General of Mexico 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 Día de los Muertos.
Moody Performance Hall
Enjoy a performance by the talented students of Verdigris Ensemble as they perform pieces by Latinx composers in celebration of Dia de los Muertos. You can grab a ticket online for just $30 for the 7:30pm shows on October 31st and November 1st, 2022.
Ruins in Deep Ellum
Papi Chulo will be putting on a live show at Ruins Deep Ellum on Sunday, October 30th, 2022, from 4pm to 9pm. Tickets can be purchased online ($10 in advance, $15 the day of) and all ages are welcome.
Attend a Día de los Muertos Festival
Día de los Muertos in Dallas
This Día de los Muertos 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. You won’t be able to tear your eyes away from the excitement of the Dallas Día de los Muertos parade. The traditional attire and make-up are gorgeous, and you’re encouraged to come dressed up too! The Dallas Día de los Muertos Festival will take place from 2pm to 10pm, with the parade taking place beginning at 6:30pm at Dallas City Hall, all on Saturday, October 29th, 2022.
This year’s opener will be Miguel Ángel el Aventurero, a singer and horse show performer. Not only will Miguel be decked out, but so will his horse, complete with wings and body paint! Take this opportunity to dive into the meaning behind Día de los Muertos and go all-out. This can be a great way to incorporate your entire family or friend group while learning about Hispanic heritage.
There will also be a Catrina contest on the main stage beginning at 8pm where judges will choose the top 25 candidates, followed by a final winner. Participate for the chance to win up to $1,000! 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.
Día de los Muertos in Denton
Celebrate Día de los Muertos in a unique way at Denton’s 2022 Day of the Dead Festival. On October 29th, 2022, from 11am to 9pm, there will be coffin races, a Twilight Lantern Parade through the streets of downtown Denton, a pumpkin patch, a performance by Cirque du Horror, a costume contest, and ‘lots of free treats for the whole family. See their schedule for what to expect and when.
Día de los Muertos at Dallas College Mountain View
Explore an exhibit full of ofrendas, handmade by community members of all ages, at the Dallas Mountain View campus October 26th through November 2nd, 2022, from 4pm to 7pm. The Dia de los Muertos Festival will be November 2nd from 5pm to 9pm where the ofrenda competition will commence at 7pm. You’ll also enjoy music, food, vendors, live entertainment, and other activities.
And Have Some Kid-Friendly Fun
For just $10, celebrate the Festival de Calaveras at the ArtPark at Trinity Groves on Monday, October 31st, 2022, from 6pm to 10pm. Enjoy live performances of traditional Día de Muertos songs and free trick-or treating for the kiddos (4pm to 6pm). You can also take pictures with 18-foot-tall Miss Dallas Catrina, contribute to the community ofrenda, watch traditional dances performed by Danza Azteca, and participate in the Catrinas/Catrines parade and contest. There will be a full bar, craft beer station, and the Trinity Groves restaurants will be open as well! General admission tickets can be purchased online.
Honor Your Loved Ones
It is tradition for families to visit the graves of those that have passed during Día de los Muertos. 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 8th Annual Día del los Muertos Celebración over the course of two weeks (beginning Saturday, October 22nd through Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022).
There will be an art installation, a visual art exhibition, a live concert, dance performances by Grupo Pakal Mayan Dance Company, live mariachi music, as well as children’s entertainment, family art activities, face painting, and concessions. See their online event calendar for a detailed layout of what you can expect on each day. This is a wonderfully immersive way to celebrate Día de los Muertos 2022 in Dallas and it’s free to attend!
Arts Mission Oak Cliff will also be hosting a Día de los Muertos celebration with a community ofrenda on November 2nd, 2022, from 7pm to 8pm. Everyone is invited to attend and contribute an artifact in honor of their deceased loved ones. A suggested donation of $10 is encouraged, which you can make online prior to the event.
Party at a Pachanga y Mercadito
Arts Mission Oak Cliff will also host a free Pachanga y Mercadito complete with vendors, food, music, Catrin make-up, and tattoos! Get ready to party November 5th, 2022! The Mercadito will begin at 3pm and the Pachanga at 8pm. Reserve your spot online.
Make Flower Crowns
Learn about the significance of the flower crowns commonly seen during Día de los Muertos celebrations and then make a flower crown of your own at Mexican Sugar Plano. For just $50, this 21+ workshop will also include three of Mexican Sugar’s very own margaritas! Get your tickets online now for Monday, October 31st, 2022, at 6pm and invite your friends for an evening of crafts and cocktails.
Or Decorate Sugar Cookies
The Cooking School at Central Market Plano will be hosting a Make & Take class on Sunday, October 30th, 2022, beginning at 1pm, in celebration of Día de los Muertos. 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.
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 29th, 2022, from 10:30am to 3:30pm.
Sip Cocktails on a Patio
Celebrate Día de los Muertos 2022 on the patio at Lexy’s with a complimentary cocktail made with Tres Generaciones tequila, a live DJ, Hors d’Oeuvres, themed cocktails, sugar skull painting, a 360-photo booth, and plenty of photo ops. Be sure to RSVP to claim that free cocktail and clear your calendar for November 1st, 2022, from 6pm to 8pm.
Or Make Your Own
SOVA Micro-Room & Social Hotel
Celebrate Día de los Muertos on Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022, from 7pm to 9pm with a mixology class at the SOVA Micro-Room & Social Hotel. You’ll learn firsthand to make three tequila cocktails, which you’re free to sip on, with exclusive speakeasy access included. Tickets are $29 and can be purchased online.
Mi Cocina (McKinney Avenue)
Participate in a Día de los Muertos Mixology Class where you’ll learn to make two seasonal cocktails with Casamigos Tequila, along with tequila tastings and light bites from Mi Cocina’s bar, Seisegundos. Put your bartending skills to the test Thursday, November 3rd, 2022, beginning at 5:30pm, for just $40 a person. Purchase your tickets online.
Trunk or Treat with Lowriders
On West Jefferson Boulevard on Sunday, October 30th, 2022, from 1pm to 8pm, there will be live entertainment, trick-or-treating at the local stores, and trunk-or-treating from all kinds of cars! This event is free, and if you’d like to register to participate in trunk-or-treating, you must reserve a spot online by October 29th.
Win a Free Bicycle
Saturday, October 29th, 2022, beginning at 10am, the Dallas Police Department will be hosting a Día de los Muertos Community Bike Ride beginning at Jimmie Tyler Brashear Elementary. Those who register will have the chance to win one of 100 bikes! If your bike needs a little work, repairs will be provided from 9am to 9:45pm. Be sure to bring wear your helmet and come ready to ride!
Celebrate at an Afternoon Luncheon
For just $25 a ticket (non-member ticket price), you can attend the Día de los Muertos Luncheon, hosted by the Grand Prairie Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, at the city’s Uptown Theater. Make your lunch plans accordingly on Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022, from 11:30am to 1pm. Tickets can be purchased online.
Or at an Evening Farmers Market
This Dia de los Muertos celebration in downtown Grand Prairie will begin at City Hall Plaza at 6pm on October 30th, 2022, followed by a bunch of activities at the Grand Prairie Farmers Market. There will be live entertainment, arts & crafts, food trucks, and vendors. There will also be an Altar Contest and the public is welcome to bring framed photos of their loved ones to place on the community ofrenda during the course of the celebration.
Raise Money for the Arts
Support Arts DFW as they raise funds for the arts in Northeast Tarrant County on Saturday, October 29th2022, between 6:30pm and 9pm. Come dressed in your best Día de los Muertos outfit and make-up and enjoy a wine pull, gift baskets, art, face painting, canapés, margaritas, and dessert! You can purchase your tickets online at a price of $60 for a single ticket and $100 for two tickets.
How to Celebrate Día de los Muertos 2022 in Dallas: Final Thoughts
Around the world, every celebration of Día de los Muertos 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 Día de los Muertos in 2022.
