Where to Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Austin
Discover Día de los Muertos events across Austin, featuring festivals, vibrant markets, community altars, and more
Each year, families and friends gather for Día de los Muertos to remember and celebrate loved ones who have passed, honoring their spirits in a joyful homecoming tradition. Observed on November 1-2, the holiday traces its origins back to ancient Mexican traditions and remains a significant cultural event for many Latino and Hispanic communities. Here’s a look at some upcoming Día de los Muertos festivities across Austin, showcasing vibrant cultural expressions, art, and communal gatherings.
Viva la Vida Festival & Las Calaveras de la Calle 5
Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St.
Nov. 1, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
While the 42nd Annual Viva la Vida Festival & Parade, originally set for Oct. 25, was canceled due to severe weather, the celebration will carry on. The event will now coincide with the unveiling of “Las Calaveras de la Calle 5,” a three-month, large-scale art installation honoring the 5th Street Mexican American Cultural District in downtown Austin. Presented by Mexic-Arte Museum, the Austin Convention Center, the City of Austin and Downtown Austin Alliance, the Día de los Muertos celebration will feature live performances, a pop-up graveyard, the festival’s signature prop figures, local vendors and more.
Día de los Muertos
Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, 1401 Trinity St.
Nov. 1-2, 6 p.m.
Waterloo Greenway is throwing a Día de los Muertos festival at Waterloo Park on November 1-2. The event includes live music, dance performances, face painting, themed cocktails, artisan vendors and a community altar displayed on the Moody Amphitheatre stage. The celebration emphasizes community gathering and shared tradition in a family-friendly atmosphere at one of Austin’s central parks.
allgo’s Community Altar Exhibit & Celebration
allgo Community Room, 701 Tillery St.
November 2, 4-7 p.m.
allgo, a community organization supporting Queer and Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, will hold its annual Día de los Muertos Community Altar Exhibit and Celebration. Attendees are invited to connect over a hot meal, enjoy live performances by guest artists, and gather around a shared altar to honor loved ones. allgo’s event invites participants to bring photos, flowers, and memorabilia to add to the altar, symbolizing community unity and resilience.
Holiday Gift Guide
Día de Los Muertos Celebration
La Mezca, 1905 Aldridge St. Ste 125
November 2, 5 p.m.-until sold out
La Mezca, the new mezcalería from the Vazquez sisters of Veracruz All Natural and Veracruz Fonda & Bar, will host a one-night Día de los Muertos celebration featuring food, drinks and music. The event will showcase a special menu curated by Chef Reyna Vazquez and James Beard–nominated Chef Joseph Gomez of Sana Sana Taqueria, serving tostadas, tacos and pan de muerto, with music by DJ Philippe.
Día de los Muertos Celebration at St. Elmo
St. Elmo Brewing Co., 8110 Springdale Rd.
November 1, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
St. Elmo Brewing at Springdale will host a free all-day Día de los Muertos celebration honoring life, memory and community. The event features a Latin-owned vendor market, live music by El Plan Sonidero, face painting, and an evening DJ set by Mijo Grande. Guests can contribute to a community ofrenda, enjoy drink specials, and savor a special menu from Pueblo Viejo.
Day of the Dead Festival
Oswaldo AB Cantu Pan American Park, 2100 E 3rd St.
November 1, 1:45 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center’s 18th annual Día de los Muertos celebration returns with a day of music, art and community. The family-friendly event will feature live performances by Gary Hobbs, Marca Especial, The Tiarras, Nova Band and Danza Azteca Guadalupana, along with face painting, sugar skull decorating, artist panels from MexAmeriCon and large-scale piñata-inspired installations by Las Piñatas/Latinos in Architecture. Guests can also explore a community altar, local vendor market, resource fair and food trucks.
The Cathedral’s 6th Anniversary: A Día de Muertos Fiesta
The Cathedral, 2403 E 16th St.
Oct. 30, 7:30–10:00 p.m.
East Austin art gallery and event space The Cathedral is celebrating its sixth anniversary with a Día de los Muertos celebration honoring its founder’s Mexican heritage with an evening of art, culture and community. Guests can expect live performances by Andrea Daniela and Miguel St. Michael, cocktails from local brands including Empress Gin and Lalo Tequila, and traditional bites and sweets. The gallery will feature florals and an ofrenda by Teoxochitl Designs, a raffle of 23 artist-designed ceramic skulls, custom poems by Violet Vela and Austin’s largest collection of art by local women and nonbinary artists.
Día de Los Muertos Lotería Train
Austin Steam Train Association Museum, 401 E Whitestone Blvd. C-100
November 1, 6-10 p.m.
North of Austin, the Bertram Flyer invites guests aboard its vintage railcars for a festive Día de los Muertos–themed ride celebrating Mexican culture through games, music and community. The three-hour round trip from Cedar Park features five rounds of Lotería with prizes, a Calavera costume contest, chips and salsa, and margaritas available for purchase.
VERDAD’s Día de los Muertos Celebration
VERDAD, 2701 Perseverance Drive
November 1-2, 4 p.m. – close
VERDAD is hosting a Día de los Muertos celebration on Nov. 1-2, with vibrant marigold decor and a festive atmosphere. Enjoy complimentary face painting from local artists on the patio (weather permitting) from 4 p.m. to close both days. On Sunday, Nov. 2, VERDAD will host Enchilada Sunday from 4–9 p.m., featuring a two-course special with a choice of any enchilada entrée—or a combination of all three—plus soup or salad for $29, available for dine-in or to-go. Guests can also take home half-price Signature Case sweets, including Burnt Milk Candy and Mexican Hot Chocolate Discs, from 4 p.m. to close throughout the weekend (available to-go only).