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.
41st Annual Viva La Vida Festival & Parade
4th St. and Congress Avenue
On Saturday, October 26, Austin’s longest-standing Día de los Muertos celebration, the Viva La Vida Festival & Parade, returns for its 41st year. Organized by the Mexic-Arte Museum, this lively event kicks off with a parade along 6th Street at noon, featuring traditional attire, live music, dancers, and lowriders. Festivalgoers can enjoy ballet folklórico performances, costume contests, marigold crown crafting, and a variety of artisan vendors, capturing the essence of Mexican culture and tradition.
Día de los Muertos Festival by Siete Family Foods
1401 Trinity St.
In collaboration with Austin-based Siete Family Foods, Waterloo Greenway will host a Día de los Muertos festival at Waterloo Park on Friday, November 1. 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.
Día de los Muertos Celebration at Veracruz
2505 Webberville Road
Austin’s Veracruz All Natural invites the community to a Día de los Muertos gathering on Friday, Nov. 1, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at its Webberville location. The Vasquez sisters, Reyna and Maritza, have crafted an outdoor altar beneath the large tree on-site, inviting guests to bring photos, flowers, and personal mementos to honor loved ones. Complimentary mezcal tastings and coffee provided by neighbor Desnudo Coffee will be available for guests to enjoy.
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VERDAD’s Día de los Muertos Celebration
2701 Perseverance Drive
VERDAD is hosting a Día de los Muertos celebration on Nov. 1-2, with vibrant marigold decor and a festive atmosphere. Guests can enjoy complimentary face painting, savor Filet Mignon Tacos for a reduced price on Friday, Nov. 1, from 4-6:30 p.m. at the bar and patio, and indulge in half-price traditional Mexican sweets, including Burnt Milk Candy and Mexican Hot Chocolate Discs, from 4 p.m. to close.
Muertos Mercado
422 Guadalupe St.
Mexic-Arte Museum continues the celebrations with the Muertos Mercado on Saturday, November 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Republic Square Park. This market-style event offers an array of local vendors, traditional foods like tamales and pan de muerto, storytelling sessions, live music, Aztec dancing, and a community ofrenda (altar). It’s an opportunity for attendees to shop local while celebrating in a family-friendly, culturally rich environment.
Día de los Muertos at Austin Public Library
835 W Rundberg Lane
The Austin Public Library’s Little Walnut Creek Branch will host a Día de los Muertos arts and crafts event on Saturday, November 2, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free event includes activities for all ages, such as face painting, sugar skull decorating, votive candle crafts, and music. Participants can RSVP online to join the festivities and enjoy a hands-on introduction to Day of the Dead traditions.
allgo’s Community Altar Exhibit & Celebration
701 Tillery St.
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. On November 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., 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, held at their Community Courtyard on Tillery Street, invites participants to bring photos, flowers, and memorabilia to add to the altar, symbolizing community unity and resilience.