While Halloween may be the big holiday this time of year in most of the United States, Dia de los Muertos is just as important in Greater Phoenix. Originating in Mexico, Día de los Muertos, or day of the Day, is usually held on November 1st and 2nd, honoring family, friends and loved ones who have died. Despite its focus, the holiday is one of joy, featuring staples such as sweet bread, or pan de muertos, calaveras or sugar skulls, and altars adorned in beautiful marigolds to remember those we loved. 

Greater Phoenix has strong Mexican roots that are still celebrated in every part of the city today. Find the best things to do in Greater Phoenix to celebrate the Day of the Dead.

Find more things to do this weekend on our event calendar.  You can always find Halloween-related events here. We've also rounded up the best fall festivals around town, as well as Hispanic Heritage Month events in Greater Phoenix. Our best pumpkin patches and corn mazes round-up is here

 

Día de los Muertos Festival at Mesa Arts Center

Oct. 21-22

The annual free event offers a variety of features, performances and more in celebration of the memories of the deceased.

Mesa Arts Center

 

La Doña's Fiesta Friday for Dia de Los Muertos 

Oct. 27

Join la Doña's lively celebration of Dia de los Muertos at the Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center. Immerse yourself in the rich Mexican culture and traditions while enjoying delicious food, live music, and captivating performances. Everyone is welcome—invite family and friends to this festive gathering and experience the beauty of Dia de los Muertos. 

Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center 

 

15th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival

Oct. 28

Ballet Folklorico Esperanza and the City of Avondale host a one-of-a-kind artistic and cultural event that is family friendly and free to the public, with live music, food trucks, arts and crafts, and a community ofrenda for all.

Goodyear Farms Historical Cemetery

 

Scottsdale Dia De Los Muertos 

Oct. 28

Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company presents an unforgettable performance of dance, music, art, and ritual that will take audiences on a voyage of emotions, movement, and sound that celebrate the rich traditions of Dia de Los Muertos and splendor of Mexican folk dance.

Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts

 

Mikiztli Dia De Los Muertos Festival

Oct. 29

The annual Mikiztli Día De Los Muertos Festival will feature music, dance, masked performances, kids art activities, artists mercado and candlelight closing procession with ceremony and celebration. This festival is a unique and exciting artistic event that keeps families connected to their cultural heritage and traditions.

Steele Indian School Park
 

Dia de Los Muertos Skate 

Oct. 29

Meet Miguel and Papa Hector from Coco at Skateland Mesa to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos. The Coco-inspired event will have face painting, a bounce house, games, activities, trivia and more. Listen to your favorite songs from the movie plus your favorite Latin Hits all session long. $14 admission includes admission, skates and a slice of cheese pizza and soda.

Skateland Mesa

 

Día de los Muertos at Desert Botanical Garden

Nov. 4-5

Celebrate the colorful and vibrant Mexican tradition of Día de Muertos at the Garden with new and memorable experiences. The two-day festival will be filled with Mexican music, dance, storytelling y más! Honor a loved one at the Community Altar by artist Rufina Ruiz López. At day’s end, Garden guests are invited to join performers in La Procesión, a procession honoring passed loved ones, through the Garden.

Desert Botanical Garden
 

 

Kids in Focus Noche para los Niños

Nov. 2

The Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park will be transformed into a spectacular  Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) themed celebration to benefit Kids in Focus. Guests will stroll the beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces of the museum, enjoying festivities. Dress code for this event is festive black cocktail attire with splashes of color in keeping with the Day of the Dead theme.

Arizona Heritage Center
 

 

Las Cafeteras presents Hasta la Muerte

Oct. 20

Hasta La Muerte is an enthralling new production rooted in the Indigenous Mexican practice of celebrating life and death, universally known as Día de Los Muertos. In honoring the ancestors who came before us, Hasta La Muerte is a passionate, multi-dimensional performance filled with Zapateado, dance, song, altares y flores. Hasta La Muerte will feature original and new works from Las Cafeteras, as well as inspired interpretations of traditional folk songs, such as “La Llorona,” “La Bruja,” “La Morena.” With a traditional altar on stage, alongside mesmerizing beauty of folkloric choreography, the Hasta La Muerte show will be a night of transcendent color and sound, a moving invitation to travel through time, rhythm and memory.

Chandler Center for the Arts