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

Las Cafeteras: Hasta La Muerte    

Oct. 17

Hasta La Muerte is a multi-dimensional theatrical and musical performance that honors the Indigenous/Mexican tradition known as Day of the Dead. The two-act performance celebrates life and encourages us to explore a new understanding of the afterlife in a showcase of mesmerizing choreography and stunning costume design. We are taken on a journey through song, theatre and dance with La Catrina, patron saint of the dead. We join La Catrina as she encounters the spirits of La Llorona and La Bruja, weaving in Mexican folklore to tell new stories. Combining a score of original and traditional songs, Hasta La Muerte promises a night of vibrant sound and powerful storytelling.

Chandler Center for the Arts

 

Boo Bash

Oct. 24

The City of Tempe is pleased to present its Annual Boo Bash on Oct. 24. This year’s Boo Bash will include train rides, face painting, dance parties, costume contests, a screening of Monsters, Inc., concessions, games, and more!

Kiwanis Park

 

Scottsdale Dia De Los Muertos: Fiesta De Muertos Y Danza

Oct. 24

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

 

17th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival

Oct. 25

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. If you have loved ones you'd like to honor and remember, bring their picture and place them on the community altar.

Avondale Goodyear Farms Historic Cemetery

 

Día de los Muertos Festival at Mesa Arts Center

Oct. 25-26

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

Mesa Arts Center

 

Día de los Muertos at Desert Botanical Garden

Oct. 31 - Nov. 3

Día de Muertos returns to the Garden with a stunning open-air community altar featuring the work of Oaxacan artisans in an authentic and moving display honoring lost loved ones. Visitor will enjoy face-painting, crafts, food and a moving sunset procession through the Garden.

Desert Botanical Garden

 

Mikiztli Dia De Los Muertos Festival

Nov. 1

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.

Arizona Center

 

Dia de Los Muertos

Nov. 1-2

Celebrate Día de los Muertos with the Phoenix Symphony and Emmy-winning actor and Broadway star Mauricio Martínez as host and vocalist. Enjoy traditional Mexican folk tunes, Juan Pablo Contreras’ Alma Monarca, Coco suite, and Arturo Márquez’s Danzón No. 2 , in a vibrant tribute to life and remembrance.

Madison Center for the Arts

 

Día de Los Muertos Cocktail Dinner at Renata's Hearth

Nov. 2

Join us for a truly special evening at Renata’s Hearth as our Fire & Ice dinner series returns with a Día de los Muertos celebration on Sunday, November 2nd at 6:30 PM. Experience a five-course feast of elevated Mexican cuisine, each dish thoughtfully paired with exceptional cocktails crafted with Volcán Tequila.

Renata's Hearth at Arizona Biltmore

 

St. Mary's Basilica's 12th Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival

Nov. 2

The 12th annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival, which celebrates the memory of deceased loved ones, attracts crowds upwards of 10,000 people to St. Mary’s Basilica, a Phoenix Point of Pride and historic building listed on the National Register. This family-friendly event in downtown Phoenix is free to the public. 

St. Mary's Basilica Outdoor Plaza