Stay tuned for next year's post! In the meantime, check out what happened last year.
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.
Events
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Día de los Muertos Festival at Mesa Arts Center
Oct. 19-20
The annual free event offers a variety of features, performances and more in celebration of the memories of the deceased.
Mesa Arts Center
Boo Bash
Oct. 19
Park West is pleased to present its 5th Annual Boo Bash on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 6-8 p.m. This year’s Boo Bash will include a prominent Día de los Muertos element of celebration. During the event, guests can enjoy a host of frightfully family friendly activations and experiences including three magic shows, trunk or treat sponsored by Arrowhead Honda, performances by Boom Percussion, a DJ, Halloween games and prizes, inflatables, a funeral hearse, and a haunted horse and carriage. Characters and performers will be onsite to add to the spooktacular experience, including Jack Skellington with stilts, Sally with stilts, a glow Hula Hooper, Day of the Dead characters, Lady M, Monarch Butterfly and Frankenstein.
Park West
Fire & Ice: Día de Los Muertos Cocktail Dinner at Renata's Hearth
Oct. 24
Join the Arizona Biltmore for the second dinner in Renata’s Hearth Fire & Ice series, a culinary celebration inspired by the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos. Immerse yourself in a five-course feast of elevated Mexican cuisine, each dish thoughtfully paired with premium spirits and cocktails.
Renata’s Hearth at Arizona Biltmore
Scottsdale Dia De Los Muertos
Oct. 26
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. 27
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
Day of the Dead at PhxArt's First Friday
Nov. 1
Come out to the Day of the Dead themed First Friday at PhxArt, on November 1, from 5 – 8 pm! With free general admission you can experience: Design your own veladora (candle) with Crafty Chica, Experience a vibrant community altar creatred by Crafty Chica and Cecily Cano, In-gallery sketching with Aileen Martinez, Live music with La Campesina and DJ Osuna, Delicious food and drinks from vendors El Fogón de Joy, Harlem Coffee, Sloppy Toppings and ARTenders Dancing puppeteers with Cultural Coalition, and Docent-led tours celebrating Dia de los Muertos in English at 5:30 pm + 6:30 pm and in Spanish at 6 pm + 7 pm.
Día de los Muertos at Desert Botanical Garden
Nov. 1-3
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! The stunning community altar, centered on the legend of the Cempasúchil flower (marigold) and the story of Xóchitl and Huitzilin, will be on display in Ottosen Gallery. The deconstructed altar design will also feature the ceramic artwork of Oaxacan artist Rufina Ruiz Lopez. Visitors are invited to place memories and wishes for loved ones on the ofrenda.
16th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival
Nov. 2
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 Historical Cemetery
Dia de Los Muertos
Nov. 2
“Día de los Muertos,” or “The Day of the Dead,” is a two-day holiday celebrated on Nov. 1-2 in Mexico in which families remember departed loved ones and create offerings to honor them. Join us at Madison Center for the Arts!
Madison Center for the Arts
Free, Autism-Friendly Dia De Los Muertos
Nov. 2
Enjoy an autism-friendly holiday with child-friendly obstacle courses, music, a petting zoo, craft stations, and much more! We aim to create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone can explore and enjoy the ultimate celebration of culture and community! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a night of fun, tunes, and great company!
Success on The Spectrum Maryvale
Honremos a Los Muertos - A Día De Muertos Celebration
Nov. 2
This culturally festive event is FREE and family-friendly and features face painting, costumed Catrinas, a community altar, art-making activities and live music from De Cajón Latin Music all taking place in the CCA lobby.
Chandler Center for the Arts
Ofrenda: Dia De Los Muertos Community Celebration
Our 2nd Annual event honors the Mexican tradition of Dia De los Muertos with colorful ofrendas, live music, traditional dances, and delicious food. Bring your family and friends to experience this unique and festive gathering that pays tribute to our loved ones who have passed.
Global Water Center
Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trailblazers: Dia de Los Muertos Night
Nov. 2
Watch the Phoenix Suns face the Portland Trailblazers at Footprint Center on November 2, 2024. Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos night!
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