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Día de los Muertos in Houston
Día de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, stands as one of Mexico's most significant holidays. Traditionally observed on November 1st and 2nd, this celebration brings families and friends together to pay tribute to their departed loved ones. The atmosphere is filled with jubilation, marked by an array of festivities: feasts, music, vibrant face painting, dances, and the creation of ornate ofrendas, or altars, adorned with gifts and photographs of the departed.
If you’re a Houstonian or visitors seeking to immerse yourself in the rich and diverse cultural tapestry the city has to offer, there are some incredible Día de los Muertos events you shouldn't miss. These events beautifully capture the essence of this traditional Mexican celebration and offer a unique cultural experience. Let's take a look at some of the must-visit gatherings that will make your Day of the Dead celebrations memorable.
Nov. 1, 2024 | Discovery Green
Families can look forward to hands-on art activities, artist demonstrations, a variety of vendors, and more. Cultural performances and live music by Houston’s own Nick Gaitan, featuring Tejas Roots Music (boleros, Tex-Mex, and Chicano Soul), will add to the festivities.
Discovery Green has invited Houston artist Angel Quesada to create a community ofrenda, or altar, for visitors to honor their loved ones during Día de los Muertos. Guests are welcome to bring copies of photos or small keepsakes to place on the altar in remembrance of those they hold dear (please bring copies only, as irreplaceable items are not recommended).
MECA Día de Muertos Festival
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 1-2, 2024 | 1900 Kane St.
In Houston, the most time-honored Day of the Dead celebration is undoubtedly MECA's Día de Muertos festival. Now in its 24th year, this beloved festival takes place in the historic Dow School within the Old Sixth Ward of Houston. Over two vibrant days, visitors can revel in an array of cultural delights, including performances on three distinct stages, a captivating exhibition of ofrendas and altars, artisan vendors showcasing their crafts, hands-on children's activities, and a delectable selection of culinary delights. Best of all, it's a free-to-enter event, making it accessible to all who wish to join in the festivities. Get more information here.
Día de los Muertos at the Children's Museum
Nov. 2, 2024 | 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. 1500 Binz St., Houston
Children’s Museum Houston will be magically transformed into a radiant and festive Land of the Dead, brimming with colorful decorations, lively mariachi music, traditional “sugar skulls,” and marigolds in celebration of El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). This cherished holiday is a joyful tribute to life—a time when families lovingly remember those who have passed by creating an “ofrenda,” beautifully adorned to honor their memory. These offerings, filled with bread, fruits, and flowers, are prepared with the heartfelt belief that they’ll bring joy to visiting spirits during this special celebration. Find more information here.
City Place Festival — Spring
Nov. 2, 2024 | 1250 Lake Plaza Dr., Spring
On November 2nd, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, City Place Plaza will host its annual, vibrant Día de los Muertos celebration—a lively evening of culture, music, food, and family-friendly activities. Guests can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere with live music by Bidi Bidi Banda, Austin’s first all-star Selena tribute band, a mariachi ensemble, and special pop-up performances of indigenous dance. Visitors will also have the chance to explore a carefully curated Día de los Muertos mercado, add offerings to a community altar, and enjoy even more exciting surprise activities! This year, City Place is thrilled to partner with the ALMAAHH Organization (Advocates of a Latino Museum of Cultural and Visual Arts & Archive Complex in Houston, Harris County) for this special event.
2024 Houston Dia De Muertos Parade
Nov. 2, 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM at Sam Houston Park
The 4th Annual Houston Dia de los Muertos Festival stands as a cherished tradition for the City of Houston. With the heartfelt parade, the purpose is to celebrate the living and pay homage to our beloved departed. The evening that promises live music, a beautiful procession, delectable concessions, engaging arts and crafts, and much more! As night falls, Downtown Houston will be transformed in a vibrant display of color and culture as the Houston Día de los Muertos Parade begins at 7 p.m. Catch the parade live on any platform where you stream Eyewitness News, including Roku and Fire TV.
Nov. 1, 2024 | Miller Outdoor Theater | 7:30 p.m.
Returning for its fifth year, this production tells the story of the Burgos family as they prepare for Día de Muertos, delving into the tradition’s many elements and the meaning of embracing death as a celebration of life’s beauty. The performance is presented in Spanish with English subtitles.
Nov. 1, 2024 | 6 p.m. | Trebly Park
Enjoy this free special movie night under the stars with a screening of Coco! Join in the fun with kids' activities, face painting, character meet-and-greets, and the unveiling of the community Ofrenda. Bring photos of loved ones or pets who have passed to place on the ofrenda in their memory and celebrate their spirit.
Dia de Los Muertos East End
Nov. 2, 2024 | 12 - 7 p.m. | The Esplanade at Navigation
Head to the Navigation Blvd. Esplanade in Second Ward for a vibrant celebration of enduring love, complete with traditional music and dance, a local arts and vendor market, ofrendas, delicious foods, margaritas, and more.
Día De Los Muertos Children's Celebration at Hope Farms
Nov. 2, 2024 | 2 - 4:30 p.m. | Hope Farms
Join the Lopez and Faulk families, alongside the entire Phillips Family, for a vibrant and educational celebration of Día de los Muertos traditions at Hope Farms . Hosted by Recipe for Success Foundation, this event invites children and their families to explore the rich culture behind this meaningful holiday. Kids will engage in hands-on activities including learning about the ofrenda, crafting marigold crowns, creating mementos for the altar, pollinating the garden, and decorating healthy cookies. It’s all part of Recipe for Success Foundation’s acclaimed Seed-to-Plate Nutrition Education™ program, blending cultural heritage with healthy living. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Phillips Family Foundation, ticket costs are reduced to make this celebration accessible for all families. Bring your loved ones to experience a day of tradition, learning, and fun in the heart of the city. Click here to register.
Celebrate with Food
Pan de muerto at URBE
Starting Tuesday, October 1 through Saturday, November 2, URBE will be selling handmade pan de muerto in honor of Dia de los Muertos, of Day of the Dead. Pan de muerto is a type of pan dulce, sweet bread, traditionally baked in Mexico during the weeks leading up to the Día delos Muertos, which is celebrated from November 1 to November 2. The sweetened soft bread is shaped that is rounded or domed to represent a grave and often has skulls or crossbones added in extra dough to represent the souls of our deceased loved ones, and decorated with colored sugars. The bones are sometimes represented in a circle to portray the circle of life. At URBE, the Pan de Muerto is made-from-scratch in their on-site bakery and will be available during weekend brunch hours. Price is $4.50 each, or you can get the cream-filled variety for $7 each. They can also be ordered over the phone or via online ordering for pick-up, especially for larger quantities.
Dia de lose Muertos at Verde Garden
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos at Verde Garden on Saturday, November 2! Beginning at 11 AM, attendees can enjoy face painting, Folklorico dancers; live Mariachi performances; live DJs; festive photo opportunities; food and drink specials; and much more. Houstonians are also invited to contribute to Verde Garden’s special Ofrenda and bring in pictures of their loved ones or furry friends to be included on the altar. Submissions can also be emailed in advance to info@verdegarden.com.
