Where to Celebrate Día de los Muertos 2024 in Austin

The smell of fresh marigolds, sweet pan de muerto and scented candles abound during Día de los Muertos, a two-day holiday on Nov. 1 and 2. The tradition, which is celebrated throughout Latin America has also gained popularity in several U.S. cities, including Austin.

This celebration honors those loved ones who have died and blends both pre-Columbian and Catholic customs with vibrant altars, specialty foods and drink and more to welcome the departed spirits who are believed to come home to reunite with their families during this special occasion.

Día de los Muertos also honors the souls of deceased children, a day known as Día de los Angelitos on Nov. 1. All Souls’ Day is recognized on Nov. 2 for deceased adults. In Austin, Day of the Dead traditions remain strong throughout the month with festivities from family-friendly parades to special cemetery visits.

Here are some Día de los Muertos celebrations you can enjoy in Austin:  

Oct. 26

Viva la Vida Festival and Parade

Mexic-Arte Museum’s Viva La Vida Festival and Parade at Fourth Street and Congress Avenue begins at noon and the festival runs through 6 p.m.  This event, co-sponsored by the City of Austin, is the capital city’s largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos celebration with hands-on activities, a low-rider exhibition, traditional food, local artists, and live performances throughout the day. 

Nov. 1

Día de los Muertos at Waterloo Park

Begin celebrating your ancestors this Día de los Muertos at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park with community altars, live art, Latinx art vendors, calavera face painting, and even an albrije altar. This family-friendly celebration, sponsored by Siete Foods, runs from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

DIA (Day of Inclusion Awareness) on Día concert at The Perishing

Join the 11th Annual DIA on Día, or Day of Inclusion on Día de los Muertos. This free event welcomes all 21 and up audiences to The Perishing in East Austin for a night of music starting at 7 p.m. This celebration is sure to please music lovers with more than 10 artists performing.

Nov. 1 and 2

Fandango Día de Muertos at San Jose Cemetery I and II

Head to two local cemeteries for Fandango Día de los Muertos featuring mariachi music, tamales, pan de muerto and a cemetery procession that follows Aztec tradition. Nov. 1 is at San Jose Cemetery II (8101 Posten Ln.) and Nov. 2 is at San Jose Cemetery I (718 Montopolis Dr.) with the festivities beginning at 6 p.m. 

Nov. 2

Day of the Dead Festival + Mexamerican Comic Con at Pan Am Park

Join a combination of festivities and book celebrations for the 17th annual of the Day of the Dead Festival and MexAmeriCon Comic Con at the Oswaldo AB Pan American Park beginning at 2 p.m. This one’s para la familia, with piñata sculptures, sugar skull decorating, face painting, música y mucho más. 

The MexAmeriCon, Central Texas’ original Mexican American and Latinx Comic Convention, will also have meet-and-greet opportunities, a panel discussion, and a live demonstration of the Aztec card game Nawalli. You won’t want to miss all this event has to offer.

Día de los Muertos Festival in Round Rock

Another fantastic family event will be the 11th annual Día de los Muertos Festival in Round Rock benefitting the Round Rock Ballet Folklórico. This celebration begins at noon in Centennial Park in Round Rock and features a parade at 5 p.m. and a children’s stage with dancers and magicians. There will be a full lineup on an all-ages stage featuring danza Azteca, mariachi music, bands, and headliner Ruben Ramos and The Mexican Revolution. Visit the event’s website for more information.

Allgo Día de los Muertos Community Altar Exhibit and Celebration

Allgo, a statewide queer people of color organization, invites all Queer and Trans, Black, Indigenous, people of color, and all who celebrate the Day of the Dead to join their free annual Day of the Dead and Community Altar Exhibit and Celebration at 6 p.m. at the Community Courtyard at Allgo on Tillery Street. Enjoy the free food and bring photos of loved ones to place on the community altar. 

Until Nov. 4

Celebrando La Vida exhibit at La Peña Gallery

Celebra the beauty of the Day of the Dead season at La Peña Art Gallery until Nov. 4 with a group exhibition of artwork and altares. This collective is a vibrant dedication to loved ones and features additional artworks from the Jill Ramirez – Serie Project, and the Gilberto Cardenas and Dolores Garica collection. The gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and until 3 p.m. on Saturdays. 

Nov. 9

Muertos Mercado at Republic Square Park

For those itching to buy something beautiful, head to the Muertos Mercado at Republic Square Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free, family-friendly event features Aztec dancers, live music, storytelling and much more. The Mexic-Arte Museum and Downtown Austin Alliance will also unveil an art installation at the park that was inspired by the park’s rich history in the Mexican American, Black community and the Tonkawa Tribe. 

Las Calaveras at Republic Square Park

While at the Muertos Mercado, pop over to the ribbon cutting ceremony of a new art exhibit of four large-scale fiberglass calaveras at 10 a.m. This incredible display was made possible through a partnership between Mexic-Arte and the Mexico City Colectivo, Última Hora. These skulls were then painted by NIZ, Ruben Esquivel, Carmen Rangel, and Ryan Runice, all Austin-based artists.  If you miss this part, not to worry, the skulls will be on display until Nov. 24.

Throughout November

You won’t want to miss the Path to the Altar: Community Ofrendas at the Mexic-Arte Museum. The museum partnered with the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center and La Peña in collaboration with the South Texas Human Rights Center, and MAS Cultura, to display different community altares that honor our dearly departed.

Also on display are community ofrendas, video installations, and murals that offer a unique perspective into this beautiful holiday. If you miss it this month, no te preocupes, the installation runs through Jan. 4, 2025. The museum is open daily with shorter hours on Sunday and admission is $8 for adults. 

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