How to Celebrate Día de los Muertos 2023 in Dallas — Authentic Live Performances, Indulgent Specials, and More In Honor of the Dead

Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is celebrated on November 1 and 2. In Mexican heritage, it is a celebration of those that have been lost. Honorary alters are set up and traditional dishes are made for those who have died, symbolizing a reunion of sorts for the living and the dead.

This year, several Dallas spots are participating in the Día de los Muertos celebrations with food and drink specials, live performances, and arts and crafts.

The Big Parade

On Saturday, October 28, the City of Dallas will host its annual Día de los Muertos Parade at Dallas City Hall at 7 pm. The day will also include live music, arts and crafts, food, and more.

A Musical Concert

On October 31 at 7:30 pm, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra is hosting a Day of the Dead concert featuring traditional Latin American music and culture, guest artists, and activities for the whole family. Tickets are available here.

Authentic Celebrations

Head to Crown Hill Memorial Park & Mausoleum on November 2 for a free Día de los Muertos celebration. Located at a cemetery that is traditionally visited by families on the Day of the Dead, the celebration starts off with an opening parade and includes a dance performance, live concerts, children’s activities, and more.

Taking place at Latino Cultural Center on October 28 from 11 am to 4 pm, the organization’s annual Día de los Muertos Festivals is an afternoon of food, drinks, music, poetry, and more. There will be craft workshops, as well as the option to bring a photo of your loved one to add to the ofrenda.

On November 1 from 4 pm to 8 pm, head to the Mandelay Canal Walk at Las Colinas for a celebration hosted by the U.S.-Mexico Cultural and Educational Foundation and the Las Colinas Association. The free event will feature mariachi music, performances by the Irving Symphony Orchestra, face painting, arts and crafts, a guac cart, mezcal tasting, marketplace, gondola cruises, and so much more.

Local Restaurant Celebrations

Before it closes its storefront in Bishop Arts, head to CocoAndré Chocolatier on November 4 for the annual Día de los Muertos Oak Cliff along with Oak Cliff Cultural Center. The family-friendly event includes live music, dance performances from native Dallas groups, food, arts and crafts, goods from local vendors, and more. Also, make sure to purchase one of the chocolate shop’s famous sugar skulls.

The Harwood District’s Latin American restaurant, Te Deseo, is hosting a Day of the Dead party at 9 pm on October 28. There will be themed drink specials all night, a live DJ on the rooftop, and more.

On November 2, Miriam Cocina Latina is celebrating Día de los Muertos with a El Jimador paint and sip party at 6:30 pm. For $35 per person, each guest will receive a El Jimador Tequila Flight (añejo, reposado and blanco) or two El Jimador house margaritas frozen or “en los rocas” and a traditional ceramic calavera skull and paint supplies to decorate. Complimentary appetizers and bites will also be served.

All locations of Taqueria La Ventana are hosting a Day of the Dead celebration starting on October 28 with Dallas’ Cedar Springs outpost. Downtown Dallas and Addison will celebrate on November 2, and the Farmers Market on November 3. Each event will feature an all day happy hour, DJs, face painting, a Catrina costume contest (except for Cedar Springs), and more.

Head to the Las Colinas (November 1) and Plano (November 2) locations of Mexican Sugar for Día de los Muertos celebrations including a table side cocktail experience, complimentary tequila tastings, Pop Nitrogen Margarita Bar, Print a Selfie on a Mex-Spresso Martini, Marimba player, DJs, and more. All outposts will also have an offrenda experience from October 22 through November 2 for those who want to add mementos such as photos, flowers, and candles as a tribute to their departed loved ones.