Day of the Dead Celebrations Take Over Houston — Your Guide to the Best of Día de los Muertos

Houston weekends are packed full of events, but how many of them are truly worthy of your time? PaperCity’s new events calendar offers a curated look at all the best things to do in the area. But everyone can still use a guru — or two.

PaperCity Weekend Gurus Matthew Ramirez and Virginia Reynolds cull our calendar for your weekend must dos in this weekly series.

Magnolia Park

Magnolia Park is one of the oldest Hispanic neighborhoods in the city, dating all the way back to 1890. A brief study of the neighborhood reveals its rich history and deep Mexican influence – so where better to go for a Día de los Muertos celebration?

The area hosted its first Día de los Muertos party back in 2013, and six years later, the party is still going strong.

This year’s Día de los Muertos Block Party will take place this Saturday, November 2 at the historic Hidalgo Park The free event will include music and entertainment, cultural performances, food, vendors, altars for remembering and honoring loved ones, and the Magnolia Park: Houston’s First Barrio exhibit, this year featuring art by father-son duo Mark and Mac-Antony Piñón.

Go to the full PaperCity events calendar listing.

Axelrad

The ever-cool Midtown beer garden is at it again, this time with a Día de los Muertos themed night. Head to the bar for a fun-filled party, complete with a lotería, raffles and prizes, merchandise, dog costume contest, food vendors and of course drinks specials. But this Day of the Dead party is more than just a fiesta, it’s a fundraiser, too.

Axelrad is partnering with Three Little Pitties to help raise money for the local nonprofit that works to save stray dogs from the city streets and euthanasia list. Proceeds from the night’s drink specials will go directly to Three Little Pitties. So drink with a cause and save a pooch.

Go to the full PaperCity events calendar listing.

Champagne and Yoga

What better time to do some yoga and sip some bubbly than during the weekend of Día de los Muertos? Head to Wicklow Heights this Saturday for the second annual Champagne and Yoga event and Day of the  Dead Party.

Show up with a mat, bring your pup (dressed up in costume, of course), and get ready to stretch it out with The Good Yoga Project. And afterwards, stay to refuel and hang out at the champagne social. All proceeds from the event will benefit Animal Justice League, the dog and cat rescue focused in the the Oak Forest and surrounding neighborhoods.

Tickets start at $5, and go up to $20.

Go to the full PaperCity events calendar listing.

Xfinity Dia de los Muertos at Discovery Green

Sporting a massive calavera from iconic street artist Gonzo247 (and friends), Discovery Green’s Dia de los Muertos is sure to be the most family-friendly and auspicious Dia de los Muertos event of the weekend. Angel Quesada presents an altar and guests are encouraged to bring a photocopy of passed love ones to present.

Featuring a procession, dance and live music performances, art-making activities, and much more: For the full schedule (headlined by Latino DJ collective Bombon) click here. -Matthew Ramirez

Go to the full PaperCity events calendar listing.

MECA’s 19th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival

The Latino-based arts and community nonprofit Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts’ (MECA) hosts its 19th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, November 2 and 3. The free two-day event will feature a variety of traditional Latin American foods, arts and crafts, and performances from MECA Ballet Folklorico, Tres En Punto, Los Guerreros De La Musica/LGM, Solero Flamenco and, hailing from Tamaulipas, Mexico, Jilgueros de Altamira.

The Houston Latino Film Festival will present a special short film showcase as well, highlighting Dia de los Muertos events worldwide.

For the full rundown, click here. Free to attend. -Matthew Ramirez

Go to the full PaperCity events calendar listing.