Jump to: Parades & Large Celebrations | Family & Hands-On Workshops
Looking for a meaningful way to spend Día de los Muertos in Austin? Start with an afternoon downtown, where the Mexic-Arte Museum’s annual festival brings together local artists, live performances, and tributes to loved ones who have passed.
You’ll also find smaller celebrations around the area, giving you a chance to explore the holiday at your own pace, whether you’re going with family or meeting friends.
We’ve gathered the Día de los Muertos Austin events worth checking out this year, so you can find a celebration that feels right for you.
Editor’s Note: We work hard to provide you with accurate, updated information. However, all details are subject to change. Please verify information before heading out.
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Also, check out our articles on the Best Corn Mazes in Austin, Best Pumpkin Patches in Austin, Things To Do in Austin Thanksgiving Week, Fun Free Things to Do in Austin with Kids, and Things To Do This Fall in Austin!
Parades & Large Celebrations — Día de los Muertos Austin
Viva La Vida Festival and Parade
Image credit: Mexic-Arte Museum kids
Participate in Austin’s largest and longest-running Day of the Dead event at Republic Square Park for the 43rd Annual Viva La Vida Festival and Parade.
You can kick off the day with a Grand Procession at 12 p.m. and enjoy activities until 6 p.m., including the Mariposa Plaza with hands-on art activities, traditional foods, local artists, retail booths, a low-rider exhibition, and live performances throughout the day.
Where: Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
How Much: Free
Dia de la Muertos – St. Elmo South
Immerse yourself in a lively afternoon of culture and community as St. Elmo Brewing transforms its South location into a vibrant hub featuring pop-up vendors like Pan Huás alongside rhythmic live performances from Beats of Burden and Los Alcos.
Take advantage of all-day drink specials and savory bites from food trucks while gathering with friends and family to honor cherished traditions.
Where: St. Elmo Brewing Company, 440 E St Elmo Rd G-2, Austin, TX 78745
When: Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
How Much: Free
Dia de los Muertos at Waterloo Greenway
Experience an enchanting evening honoring lives and memories at Waterloo Park, featuring stunning community altars, a main ofrenda where visitors can contribute personal photos and mementos, and an Alebrijes Altar pet memorial.
There will also be cumbia dance lessons with Native Texan Two Step alongside live performances from Chris Tejanoman Tristan, Mariachi Corazon de Tejas, Danza Azteca Guadalupana, and Ballet Folklorico Maricruz, complemented by live painting.
Don’t forget to stop by the Familia y Niños Zone for face painting, Austin Energy activities, and Crockett ECHS National Art Honor Society fun before browsing the Mercado y Más artisan market, unwinding at the Estrella Jalisco Beer Garden, and exploring community displays.
Where: Moody Amphitheater, 1401 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
How Much: Free
Día de Muertos en Austin by Ballet Folklórico
Image credit: thelongcenter
Celebrate the colorful spirit of love and ancestry as Ballet Folklórico de Austin takes to the stage to pay tribute to our ancestors with traditional dances representing all eight regions of Oaxaca, the cultural heart of Mexico.
Add a personal photo or a favorite object to the onstage ofrenda before the performance begins to honor relatives who have passed away.
Where: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
When: Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $25
Día de los Muertos Round Rock 2026
Immerse yourself in a vibrant community celebration of life and culture hosted by Round Rock Ballet Folklórico at Old Settlers Park for the 13th annual festival.
Enjoy an afternoon and evening filled with colorful entertainment, including live music, traditional folklórico performances showcasing rich cultural heritage, delicious food vendors, artisan booths, children’s crafts, and exciting contests with prizes, before joining the inspiring community procession starting at five in the evening.
Where: Old Settlers Park, 3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
When: Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Free
Family & Hands-On Workshops — ATX Altars & Arts
Día de los Huesos (Day of the Bones)
Image credit: utexas.edu
Discover a fascinating scientific twist on traditional celebrations at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum with a closer look at real animal skulls and skeletons.
Engage in delicate butterfly origami, enjoy vibrant face painting, and listen to lively mariachi performances while continuing your discoveries throughout the campus museum with towering prehistoric skeletons, remarkable Texas fossils and wildlife, and the hands-on Discovery Center.
Where: Texas Science and Natural History Museum, 2400 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78712
When: Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
How Much: Free
Dia de los Muertos at Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
Image credit: austintexas
Connect with ancestral traditions and community spirit during this alcohol-free family gathering at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center.
Contribute your own notes and names to the growing collective outdoor ofrenda, explore unique art installations, and browse artisan market booths highlighting Latino and Latina entrepreneurs supporting local business owners.
You can also enjoy local cuisine ranging from tacos to desserts from various food trucks, explore a community resource fair featuring local nonprofits, and participate in free face painting and sugar skull decorating workshops while supplies last.
Where: Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River Street, Austin, TX 78701
When: Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
How Much: Free
Know Before You Go: Día de los Muertos in Austin
The Mexic-Arte Museum’s Viva la Vida Festival and Parade brings Día de los Muertos celebrations to downtown Austin, while other events take place at venues around the metro area.
If you’re considering events in Round Rock or Cedar Park, check the locations and schedules before planning your drive, as travel times depend on traffic. For downtown celebrations, expect heavier traffic and limited parking near event venues.
Check for street closures, look into CapMetro routes, and give yourself extra time to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Día de los Muertos events in Austin family-friendly?
Many Austin celebrations welcome children, with activities such as sugar skull decorating, art projects, face painting, and cultural performances. The Viva la Vida Festival, events at the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC), and other local gatherings may have different schedules, admission policies, and age-appropriate activities.
Check each event listing to see what’s planned before bringing the family.
What is the difference between Halloween and Día de los Muertos?
Halloween is commonly associated with costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky decorations. Día de los Muertos is a Mexican tradition that honors deceased loved ones and celebrates their lives.
Families may create ofrendas with photographs, candles, marigolds, and favorite foods as a way to remember those who have passed. Although the holidays fall close together, they have different cultural meanings and customs.
Can I contribute photos or items to public altars in Austin?
It depends on the event and the organizers’ guidelines. Some community ofrendas welcome photographs or other tributes from visitors, while others are designed as displays for people to view. Check with the venue before bringing anything to leave on an altar, and follow any instructions about acceptable items and where to place them.
Looking for more fun in the city? See the upcoming Weekend Events in Austin.
- Día de los Muertos Austin 2026: Mexic-Arte Museum Festival & Parade - October 24, 2026
- 8 Austin Cocktails Full of Holiday Spirits - November 30, 2015
- Sushi and Sports at North Austin’s Pacific Rim - November 16, 2015
Hi, I’m new to town and am wondering which of the Day of the Dead parades/processions is the largest one as I probably cannot make it to multiple ones. Thanks in advance!
@Eileen, you should definitely attend the celebration on October 17th. There are a lot of fun things planned and it benefits a wonderful community organization, the Easter Seals.
Is this a pet friendly event?
Good question, @Sue. Their website says that only service dogs are allowed.