Rooted in tradition, Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a time when families remember and honor their loved ones who have died in various ways, including creating ofrendas, or altars; cooking their loved one's favorite dishes; and publicly celebrating the departed. Take a look at these five celebrations happening in and around the Austin area this year.

Viva La Vida Festival and Parade

Hosted by Mexic-Arte Museum, organizers of the annual Day of the Dead event will offer visitors the chance to participate in activities and artist demos, taste traditional foods, and watch a low-rider exhibition and live performances during the event.
  • Oct. 28, noon-1 p.m. (grand procession), noon-6 p.m. (festival)
  • Free
  • Fourth Street and Congress Avenue, Austin
  • www.mexic-artemuseum.org
Dia De Los Muertos 2023

A celebration in honor of Day of the Dead will feature live music and dancing, face painting, a Latino artisan market, artists creating in real time, muralists, and more. There will also be a community ofrenda, or altar, for visitors to decorate to honor family and friends who have died. A separate alebrijes altar will also be available for honoring departed pets.Dia De Muertos featuring El Tule

This all-ages event will offer live music from El Tule along with costumes, dancing, face painting, food and Las Ofrendas Market. There will also be a public ofrenda to honor loved ones who have died. Officials will also have a beer rerelease of Choc Mool.Ofrenda: Celebrating Dia De Los Muertos


Eventgoers will have the opportunity to celebrate Dia de los Muertos with an immersive circus and dance show by Cirque Vida featuring aerialists, contortionists, dancers and poets in addition to mariachi, artists and vendors. Cocktails made by Fierce Whiskers Distillery will also be available.
  • Nov. 3, 8-11 p.m.; Nov. 4, 7-10 p.m.
  • $35-$225
  • Fierce Whiskers Distillery & Tasting Room, 5333 Fleming Court, Austin
  • www.cirquevida.com
10th Anniversary Dia De Los Muertos Celebration

This family-friendly parade and festival will benefit Round Rock Ballet Foklorico. Festivalgoers will have the opportunity to hear live music, participate in crafts and see cultural performances while sampling food and browsing vendors. The parade will start at Wells Fargo, 505 Round Rock Ave., and end at Centennial Plaza.