Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a time for friends and families to come together to honor and celebrate loved ones who have passed. In Austin, the holiday has grown into a vibrant citywide celebration that blends tradition, art, music, and community. From sugar skull decorating and art workshops to lively parades and outdoor festivals, there are plenty of ways to experience the beauty and spirit of Día de los Muertos across the city this year.
Check out these family-friendly events:
— Annual Viva la Vida Festival & Parade
Saturday, Oct. 25 | Noon – 6 pm | FREE – RSVP here
Mexic-Arte Museum’s 42nd Annual Viva La Vida Festival and Parade is Austin’s largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos celebration. Co-presented by the Austin Convention Center and the City of Austin, this year’s festival takes place Saturday, October 25, at 4th Street and Congress Avenue. The festivities kick off with a Grand Procession at noon, followed by live performances, hands-on art activities in the Education Pavilion, traditional foods, local artists and retail booths, and a low-rider exhibition. This event is free and open to all.
— Día de los Muertos Celebration 2025 @ Waterloo Park
Saturday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 2 | 6 pm – 10 pm | FREE
Join Waterloo Greenway for a two-day celebration honoring the cherished tradition of Día de los Muertos. Families can enjoy colorful altars, live music and dance performances, and creative hands-on activities in the Familia y Niños Zone, supported by H-E-B. Kids can dive into Calavera face painting, build take-home altars with Creative Action, make sensory-friendly masks, and listen to storytelling presented by the Tomas Rivera Book Award.
Parents can savor Austin’s diverse flavors with local favorites like Peached Tortilla, Tamale Addiction, Churro Burro, Texas Drip BBQ, Acero Hearts, and Hecho Por Penelope while relaxing to mariachi and folklórico performances under the stars. It’s a vibrant weekend of food, family, and culture that turns Waterloo Park into a lively celebration of love and remembrance. Get more details here.
— Día de los Muertos Celebrations @ Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
Saturday, Nov. 1 | 2 pm – 6 pm | FREE
The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center invites families to its 18th annual Día de los Muertos celebration, a free community festival honoring the lives of loved ones through art, music, and tradition. Families can enjoy live Latin music and dance on the outdoor stage, face painting, sugar skull decorating workshops, and colorful, large-scale piñata installations. Kids can explore hands-on crafts while parents browse the artisan market, check out MexAmeriCon’s comics and art panels, or grab bites from local food trucks serving tacos, BBQ, and sweet treats. Contribute a photo or memento to the growing community altar and experience this beautiful afternoon of remembrance, creativity, and culture in the heart of East Austin. Get more details here.
— Día de los Muertos Festival and Parade @ Centennial Plaza (Round Rock)
Saturday, Nov. 1| Noon – 9 pm | FREE
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with Round Rock Ballet Folklorico, the City of Round Rock, Round Rock Arts, and Univision at this lively community festival. Families can enjoy live music, cultural performances, crafts for kids, vendor booths, and plenty of delicious food. The event also features fun contests and a vibrant procession that fills Centennial Plaza with color, rhythm, and tradition. Proceeds benefit Round Rock Ballet Folklorico, helping keep this beloved celebration thriving year after year.
More Events:
- Día de los Heusos (Day of the Bones) @ Texas Science & Natural History Museum
- Día de los Muertos Lotería Train @ Austin Steam Train Association
- Check out even more events here
