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. 24 | Noon – 6 pm | FREE – RSVP here
One of Austin’s biggest Día de los Muertos celebrations is back! Mexic-Arte Museum’s annual Viva la Vida Festival & Parade takes over 4th Street and Congress Avenue with colorful costumes, music, art, and plenty of family-friendly fun. The Grand Procession kicks things off at noon, followed by live performances, hands-on art activities for kids, traditional foods, local artists, and a low-rider exhibition. It’s free, open to everyone, and a wonderful way to celebrate and learn about Día de los Muertos together.
— Día de los Muertos Celebration 2026 @ Waterloo Park
November 1 | 6 pm – 10 pm | FREE
Waterloo Greenway is celebrating Día de los Muertos with an evening of music, art, food, and family fun! Explore colorful community altars, including a special pet altar, and bring a photo or memento to honor a loved one at the main ofrenda. Kids can enjoy calavera face painting while the whole family takes in live mariachi, Ballet Folklórico, and Danza Azteca performances. There will also be an artisan market and plenty of local food vendors, including Tamale Addiction, Churro Burro, and The Peached Tortilla. Get more details here.
— Día de los Muertos Celebrations @ Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
Saturday, Nov. 1 | 1 pm – 6 pm | FREE
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with an afternoon of art, food, and family fun at the ESB-MACC! Families can explore beautiful altars honoring loved ones, contribute names and notes to a community ofrenda, and enjoy free face painting and sugar skull decorating workshops. There will also be local food trucks, an artisan market, and plenty of opportunities to learn about this meaningful tradition. Admission is free, and no RSVP is required. Get more details here.
— Día de los Muertos Festival and Parade @ Lakeview Stage in Old Settlers Park
Saturday, Nov. 7| 3pm – 10 pm | FREE
Head to Round Rock for an afternoon and evening of Día de los Muertos festivities! Round Rock Ballet Folklorico is hosting its 13th annual celebration at the Lakeview Stage in Old Settlers Park, with live music, traditional dance performances, arts and crafts, delicious food, and more. It’s a fun way for families to come together and celebrate Mexican culture and traditions. Get more details here.
