Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is November 1 and 2. This two-day holiday, rooted in Mexican culture, is a celebration of life that honors the memories of loved ones who have died. From block parties to community ofrendas, these Northern Virginia and DC events provide ways to celebrate the occasion with the community.
Evening Picnic
November 1, 5–8 p.m.
Join the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington for a family-friendly evening picnic featuring food trucks, live performances from Blanca Chucuan and dance from Los Quetzales, and art activities. Bring a photo of a loved one for the altar and play games as you honor those who have died. Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington: 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, free
Block Party
November 1, 12–11 p.m.
This event will include artistic displays, face painting, and traditional altars. Savor authentic Mexican dishes, dance, and raise a toast with festive drinks. Bryant Street Market: 670 Rhode Island Ave. NE, Washington, DC, free
Día de los Muertos at the Wharf
November 1, 3–7 p.m.
The Wharf in DC will host a family-friendly Day of the Dead celebration, complete with face painting, sugar skull decorating, and a community light procession. There will also be live music, culutural performances, and beer gardens. The Wharf: 35 Sutton Sq. SW, Washington, DC
Day of the Dead Bar Crawl
November 1, 4–10 p.m.
Make your way to several of Alexandria’s bars for this pub crawl. The event includes a kickoff party, an after party, and food and drink specials throughout the night. Check in at Alexandria Biergarden: 710 King St., Alexandria, $19
Day of the Dead at Bluemont Station
November 1–2
Bluemont Station Brewery will celebrate the holiday with Mexican-inspired dishes and drinks, including shrimp tacos, a mole Mexican stout, a prickly pear seltzer mule, and Mexican hot chocolate. There will also be live music and screenings of the movie Coco at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday. Bluemont Station Brewery: 18301 Whitehall Estate Ln., Bluemont, free
Día de los Muertos at Historic Congressional Cemetery
November 2, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
The Congressional Cemetery will build a large-scale community ofrenda to honor the dead. The public is invited to bring photos of loved ones and mementos to place on the ofrenda. There will also be craft opportunities such as sugar skulls and paper flowers. Congressional Cemetery: 1801 E St. SE, Washington, DC, free
Día de los Muertos at Banditos
October 31–November 2
Banditos in Fairfax will celebrate the holiday with a weekend of specials, including a costume contest, special cocktails, and a DJ on Friday and $12 mimosas during Saturday and Sunday brunch. Banditos Tacos & Tequila: 10621 Braddock Rd., Fairfax, free
Black Tie Day of the Dead Embassy Fiesta
November 8, 8–11:45 p.m.
Embrace the spirit of the holiday with live mariachi music, an altar display, and traditional Mexican dances. Savor the buffet and an open bar featuring Mexican drinks. Dress in black tie or masquerade-style attire and participate in a contest for the best costumes. Mexican Cultural Institute: 2829 16th St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $93
Feature image courtesy Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington
