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 Mariachi Estrellas and dance from Los Quetzales, and art activities. Bring a photo of a loved one for artist David Amoroso’s altar and play games as you honor those who have died. Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington: 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, free
Día de los Muertos Halloween Fiesta
October 31, noon–8 p.m.
This event will include arts and crafts, face painting, and a traditional altar. Savor authentic Mexican dishes, dance, and raise a toast with festive drinks. The first 200 guests will receive a free trick-or-treat goodie bag. Bryant Street Market: 670 Rhode Island Ave. NE, Washington, DC, free
Día de los Muertos at the Wharf
November 1, 3–6 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: 608 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, free
Día de los Muertos at Historic Congressional Cemetery
November 1, 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. Congressional Cemetery: 1801 E St. SE, Washington, DC, free
Black Tie Day of the Dead Embassy Fiesta
November 7, 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
Day of the Dead Tacos n Margaritas Bar Crawl
November 1, 2–10 p.m.
This event invites revelers to “keep the Halloween spirit going” with this Day of the Dead crawl. Participating bars will have drink and taco specials. Costumes, Halloween or sugar skull-inspired, are welcome. U St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $10
National Portrait Gallery’s Día de los Muertos
November 1, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
The National Portrait Gallery’s annual Day of the Dead festival returns this year. Enjoy traditional dances in the courtyard and watch artists MasPaz and Guache create via live video. National Portrait Gallery: 8th and G Streets, NW, Washington, DC, free
