Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebrations across the region honor the cherished memories of loved ones who have died. The two-day holiday, rooted in Mexican culture, blends joy and remembrance through colorful traditions.
Have fun at a variety of events, including flower crown workshops, cocktail classes, and craft sessions, alongside lively music and delicious food. These festivities provide a meaningful way to connect with community while celebrating life, love, and the spirits of those lost.
Day of the Dead Cocktail Class
October 30, 6–8 p.m.
Test your mixology skills by learning to make Rosa Mexicano’s cocktails and munch on popular snacks, including the restaurant’s guacamole. Wear a costume — there will be prizes for the best ones. This is an event for people 21 and older. Rosa Mexicano: 153 Waterfront St., Oxon Hill, Maryland, $71.21
Paint and Celebrate
October 30, 7–9 p.m.
Your ticket includes all art supplies, a delicious buffet, and two drinks, with Happy Hour prices. Take home your beautifully painted sugar skull as a cherished keepsake. This event sold out last year. El Centro: 1218 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC, $60
Day of the Dead at National Landing
November 1, 4–8 p.m.
Come celebrate the holiday at the Water Park outdoor food hall with face painting, a photo booth, and live entertainment by a Rastafarian music group. National Landing: 2451 Crystal Dr., Arlington, free
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 Los Amigos 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, 5–11 p.m.
The 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
Day of the Dead & Tequila Fest
November 1, 7 p.m.
This event is a celebration featuring traditional altars, face painting, and Mexican cuisine. Revel in cocktails, live mariachi music, folkloric dances, and a piñata. Ticket holders will receive complimentary churros and chocolate. Plus, participate in raffles for tequila and mezcal bottles. Capture the spirit with fun photo ops. This is an event for those 21 and older. Penn Social: 801 E. St. NW, Washington, DC, $29.99
Día De Los Muertos Costume Party
November 1, 8–11 p.m.
Celebrate Dead of the Dead by dressing up and participating in a costume contest. Try tasty drink specials like $5 margaritas and discounted food. Dance the night away to Latin beats with DJs spinning bachata, reggaeton, and salsa tunes. MiXt Food Hall: 3809 Rhode Island Ave., Brentwood, Maryland, free
Día a de los Muertos 2024 at La Cosecha
November 1–2, times vary
This two-day festival features authentic Latino food, lively music and dance performances, cooking demonstrations, and family-friendly art activities. Explore artisan ofrendas honoring beloved community figures and watch the parade. La Cosecha: 1280 4th St. NE, Washington, DC, free
Día de los Muertos at Banditos
November 2, 12 p.m.
The celebration features live music from The Loop, along with two ofrendas for honoring loved ones. Take advantage of the face painting, crafts for kids, and DJ spinning tunes. Other activities include crafts involving marigold flowers and painting sugar skulls. Banditos Tacos & Tequila: 10621 Braddock Rd., Fairfax, free
Del Ray’s Day of the Dead
November 2, 12–6 p.m.
Fill up on food and drink specials at restaurants offering themed cocktails and festive dishes. Check in starting at noon for swag and a list of participating restaurants. The first 50 arrivals at each location will receive free goodies. Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, free
Sugar Skull
November 2, 2 p.m.
Watch 12-year-old Vita Flores on a bilingual journey, guided by the enchanting Sugar Skull, as they uncover the significance of Día de los Muertos. The musical blends song, dance, and cultural traditions, celebrating family and heritage for all ages. Arrive early for Dead of the Dead activities that begin at noon. Weinberg Center for the Arts: 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick, Maryland, $10–$20
Day of the Dead: Crafting Remembrance
November 2, 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Craft with instructor Edgar Reyes for a hands-on workshop. Make sugar skull masks, crepe-paper marigolds, monarch butterflies, and niche frames. VisArts: 155 Gibbs St., Rockville, Maryland, $5
El Día de los Muertos at Shmidt Spirits
November 2, 6–9 p.m.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a night of themed cocktails, games, and food. Participate in the costume contest, bingo, and calavera crafts. Bring a photo of a loved one for the ofrenda room and indulge in dishes from Pupuseria El Solecito. Shmidt Spirits: 10360 Southard Dr., Beltsville, Maryland, $20
Black Tie Day of the Dead Embassy Fiesta
November 9, 8:30–11:45 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, $139
Feature image courtesy Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington
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