Behind the abundant skulls and skeletons of Día de Muertos is a notion that’s more tender than macabre. This Mexican holiday is a time to remember and honor loved ones who have died, through special foods, offerings, artwork, and other traditions. Families can experience this centuries-old celebration at the following events. Seattle Public Library branches and King County Library branches are also offering related events and activities.
October 17 & October 21
Altar Offerings – Hispanic Heritage Program | Saturday, October 17 & Wednesday, October 21 | 3-3:30 p.m. | Seattle Children’s Museum | Free with admission | Children can join a hands-on activity exploring Día de Muertos and the tradition of creating ofrendas to remember loved ones who have died.
October 23
Día de Muertos en Pike Place Market | Friday, October 23 | Noon-9 p.m. | Pike Place Market, Seattle | Free admission | Enjoy mariachi music, folklórico performances, face painting, Mexican artists and makers, community altars and Lucha Libre wrestling. A colorful Día de Muertos parade begins at 6:30 p.m.
October 24
Día de los Muertos – Kirkland | Saturday, October 24 | 2-4 p.m. | Peter Kirk Community Center, Kirkland | Free | Join to celebrate Día de los Muertos and remember loved ones. Enjoy traditional activities, food, music, and more.
Eastside Día de los Muertos Celebration | Saturday, October 24 | Noon-4 p.m. | Crossroads Community Center, Bellevue | Cost not specified | Celebrate with live performances, hands-on activities, community ofrendas and food vendors at this family-friendly cultural gathering.
October 27 – November 1
Animal Ofrenda | Tuesday, October 27 – Sunday, November 1 | Hours vary | Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle | Free with admission | Tickets | Honor beloved pets and animals who have died by viewing or contributing to a community ofrenda. Families can enjoy themed coloring sheets and picture frame decorating. Contributions begin October 19; digital photo submissions close October 25.
October 30
Día de los Muertos: Roots of Remembrance | Friday, October 30 | 5-8 p.m. | Spartan Recreation Center, Shoreline | Free | Remember and honor loved ones through an evening of music, dancing, and hands-on activities. Food will be available to purchase from a food truck.
October 31 & November 1
Día de Muertos Festival Seattle | Saturday, October 31 – Sunday, November 1 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall | Free | Taking place at the Armory Food & Event Hall, this festival celebrates with elaborate community altars, sugar skull making, processions, and festive music.
Seattle Catrinas Festival | Saturday, October 31 & Sunday, November 1 | 1-9 p.m. | Town Hall Seattle | $45 (general admission), $150 (VIP), Free (5 and under) | Tickets | Celebrate the festival’s fifth anniversary with Catrinas and Catrines, music, mariachi, a monumental altar, a memory wall, handicrafts and a procession. Families may bring photos and keepsakes to honor loved ones.
November 1
El Centro de la Raza Día de los Muertos | Sunday, November 1 | Noon-5:30 p.m. | Plaza Roberto Maestas, Seattle | Free | Join El Centro de la Raza for food, a mercado, live music and entertainment, children’s activities, and the ofrenda exhibit. This year’s theme is “Raíces que Nos Unen.” The exhibit continues November 2-20 at El Centro de la Raza.
Día de los Muertos Festival | Sunday, November 1 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Tacoma Art Museum | Free | Register | Features altars, live music, traditional dance performances and hands-on art workshops. Visitors of all ages can learn about this celebration and view ofrendas created by local artists and community members. Advance timed-entry registration is required.
November 5
Día de los Muertos Community Celebration | Thursday, November 5 | 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Seattle Art Museum | Free | See a tapete (sand painting) by artist Fulgencio Lazo and his team, join art activities, and enjoy museum tours and an artist talk during Free First Thursday. Free admission tickets are available online and onsite.
November 6
Día de los Muertos – Burien | Friday, November 6 | 6-9 p.m. | Burien Community Center | Free | Join an evening honoring and remembering ancestors and family. This free community celebration includes altars and offerings, traditional music, dancing, food, arts and crafts, and storytelling.
November 7
Día de los Muertos Community Celebrations | Saturday, November 7 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Bainbridge Island Museum of Art | Free; evening event ticketed | Register | The day begins with a procession of children dressed as butterflies. Visit the ofrenda, enjoy art activities, music, and face painting, or attend remembrance ceremonies at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (free registration required). An additional ticketed ceremony begins at 5 p.m.
Day of the Dead Festival | Saturday, November 7 | 2-5 p.m. | Phinney Center, Seattle | Free | Featuring a community altar, traditional dancers, a procession, crafts, face painting, and an artist marketplace. Enjoy Mexican hot chocolate, pan de muerto, and tamales available for purchase. The altar dedication begins at 2:30 p.m.
