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 (King County Library branches also are offering related events and activities):
October 25
Ballard Dia de los Muertos | Saturday, October 25 | 5 to 10 p.m. | 5345 Ballard Ave NW | Free | All ages | Ballard is excited to bring together families, artists, and local businesses to honor this deeply meaningful tradition of honoring ancestors through vibrant ofrendas, parades, la Catrinas, Xolo dogs, a traditional mercado, Calaveras, and various traditional music entertainment. Parade – The parade kicks off at Filson CC (Dock Pl & Ballard Ave) at 5:45 PM, and ends at Ballard Commons Park. Mercadito – Their Mercadito will line Ballard Ave north of 22nd Ave NW — come explore local vendors, art, and food. Public Ofrenda – There will also be a public ofrenda, where you’re welcome to bring a small photo of a loved one or pet to honor their memory.
Dia de los Muertos – Kirkland | Saturday, October 25 | 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Peter Kirk Community Center | Free | All ages | Join to celebrate Día de los Muertos and remember the loved ones, enjoy traditional activities, food, music, and more at the Peter Kirk Community Center.
October 31
Dia de los Muertos – Teen Event | Friday, October 31 | 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Teen Center at Valley Ridge Community Center | Free | Teens | Teens, join a celebration from Latin America that is Dia de los Muertos! Live performances and activities for teens to participate in and learn more about the cultural traditions. Submit photos before the event to participate in the altar honoring your loved ones. Transportation may be available for participating tweens and teens.
November 1
Dia de Los Muertos Community Celebration | Saturday, November 1 | 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Bainbridge Island Museum of Art | Free | Tickets here | On Saturday, November 1, the museum will be transformed by Community Celebrations that are memorable, beautiful, and deeply rooted in cultural significance. This year, two ceremonies presented by Alice Mendoza will be held at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., with free tickets required to attend. The day begins with a joyful procession of children dressed as butterflies, leading guests along a flower-lined path into a museum vibrant with music, art, and activity.
El Centro de la Raza Dia de los Muertos | Saturday, November 1 | 12 to 6 p.m. | Centilia Cultural Center, Seattle | Free | All ages | Join El Centro de la Raza at its Centilia Cultural Center for food, a mercado, live music and entertainment, children’s activities, and to see the ofrenda (altar) exhibit for the Dia de los Muertos Celebration. The Ofrenda Exhibit is open from Monday, November 3, to Friday, November 21, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Saturday, Nov 8 and 15 (Noon to 6 p.m.) in the historic El Centro de la Raza building on the top floor. It features over 25 ofrendas created by community groups, non-profit organizations, and individuals.
Day of the Dead Festival at Phinney Center | Saturday, November 1 | 1 to 4 p.m. | Phinney Center, Seattle | Free | Featuring an altar, music, dance, crafts (paper flowers, beaded bracelets, and temporary face tattoos), a raffle, and a pop-up shop for dinner.
November 2
Tacoma Art Museum Dia de Los Muertos celebration | Sunday, November 2 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Tacoma Art Museum | Free | Features a rich tapestry of activities, including beautiful altars, live music, traditional dance performances, and hands-on art-making workshops. Visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in the colorful and meaningful traditions, exploring the history, significance, and artistry associated with this unique celebration.
November 1-2
Día de los Muertos Festival at the Outlet Collection | November 1-2 | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. | The Outlet Collection, Auburn | Free | All ages | Celebrate Día de los Muertos with vibrant music, live performances, and authentic cuisine at the annual vendor market and event, featuring local vendors offering culturally rich art, crafts, and traditional goods.
Seattle Center Festál and Dia de Muertos Festival | November 1-2 | All day | Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall | Free | All ages | Taking place at the Armory Food Hall and Fisher Pavilion, the festival offers performances, elaborate altars, colorful face-painting, sugar skull workshops, visual art, and more.
Seattle Town Hall | November 1-2 | 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. | Town Hall Seattle | $45+ | Tickets here | Catrinas Festival 2025 marks the fourth anniversary of being The Most Spectacular Celebration of “Día de los Muertos” in the USA. All families are invited to join this four-day spectacular celebration to honor the deceased and celebrate the legacy of your ancestors. During the family’s annual Catrinas Festival, the public is invited to bring pictures, flowers, and mementos of loved ones to place over the giant altar, decorated with flowers, folk art, and “ofrendas,” and to show up dressed up as Catrinas or Catrines. Enjoy the street market, filled with local entrepreneurs offering a variety of traditional foods, performances, face painting, handicrafts, art, and many more items.
November 6
Día de los Muertos Community Celebration | Thursday, November 6 | 5 to 9 p.m. | Seattle Art Museum | Free | Join and celebrate SAM’s 31st anniversary of Día de los Muertos! Witness the tapete installation by Oaxacan artist Fulgencio Lazo and a team of local artists. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of this holiday, experiencing art, traditions, music, dance, and delicious food, and engage in hands-on activities that inspire creativity and learning. This celebration invites us to embrace life and accept death as a natural part of our journey.
November 7
Dia de los Muertos – Burien | Friday, November 7 | 6 to 9 p.m. | Burien Community Center | Free | All ages | Join an evening to share the traditional Mexican holiday that honors and remembers your ancestors. Held at the Burien Community Center, this event is free to attend and all are welcome. This community event will feature traditional music, dance, food, arts and crafts, and storytelling.
