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12 Things To Do to Celebrate Día de los Muertos in DC

The Wharf goes all out for Dia de los Muertos! Photo courtesy of Wharf DC
The Wharf goes all out for Dia de los Muertos! Photo courtesy of Wharf DC
10/13/24 - By Jennifer Swope

Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2. It honors the memory of deceased relatives through ofrendas (home altars), marigold flowers, calaveras (decorative skulls), and food.

The DC area has a rich Latino culture and hosts several family-friendly events for people of all backgrounds to gather. From family days at Smithsonian museums to a festival on the National Mall, there are many opportunities to celebrate Día de Los Muertos—and nearly all of them are FREE!

For more autumn activities, visit our Fall Fun Guide for Washington, DC Kids. And don't forget to check our family activity calendar, as we're always adding more events.

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Día de los Muertos photo by Katherine Fogden, for the National Museum of the American Indian.
Día de los Muertos photo by Katherine Fogden, for the National Museum of the American Indian.

Where to Celebrate Día de los Muertos Near DC

Día de los Muertos Family Day at SAAM

Washington, DC - Saturday, October 26, 2024
Free
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with the Smithsonian American Art Museum! Bring the whole family to see exciting live performances, including traditional Mexican folk dance by Corazon Folklorico, a mariachi performance by Mariachi Aguila DC, and a showcase of different Latin American music genres and dances with Sol y Rumba. READ MORE

Family Workshop: Día de los Muertos - Dot Mandalas (at Arts Barn)

Gaithersburg, MD - Saturday, October 26, 2024
Get creative with dot mandala techniques inspired by Día de los Muertos. Registration includes enrollment and supplies for one child and one caregiver. READ MORE

Día de los Muertos at National Museum of the American Indian

Washington, DC - Saturday & Sunday, October 26 & 27, 2024
Free
Families are invited to participate in Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) activities including dance performances, artist demonstrations, and paper marigold and mask making. Visitors can also leave photos and mementos of their loved ones on the ofrenda (altar) or write their name on a butterfly and attach it to the memorial arch.  READ MORE

Altar del Día de los Muertos (at Bohrer Park)

Gaithersburg, MD - Daily, October 27 - November 3, 2024
Free
This Día de los Muertos display features a Remembrance Book, where visitors are invited to share a tribute to a loved one who passed away this year. READ MORE

Día de los Muertos Block Party (at Bryant Street Market)

Washington, DC - Friday, November 1, 2024
Free
Celebrate the vibrant Mexican tradition of Día de Los Muertos at the second annual Block Party, an evening filled with music, art, and remembrance. Visitors can immerse themselves in the colorful atmosphere while honoring departed loved ones with joyful festivities. From intricate face painting to traditional altar displays, experience the rich cultural heritage of Mexico.  READ MORE

Coco & Calaveras Movie & Craft (at Library at the Annapolis Mall)

Annapolis, MD - Friday, November 1, 2024
Free
Kids can step into the magical world of Coco and unleash their creativity with a Día de los Muertos calavera/skull craft. With themes of love and remembrance, kids can let their imagination run wild as they decorate a sugar skull ornament. READ MORE

Día de los Muertos Celebration at MoCA Arlington

Arlington, VA - Friday, November 1, 2024
Free
MoCA Arlington (formerly Arlington Arts Center) and Arlington Arts present the Dia de Los Muertos exhibition and event. This family-friendly celebration features art activities, face painting, and live Latin music. READ MORE

Día de los Muertos Benefit Festival (on the National Mall)

Washington, DC - Saturday, November 2, 2024
Free
The annual Día de los Muertos Festival celebrates the traditions of the holiday with live music, artist demonstrations, dance performances, Calavera face painting, presentations, altars, and more. READ MORE

El Día de los Muertos Festival at the National Portrait Gallery

Washington, DC - Saturday, November 2, 2024
Free
Celebrate el Día de los Muertos at the National Portrait Gallery. Enjoy live music, Mexican folk-dance performances, workshops, and a variety of activities for all ages. Visitors can also create calaveras and papel picado to decorate the community altar and get their face painted to look like la Catrina. READ MORE

Sugar Skull! - A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure! (at Weinberg Center for the Arts)

Frederick, MD - Saturday, November 2, 2024
This vibrant and enchanting musical transports audiences into the heart of Mexican culture and tradition. Follow 12-year-old Vita Flores on a magical journey guided by Sugar Skull, a charismatic skeleton with secrets, as they unravel the true meaning of Día de Muertos through music, dance, and mystical encounters. This bilingual/bicultural production celebrates family, heritage, and the power of storytelling in a captivating theatrical experience for all ages. READ MORE

Día de los Muertos at Banditos Tacos & Tequila Fairfax

Fairfax, VA - Saturday, November 2, 2024
Free
Banditos Tacos & Tequila is celebrating Día de los Muertos with a day of events, including live music, kids' crafts, and a DJ at night. Bring a photo of your loved one to place on one of two ofrendas. Get your face painted like a sugar skull from 1:30-3:30 pm and 6-9pm. And participate in a ceremony to honor the dead at 1pm and 6pm.  READ MORE

Día de los Muertos at the Wharf

Washington, DC - Saturday, November 2, 2024
Free
The DC Wharf is hosting a Day of the Dead celebration with live music, street food, face painting, sugar skull decorating, an illuminated lantern procession, and more. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Jennifer Swope
Jennifer Swope, a DC resident since 2003, transitioned from humanitarian work to freelance editing in 2012 to stay home with her two kids. This shift sparked her passion for finding fun ways to keep them entertained—and inspired her to contribute to Mommy Poppins. When she's not navigating DC's chaos with her kids, she and her husband love watching sports, planning their next trip, and attending concerts. Follow Jennifer on Instagram @jenniferswope.
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