20 Ways To Celebrate DΓa De Los Muertos In Chicago: Ofrendas, Festivals And More
CHICAGO β Chicago is gearing up to celebrate DΓa de Los Muertos, a Mexican holiday that honors relatives and loved ones whoβve died.
DΓa de Los Muertos, which translates to βDay of the Dead,β is a celebration of life often honored through ofrendas, or altars, alongside plenty of other traditions like cuisine and dance.
Celebrations start in late October with the holiday being recognized Oct. 31-Nov. 2, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate all over the city and include artist markets, community ofrendas, outdoor festivals, arts-and-crafts workshops and parties.
Here are 21 ways to celebrate DΓa De Los Muertos in Chicago:
Where Memory Lives: 40 Years Of DΓa De Muertos
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday through Nov. 29
National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Pilsen
The National Museum of Mexican Art presents this yearβs Day of the Dead exhibition, βWhere Memory Lives: 40 Years of DΓa de Muertos.β Head to the museum through Nov. 29 to see the 40th annual exhibition as the museum celebrates four decades of collecting, preserving and celebrating Mexican art and culture.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
Subiendi Muertos
8 p.m. Oct. 23-24
UrbanTheater Company, 2620 W. Divison St., Humboldt Park
This immersive theater experience staged by UrbanTheater company combines the rituals of Day of the Dead with improv elements. There will also be an interactive ofrenda for audiences.
Tickets are pay what you can. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
DΓa De Los Muertos Motorcycle Run
9 a.m. Oct. 24
Stockyard Gate, Exchange Avenue and Peoria Street, Back of the Yards
This annual motorcycle run is celebrating its 15th year of DΓa de los Muertos festivities with a ride through Back of the Yards.
Learn more here.
Southwest Collective DΓa De Muertos Celebration
Noon-2 p.m. Oct. 24
Vicinity Credit Unionβs South Lot, 4444 S. Pulaski Road, Archer Heights
The Southwest Collective is celebrating DΓa de los Muertos with a community alter, cultural exhibits and a trunk-or-treat for kids.
This is a free event. Learn more and RSVP here.
Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
DΓa De Los Muertos XicΓ‘go
3-8 p.m. Oct. 24
Harrison Park, 1824 S. Wood St., Pilsen
Experience the traditions of DΓa de los Muertos and remember your departed loved ones with this celebration hosted by the National Museum of Mexican Art. Explore ofrendas created by community members, plus live music, performances and other fun activities.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
Day Of The Dead Market
Noon-6 p.m. Oct. 24-25
2102 W. Cermak Road, Pilsen
Browse and shop an array of Day of the Dead-themed handmade merchandise at this art market. There will be various vendors offering mini altars, skull planters, authentic sweet treats, jewelry and more.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
Day Of The Dead Paint & Sip
6:30 p.m. Oct. 28
La Fiesta, 3333 W. 111th St., Mount Greenwood
Channel your creative side this DΓa de los Muertos with this themed paint-and-sip. Tickets will include chips and salsa, two margaritas, plus all the supplies and instruction you need to create your own skull masterpiece.
Tickets are $55. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
DΓa De Los Muertos: A Musical Celebration Of Life, Memory And Tradition
7:30 p.m. Oct. 28
Old Town School of Folk Music, 4545 N. Lincoln Ave., Ravenswood
Old Town School of Folk Musicβs Word Music Wednesdays is celebrating DΓa de los Muertos with an evening of music, culture and community. Enjoy performances from Tierra Roja and special guest artists as they embark on a musical journey through the rich sounds of Mexico.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
Day Of The Dead Ofrenda
5-7 p.m. Oct. 29
Chicago Center for Arts & Technology, 1701 W. 13th St., Near West Side
Join this annual Day of the Dead celebration including an ofrenda where you can place your own small-framed photo and light refreshments. You can also send photos in advanced to be displayed at the gallery by emailing Gallery1701@chicat.org before Oct. 28.
This is a free event. Learn more and RSVP here.
Day Of The Dead Celebration At Vittum Park
6-8 p.m. Oct. 30
Vittum (Harriet Elizabeth) Park, 5010 W. 50th St., Garfield Ridge
Families can stop by this outdoor Day of the Dead celebration featuring ofrendas, festive craft activities, fun games and face painting.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
La Carrera De Los Muertos
8 a.m. Oct. 31
Benito Juarez Community Academy, 1450-1510 W. Cermak Road, Pilsen
Runners and walkers are gearing up for this festive DΓa de los Muertos 5K in support of UNO programming, GirlsMPowered and RunHer programs. This isnβt your regular 5K β runners, walkers and spectators can expect impressive costumes, entertainment and food.
Registration is sold out, but you can still stop by to cheer on neighbors and enjoy the festivities. Learn more here.
XempasΓΊchil: DΓa De Los Muertos En La Calle
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 31-Nov. 1
Various locations, Little Village
The Little Village Chamber of Commerce is celebrating DΓa de los Muertos with a two-day crawl through the neighborhood. Visitors can look forward to traditional ofrendas at different local businesses, live Catrinas and Cartines at different shops, plus free traditional food and drinks. There will also be commemorative photo booths throughout the neighborhood to capture all the fun.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
Costera After Dark
7 p.m.-midnight Oct. 31, 5-10 p.m. Nov. 1
Costera Cocina Tulum, 850 W. Fulton Market, West Loop
Head to Costera for their special after-hours celebration in honor of DΓa de los Muertos. Look forward to the Costera team decked out in traditional skull face paint, a live DJ and plenty of moody lighting to bring the vibes. There will also be two limited-time cocktails available.
Learn more and make a reservation here.
DΓa De Los Muertos Workshop & Ofrenda Walk
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 1
Steelworkers Park, 87th at S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, South Chicago
Neighbors are invited to bring photographs, cherished objects, flowers and other meaningful items to this community Ofrenda in Steelworkers Park. There will also be an evening bonfire where you can share stories and enjoy hot beverages and seasonal treats.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
Day Of The Dead Bottomless Drag Brunch
11 a.m., 1:15 p.m. Nov. 1
Lark, 3441 N. Halsted St., Northalsted
Celebrate DΓa de los Muertos alongside your favorite Chicago drag queens while enjoying a bottomless brunch menu including bites, cocktails and mocktails.
Tickets are $60.93. Learn more here.
Credit: Provided
DΓa De Los Muertos At Navy Pier
1-5 p.m. Nov. 1
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Downtown
This DΓa de los Muertos celebration at Navy Pier will include calavera-inspired face painting, marigold crowns, a Catrina puppet workshop and plenty of other arts-and-crafts workshop. The day will close out with short film screenings followed by screenings of βCocoβ and βThe Conjuring.β
This is a free event. Learn more here.
Day Of The Dead Bar Crawl
1-6 p.m. Nov. 1
Various locations, River North
Explore River North bars while celebrating DΓa de los Muertos in this festive bar crawl. Tickets include free admission to all bars, three welcome shots and various giveaways.
Tickets start at $9.95. Learn more and purchase here.
Day Of The Dead Fashion Show
7-10 p.m. Nov. 5
Xoco House Gallery, 2317 W. 18th St., Pilsen
DΓa de los Muertos gets a fashionable twist in this festive runway show hosted by Sweet15 magazine that showcases young Latine designers. There will also be ofrendas, appetizers and one beverage included with admission.
Tickets are $55.20. Learn more and purchase here.
DΓa De Los Muertos At Marquette
5-7:30 p.m. Nov. 6
Marquette (Jacques) Park, 6743 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago Lawn
This outdoor Day of the Dead celebration will include local vendors and community resources, live performances from the Marquette Park Band Program and Xochitl-Quetzal Aztec Dance and other fun. There will also be hands-on workshops led by Maestro William and the Mobile Street Art Cart and Chicago Public Library.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
Love Never Dies Ball
6-10 p.m. Nov. 7
National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Pilsen
The Auxiliary Board of the National Museum of Mexican Arts invites visitors to the 12th annual DΓa de los Muertos Love Never Dies Ball. Head to the museum of a celebration of passed love ones while enjoying delicious bites, creative cocktails, live music, a silent auction and more. Attire is βcreative cocktail.β
Tickets are $125. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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