Arts & Culture • Historic Market Square • Things to Do

Celebrate Día de los Muertos across Downtown Houston

Every year, Día de los Muertos offers a time to gather, remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones through traditions filled with music, food, art and community.

This fall, these traditions will unfold across Downtown Houston, leading up to a signature Día de los Muertos celebration at Discovery Green on Sunday, November 1.

Families and friends can discover even more ways to celebrate, from live music and cultural performances to a family movie night and illuminations across the Promenade.

Whether Día has been part of your family for generations or you're experiencing the tradition for the first time, there's a place for you in the celebration. 

Together, it's a season of remembrance, celebration and connection—and an invitation to experience Día in Downtown.

Signature Event: Día de los Muertos at Discovery Green

Sunday, November 1 | 3pm-7pm

On Sunday, Discovery Green becomes the heart of Downtown’s Día de los Muertos celebration with an afternoon of remembrance, music and family activities.

Bring a copy of a photo or a keepsake to add to the community ofrenda created by Houston artist Angel Quesada, then stay for a Catrin y Catrinas Parade and costume contest, performances, live music, food, crafts and local vendors.

The celebration builds throughout the afternoon before closing with La Musical Ofrenda, a high-energy tribute concert honoring Houston musicians and legendary artists from across Texas.

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Una Noche en Downtown
Friday, October 30

Funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance

From Market Square and Trebly Park to Main Street Promenade and beyond, Una Noche en Downtown brings these beloved traditions to life with a night of family activities and remembrances of loved ones.

Market Square Park
5pm-10pm

Spend the evening with live music from the Leslie Lugo Band, mariachi and ballet folklórico performances, a mercado along Preston Street, hands-on workshops from Young Audiences of Houston, free face painting and a community ofrenda for departed pets and loved ones.

The fun stretches onto the nearby Main Street Promenade, where street performers, games and illuminated Día installations keep the evening going with a stroll through Downtown.

Family Movie Night at Trebly Park
Activities at 6pm; Film at 7pm

Looking for a more laid-back way to celebrate?

Trebly Park in South Downtown hosts a family movie night featuring Coco, the colorful animated adventure about a young aspiring musician who journeys to the Land of the Dead, uncovering his family’s history and the enduring power of remembrance along the way.

Come early for face painting, candy and activities beginning at 6pm, then settle in for the movie at 7pm.

More Día in Downtown

You won’t have to wait for the weekend to start seeing signs of Día across Downtown.

Beginning October 16, illuminated calacas will light up parts of Main Street Promenade, adding a photo op to an evening stroll.

Plus, Downtown businesses are getting into the spirit of the season with a Fall Storefront Decor Contest, bringing festive displays to storefronts across Downtown giving visitors even more to discover while moving between events, restaurants and destinations. 

See one you love? Visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite display and help crown a People's Choice winner. 

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Día de los Muertos Festival & Parade at Sam Houston Park
Saturday, November 7 | 4pm-10pm

Celebrations wrap up the following weekend with the sixth annual Día de los Muertos Festival and Parade at Sam Houston Park.

The festival brings together live music, arts and crafts, food and a colorful procession honoring loved ones who have died.

Families and visitors can gather for an evening rooted in remembrance, celebration and community, closing out Downtown’s Día de los Muertos calendar with one of Houston’s most established Día traditions.

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Stay Connected

Text DOWNTOWN DIA to 713-651-9354 for full event details and updates on happenings throughout Downtown Houston. 

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