Entering its 17th year, the Coastal Bend community is excited to participate in the Dia de los Muertos Festival to celebrate and honor the rich cultural heritage of Mexico and South Texas. The festival will take place Saturday, Oct. 26 from 3 p.m. to midnight on Chaparral, Starr, Mesquite, Taylor and Peoples Streets.
Dia de los Muertos translates to “Day of the Dead” and is a traditional Mexican Holiday meant to honor, remember and celebrate those who have passed on. Despite the solemn nature of this holiday, it pays tribute to ancestors in beautiful and joyous ways, honoring their legacies with ofrenda displays and artistic celebrations alike. Here is what to expect at this year’s festival.
Entertainment
This year, there will be four stages with live entertainment, including Ballet Folklorico, Mexican Folk Dance, Mariachis, Tejano, Cumbia, Salsa and much more. The Main Stage will hold the opening ceremony at 3 p.m. with performances throughout the day from Mariachi Mexicanisimo, Tarasco Tropical and more.
The Whataburger Kids Stage at the corner of Starr and Mesquite Streets will feature a kids costume showcase and performances from Ms. Teresea’s Team Dance, Feria de las Flores, Special Hearts in the Arts and more.
See the stage map with a full list of performing artists at each stage.
VIP Experience
The festival is free to attend, but to enhance your experience, you can purchase tickets to the VIP Party for these extra perks:
- Exclusive access to the 21+ VIP party and private patio with a great view of the main stage.
- Three complimentary drink tickets (margaritas, wine and beer).
- Two taco plate tickets (2 tacos, 2 sides) catered by Buen Provecho. Food service from 4-10 p.m.
- Unlimited trips to the H-E-B Nacho Bar from 4-10 p.m.
Art
Dia de los Muertos has partnered with K Space Contemporary to host its youth art exhibition and competition Extravagancia de Piñatas, where local teachers were challenged to create an alebrijes-themed piñata with their kids. The exhibition will be on display at the festival with public voting in person only through Nov. 1. The winners will be announced on Nov. 8 and will be awarded money for school supplies.
In addition to Extravagancia de Piñatas, the youth art exhibition Alebrijes will be on display during the festival and until Nov. 8 at K Space Contemporary.
Ofrendas
Perhaps one of the most special and anticipated features is the return of the community ofrenda at the corner of Chaparral and Peoples Streets. The festival has been collecting items from businesses, families, individuals, youth, K-12 school groups and non-profit organizations to create a large-scale display for the community to honor, remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed. The items on the altars help to lead their spirits home for the Days of the Dead.
Festival goers are also encouraged to participate in a downtown walking ofrenda tour of local businesses that have curated ofrenda displays to honor loved ones.
Food, Drink, Shopping & Activities
This year’s festival will feature over 100 vendors selling hand-made jewelry, arts and crafts, flower crowns, face-painting experiences, sweet treats and more. The main food truck court will be on Taylor St. with additional trucks at La Retama Park.
Know Before You Go
- RTA is providing a FREE Park-N-Ride from 2:30 p.m. until 12:30 am. with pickups on Leopard St. from the parking lots at City Hall, County Courthouse or from the Sandollar Parking Lot at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. You’ll be dropped off at the festival at Starr and Upper Broadway.
- Paid Parking is available in multiple areas downtown and nearby at the garages at Schatzel St. and Chaparral St., as well as the lot at Water St. and Schatzel St.
- Check out the festival’s FAQ Page.
The festival will be a jam-packed day filled with activities for the whole family to enjoy. You won’t want to miss the return of this special celebration!
