List of events to celebrate and honor Día de Los Muertos in the Valley

PHOENIX, AZ — Día De Los Muertos is a Mexican tradition that honors ancestors and loved ones that have died. Day of the Dead is observed in Mexico on November 1 and 2. Here’s our roundup of events and festivals in the Valley regarding this ancient ritual.

SCOTTSDALE DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS: ART INSTALLATION EXPERIENCE

• What to expect: According to event officials, you’ll see more than 150+ Día de Muertos “fine art pieces”, large-scale art installations, and altars.
• When: From October 27th thru November 2- daily from 10 a.m.- 10 p.m.
• Cost: Tickets cost $18 dollars and kids ages 10 & under enter FREE.
• Keep this in mind: “Noche de Muertos” on October 29 from 6-11 p.m. in Old Town [across the Old Adobe Mission] is FREE to attend.

BARRIO QUEEN’S SIX-DAY CELEBRATION

• What to expect: A “Celebration of Life” specialty menu will be offered that features food & drink specials, they’ll have a Scan To Win Contest at all Barrio Queen locations.
• On Oct. 29 from 2-4 p.m. at the Tempe location an Interactive Charity Mixology Class will take place.
• When: October 28- November 2 at all locations.
• Special event: On Nov. 2 at all seven Barrio will have the following activities: Live DJs [4-8 p.m.], face painters [ 6-8 p.m.], food and drink specials, will offer coloring pages for kids and more.

RELATED: Celebrating Día De Los Muertos at Barrett Honors College

9TH ANNUAL DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS

• What to expect: “Experience the sights and sounds of catrinas, mariachi, ballet folklorico, a local artisan market, free kids’ activities, car show, food trucks, live entertainment by Carmela y Más and Danny Lux,” reads an event post by the festival host - Saint Mary's Basilica.
• Cost: Free, but a “non-perishable food [donation] is suggested, which benefits the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank,” says event officials.
• When: Sunday, November 6, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Location: Saint Mary's Basilica [231 N 3rd St] in Phoenix

11TH ANNUAL DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS PHOENIX FESTIVAL

• When: October 30 at 2 p.m.
• Cost: Free
• Event venue: Steele Indian School Park [300 E Indian School Rd]
• The event will feature a community altar, face painting, art activities, an Artist Mercado Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli, Mariachi Rubor and more!
• Click here to see the festival schedule.

2ND ANNUAL DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS AT MOUNTAIN VIEW

• According to the Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery’s website, families decorate their loved one’s altar, there will be food trucks on-site, folklorico dancers, mariachi, and more on the day of the event.
• When: November 5 from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• You can reserve your space by calling (480) 605-1463 or click here.
• Where: Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery [7900 E Main St.] in Mesa

“OFRENDA, A DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION”

• The musical experience features the Mexican folk-dance company, Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles, and the musicians of Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar.
• When: October 29 at 8 p.m. Cost: Tickets range from $40- $60
• Where: The Vista Center for the Arts [15660 N Parkview Place] in Surprise

LAS CAFETERAS PRESENTS “HASTA LA MUERTE”

• According to the City of Chandler, this is a “multi-dimensional performance filled with Zapateado, dance, song, altares y flores.”
• When: October 28 at 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Chandler Center for the Arts [250 N. Arizona Ave.]

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL AT THE MESA ARTS CENTER

• Cost: Free
• When: October 22 – 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• What to expect: artist demonstrations, food vendors will be on-site, family activities, an Altar contest, a Mercado Market Place, and more.