Oct 16, 2024 - Things to Do

Celebrate Día de los Muertos with festivals and giant skulls

Displays of giant, colorful skull sculptures in Seattle parks are among the Día de los Muertos celebrations this year. Photo: James Sido/Courtesy of the Downtown Seattle Association

From sugar skull sculptures to ofrenda exhibits, there are plenty of ways to observe Día de los Muertos — the Mexican Day of the Dead — in Seattle this fall.

Different events are on tap through Nov. 3.

Giant sugar skull displays

Oct. 15–29

☠️ View larger-than-life, vibrantly decorated skull sculptures at Westlake Park, Occidental Square, the 2+U office tower, and South Lake Union's Van Vorst Plaza.

These colorful creations, designed by Mexican artist Hermes Arroyo and other local artists, bring the spirit of the holiday to life in downtown Seattle's parks. Free.

Día de Muertos concert

Oct. 19

🎶 Benaroya Hall hosts a family concert featuring lively Mexican music and Day of the Dead celebrations.

Enjoy a pre-concert craft session, explore instruments, and immerse your family in a vibrant cultural experience. 11am. Tickets are $20-$30.

Seattle Center Día de Muertos Festival

Oct. 26-27

🪦 With face painting, sugar skull workshops, live performances, and elaborate altars, this festival offers a full day of family-friendly fun honoring this rich cultural tradition. Free.

Starts at 11am both days at the Armory Food & Event Hall at Seattle Center.

🇲🇽 The festival takes over Town Hall Seattle with four days of Día de los Muertos celebrations, featuring stunning Catrinas, a lively street market, cultural performances, a mariachi concert, a giant altar for honoring loved ones, and more. $45.

Catch up quick: Originally depicted as a skeleton dressed in elegant attire by José Guadalupe Posada in 1912, La Catrina was later popularized by Diego Rivera in his mural Sueño de una tarde dominical en la Alameda Central.

She has since become an iconic symbol of Mexico's Day of the Dead, representing the culture's acceptance of death as a part of life.

Seattle Art Museum community celebration

Nov. 1

🎨 Sand painting, music, salsa dancing and art activities are highlights of this Día de los Muertos bash at the downtown museum.

6-9:30pm. Free, with RSVPs recommended.

El Centro de la Raza celebration

Nov. 2

🌮 The 19th edition of the center's Día de los Muertos event will feature a pop-up mercado, music and dance performances, food vendors, children's activities, and a collection of ofrendas — altars honoring departed loved ones.

11am-5pm at the Centilia Cultural Center on Beacon Hill. Free.

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