Dating back to the Aztecs of Mexico, Día de Muertos (often back translated as Día de los Muertos) is a day for families to gather and remember their loved ones who have died. These celebrations include altars with photos and offerings, and often festivities at cemeteries.
Locally, you’re likely to see brightly colored skull candy, painted skull faces and pan de muerto (a traditional Day of the Dead bread). If you’re looking to get around the city and suburbs this year to learn about Día de los Muertos, there is plenty to do.
Día de Muertos, Memories & Offerings
Sept. 23-Dec. 11, 2022
- Address: National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head to the main gallery to see the museum’s 36th Day of the Dead exhibition to remember the individuals who died from COVID and other tragedies in the last year.
Sugar Skull City
Oct. 15-Nov. 6, 2022
- Address: Downtown Aurora
- Cost: Free
Aurora Downtown is honoring Day of the Dead with Día de los Muertos art, activities, specials, videos, shopping and more.
Dia de los Muertos Tin Frame Workshop
Oct. 17, 2022
- Address: Marquette (Jacques) Park, 6743 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a family workshop with artist William Estrada to explore Dia de los Muertos and create tin frames to honor loved ones. Return to Marquette (Jacques) Park for the celebration on Nov. 4, 2022.
Day of the Dead Altar Demonstration & Discussion
Oct. 22, 2022
- Address: Plant Chicago, 4459 S. Marshfield Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $20/person
Head to Plant Chicago to learn how to create a Day of the Dead altar and explore the origin, see a demonstration from Laura Gonzalez and more. Registration required.
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Oct. 22, 29, 2022
- Address: Steinmetz High School, 3030 N. Mobile Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Learn the history of Dia de los Muertos and participate in the tradition of celebrating and sharing memories of loved ones who have passed. On Oct. 22, there will be artists, speakers and artisans from Mexico and Chicago at this workshop. On Oct. 29, there will be a pop-up art gallery. Registration required.
Dia de los Muertos Sugar Skull Workshop
Oct. 24, 2022
- Address: Marquette (Jacques) Park, 6743 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a family workshop with artist William Estrada to explore Dia de los Muertos and create sugar skulls to honor loved ones. Return to Marquette (Jacques) Park for the celebration on Nov. 4, 2022.
Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos, Celebration & Parade
Oct. 25, 2022
- Address: Woodridge Public Library, 3 Plaza Drive, Woodridge
- Cost: Free
Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos with dancing, a children’s parade and traditional Mexican music. Children of all ages are welcome. Registration required.
Día de los Muertos – Day of the Dead
Oct. 27, 2022
- Address: Blue Island Public Library, 2433 York St., Blue Island
- Cost: Free
Head to Blue Island for a Day of the Dead celebration featuring special guest Rita Arias-Jirasek. Make a craft to take home. Registration required.
Day of the Dead Celebration
Oct. 29, 2022
- Address: Burnham (Daniel) Park, 1200-5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a family-friendly event at Burnham (Daniel) Park to celebrate Dia de los Muertos. There will be dancing, face painting, making native seed balls and more.
Dia de los Muertos Halloween Party
Oct. 29, 2022
- Address: Time Out Market Chicago, 916 W. Fulton Market, Chicago
- Cost: Free
The Halloween party is Dia de Los Muertos themed. Make sure to wear your costume because there will be a costume contest. Also, a live band, palm readings, DJ, stilt walkers and more planned.
Día de los Muertos Xicágo
Oct. 29, 2022
- Address: National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Celebrate Día de los Muertos by watching the museum and its surroundings transform into a beautiful space to remember loved ones. On this special day, guests can enjoy ofrendas created by community members, live musical performances, art activities and a large illuminated ofrenda projected outside of the museum.
Day of the Dead 5K Walk/Run
Oct. 30, 2022
- Address: Heritage Park, 100 Community Blvd., Wheeling
- Cost: $25-$35/ages 13 and up, $15-$25/ages 12 and under
Participate in a 5K run/walk to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Enjoy music and entertainment along the course. Also, the post-race celebration will have live music and food. Pre-registration required before Oct. 28, but you may register the day of the event. All registered runners will receive a commemorative T-shirt.
Dia De Los Muertos Community Offrenda
Oct. 31-Nov. 5, 2022
- Address: Indian Prairie Public Library, 401 Plainfield Road, Darien
- Cost: Free
Stop by the Indian Prairie Public Library to leave a picture or memento of a loved one at its offrenda, located on the second floor.
Dia de los Muertos Printmaking Workshop
Oct. 31, 2022
- Address: Marquette (Jacques) Park, 6743 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a family workshop with artist William Estrada to use printmaking to explore themes of Dia de los Muertos to honor loved ones. Return to Marquette (Jacques) Park for the celebration on Nov. 4, 2022.
In Person: Dia De los Muertos for Teens
Nov. 1, 2022
- Address: Niles-Maine District Library, 6960 W. Oakton St., Niles
- Cost: Free
Grades 7-12 can make a Dia de los Muertos offrenda. Limited supply. Registration required.
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Nov. 4, 2022
- Address: Marquette (Jacques) Park, 6743 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a family-friendly Day of the Dead celebration honoring the lives of loved ones that have passed away. There will be music, games and more.
Dia De Los Muertos Celebration!
Nov. 4, 2022
- Address: Chicago Center for Arts & Technology, 1701 W. 13th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families and friends are invited to join a Dia De los Muertos celebration with food, art and festivities. Registration required.
Day of the Dead Celebration
Nov. 5, 2022
- Address: Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst
- Cost: Free
Participants will take part in a procession around the museum campus accompanied by mariachi musicians and learn about the Day of the Dead altar. Families can participate in a craft activity in the Education Center and explore the exhibits in the museum. No registration required.
Día de los Muertos Celebration
Nov. 5, 2022
- Address: The Preserve of Highland Park, 1207 Park Ave. West, Highland Park
- Cost: Free
Celebrate the Day of the Dead with music, art projects, face painting, listeria, dancing and more. Bring a picture to the event.
Glow Yoga
Nov. 5, 2022
- Address: Vida Yoga and Fitness, 50 S. Grove Ave., Elgin
- Cost: $25-$35
Ages 8 and up can join Vida Yoga and Fitness for a 75-minute flow under black lights to celebrate Dia de los Muertos. Bring your own mat (or rent one for $2), hand towel and water bottle. Make sure to wear colorful or white clothing. Tickets include cup of hot cocoa, pan de muerto, tamale, glow bracelets and glow paint (while it lasts). Registration required.
Dia de los Muertos Celebration 2022
Nov. 6, 2022
- Address: Guild Row, 3130 N. Rockwell St., Chicago
- Cost: $10-$39
Honor the traditions and culture of Dia de los Muertos with music, food, vendors and a community altar at this event.
