Dia de los muertos decorations: decorated skull with flowers

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is an annual celebration honoring the friends, family, and loved ones in our lives who have passed on.

Most frequently observed in Mexican and Mexican-American communities, the festivities will often include altars to the dead — called ofrendas — with offerings and special items to encourage the departed to visit and join in the celebration.

One-in-five Chicagoans have Mexican heritage, so it's no surprise that there are many events and celebrations citywide. Here are a handful of arts and music events for Día de los Muertos around the city and beyond!

Día de los Muertos Xicágo

10/26/2024 at the National Museum of Mexican Art; free

A free daylong celebration at Pilsen's esteemed National Museum of Mexican Art features ofrendas and entertainment.

Lila Downs: Día de los Muertos

10/27 at Symphony Center; from $39

Award-winning Mexican-American songstress takes the Orchestra Hall stage — with the backing of the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago — for a performance of music to celebrate Día de los Muertos.

Playlist: Classical Music to Rattle Your Bones on Día de Los Muertos

Stephen Raskauskas | October 24, 2017

Day of the Dead is about honoring friends and family who have left us. Enjoy these 13 pieces as you celebrate Día de los Muertos and remember your loved ones.

Day of the Dead LIVE!

10/29-11/1 at the Harold Washington Library; free

At Chicago's flagship library, performances, classical music, and fine art that honors Mexican culture and Día de los Muertos. The program is free for all and features showtimes in both English and Spanish.

A straight-on shot of the Chicago Public Library's Harold Washington Library, a tall stout brick building with a glass and mint-copper top

Harold Washington Library (Photo: Carol M. Highsmith)

Dia de los Muertos FREE Sensory & Family-Friendly Concert

11/2 at the Merit School of Music; free

The Merit Wind Ensemble shares a concert celebrating Latin American music in a sensory and family-friendly event.

Flores de Los Muertos

11/2 at the Chicago Botanic Garden; $49 ($39 for members)

A flora-forward celebration of Día de los Muertos sees horticulturalist Carlos Bajaras leading an exploration of the traditions, symbols, and flowers behind this celebration. Attendees will create their own ofrenda.

Elgin Symphony Orchestra: Día de los Muertos

11/2 at the Hemmens Cultural Center; $25

Elgin music director Chad Goodman welcomes José Carlos Díaz in a variety of music from Latin America.

Día de los Muertos Community Concert & Celebration

11/2 at Unity of Oak Park; $15

In the landmark, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Unity Temple in Oak Park, all are welcome to take in dancing, music, and treats in a family friendly celebration.

Día de los Muertos: Love Never Dies Ball

11/2 at the National Museum of Mexican Art; $125

The National Museum of Mexican Art returns for its 10th annual Día de los Muertos Love Never Dies Ball. Food, refreshments, dancing, art, and an auction to benefit the museum.