As the crisp fall air settles over Atlanta, the city’s diverse communities are preparing to honor Día de los Muertos—a vibrant Mexican tradition that blends remembrance, celebration, and cultural pride. While the holiday officially arrives on November 1 and 2, late October brings a wave of pre-festivities across metro Atlanta.
From family parades and craft workshops to live music and costume contests, these events offer meaningful ways to connect with loved ones past and present.
Check out These Día de los Muertos Events in Atlanta
Whether you’re building an ofrenda (altar) or dancing to mariachi tunes, here’s your roundup of the top happenings this month. All events are subject to weather and updates—check organizers’ sites for the latest.Key Events Around Town
| Event | Date & Time | Location | Highlights | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7th Annual Día de Muertos Celebration | Saturday, Oct. 25 5–9 p.m. | Jess Lucas Park 680 S. Central Ave., Hapeville, GA 30354 | Kick off with workshops on altar-building and traditional crafts, followed by live music, authentic Mexican food vendors, a kids’ art contest, and a screening of Coco under the stars. Family-friendly with a focus on Mexican heritage and honoring the departed. | Free hapeville.org +1 |
| ALTURA: Día de los Muertos Night | Saturday, Oct. 25 9 p.m.–2:30 a.m. (approx.) | REVERB Downtown Atlanta 89 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | A lively adult-oriented bash featuring a live mariachi band, high-energy performances, and thematic decor. Perfect for dancing the night away in calavera-inspired attire. | Tickets start at $25 eventbrite.com |
| Halloween – Día de los Muertos at Plaza Fiesta | Sunday, Oct. 26 2–5 p.m. | Plaza Fiesta 1126 Indian Trail Lilburn Rd., Norcross, GA 30093 | Merge spooky fun with cultural reverence through candy giveaways, costume contests for all ages, live music, and prizes. Expect colorful marigold displays and photo ops with giant sugar skulls. A free, joyful fusion of Halloween and Día traditions. | Free plazafiesta.net |
| Haints and Saints/Day of the Dead Parade | Sunday, Oct. 26 6 p.m. start | Decatur Cemetery (parade route to downtown Decatur Square) Decatur, GA 30030 | Join a whimsical procession blending Southern “haints” (ghosts) with Día de los Muertos flair—think skeleton puppets, zombies, superheroes, and marching bands. Ends with a musical jam session and block party. Costumes encouraged! | Free atlantaparent.com +1 |
These gatherings highlight Atlanta’s growing embrace of Latinx culture, drawing crowds from across the region to parks, plazas, and performance spaces.
For those new to the holiday, Día de los Muertos emphasizes joyful reunion over mourning, with elements like ofrendas adorned with photos, candles, and favorite foods of the deceased.
If you’re hosting your own small gathering, local markets like DeKalb Farmers Market or Buford Highway Farmers Market stock marigolds, papel picado, and pan de muerto starting this week.
Pro Tips for Your Día de los Muertos Adventure
Make the most of these events with these practical and cultural pointers, drawn from Atlanta’s vibrant celebrations:
- Dress the Part: Opt for catrina or catrine-inspired outfits—think floral crowns, face paint with calaveras (sugar skulls), or colorful traditional attire. Many events, like the Decatur parade, have costume contests, so get creative and register on-site if needed.
- Prepare for Joyful Remembrance: Bring small mementos, photos, or notes about loved ones to add to community ofrendas. It’s a heartfelt way to participate and honor the tradition of welcoming ancestors as guests.
- Savor the Flavors: Sample authentic eats like pan de muerto (sweet bread), tamales, or atole from vendors. Food trucks and stalls are staples—arrive hungry and pair with a thematic cocktail like a Morgue-rita at nearby spots.
- Engage Fully: Dive into activities like folkloric dances, craft workshops (papel picado or altar-building), and live performances. Events are family-friendly, with kids’ zones for storytelling and puppets, so plan for all ages.
- Practical Prep: Wear comfortable shoes for parades and dancing; check weather apps for outdoor spots. Arrive early for parking in busy areas like Decatur Square, and respect the cultural focus—it’s about celebration and life, not scares.
- Etiquette Essentials: Approach with reverence for Mexican heritage; engage joyfully by sharing stories and dances. These aren’t just parties—they’re reunions that blend Atlanta’s Southern spirit with Latinx roots.
Final Word
Explore Your Atlanta
Atlanta has just what you need, not just today but every weekend. From exploring the city’s diverse restaurant scene to taking in a beautiful park greenspace or even checking out the hidden gems, Atlanta has some of everything.
First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
- Here are the REALLY FUN things to do in Atlanta
- Read our Atlanta Weekend Guide
- Where To Eat in West Midtown Atlanta
- Feeling adventurous? Here are some outdoorsy things to do in ATL
Stay tuned for more November previews, including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s family festival on Nov. 2.
For tickets and RSVPs, visit the linked venues or search Eventbrite. ¡Feliz Día de los Muertos, Atlanta!By Grok News Staff
