Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant Mexican holiday celebrated from October 31 to November 2. This festive occasion is dedicated to honoring and remembering loved ones who have passed away.

Unlike Halloween, which focuses on spookiness, Día de los Muertos is a joyful celebration of life and death. Traditional elements include colorful altars, marigolds, sugar skulls, and traditional foods. Families come together to create ofrendas (altars) adorned with photos, candles, and the favorite items of the deceased, welcoming their spirits back for a brief reunion.

Here are a few FREE events celebrating Day of the Dead, happening all around metro Atlanta.

2024 Dia de Los Muertos celebrations

Check out our huge list of Halloween events and our list of safe trick-or treat events.

Dia de Muertos celebration in Hapeville

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024
5 to 9 p.m.
Jess Lucas Park
FREE

Enjoy live music, food, art, a vendor market, and a community altar where you can honor your ancestors. This is a family-friendly event, with activities for kids.
More info

Dia de Los Muertos Festival in Roswell

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024
3 to 7 p.m.
Grounds of Roswell City Hall
FREE

Mariachi bands, face painting, traditional ofrendas, and traditional Mexican cuisine.
More info

Festival at Plaza Las Americas

November 1 to 3, 2024
Plaza Las Americas
Lilburn
FREE

This immersive experience will make you feel the essence of traditional celebrations, with vibrant colors and the captivating aromas of marigold, copal, and myrrh filling the air.
More info on Eventbrite

Dia de Los Muertos Movie Night

Friday, Nov. 1, 2024
6 to 10 p.m.
The Home Depot Backyard
Downtown Atlanta
FREE

Enjoy a live Mariachi band, traditional Mexican dances, vendor village, food trucks, cultural crafts, a movie, and more. 
More info on Eventbrite

Dia de Muertos in Lawrenceville

Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024
Noon to 5 p.m.
Lawrenceville Arts Center
Outdoors in center courtyard
FREE

Enjoy this beautiful cultural tradition full of color, music, food, and dance. Come celebrate with a professional tapetero from Guanajuato, Mexico, compete in a Catrina competition, and more!
More info

Dia de Muertos in Norcross

Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024
5 to 9 p.m.
Thrasher Park
Downtown Norcross
FREE

The celebration includes a night of remembrance, dance, authentic cultural performances, and more, in the streets of downtown Norcross.
More info

Dia de Muertos at Oakland Cemetery

Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024
Noon to 5 p.m.
Oakland Cemetery
Atlanta
FREE

This family-friendly event features traditional music and dance, crafts for kids, authentic Mexican food, traditional altars, vendor booths, and costume contests for kids and adults.
More info

Dia de Los Muertos in East Point

Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024
Noon to 5 p.m.
Grounds of East Point City Hall
FREE

Celebrate with all the traditions — food, music, altars, face painting, games, and food.
More info