Día de los Muertos Festival
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at the Mesa Arts Center with an altar competition, live performances and other family-friendly activities.
Every year Day of the Dead altars, also known as ofrendas (offerings), are constructed and adorned to remember, honor, and please the dead. At the free, annual Día de los Muertos Festival at Mesa Arts Center the community comes together to celebrate their passed loved ones with a variety of fun, family-friendly activities and performances. Adults and children alike are invited to contribute mementos to the community altar and create lasting memories with the Mesa community.
When & Where
The annual Día de los Muertos Festival is typically hosted in October or early November at the Mesa Arts Center, which is located at 1 E Main Street, Mesa AZ 85201. Festival hours will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is a free celebration created in collaboration with the local community.
Enjoy Live Performances
Families can learn about Día de los Muertos through artist demonstrations, cultural performances, and live music. From paper flower and face painting demonstrations to colorful costumes and dances, attendees of all ages will appreciate these creative experiences.
Add to the Community Altar
Brimming with different symbolic elements, the community altar is the centerpiece for the festival and attendees are invited to leave mementos in honor of passed loved ones. Photographs are collected and added to the altar each year. Those who would like to take their photos home can pick them up by the end of the festival.
Check Out the Altar Competition
Families, artists, and community organizations are invited to submit altar proposals for the altar competition held during the Día de los Muertos Festival. Visitors will be able to admire the altars during festival hours at the Farnsworth Theater.
Explore Mercado Market Place
Stroll through Mercado Market Place to discover incredible high-quality goods from local artisans and makers. Visitors will find a wide variety of arts & crafts, including intricately painted sugar skulls, jewelry, furniture, and more.
Savor Delicious Bites
After taking in some of the art and culture of the festival, pause for a bite to eat. There are over a dozen food vendors offering a wide selection of delicious snacks including street corn, paletas, tacos, crepes, and aguas frescas. Looking for more dining options near the festival? Discover top-rated restaurants and bars across Mesa's thriving culinary scene.
Dive into Arts and Crafts
Festival goers will enjoy creating their own copper skulls at this Día de los Muertos workshop. Craft your artwork with vibrant beading and ornate patterns. After the class, participants will be able to enhance their home decor or accessorize an outfit with a personalized enamel skull. Don't miss expanding your art-filled day marveling at a series of demos from talented artists.
Sensory Accommodations
Mesa Arts Center is happy to provide a Multi-Sensory Room and Calm Spaces to those with sensory needs during the Dia de los Muertos festivities. The Multi-Sensory Room, located on the second floor of the Studios South Building, is designed to help people feel calm, supported, and focused by reducing anxiety with the use of different sensory items. Some of the sensory items available are pillows, a plush rug, weighted blankets, and tactile games. The Calm Spaces are quiet places created to give visitors a break from stimulation. For access to a calm space please see the house manager, receptionist, information booth, or the box office.
The Dia de los Muertos Festival is one of many fun fall activities in Mesa. Find the perfect place to stay and discover more things to do during your visit.