The Day of the Dead (el Día de Los Muertos) is a celebration of life and death. There are Day of the Dead events taking place across the city of Chicago to celebrate and remember the lives of those who departed. Join in on the vibrant festivities and learn more about this centuries-old tradition. Here are where to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Chicago this year!
Meanwhile, don’t forget to check out the Halloween Parties in Chicago (2023) list!
Día de Los Muertos at Tzuco
720 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
WHEN: Wednesday, November 2
Chef/Partner Carlos Gaytán is pleased to welcome his dear friend and colleague, Chef Orlando Trejos — Executive Chef, HA’, Riviera Maya — to the Tzuco kitchen for the tastiest Día de Los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) celebration in Chicago. The already vibrant Tzuco will also be transformed for the holiday with traditional Día de Los Muertos décor — including marigold florals, candles, Catrinas (skulls), and more.
Together, the chef duo will create a memorable menu commemorating the cultural significance of the holiday. Reservations for this collaboration dinner are available now via Resy, with availability starting at 4 p.m. Guests will enjoy an artful, 4-course meal for $95 per person (includes a welcome cocktail, excludes tax and gratuity).
Día de los Muertos Xicágo
WHEN: October 29, 2022, 3:00 pm
WHERE: 1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608
The National Museum of Mexican Art is transforming its space to celebrate Día de Los Muertos. This celebration will be free to the public and everyone is welcome to enjoy ofrendas created by the community. There will also be live musical performances, art activities, and a large illuminated ofrenda projected outside of the museum. Upload a photo of a loved one for the photo memorial.
Guanajuato
1005 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka, IL 60093
Guanajuato will be celebrating this traditional Mexican holiday with live music, face painting (4:30-6pm) and delicious specials on Wednesday, November 2. Enjoy seasonal and holiday favorites, including Tamales with green creamy tomatillo salsa served with avocado, crema, radishes, and cilantro. And remember to save room for dessert: the Pumpkin Flan and Pumpkin Tres Leches is Muy Bueno. Can’t decide on which cocktail to pair with your meal? Just get them all! Guanajuato’s cocktails feature fresh house-made juices and top-tier spices. But sure. You can get a Spiced Pumpkin Margarita and we won’t judge you.
Día de los Muertos
WHEN: Saturday, October 29, and Sunday, October 30, 2022
WHERE: 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513
Chevrolet is throwing a Día de Los Muertos celebration at Brookfield Zoo from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, October 29, and Sunday, October 30, 2022. Bring the entire family and come celebrate with music, face painting, sugar skull painting, and surprises yet to be revealed.
Sugar Skull City
WHEN: October 15 to November 6, 2022
WHERE: 43 W Galena Blvd, Aurora, IL 60506
Come visit downtown Aurora and join the community in celebrating Día de Los Muertos with art, activities, specials, videos, shopping, and much more. This year, downtown Aurora is celebrating from October 15th to November 6th. Take a self-guided tour of downtown using the map of participating businesses in the Day of the Dead festivities. Enjoy an evening of celebrations at First Fridays on November 4, 2022. Shop Hispanic-owned businesses and artisans, Day of the Dead-themed merchandise, and vendors visiting from Oaxaca, Mexico, at Society 57 on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more events, check out the Sugar Skull activities page.
Dia De Los Muertos Halloween Party
WHEN: Saturday, October 29, 5 pm thru midnight
WHERE: Time Out Market Chicago, 916 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
We are getting in the spirit at Time Out Market Chicago this Halloween. Get your costumes and makeup ready because the party is Dia de Los Muertos themed, and we have so many surprises planned. Expect a live band from 5 pm – 7 pm, DJ from 7 pm-midnight, palm readings, a costume contest, drink specials, and more!
Day of the Dead Altar Demonstration & Discussion
WHEN: Saturday, October 22, 2022, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
WHERE: 4459 South Marshfield Avenue Chicago, IL 60609
Learn more about the Day of the Dead from instructor Rev. Laura González. She is a Mexican native and has been a researcher on the Day of the Dead tradition for over 30 years. During this event, you will learn how to create a Día de Los Muertos altar and explore the origin of this traditional celebration.
Dia de los Muertos Party at Cody’s
WHEN: Monday, October 31 at 8:30 pm
WHERE: Cody’s Public House, 1658 West Barry Avenue., Chicago, IL 60618
Cody’s Public House will host a Day of the Dead-themed Halloween party on Monday, October 31. The party will feature specials like $5 Dos Equis, $5 Cuervo Tradicional shots, and $6 Dos Equis Margarita Cans. Guests will enjoy Dos Equis and Cuervo samplings, giveaways, and Day of the Dead characters will be in attendance for photo ops and entertainment.
Barrio
65 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Located in the heart of River North, Barrio combines a rustic and fun vibe with a refined yet approachable Mexican-inspired menu. They will celebrate the Day of the Dead with a weekend-long Dia De Los Muertos event from Friday, October 28th – Tuesday, November 1st. Specials include Blood Orange Margarita Chicken Tamales with Tomatillo salsa, Oaxaca Hot Chocolate, and Sugar Skull Cookie. Each night of the weekend will bring something new with holiday decor, a fire dancer, live DJs, and more!
Dia de los Muertos Pan from Masa Madre
Masa Madre is an online artisanal Mexican–Jewish bakery offering pickup and delivery in the Chicagoland area. Masa Madre blends Tamar Fasja Unikel and Elena Vazquez Felgueres’ shared Mexican heritage and Tamar’s Jewish roots through flavors reminiscent of their grandmothers’ kitchens. From October 26th through November 11th, order the most delicious Pan de Muerto and take it with you to whichever celebration you go to! Buttery and super fluffy, with just a hint of orange. Also available is covered in milk chocolate. Orders must be placed at least one night ahead.
Dia de los Muertos Sugar Skull Workshop
WHEN: Mon, Oct 24, 2022, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: 6743 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
At Marquette (Jaques) Park, join the community for a family art workshop with visiting artist, William Estrada. There is no cost to attend this event and is available for all ages. Bring your loved ones for an evening of celebration and art. During this workshop, you will create sugar skulls to honor loved ones and can add yours to the Marquette Park community ofrenda in the lobby.
Day of the Dead Celebration
WHEN: Saturday, Oct 29, 2022, from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
WHERE: 1200-5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60615
Come celebrate Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at La Ronda Parakata Gathering Space in Chicago, which will be adorned with traditional decorations, an altar honoring lost ones, and marigold (cempasuchil) flowers. Bring the entire family for activities such as face painting, making native seed balls, dancing, and much more. You are welcome to contribute to the community altar by bringing a memorable object or picture for a departed loved one.
Day of the Dead Family 5k Walk/Run
WHEN: Sunday, October 30th
WHERE: 100 Community Blvd. Wheeling Il
Starting at 7:00 am until 7:45 am, participants can get their faces painted prior to the 5k. The Walk/Run will begin at 8:00 am and awards will be given at 9:00 am. Everyone is invited to cheer on the runners and join in the post-run Day of the Dead celebration. From 9:00 am to 10:00 am enjoy traditional Mexican food by local vendors and live entertainment.
Featured Image: National Museum of Mexican Art