Día de los Muertos Celebration
York Street Location
SOLD OUT! Tickets will not be available onsite.
Bring your family and friends to celebrate this colorful, heart-felt tradition at the Gardens. Now in its 10th year, this traditional Day of the Dead celebration offers fun for the whole family and includes both onsite and online offerings.
Día de los Muertos costumes are encouraged. Enter our costume contest for a chance to win a $25 gift card.
Due to COVID-19 constraints, face painting will not be offered this year.
Here is the schedule of onsite entertainment and activities, including a map, in English and Español.
The Gardens is offering a free park-and-ride service from East High School parking lot Shuttle will run continuously from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Parking is also available in our parking structure between York and Josephine streets, but we anticipate it filling up.
Online Activities
Create-it: Día de los Muertos Crafts
Quick and easy videos on how to make Día-related crafts at home with your family, such as papel picado, paper marigolds, mini altars and more.
- Sugar Skulls (También en español)
- Ofrenda (También en español)
- Marigold (También en español)
- Butterfly (También en español)
- Papel Picado (También en español)
Coloring Sheets by Artmando
Onsite Activities
Entertainment & Activity Schedule
(Schedule is subject to change)
Here is the schedule of onsite entertainment and activities listed below, including a map, in English and Español.
UMB Bank Amphitheater
- 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Outdoor Mercado
- 9:30 a.m.: Dance Demonstration by Aztec Group Huitzilopochtli
- 9:30 a.m.: Live Art Demo by Artmando
- 10:45 a.m.: The Colorado Dance Collective - Armando and Alicia Hip Hop Workshop
- Noon: Live Art Demo by Cal Duran
- 12:30 p.m.: Mexican Folk Dance with Sangre de México
- 1:15 p.m.: The Colorado Dance Collective - Armando and Alicia Hip Hop Workshop
- 3 p.m. (weather dependent): Live Art Performance Piece by Artmando
Orangery
- 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Altars of Remembrance
Sturm Family Auditorium
- 11 a.m.: Morning Calavera Costume Contest
(Registration from 9-10:30 a.m.) - 2 p.m.: Afternoon Calavera Costume Contest
(Registration from noon – 1:30 p.m.)
Freyer – Newman Center Classrooms 3 and 4
- 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Kid’s Virtual Experience with Longmont Museum
West Terrace
- 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (while supplies last): Kid’s Grab and Go Craft Corner
Mitchell Hall
- 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Indoor Mercado
Gates Hall
- 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Community Altar
El Mercado and the Altars of Remembrance
El Mercado and the Altars of Remembrance applications for 2021 are now closed.
Related Events
Alebrijes Iluminados
Oct. 28 – Nov. 5
Included with Gardens admission
Denver Botanic Gardens’ observance of Día de los Muertos will be celebrated this year with Alebrijes Ilumniandos – colorful illuminated sculptures made by Mexican artists Rubén Miguel Castillo and Óscar Becerra. View these elaborate artworks during the day and stay for special programming on select evenings (Noches Iluminadas, see below).
Noches Iluminadas
November 1-5
SOLD OUT! Tickets will not be available onsite.
Visitors to the Gardens during this festive week will have the opportunity to experience Alebrijes Iluminados. These colorful illuminated sculptures made by Mexican artists Rubén Mica and Óscar Becerra will be showcased as a complement to our Día de los Muertos Family Celebration.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers for this event help with early prep for the event, children's activities and festival logistics.
Día de los Muertos Volunteer Application
Sponsorship Opportunities
Admission
- Included with admission
- Children 15 and under are free
- Tickets limited; advance reservation required
Alebrijes Iluminados are thanks in part to Alexis Newton, who assisted the Gardens in bringing these colorful sculptures to Colorado.
2019 Gallery
FAQ
Where do I park?
- The Gardens expects large crowds during this event.
- Limited free parking is available in our parking complex between York and Josephine streets. Street parking is available in Cheesman Park, where posted.
- Please consider these alternate modes of transportation to avoid parking issues:
- RTD: Use routes #24 (York and Josephine streets) or #10 (12th Avenue) to access the Gardens.
- Bicycle Colorado and Bike Streets: The Gardens joins Bicycle Colorado and Bike Streets in encouraging cycling as a form of transportation. Bike racks are available at the York Street main entrance.
- We are also offering a free park-and-ride service from East High School parking lot. Shuttle will run continuously from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
What kind of food is available?
Offshoots Café and the Hive Garden Bistro will be open during the event.
The Gardens’ UMB Bank Amphitheater offers a wonderful spot for picnicking. We encourage you to pack a picnic from home to enjoy at the Gardens.
Are costumes permitted?
Yes! Día de los Muertos costumes are encouraged.
- Weapons (real or fake) are NOT permitted.
- Costume masks covering the entire face are not permitted for guests over the age of 17.
When should I buy my tickets? Will any be available at the door?
Tickets must be purchased or reserved online in advance and are not available onsite.
Is the event inside or outside?
Día de los Muertos is primarily an outdoor event. Wear good walking shoes and appropriate clothing to keep you warm and dry during the event.
How much does face painting cost?
To keep everyone healthy and safe, we will not be offering face painting this year.
What forms of payment will be accepted at Día de los Muertos?
The Gardens accepts cash and all major credit cards. Please note there is no ATM onsite.