Viva la Vida Festival, Saturday,
October 18, 12-9 p.m., 4th & Congress Ave. The annual street festival is Austin’s largest and longest-running Day of the Dead event and features a Grand Parade/Procession, Latino artists and entertainment, an exhibition inside the museum (museum admission applies), and educational programs. Attendees will also enjoy traditional foods from local food trucks, hands-on art activities, artist demos, and traditional and contemporary Latino art. The 2014 event is co-sponsored by the City of Austin. Parade begins at noon, runs down 6th Street (between Comal and Chicon), and ends at 4th and Congress (about 45 – 60 minutes). The festival grounds will be located at the northwest corner of 4th St. and Congress (downtown Austin). FREE.
Día de los Muertos Storytime is a time for fun, with laughing skulls, lively music, and mask making ‘midst fluttering butterflies. Sponsored by the Youth Programming Services, this is a family literacy-based art program for all ages. FREE.
- Cepeda Branch – Wednesday, October 29, 5:30-7:15 p.m.
- Little Walnut Creek Branch – Thursday, October 30, 3:30-5 p.m.
- Ruiz Branch – Saturday, November 1, 2-4 p.m.
Día de los Muertos, Saturday, November 1, 4-10 p.m., Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. Celebrate the cycle of life by remembering loved ones with respect, honor and joy. Family activities, food, live music and dancing for the entire family. FREE. (600 River St.)
7th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration, Saturday, November 1, 6 – 9 p.m., Central Market North. Central Market presents the 7th Annual Día de los Muertos celebration with Acadêmicos da Ópera (Austin Samba School) and Las Monas de San Antonio for a family-friendly parade and dance celebration. FREE. (4001 N. Lamar Blvd.)
Día de los Muertos Festival, Saturday, November 8, 6 – 10 p.m., Centennial Plaza, Round Rock. Participants are encouraged to dress up and join the procession to be part of the celebration. Schedule of Events: 3 p.m. Remembrance Making; 6 p.m. Procession/Parade begins at Prete Plaza (221 East Main Street); 6 p.m. Nicole Reyes; 6:30 p.m. Mariachi Los Gallos; 6:45 p.m. Austin Samba School; 7:15 p.m. Round Rock Ballet Folklorico; 8 p.m. Salero Latin Band. (Event map.) FREE. (Centennial Plaza, 301 W. Bagdad, Round Rock)
And finally, the 2nd annual Austin Día de los Muertos Festival is FREE for kids 12 and under with a paying adult. Adult tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. Proceeds from the festival will benefit Easter Seals Central Texas’ mission of creating opportunities for people with disabilities. This festival will be held on Saturday, October 25, from 12-10 p.m. It will have a Kids’ Zone, Piñata Parties, a Procession, live music, and more! (Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan American Center, 2100 East 3rd St.)
For more events, both free and not, visit the Austin Days of the Dead website.
