Festival Activities
From live music and dance to cultural workshops and family-friendly fun, the Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival offers something for everyone.
Parade
Join the largest Día de los Muertos parade in Central Texas! March through Downtown Waco with colorful costumes, lively performances, and community pride. Cash prizes are awarded for the most creative entries.
Vendor Market
Discover unique art, handmade goods, and delicious food from local creators. The Vendor Market brings together the best of Waco’s makers and businesses in a festive atmosphere.
Live Concert
Dance the night away with live performances that celebrate tradition and culture. From mariachi to modern sounds, music fills the park and keeps the celebration alive.
Face Painting
Get into the spirit of the festival with traditional calavera face painting. Fun for all ages, this activity transforms every face into part of the celebration.
Ofrendas
Experience the heart of Día de los Muertos with community altars honoring loved ones. Each altar is a work of art, filled with photos, flowers, and offerings that keep memories alive.
Join the Parade
Be part of the biggest Día de los Muertos Parade in Central Texas! On Saturday, November 1st, 2025, Downtown Waco will come alive as we honor loved ones and celebrate life with music, dance, and community spirit. The parade begins at 4pm and features cash prizes for the top entries across three categories: Best General Entries, Best Non-Profits, and Best Student Organizations. Winners will be chosen through a mix of judges’ votes and community votes. Early bird registration ends September 14th, with the final deadline on October 19th. Don’t miss your chance to march, perform, or showcase your creativity in this unforgettable celebration.
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Become a Sponsor
Support one of Waco’s most beloved cultural traditions by sponsoring the fifth annual Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival. Last year, our reach extended to over 133,000 people and brought 7,000 attendees together in the heart of our city. This year, we anticipate more than 10,000 festival goers, making it our largest celebration yet. Your sponsorship not only helps us bring this vibrant event to life but also highlights your organization’s commitment to community, culture, and connection.
To be included in marketing materials, sponsorships must be confirmed by October 3rd, 2025.
Vendor Market at Día de los Muertos Waco
Bring your creativity to life at the fifth annual Waco Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival! The Vendor Market is the heart of community connection, where local makers, artisans, and entrepreneurs share their craft with thousands of festivalgoers. Join us on Saturday, November 1st, from 5pm to 10pm, to showcase your products and be part of a vibrant evening filled with tradition, art, and celebration. Vendor spaces are limited, and applications close October 5th, 2025—secure your spot today.
Through the Lens of Tradition
Relive the magic of Waco’s Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival. From the vibrant parades and colorful altars to the music, dance, and community spirit, this collection captures the heart of the tradition. Step into the joy, remembrance, and artistry that make this event one of Central Texas’s most treasured celebrations.
FAQs
Your Festival Questions, Answered
There is no cost to attend this festive celebration. This is a FREE and family-friendly community event.
Yes, we will have a Lost and Found located in our centrally located event info tent.
The goal and purpose of the Dia de los Muertos Parade is to celebrate & educate our community of the multicultural traditions of the Dia de los Muertos holiday. The Hispanic community is inviting all to participate in the festival and encourages dressing in Día de los Muertos attire such as Sugar Skull face painting, skull mask, alebrije, or monarch butterflies. Dia de los Muertos is not Halloween! No Halloween costumes, devil or scary costumes are permitted.
No, coolers and alcohol are not permitted at this event. The festival will be full of vendors with a variety of food, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Please do not jeopardize this community event by violating this rule.