Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday celebrating life and death of one’s ancestors. Celebrations take place over two days in the fall, November 1 and 2, with traditions including pan de muerto (Mexican sweet bread), calavera (sugar skulls), and ofrendas. These altars are decorated with flowers, candles, food, and photos of relatives who have passed.
In the roundup below, you will find activities, crafts, festivals, and movie showings that help families honor their loved ones through Día de los Muertos celebrations.
Día de los Muertos Events and Exhibits in Chicago’s Suburbs
Día de Muertos, Where the Past is Present (National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago)
September 20 – December 8, 2024 | open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00am – 5:00pm
Visit the thirty-eighth annual exhibit, which is dedicated to Ray Patlán, a Chicago artist and muralist who passed away earlier this year.
DIY Ofrendas (Mount Prospect)
October 4, 2024 | 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Create your own ofrenda with the help of the Mount Prospect Public Library. Register in advance.
First Friday: La Ofrenda: Gráfica Michoacana Reception (Aurora)
October 4, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Visit the Santori Library for a new art display celebrating Hispanic Heritage month.
StoryWalk: Skeletown Sugar Skulls (Glen Ellyn)
October 12, 2024 | 10:30am – 11:30am
Visit the Glen Ellyn Public Library’s outdoor story walk hosted at Prairie Path Park.
Explore and Discover Together: Día de Muertos/Explora y Descubre Juntos: Día de Muertos (Mount Prospect Public Library)
October 14, 2024 | 2:30pm – 3:45pm and 6:00pm – 7:15pm
Make your own ofrenda for a loved one. Register in advance.
Día de los Muertos Celebration (Brookfield)
October 19, 2024 | 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Hosted at the Compassion Factory for the third year, this celebration will include food, music, face painting, and more.
Mini-Ofrenda Craft (Schaumburg)
October 21, 2024 | 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Make your own ofrenda at the Schaumburg Township District Library.
Decorate Sugar Skulls (Des Plaines Public Library)
October 23, 2024 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Register in advance for a session to decorate sugar skulls in honor of Dia de los Muertos.
Day of the Dead Fashion Show (Fox Valley Mall, Aurora)
October 26, 2024 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Models will be Day of the Dead Catrinas, along with giveaways and entertainment.
Nuestra Ofrenda (Palatine Library District – Main Branch)
October 28 – November 4, 2024
Visit the decorated wall to learn about the Day of the Dead. Photos can be submitted by Friday, October 25 in order to be included.
Noche de la Familia: Día de los Muertos (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
October 28, 2024 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Make crafts and listen to children’s books at this bilingual storytime.
Day of the Dead Offrenda (Indian Trails Public Library District, Wheeling)
October 29 – November 3, 2024
Submit a photo in advance to be on display at the Main Library.
Ofrendas for Día De Los Muertos: Honoring Your Ancestors (Indian Trails Public Library District, Wheeling)
October 29, 2024 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Learn about ofrendas, then make your own. Participants should bring personal photos to include.
Dia de los Muertos Wreaths (Berwyn)
October 30, 2024 | 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Register for this craft activity with the Berwyn Public Library.
Día de los Muertos and Halloween Bilingual Storytime (Aurora)
October 30, 2024 | 7:00pm – 7:30pm
The Eola Road Branch is home to this special bilingual storytime.
Painting Sugar Skull Figurines (Geneva)
November 1, 2024 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Register in advance to paint with the Geneva Public Library.
Dia De Los Muertos (North Riverside)
November 1, 2024 | 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Celebrate with the North Riverside Public Library, including calaveras, live music, and a community ofrenda.
First Friday: Day of the Dead Ofrendas & Diwali Altars (Aurora)
November 1, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
This monthly event at the Santori Library will feature ofrendas and music.
1st Saturday Family Craft (Bartlett Depot Museum)
November 2, 2024 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
This month’s craft teaches children about Dia de los Muertos and is a Calac keychain.
Dia de Muertos (Oak Park)
November 2, 2024 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Visit Scoville Park for a free festival including face painting, sugar skull decorating, live performances and more.
Skull Painting (West Branch, Aurora Public Library)
November 2, 2024 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Paint terracotta pots with the Aurora Public Library. Tickets are available 30 minutes prior to programming.
Dia De Los Muertos: Create your own Ofrenda Picture Frame (Elmwood Park Public Library)
November 2, 2024 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Register in advance, and bring a photo of a loved one you’d like to honor.
Day of the Dead Event (Chicago Premium Outlets, Aurora)
November 2, 2024 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Dance performances, photo opportunities, and a community ofrenda.
Celebrating Community and Life: Dia de los Muertos (Naperville Central High School)
November 2, 2024 | 2:00pm – 7:00pm
In it’s second year, this celebration includes music and dancing, food, children’s activities, and more.
Day of the Dead Celebration (Rolling Meadows)
November 4, 2024 | 5:00pm – 7:30pm
Register for one of two celebrations hosted by the Rolling Meadows Library.
Día de los Muertos Dance (Hanover Park)
November 8, 2024 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Enjoy live music, traditional food, crafts, games, and dancing celebrating Mexican heritage.
Events from 2023 Not Yet Announced
These events were hosted in 2023, but as of September 19, have not yet been publicized for 2024. Check their website for the most up-to-date information.
Sugar Skull City (Aurora)
October 15 – November 5, 2023
Altar del día de los muertos (Edades: todas las edades) (Streamwood)
October 22, 2023
Day of the Dead Nesting Dolls (North Riverside)
October 25, 2023
Dia de los Muertos Celebration (Brookfield Zoo)
October 28 and 29, 2023
Festival del Dia de Muertos – Day of the Dead Festival (Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin)
November 2, 2023
Local Places Showing Disney’s Coco This Fall
While not official Día de los Muertos events, special showings of the movie Coco are a fun way for kids to celebrate or learn more about what makes Día de los Muertos so meaningful.
Last year, we found quite a few places to sing along to the music and experience Día de los Muertos traditions through Miguel and his ancestors. We hope to see more offered again in 2024, so check back for updated info.
Looking for more family-friendly events? Head to our events calendar!
