How to Celebrate Día de los Muertos 2025 in Nevada
From making an ofrenda to attending a festival, here’s how to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Nevada.
Candlelit altars. Sugar skulls. Painted skeleton faces. It’s almost time for Día de los Muertos in Nevada.
This festive and spiritual reunion of the living and dead is observed by Mexican families annually during upbeat Day of the Dead festivals on Nov. 1 and 2, including several in the Silver State.
Read on to learn about celebrating Día de los Muertos in Southern and Northern Nevada.
A reunion of the living and the dead
Día de los Muertos festivals often feature elaborate displays of ofrendas (or altars), designed to lure deceased loved ones home for a visit and keep their memory alive. These colorful works of art are decorated with several symbolic items and elements adored by the deceased.
Here are some upcoming activities related to ofrenda making in Las Vegas.
Candle Workshop
Candles are an important symbol for ofrendas, lighting the way for the dead and guiding them home.
Teens, adults, and seniors are invited to decorate candles, learn more about ofrenda symbols, and share stories of deceased loved ones during a creative ofrenda workshop at the East Las Vegas Library, 2851 E. Bonanza Rd., on November 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
While all materials will be provided, space is limited, and supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sugar Skull Workshop
Calaveras are another common addition to ofrendas. A physical representation of the underworld, calaveras (skulls) are meant to represent life, death, and rebirth.
The Nevada Arts Council will host a Sugar Skull Workshop at the Charleston Heights Art Center, 800 Brush Street, on October 25 from 1-3 p.m. Attendees will learn about Día de Los Muertos customs and the symbolism of calaveras while decorating a pre-molded sugar skull.
Cost is $15. Registration is required.
Take-and-Make Kit
Visit the Spring Valley Library, 4280 South Jones Blvd., on Nov. 1 to pick up a take-and-make ofrenda kit. Limited to one per adult, these kits are only available while supplies last.
Ofrenda Making
People of all ages are invited to come to the Blue Díamond Library, 16A Cottonwood Drive, Blue Diamond, during open hours on Oct. 28-29 and Nov. 1 for ofrenda crafting and activities, while supplies last.
Festivals in Southern Nevada
Día de los Muertos Celebration and Concert
Where: Nevada State University, Henderson
When: Oct. 30, 5–9 p.m.
Cost: Free
This will be a vibrant festival with cultural performances, music, artwork, traditional dance, and other activities. The main event is a special concert by New York City-based, all-female mariachi band Flor de Toloache. Ofrendas will be on display inside the Rogers Student Center Ballroom.
Nevada State University is still accepting submissions of ofrendas. Aspiring participants have until Sept. 22 to submit a participation form.
24th Annual Life in Death Festival
Where: Winchester Dondero Cultural Center, Las Vegas
When: Nov. 1-2, 4-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Enjoy two days of cultural performances, Mexican folkloric dance, art, crafts, embroidery demonstrations, children’s activities like skull decorating and bread making, and food vendors at the 24th Annual Life in Death Festival. Elaborate ofrendas will be displayed outdoors in Winchester Park. Day of the Dead bread samples will be handed out for free.
Clark County is accepting Day of the Dead-inspired works of art for this celebration. Artists have until Sept. 14 to sign up via a Submittable page.
Día de los Muertos Festival
Where: Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza, Lorenzi Park, Las Vegas
When: Nov. 1, 3–9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Produced by the City of Las Vegas, this will be a lighthearted and joyful Día de los Muertos Festival, presented in a fun and immersive atmosphere with entertainment by local and guest artists, interactive children’s activities, artisan vendors, food, face painting, and ofrendas created by community organizations and groups.
Xantolo: A Day of the Dead Festival of Spirits and Souls
Where: Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary, Las Vegas
When: Nov. 1, 4-9 p.m.
Cost: TBA
Presented by the Nevada Latino Arts and Culture Association, this family-friendly festival will include live music, dance, ofrendas, and food vendors.
Día de Muertos at Springs Preserve
Where: Springs Preserve
When: Nov. 7-9, 5-9 p.m.
Cost: $15 adults, $9 children (ages 3-17); discounted for members
Buzzing with activity year after year, this family-friendly festival features live entertainment, ofrendas, mariachis, traditional food vendors, and arts and crafts like sugar skull decorating. Tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information, visit the Springs Preserve website.
Fantasy Lab, Colors of Mexico
Where: Fashion Show Mall, Las Vegas
When: Multiple dates
Cost: $20
The immersive Fantasy Lab Colors of México attraction inside the Fashion Show Mall has seven themed spaces filled with art, music, and culture. The current exhibit is described as an immersive Día de Muertos Celebration that takes you on a journey through the vibrant culture, colors, and spirit of Día de Muertos. Tickets include a $15 credit to be used for food, drinks, or Mexican art.
Festivals in Northern Nevada
4th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival
Where: Heritage Park, Gardnerville
When: Nov. 1, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Enjoy Mariachi music, folkloric and Aztec dancers, food and drink vendors, arts and crafts, face painting, ofrendas, and a 12-foot doll of La Catrina (a satirical skeleton character) at the 4th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival. The event is presented by Latino Arte and Culture of Reno, Main Street Gardnerville, Douglas County Community Services, and the Carson Valley Arts Council.
Día de los Muertos Celebration at UNR
Where: University of Nevada, Reno
When: Nov. 2, 2 to 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
The annual Día de los Muertos event at the University of Nevada, Reno features live music, children’s activities, cultural showcases, community altars, and education about the rituals and significance of the holiday. It is open to community members in addition to students and their families.
Learn about the university’s numerous Hispanic Heritage Month events here.
Nevada State Museum communitywide celebration
Where: Nevada State Museum and more, Carson City
When: TBA
Cost: TBA
Organized since 2006, this annual Dia de los Muertos celebration features ofrendas, live music, folk dancing, storytelling, face painting, and hands-on craft activities. It is a community-wide event in collaboration with the Western Nevada College Latino Cohort, Visit Carson City, Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada, the Brewery Arts Center, and the Carson City School District.
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