Known to most as the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), the holiday is to celebrate and remember those we’ve lost while preparing special food to honor them.
The 35th annual All Souls Procession Weekend is happening from Friday, November 1 to Sunday, November 3, featuring a Dance of the Dead party at the MSA Annex, a community altar, and more. Learn all about it at allsoulsprocession.org.
Also, here in Tucson, there are also few food-focused events, gatherings to honor loved ones, and more — some happening sooner than others.
So, pay close attention to dates and locations and start planning!
Chiles, Chocolates & Day of the Dead Festival
Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2
366 N. Paseo del Norte
As an acknowledgment of all things sugar and spice, Tohono Chul is hosting its annual Chiles, Chocolate, and Day of the Dead Festival from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on both Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2.
Dozens of food and craft vendors will fill the park grounds with creations from local chefs, artists, and schools. The event is meant to pay homage to the enduring borderland traditions of Día de los Muertos — allowing the community to leave remembrances of lost loved ones.
Tickets are available for each day during the two-day festival for $25 per adult, $10 for Tohono Chul Members, $7 for those between the ages of four and 12, and anyone can join the fun for free.
Día de los Muertos at Copal
Friday, November 1 from 8 p.m. – midnight
5340 E. Broadway Blvd. #100
“Chill vibes, great music, amazing drink specials, and food to die for! Enjoy games, and good company with us this Friday from 8 p.m. to midnight.” They’ll also have tattoo artist Cedric on site as well as Calavera makeup (sugar skull) by Ms. Mary. “
Day of the Dead at St. Philip’s Plaza
Friday, November 1 from 5 – 11 p.m.
4340 N. Campbell Ave.
St. Phililp’s Plaza, along with Reforma and Union Public House, are hosting a Day of the Dead celebration out on the patio from 5 – 11 p.m. on Friday, November 1.
Día de los Muertos Brunch at Hacienda Del Sol
Sunday, November 3 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
5501 N. Hacienda Del Sol Rd.
“Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a festive brunch, blending our traditional favorites with vibrant Mexican-inspired dishes. Enjoy listening to Mariachi Luz de Luna while indulging in everything from Seafood Ceviche and Tamales to sweet treats like Tres Leches Cake and Pan de Muerto. Join us in honoring loved ones who’ve passed while enjoying great food and a festival atmosphere.”
Outdoor Cemetery Screening of “The Book of Life”
Saturday, November 2 at 4 p.m.
3015 N. Oracle Rd.
“The event starts at 4 p.m. and there will be a traditional service and altar offering at 4:30 p.m., a live folklorico and mariachi performance at 5 p.m., and the film will start at 6 p.m. There will also be food trucks, vendors, arts and crafts, and face painters on site.”
Playground of the Dead
Friday, November 1 at 5 p.m.
270 E. Congress St.
“Built on the site of an old cemetery, once a year the spirits emerge to take over the playground and throw a party. HANG OUT WITH US (if you dare) up on the Skydeck at Playground for our annual Halloween/Noche de los Muertos Party! creepy specialty cocktails (bloody mary, anyone?) good food, and great company.”
Viva Día de los Muertos at the TCC
Saturday, November 2 at 6:30 p.m.
260 S. Church Ave.
“Far from a somber occasion, Día de Los Muertos is a lively event filled with colorful traditions that blend indigenous beliefs with Spanish Catholic influences. In this Glow in the Dark dancing extravaganza, Viva Performing Arts Director & Creator Julie Gallego blends ancient traditions with contemporary adaptations, ensuring that Día de Los Muertos remains a dynamic and enduring cultural celebration.”
Día de los Muertos at Crooked Tooth Brewing
Sunday, November 3 at noon
228 E. Sixth St.
The taproom will have:
- Face painting by Desert Diva Face Painting from noon – 3 p.m.
- Flower Crown Workshop from noon – 3 p.m. with Pati, reserve your spot by calling (520) 405-9360
- Food from Parkies from noon – 5 p.m.
- Micheladas all day!
- Special Peach and Marigold Sour for your procession prep
- Ofrenda and more!
Día de Los Muertos Celebración at Tucson Botanical Gardens
Sunday, November 3 from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
2150 N. Alvernon Way
“Join us on Sunday, November 3rd to celebrate Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, in TBG’s beloved Nuestro Jardín, our Barrio Garden. Enjoy festive floral displays and an ofrenda, a community altar to honor the lives of family and friends who have passed. There will be mariachi and puppet performances, and educational programming for all ages.”
Día De Los Muertos with Art, Music & Culture at Park Place Mall
Saturday, November 2
5870 E. Broadway Blvd.
“The festival will also feature the unveiling of Arizona’s largest mural, a breathtaking 26,400-square-foot masterpiece by renowned artist Jessica Gonzales. This stunning work of art will be celebrated with an official dedication from 3:30 to 4 p.m., marking a new chapter in Tucson’s urban art landscape.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
