Corpus Christi’s 18th annual Día de los Muertos Festival will return from 3 p.m. to midnight Nov. 1 in the downtown area.
A national holiday in Mexico, Día de los Muertos is a time when deceased friends and family members are remembered, honored and celebrated. The tradition is both solemn and joyous, with colorful customs, pageantry and whimsy despite the sobering subject.
The downtown festival is organized by K Space Contemporary and Electra Art-Axis Tattoo. The event’s goals are to celebrate and honor the cultural heritage of Mexico and South Texas, educate and unite the community, draw tourists and residents to downtown Corpus Christi and promote the city.
Live entertainment held on three stages will include mariachis, ballet folklórico, cultural dancers, youth performers, DJs and regional up-and-coming bands. The event will also feature an art expo, a “kid’s corner,” an ofrenda display inside the old Ward Building, art exhibitions, food trucks and more.
The third annual Día de los Muertos 5K and 1K Walk/Run will take place at 7 p.m. on Halloween at Water’s Edge Park. There will be age group awards, music and local vendors.
For more information, visit diadelosmuertoscc.com.
Where can I park?
The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority will offer complimentary “Park & Ride” shuttles to the festival from 2:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Pickup designations will be at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Sanddollar parking lot, the Nueces County Courthouse and Corpus Christi City Hall. Riders will be dropped off in the center of the festival at the Día de los Muertos mural at Starr and Upper Broadway streets.
Attendees are encouraged to use a rideshare service, such as Uber or Lyft, to arrive and get home safely. Additional parking will be available downtown but will be limited. Towing will be enforced.
What is the schedule?
L&F Main Stage (at Starr and Chaparral streets):
- 3 p.m.: Opening ceremony
- 3:30 p.m.: Mariachi Mexicanisimo
- 4:30 p.m.: Ballet Folklórico Viva Mexico
- 5 p.m.: Cordero Flamenco
- 6:30 p.m.: Sonora Bakarash
- 8:30 p.m.: El Gozao
- 10:30 p.m.: EZ Band
AEP Texas Stage (at The Ritz Theatre parking lot):
- 3 p.m.: Intertribal Ceremony by Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas
- 3:45 p.m.: Dancing Cubs of Club Estates Elementary
- 4 p.m.: Jazzy Jaguars of Gloria Hicks Elementary
- 4:15 p.m.: Hidden Language
- 4:30 p.m.: Feria de las Flores
- 5 p.m.: Corpus Christi Downtown Karate
- 5:30 p.m.: Azure Dance Team
- 6 p.m.: Mythica Tribal Bellydance Troupe
- 6:30 p.m.: Ballet Folklórico Viva Mexico
- 7 p.m.: Fuego Fronterizo of Laredo’s Martin High School
- 7:30 p.m.: Cleiri Quezada
- 8 p.m.: Mythica Tribal Bellydance Troupe
- 8:30 p.m. to midnight: SKIP Entertainment DJ Dance Party
La Retama Stage (at La Retama Park):
- 3 p.m.: Chicas Rock
- 4:30 p.m.: L.I.B.R.A.
- 6:30 p.m.: Los Traviesos del Tejas
- 8:30 p.m.: La Union Colombiana
- 10:30 p.m.: Rinkinkaya
Whataburger Kids’ Stage (at the Kid’s Corner at Starr and Mesquite streets):
- 3:30 p.m.: Team Dance Baila Vida
- 4 p.m.: Corpus Christi Downtown Karate
- 4:30 p.m.: Fuego Fronterizo of Laredo’s Martin High School
- 5 p.m.: Dancing Cubs of Clubs Estates Elementary
- 5:30 p.m.: Jazzy Jaguars of Gloria Hicks Elementary
- 6 p.m.: Garcia Center
- 6:15 p.m.: Special Hearts for the Arts
- 6:30 p.m.: Premier Martial Arts
- 7 p.m.: Lezlie V.
- 7:30 p.m.: Hidden Language
- 8 p.m.: Azure Dance Team
- 8:30 p.m.: Ms. Teresa, Cervera Dance and FTGG
- 9 p.m.: Dance Party
- 9:30 p.m.: Lezlie V. & Mariachi Nuevo Viajero
Other FAQs
Where can I purchase alcoholic beverages?
There will be plenty of outdoor bars accepting both cash and credit card payments. Every alcoholic drink purchase benefits K Space Contemporary. You will need your ID to purchase drinks.
Can I bring in my own alcoholic beverages?
No. Attendees cannot bring an ice chest or alcoholic beverages into the festival zone. Ice chests are prohibited by city ordinance and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission licensing. Alcoholic beverages may not be taken outside of the festival zone. Attendees will have to dispose of them before leaving.
Will there be non-alcoholic beverages and food?
The festival will have 25 local vendors serving tacos, nachos, hamburgers, pizza, barbecue and more. Drinks will be available for purchase, including soft drinks, water and lemonade. There are picnic tables available in the parking lot by the Ritz Stage and in La Retama Park for those wanting to sit and eat.
Will there be exclusive 2025 Día de los Muertos swag available for purchase?
Yes, swag is available in the Merch Booth on Starr Street near the L&F Main Stage. The merchandise will include T-shirts, bandanas and more, including exclusive posters ranging from 2008 to now.
Whom do I contact about theft, lost and found, or assistance?
If you need to report a minor injury, theft or violent behavior, you may speak to one of the off-duty Corpus Christi police officers on site throughout the event. The festival’s lost and found is inside K Space Contemporary on Chaparral Street. If you need assistance, volunteers will be wearing festival T-shirts.
Am I able to bring my pet?
Although the festival is outdoors, it is not recommended to bring pets unless they are service animals. The festival is crowded and loud, which may cause undue stress to pets.
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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Have a story idea? Contact him at [email protected].
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