Grab your marigolds and put on some sugar skull makeup for Corpus Christi's 19th annual Día de los Muertos Festival.
The event will take place from 1 p.m. to midnight Oct. 24 in downtown Corpus Christi.
Día de los Muertos is a national holiday in Mexico dedicated to celebrating, honoring and remembering deceased friends and family members. The tradition is both solemn and joyous, with colorful customs, pageantry and whimsy despite the somber subject.
The downtown festival is organized by K Space Contemporary and Electra Art-Axis Tattoo.
Live entertainment will be held on three stages such as mariachis, ballet folklórico, cultural dancers, youth performers, DJs and more.
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 fourth annual Día de los Muertos 5K and 1K Walk/Run will take place at 8 p.m. on Oct. 23 at Water's Edge Park. There will be age group awards, music and local vendors.
For more information, and to purchase VIP tickets, visit diadelosmuertoscc.com.
Where do I park?
Several nearby streets will be no-parking zones during the festival. Paid parking will be available in multiple areas in downtown Corpus Christi.
Attendees are encouraged to use the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority's free Park-N-Ride service from Corpus Christi City Hall, the Nueces County Courthouse or the Sand Dollar Parking Lot at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
The service will offer shuttles from 12:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Riders will be dropped off at the Día de los Muertos mural at Starr and Upper Broadway streets.
Other options include a ride service, such as Uber or Lyft. Have your driver drop you off at the corner of Water and Taylor streets to avoid congestion.
What is the schedule?
L&F 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.: Los Arias
- 6:30 p.m.: Clarissa Serna
- 8 p.m.: Texmaniacs
- 9:30 p.m.: El Dusty
- 11 p.m.: Sonora Bakarash
AEP Texas Stage (near the Food Court on Taylor Street):
- 3 p.m.: Intertribal Ceremony by Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas
- 3:30 p.m.: Jazzy Jaguars of Gloria Hicks Elementary
- 3:50 p.m.: Novas of Kaffie Middle School
- 4:10 p.m.: Dance teams from School of Science and Technology
- 4:30 p.m.: Ballet Folklórico Internacional de Laredo
- 5 p.m.: Corpus Christi Downtown Karate
- 5:15 p.m.: Feria de las Flores
- 6 p.m.: Mythica Tribal Bellydance Troupe
- 6:30 p.m.: Ballet Folklórico Viva Mexico
- 7 p.m.: Azure Dance Team
- 7:30 p.m.: Down South Rhythm Shakers
- 8 p.m.: Mythica Tribal Bellydance Troupe
La Retama Stage (at La Retama Park):
- 3 p.m.: Chicas Rock
- 4:30 p.m.: Los Traviesos del Tejas
- 6 p.m.: All the Above
- 7:30 p.m.: Animal Mood
- 9 p.m.: Grupo Duetta
- 10:30 p.m.: Rinkinkaya
Whataburger Kids' Stage (at the Kid's Corner at Starr and Mesquite streets):
- 3 p.m.: Team Dance and Garcia Arts & Education Center
- 3:30 p.m.: Corpus Christi Downtown Karate
- 4 p.m.: Dancing Cubs of Club Estates Elementary
- 4:30 p.m.: Jazzy Jaguars of Gloria Hicks Elementary
- 5 p.m.: Sparkling Anchors of Mireles Elementary
- 5:30 p.m.: Special Hearts in the Arts
- 6:15 p.m.: Ballet Folklórico Internacional de Laredo
- 6:45 p.m.: Selena Tribute by Lezlie V.
- 7:15 p.m.: Hidden Language
- 8 p.m.: Azure Dance Team
- 8:30 p.m.: La Llorona by Teresa Saldivar and Leyendas
- 9 p.m.: Lezlie V. with Mariachi Nuevo Viajero
- 9:30 p.m.: DJ Dance Party
FAQ
What does a VIP ticket get me?
VIP tickets get you exclusive access to a VIP party (for adults aged 21 and older) and private patio with a view of the L&F Stage, three complimentary alcoholic drink tickets, two dinner tickets (buffet style from 4 to 10 p.m. only), unlimited nachos from 4 to 10 p.m. only, coffee and pastries from 10 to 11:30 p.m. only, air-conditioned restrooms indoors, a one-year membership to K Space and a swag bag full of exclusive VIP merch. Tickets are $100 each and can only be purchased by adults aged 21 and older. IDs will be checked at the door and no refunds will be given if guests are underage.
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, aguas frescas and lemonade. There are picnic tables available in the food truck lot on Taylor Street and in La Retama Park for those wanting to sit and eat.
Will there be exclusive 2026 Día de los Muertos swag available for purchase?
Yes, swag is available in the Merch Booth on Chaparral Street near the L&F Main Stage beneath the Lotería mural. 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 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.
Can I 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.
John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Have a story idea? Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com.
Consider supporting local journalism with a subscription to the Caller-Times.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: What to know about 2026 Día de los Muertos Festival in Corpus Christi
