Last updated: October 2026

Quick Answer:

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated Nov 1–2, and in 2026 that’s a Sunday and Monday. The biggest family festival near the Triad is the free Festival Día de Muertos at Camp North End in Charlotte (Sun, Nov 1, 2026, noon – 6 p.m.), with a Catrina parade, community altars, folkloric dance and kids’ crafts. In the Triad, look for community celebrations from the High Point Museum and YWCA Latino Family Center, the Hispanic League in Winston-Salem and Greensboro Public Library craft programs (2026 dates to be announced).

Día de los Muertos is a joyful Mexican and Latin American tradition that honors loved ones who have passed away, with colorful ofrendas (altars), marigolds, sugar skulls, music and food. It’s a beautiful holiday to share with kids. Here’s where to celebrate near Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point, and how to make it meaningful at home.

What Is Día de los Muertos?

Día de los Muertos is celebrated on November 1 and 2. Families build ofrendas, home altars decorated with photos of loved ones, candles, cempasúchil (marigolds), papel picado (cut-paper banners), sugar skulls and the person’s favorite foods, to welcome their spirits home for a visit. It’s a celebration of life and memory, and it’s not “Mexican Halloween,” even though it falls right after Oct 31.

Día de los Muertos Events Near the Triad

Festival Día de Muertos – Charlotte (about 1.5 hours)

Presented by the Latin American Coalition and the Levine Museum of the New South. Expect live music, a parade of Catrinas, community altars, folkloric dances, arts and crafts, traditional food and kids’ activities.

When: Sunday, Nov 1, 2026, noon – 6 p.m.
Where: Camp North End, 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Website: museumofthenewsouth.org

Día de los Muertos at the High Point Museum – High Point

The High Point Museum and the YWCA Latino Family Center have hosted a free family celebration with crafts, entertainment and a community altar exhibit on display for about two weeks.

When: Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Where: High Point Museum, 1859 E. Lexington Ave, High Point
Cost: Free
Website: highpointnc.gov

Dia de los Muertos Community Collaboration

Come and join us create a Dia de los Muertos display at the new Intergenerational Center for Arts and Wellness! This endeavor is a free community collaborative in partnership with the Hispanic League and the North Carolina Museum of Art – Winston Salem.

When: November 11, 2026 from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Where: 114 W. 30th Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Website: hispanicleague.org
Cost: Free

Greensboro Public Library – Día de los Muertos crafts

The library will present crafts for children related to the Mexican holiday celebrating loved ones who have passed. Come see what this joyous and colorful holiday is all about! This program is for children and families. Questions? Call 336-373-2046.

When: Saturday, November 1 from 11 am – 1 pm
Where: 219 N. Church St., Greensboro, NC 27401
Cost: Free
Website: library.greensboro-nc.gov

Hosting a Día de los Muertos event in the Triad? Email us and we’ll add it!

How to Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Home With Kids

1. Build a family ofrenda

Choose a shelf or small table. Add photos of loved ones (grandparents, great-grandparents and even beloved pets), candles (battery-operated for little ones), marigolds and a favorite treat or drink for each person. Let kids share a story about each photo.

2. Make papel picado

Fold colorful tissue paper and cut small shapes along the edges, like paper snowflakes. Unfold, then string them on yarn to hang over your ofrenda.

3. Decorate sugar skulls (calaveras)

Use sugar-skull molds, or try a no-bake version with cookies and icing. Kids can decorate with frosting, sprinkles and edible markers.

4. Make paper marigolds

Stack orange and yellow tissue paper, accordion-fold it, twist a pipe cleaner around the middle and fluff the layers into a flower.

This sweet bread is traditional for the holiday. Look for it at local panaderías (Mexican bakeries) in late October, or bake it together at home.

6. Read and watch together

Watch Coco as a family, then talk about the people you’re remembering. Your library has picture books about Día de los Muertos too; ask a librarian for suggestions by age.

Tips for Attending a Día de los Muertos Event

Be respectful at ofrendas. These are memorials. Look, but don’t touch, and ask before taking photos.
Face painting (Catrina makeup) is common at festivals and is a fun way for kids to take part.
Try the food! Tamales, pan de muerto and hot chocolate are festival favorites.
Bring a photo if a community altar invites families to add their own loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Día de los Muertos in 2026?

Día de los Muertos is celebrated on November 1 and 2. In 2026, that’s Sunday, Nov 1 and Monday, Nov 2.

Is Día de los Muertos the same as Halloween?

No. Halloween is on Oct 31, while Día de los Muertos (Nov 1–2) is a Mexican and Latin American tradition that honors and celebrates loved ones who have died. They’re close on the calendar but different holidays.

Where can I celebrate Día de los Muertos near Greensboro?

The largest nearby festival is the free Festival Día de Muertos at Camp North End in Charlotte on Sunday, Nov 1, 2026. Locally, look for celebrations from the High Point Museum and YWCA Latino Family Center, the Hispanic League in Winston-Salem and Greensboro Public Library programs.

How do I explain Día de los Muertos to kids?

Explain that it’s a happy holiday for remembering family members who have died, by sharing their photos, favorite foods and stories so they’re never forgotten. Watching Coco together is a great conversation starter.

What goes on an ofrenda?

Photos of loved ones, candles, marigolds, papel picado, sugar skulls, water, pan de muerto and the favorite foods or items of the people being remembered.