National Museum of Mexican Art hosts Dia de los Muertos festival in Chicago

On Saturday, October 25, Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood will glow with the spirit of Dia de los Muertos, as the National Museum of Mexican Art and Harrison Park host the city’s largest Day of the Dead celebration. From 3-8 p.m., thousands will gather to honor loved ones, celebrate Mexican heritage, and enjoy a free, family-friendly event filled with music, art, and community altars known as ofrendas.

The National Museum of Mexican Art, at 1852 W. 19th St., transforms into a vibrant space for memory and reflection. Dozens of ofrendas—decorated with photos, flowers, and personal mementos—will line the museum and park, created by families, clubs, and community groups. The Notre Dame Club of Chicago, for example, has secured a spot for its own altar; members are invited to submit photos and names of departed loved ones for display, according to the club’s announcement.

How to take part and why it matters

Everyone is invited to join the celebration. Community members could submit a high-quality photo of a departed loved one earlier this month to be included in a large, illuminated photo memorial projected onto the museum’s exterior. “Submit a high-quality, clear, and visible image. The image must be suitable for cropping. No more than two people per image,” the museum advised. While ofrenda registration for groups has closed, individuals can still create personal tributes in Harrison Park.

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The day’s lineup includes live music, performances, art activities, and a special exhibit, “Dia de los Muertos: A Celebration of Remembrance,” which memorializes victims of recent floods in Texas and New Mexico. Admission to the museum and all event activities is free, drawing more than 10,000 visitors annually, making this the largest Dia de los Muertos event in the United States.

For those planning to attend, arriving early is recommended due to the event’s popularity. The exhibit runs through December 14, 2025, but the community gathering on October 25 is the heart of the celebration—a day when Pilsen becomes a living monument to memory, art, and shared humanity.