BY SUZY STUMP for WEEKLY VOLCANO 10/24/25 |
Over the next two weekends Tacoma is giving bright colors, Hispanic culture, and a celebration of ancestors and loved ones who have crossed the veil ahead of us. I’ve lost a lot of family over the years, so I like to imagine them as my heavenly advisory board, guiding me from above, moving hurdles out of my way, and influencing people who can help me achieve my goals. I don’t know if this is real or not, but it fills me with the confidence I need to make bold moves and speak my goals into reality. When you feel like someone up there is on your side, that’s definitely something to honor and be grateful for. Day of the Dead, also known as Día de los Muertos, is the perfect reminder to be grateful for the lives that came before us. Even if they aren’t able to influence our current lives, they definitely shaped who we are through the decisions they made and the knowledge they passed to us. Whether your vibe with this holiday is somber and grateful or feisty and celebratory, Tacoma has several events for you to enjoy. From the lively 6th Avenue street festival to a downtown community ofrenda and a free day of artmaking at Tacoma Art Museum, there are plenty of ways to honor loved ones and experience the beauty of this tradition.
Sixth Avenue’s all-day celebration on Saturday, Oct. 25
Sixth Avenue Business District’s annual Dia de los Muertos event is bigger and better than ever this year. It takes place Saturday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., They wisely teamed up with the Tacoma Sister Cities committees (Cienfuegos, Cuba, and Boca del Río, Mexico) to present this free and family-friendly festival. There will be live performances, crafts, and authentic Mexican food filling the Unity of South Sound parking lot at 710 Anderson St. and booths stretching along Anderson from 6th Avenue to South 8th.
The TAPCO main stage at 2802 Sixth Avenue will host continuous entertainment, beginning with an opening ceremony at 11 a.m. and culminating with an evening ofrenda ritual honoring ancestors. A children’s tent at 710 Anderson will feature craft activities, performances by Anjali Silva, and face painting throughout the afternoon. At noon, a vibrant procession will travel down 6th Avenue, led by a mariachi band. Afterward, guests can enjoy complimentary pan de muertos and champurrado (Mexican hot chocolate).
The day’s lineup includes Tsinkwa Jimphani, a Purépecha youth dance group; Sabor Flamenco directed by Marisela Fleites; Sin Embargo led by Alejandro Fleites; Fuerza Duo directed by Carlos Mota; the Anjali Silva Trio; Danza Azteca’s traditional altar ceremony; and Flor de Luna, whose Latin rock set pays tribute to Santana. Vendors will offer crafts and food, while local nonprofits share community resources.
This year’s 6th Avenue festival also features The Alebrije Project, which brought artists from across Tacoma together to create colorful, mythical creatures now displayed in storefronts along the avenue. The project celebrates the imaginative spirit of Día de los Muertos and invites visitors to explore the neighborhood while discovering each piece.
Monarch butterflies, papel picado, and La Catrina the elegantly dressed skeleton popularized by José Guadalupe Posada and Diego Rivera will serve as enduring symbols of this joyful remembrance.
Tacoma Sunday Market: community ofrenda and market day on Sunday, Oct. 26
On Sunday, Oct. 26, Tacoma Sunday Market transforms the Park Plaza North garage into a Día de los Muertos edition of its monthly flea market. Visitors are encouraged to bring a photocopy of a loved one’s picture to add to the community ofrenda, a public altar honoring those who have passed.
The market runs five hours and features vintage clothing, antiques, collectibles, handmade goods, furniture, flowers, and jewelry. DJs, selfie stations, and games add to the festive mood, and there are plenty of options for food and drinks. Admission is free, and pets and families are welcome.
Eastside Dia de los Muertos with Indigenous roots on Wednesday, Oct. 29
The Calavera Collective and Parks Tacoma will host a Día de los Muertos celebration on Oct. 29 at the Eastside Community Center, honoring both Indigenous roots and the life-giving power of water. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with a blessing at Swan Creek, followed by a procession led by Aztec dancers to the community center, where festivities continue until 7 p.m. with traditional dance, music, food, and a community ofrenda. Free and open to all, this annual festival celebrates remembrance, culture, and the connections that flow like water through generations. For more information. visit bit.ly/4hmbOc0
Amor Eterno Costume Ball at Avelon Ballroom on Saturday, Nov. 1
The Tacoma–Cienfuegos Sister City Committee will celebrate its 25th anniversary with “Amor Eterno,” a vibrant Day of the Dead–themed costume ball and fundraiser on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at The Avelon Ballroom (2315 6th Ave., Tacoma) from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear their wildest Día de los Muertos attire and enjoy an evening filled with authentic Cuban cuisine, including roasted mojo pork, black beans and rice, ensalada con lima y yuca, and delicious desserts. The night will feature live music by Alejandro Fleites & Sin Embargo with The Sounds of Buena Vista Social Club, plus salsa and flamenco demos, a silent auction, dessert dash, and prizes for the best costumes. Tickets are $65, and proceeds will support Tacoma’s sister city relationship with Cienfuegos, Cuba. For details and tickets, visit TacomaCienfuegosSisterCity.org.
Tacoma Art Museum: Día de los Muertos festival on Sunday, Nov. 2
Tacoma Art Museum continues the celebration with its annual Día de los Muertos Festival on Sunday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presented in partnership with Mi Centro, the free event features live performances, community altars, artmaking stations, and the creation of a giant tapete, or sand painting.
Guests can explore the museum’s Recuérdame community art show, which highlights work by local Latine and Indigenous artists reflecting on memory and identity. Hands-on activities, guided workshops, and take-home kits provide opportunities for all ages to participate in this vibrant tradition. Admission to the museum and festival is free. For more information visit: Tacomaartmuseum.org/events-info/dia-de-los-muertos-festival.
