Illustration of a fall festival scene (Dia de los Muertos Celebration)
Family-Friendly Fall Activities

Dia de los Muertos Celebration

The Día de los Muertos Celebration includes an exhibition of memorial altars, traditional dancing, live music, and children's activities. Attendees can contribute to the community altar or write a name on a butterfly to honor loved ones.

What to Expect

Community altar exhibition and family celebration

Event Details

Duration

Family Celebration: 4 hours. Altar Exhibition: Ongoing.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Fort Wayne Museum of Art

Food & Drink

Mexican food truck with items for purchase, cash bar.

Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (1/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (5/5)

Best For

Families, cultural enthusiasts, art lovers

Vibe

Celebratory, cultural, respectful, artistic

Energy Level

Low to medium

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Location

Fort Wayne Museum of Art
311 E Main Street
Fort Wayne, IN
46802

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE
  • Accessibility: The museum is committed to accessibility. Specific programs are available for accessible needs.
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Tips & Advice

  • Consider visiting the Altar Exhibition between October 10th and November 15th to fully appreciate the displays before the main family celebration.
  • Arrive early for the November 1st celebration to enjoy the full range of activities, including traditional dancing and live music.
  • Participate in the community spirit by bringing a framed photo or personal item to contribute to the Community Altar.
  • Check the museum's website for details on applying to construct your own altar for the exhibition by the August 26th deadline.
  • While admission is free, be prepared for potential lines during the popular family celebration on November 1st.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Community Altar Exhibition
  • Family Celebration with traditional activities
  • Opportunity to contribute to the Community Altar
  • Application for artists/groups to construct altars

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Día de los Muertos?

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a festive time for remembering deceased loved ones and ancestors, blending indigenous Mexican traditions with Catholic observances.

Can I contribute to the Community Altar?

Yes, you can contribute to the Community Altar by filling out a form to bring in a framed photo or personal item to honor a loved one.

What are the typical elements of a memorial altar (_ofrenda_)?

Altars often include religious images, candles, flowers (especially marigolds), sugar skulls, _pan de muerto_ (sweet bread), water, food, personal objects of the deceased, and _papel picado_.

Is admission to the event free?

Yes, admission to the family celebration on November 1st is complimentary.

What are the dates for the Altar Exhibition?

The Altar Exhibition runs from October 10 to November 15, 2026.

Tags

dia de los muertosfamily friendlycommunity eventarts craftshalloween festivalmuseum event

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We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 22, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Halloween Events Near Me editorial team