Dia de los Muertos at The Wharf

Día de los Muertos at The Wharf

The Wharf holds its Día de los Muertos celebration on Sunday, November 1, from 3 to 6pm, and it's free. No tickets, no registration. Kids can get their faces painted and decorate sugar skulls at the Recreation Pier, and there's a life-sized sugar skull photo spot that every family ends up using.

Live music runs at The Grove, with Sol y Rumba and Mariachi Imperio, and the cultural performances start at M Street Landing. The evening ends with a light procession, where volunteers hand out LED candles and everyone walks together along the waterfront. The Wharf organizes it with Fiesta DC. It's a good first Día de los Muertos for kids, because they get to make something and see how the holiday looks in person. Altars are on display too, so it's a nice moment to explain who they honor.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Remember the clocks change. Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 1, so the sun sets before 5pm. The light procession will be in real dark by 5:30. Bring jackets.
• ✓Do the crafts first. Face painting and sugar skull decorating lines grow as the afternoon goes. Head to Recreation Pier when you arrive.
• ✓Pick up an LED candle at M Street Landing. The procession starts there. If your kid is in a stroller or a carrier, let them hold it.
• ✓Look for the weather updates. The Wharf posts changes on the event page and social media. There are no fireworks at this one.
• ✓Leave time for food. Wharf restaurants are right there, but expect waits on a busy Sunday. A snack before you go helps with short tempers.