Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your visit to Día de los Muertos Garland?
Find answers to common questions about parking,
entertainment, family activities, and more.
General Event Information
When and where is Día de los Muertos Garland?
Día de los Muertos Garland takes place
Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 2 to 8 p.m.
on Downtown Garland Square and in the surrounding
area, including the Granville Arts Center
and The Atrium.
View the Event Map
Is admission free?
Yes! Admission is FREE,
including live entertainment and many
family-friendly activities.
Food, merchandise, and vendor items
are available for purchase.
Is the event family-friendly?
Absolutely! Families can enjoy face painting,
bounce houses, lawn games, an obstacle course,
arts and crafts, and cultural performances.
Arts-and-crafts activities take place
from 3 to 7 p.m.
Will food and shopping be available?
Yes! Food vendors will be located throughout
the festival. Shop El Mercado inside The Atrium
and at vendor booths throughout the event.
Commemorative Día de los Muertos merchandise
will be available at the Garland Visitor Center,
501 W. State St.
Parking & Transportation
Where can I park?
Will there be free shuttles?
Yes! Free shuttle service operates from
1:30 to 9 p.m.
at two locations:
-
Garland High School:
310 S. Garland Ave.
-
Lavon Drive Baptist Church:
1520 Lavon Dr.
View Parking & Transportation
Can I take DART to the event?
Yes! Take the DART Blue Line to
Downtown Garland Station,
just a short walk from the festivities.
Visit
DART.org
for schedules and fares.
Is accessible parking available?
Yes. Designated ADA parking is available
at the City Hall Garage, 401 W. State St.
The garage is accessible from State Street
during the event.
Activities & Entertainment
What activities will be available?
Enjoy mariachi, ballet folklórico,
dancing horses, Dallas Lowriders,
the Catrín/Catrina Contest,
a community procession, El Mercado,
arts and crafts, family activities,
and photo opportunities.
Explore the Event Map
When and where can I see the dancing horses?
Enjoy
Bailando con Tradición – Dancing with Tradition
,
featuring Friesian horses from Rancho Mata,
Rancho Mendoza, and Rancho Santa Teresa.
Performances take place at
2, 3, and 4 p.m.
in front of the Plaza Theatre,
521 W. State St.
What time is the community procession?
The community procession begins at
5 p.m.
near the Granville Arts Center
and travels through Downtown Garland Square.
Everyone is welcome to join the procession!
View the Procession Route
What time is the Catrín/Catrina Contest?
The Catrín/Catrina Contest begins at
5:30 p.m.
in Downtown Garland Square.
Registration is closed, but everyone
is welcome to watch and cheer on
the contestants.
The audience helps choose the winners!
Attendees are encouraged to vote for their
favorite Catrinas and Catrines during the contest.
Can I dress as a Catrina or Catrín
without competing?
Absolutely! Visitors are welcome to wear
traditional Catrina or Catrín attire,
colorful clothing, or Día de los Muertos-inspired
makeup and accessories.
You do not need to enter the contest
to dress up and participate in the celebration.
Who is performing?
Enjoy live entertainment throughout the
afternoon at three stages.
-
Main Stage:
DJ Spice Girl at 2 p.m.
and Los Komberz at 6:30 p.m.
-
City Hall Outdoor Stage:
Mariachi and marimba performances.
-
Granville Arts Center Outdoor Stage:
Ballet folklórico, mariachi,
and dance performances.
View the Full Entertainment Schedule
Will there be a movie screening?
Yes! Enjoy a FREE screening of
The Book of Life
at 2 p.m.
at the Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St.
Seating is limited and available
on a first-come, first-served basis.
Community Altar & Art
Can I bring a photo of a loved one
for the community altar?
Yes! Bring a copy of a loved one's photograph,
4 x 6 inches or smaller,
to contribute to the community altar
inside the Granville Arts Center.
Visitors can also stop by the
Recuerdo writing station
to write a special memory or message
honoring a loved one.
Where can I see student artwork and altars?
Visit the Granville Arts Center to explore
Garland ISD student artwork,
including 2D and 3D pieces
and student-created altars.
The center also features a juried art display.
Student artwork will be on display
October 24–November 8.
Know Before You Go
Where are the restrooms located?
Restroom locations are marked on the
Event Map
,
near the Granville Arts Center
and Downtown Garland Square.
Where is the Lost Children location?
The Lost Children location is at
200 N. Fifth St.
Please notify event staff immediately
if you need assistance.
Where can I find photo opportunities?
Look for photo opportunities throughout
the festival, including the Garland Letters,
calaveras, a tiered altar,
and colorful alebrije sculptures.
Where can I find event updates?
Follow Visit Garland on
Facebook
and
Instagram
for event-day updates and announcements.