El Día de los Muertos

Cheekwood's annual El Día de los Muertos celebration honors the traditions of Mexico and Latin America with a vibrant two-day festival. The event features beautiful altar displays called ofrendas, live Latin and Aztec dance performances, traditional music, and authentic food and handmade goods from local vendors. You'll also see large-scale murals created by students from area middle and high schools, inspired by the artistic heritage of Diego Rivera and other influential Latin American artists. It's a meaningful way to learn about the culture of your Latin American neighbors while celebrating life and honoring ancestors. Your family can participate in hands-on activities throughout the grounds, including making paper marigold flower crowns, creating monarch butterflies (which symbolize ancestral spirits), and crafting papel picado decorations. There's also a memory tree where visitors can write names or memories of loved ones. Timed-entry tickets are required for all guests, and parking can fill up quickly during peak hours—once full, only guests arriving by rideshare can purchase walk-in tickets. Note that school bus groups are not permitted due to parking and ticket limitations.