The first annual Día de los Muertos Festival will take place tomorrow, Saturday, October 25, on Ballard Avenue NW. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and is free to attend.
The festival will begin with a procession starting at 5:45 p.m. at Dock Pl (between Filson and Bad Albert’s) and will head north along Ballard Ave to 22nd and Market St (Bergen Place), then turn left onto Market St, then right onto 24th, ending at 57th (near the QFC). Affected roads will be closed for the duration of the parade.
Other activities will include vendors, a public ofrenda, and a main stage with live music.
Here’s a full lineup of festivities happening around Ballard Ave:
- Main stage: Live performances throughout the day, including a salsa band, a 90s Spanish rock band, and a mariachi group following the parade.
- Vendor market: More than 30 vendors offering Latin American artisan goods, tacos, and face painting stations.
- Ofrenda (public altar) & Petite: Visitors can add a photo or candle in memory of loved ones or pets. Petite will serve Mexican wines by the glass with parade views.
- Ballard Bell Tower: Transformed into a panteón (cemetery) and hosting entertainment during the event.
- The Matador: Beer garden, live music, and food specials.
- Hazlewood: New Mexican food and drink specials with live music.
- Sweet Mickey’s: Sweet treats and a Junior Mariachi Band performance at 5 p.m.
- Gracia: Casa Cortes and Tepache Sazon drink specials, food specials, and face painting with parade views.
- Sabine: Afternoon drink specials, a mariachi band from 8:30–9:30 p.m., and an altar display.
- Situ Tacos: Food and drink specials with outdoor seating and parade views. @pandelaselva_ will offer pan de muerto and atole at 5 p.m.
- King’s Hardware: Día de los Muertos party with drink specials and outdoor seating along the parade route.
- Homage Coffee: Free drip coffee and hot chocolate for parade attendees.
- Roam Bar: Food and drink specials from 4–7 p.m., including the $10 Smoky Spirit cocktail.
- Filson: Festivities begin at 4 p.m. with live music by Pampa, along with drinks, snacks, giveaways, and the fall collection.
The Día de los Muertos Festival is organized by local community partners and will include performances, music, and art installations throughout the evening.
Photo: Día de los Muertos Festival