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From vibrant marigolds and intricate sugar skulls to the aromatic pan de muerto, the Day of the Dead is a captivating celebration that honors the memories of loved ones passed.
If you’re in Milwaukee and looking to immerse your family in this rich tradition, we’ve curated a list of events that not only offer a glimpse into the holiday’s significance but also provide engaging activities suitable for all ages.
Dive into the festivities and discover the essence of this age-old celebration at these family-friendly locales around Milwaukee.
Want more ideas? Don’t miss our Milwaukee Fall Family Fun Guide and the interactive Milwaukee Fall Fun Map to plan pumpkin picking, corn mazes, Halloween fun ,and more around Milwaukee.
1. Kohl’s Art Generation Family Sundays: Día de los Muertos
Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
700 N. Art Museum Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Gather together with family and friends to celebrate the beauty and tradition of Day of the Dead. Explore the meaning behind symbols of the holiday through hands-on art activities and add the name of a loved one who has passed to the community ofrenda. Meet guest artists and learn how their heritage influences their work, enjoy performances, take a tour, and more!
The cost to attend Kohl’s Art Generation Family Sundays: Día de los Muertos is included in Museum admission. Admission is always free for kids ages 12 and under.
2. Noche de Altares at the Urban Ecology Center (Free!)
Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Urban Ecology Center – Menomonee Valley, 3700 W Pierce St, Milwaukee
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with an evening of community and remembrance at the Urban Ecology Center in Menomonee Valley. Families can enjoy face painting, food, music, and more while honoring loved ones who have passed. This free, all-ages event is hosted in partnership with local community organizations.
3. UCC/Latino Arts Día de los Muertos Ofrendas Exhibit
On View: October 20 – November 14, 2015
1028 S. 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant Mexican tradition where departed loved ones are honored with special foods, decorations like papel picado and candy calaveras, and lively parades. Central to the celebration are the altars adorned with offerings – ranging from the symbolic pan de muertos and yellow marigolds, known as cemazuchitl, to cherished photos of the departed.
Experience this rich culture at the kid-friendly ‘Día de Los Muertos Ofrendas’ exhibit at the Latino Arts Center, showcasing installations from The Mexican Consulate, University School of Milwaukee, and various local talents.
Between Día de los Muertos and the spooky season, there are countless family Halloween events in Milwaukee to enjoy together.
4. Day of the Dead celebration at the Domes
Friday, October 31, 2025
524 S. Layton Boulevard, Milwaukee, WI 53215
This vibrant celebration at the Domes has become an annual tradition. The celebration features food vendors, a live Mariachi, Día de los Muertos dancers, local artists, crafts, traditional ofrendas (offerings for loved ones), and more.
5. Día de los Muertos Festival and 5K
This free, family-friendly festival brings the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos to life in the historic Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum. The day begins with a 5K Run/Walk, followed by a community celebration featuring local vendors, kids’ crafts, food trucks, live music and dance, colorful altars, face painting, and more.
📅 Saturday, November 1, 2025 | 10 AM–4 PM (5K Run/Walk in the morning)
📍 Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum, Milwaukee
6. 33rd Annual Día de Los Muertos Exhibition (Free!)
📅 October 17 – December 5, 2025
📍 Walker’s Point Center for the Arts – 839 S 5th St, Milwaukee
The city’s longest-standing Día de Los Muertos tradition returns with the theme “Memoria y Valentía / Memory and Bravery.” Experience vibrant works by local artists and heartfelt community altares honoring loved ones who have passed.
Community Celebration: Saturday, November 1, 1–5 PM
Celebrate with music, dance, pan de muerto, and champurrado in a joyful afternoon of remembrance and resilience.
This season, you can mix traditions by honoring Día de los Muertos while also joining in the excitement of Halloween in Milwaukee.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
