Día de los Muertos in Las Cruces: Arte, Música y Cultura is a free Day of the Dead celebration at the Downtown Plaza de Las Cruces, 100 N. Main St. It takes place Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm, with an Early Access VIP Shopping Experience from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.

From El Paso it is about 45 miles north on I-10 — roughly a 45 minute drive. From the Westside, Sunland Park or Santa Teresa it is closer still.

Why it is worth the drive

We deliberately scheduled our celebration in the evening. Day of the Dead events across the borderland — in El Paso, in Old Mesilla, across Doña Ana County — mostly run during the day. Starting at 5:00 pm means you do not have to choose. Spend your afternoon at a celebration closer to home, then drive up and finish the night with us.

What you will find on the Plaza

• Juried art exhibit — original Día de los Muertos work by regional artists, much of it for sale, competing for cash prizes.
• Community ofrendas — altars built by local organizations, with the public voting for the winner.
• A free community ofrenda — bring a copy of a photograph and place a loved one on it.
• Mercadito — a marketplace of local artisans, makers and small businesses.
• Live música on the Roberto Estrada Pavilion stage.
• Lowrider car show along the south side of the Plaza.
• Food trucks and a beer garden (21+, valid ID required).
• Free café de olla and pan dulce while supplies last.
• Calavera face jewel decorating and a children’s crafts and play area.

Driving directions from El Paso

Take I-10 West toward Las Cruces and continue about 45 miles. Exit toward downtown Las Cruces and follow N. Main Street to the Plaza at 100 N. Main St. Put Plaza de Las Cruces into your map app and it will bring you straight there.

If you are coming from the Lower Valley, Socorro or Horizon City, allow extra time — closer to an hour.

Parking

See our Parking & Directions page for public parking near the Plaza and accessible parking locations.

Make an evening of it

Downtown Las Cruces has restaurants and bars within a block or two of the Plaza, and historic Old Mesilla is a ten minute drive away. Plenty of El Paso families make the trip north an annual tradition.

Free, but please register

Admission is free. Registration is required for attendees 18 and over and is also free — it just helps us plan for capacity. Register through our Eventbrite page.