Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is traditionally celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2, when families honor deceased loved ones with ofrendas (altars), food, flowers, and other offerings. Pittsburgh-area celebrations offer plenty of ways to experience the Mexican tradition — from community altars and family-friendly activities to a gothic dance party and an ancestral ceremony. Here’s where to celebrate around the region this fall ⬇️
📍 Downtown, Oct. 22–Nov. 2
Visit a vibrant community altar from artists Lisa DiGioia-Nutini and Alison Zapatta at the Greer Cabaret and contribute a photo, flower, or written memory to honor a loved one.
📍 Downtown, Oct. 28Enjoy DJ Mateo Mattos, tacos and nachos, signature cocktails, and complimentary Día de los Muertos-inspired makeup while supplies last. Festive attire and makeup are encouraged but not required. $10 cover.
📍 Bloomfield, Oct. 30Experience live mariachi music, salsa dancing, face painting, and a traditional altar where you can pay tribute to your loved ones at Camino Coctelería & Cocina. Tickets are $15 and benefit the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation.
📍 Downtown, Oct. 31Follow childhood friends Manolo and Joaquin as their young lives diverge in this 2014 animated fantasy musical, playing one day only at the Harris Theater. Adults $14, kids 12 and under are free.
📍 Verona, Nov. 1Connect with the ancestors at a sacred evening of remembrance among the graves at the Penn Forest Natural Burial Park. Look for an ancestral altar, fire and cacao rituals, a drum circle, dance, and meditation. Costumes welcome. Adults $50, children under 12 are free.
📍 Squirrel Hill, Nov. 1
Look for music, refreshments, and a small business crawl put together by the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition. And while you’re there, pay homage to the lost pets altar at Riverstone Books.
📍 Dormont, Nov. 2Introduce kids to the holiday through a special storytime, history lesson, and themed craft activity at the Dormont Public Library.
📍 Etna, Nov. 2
Visit a community altar and taste their special mole menu (rojo, negro, and coloradito!) alongside tamales and pan de muerto. Activities include free face painting, a bachata lesson, and a Latin dance social with DJ Cumba. Entry is by donation. Guests with costumes or face paint get $1 off beers.
📍 Homestead, Nov. 7
Catch a special screening of the beloved animated film (set on Día de los Muertos) at the Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall. Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de Mexico — a 20-piece orchestra from Mexico — will perform the award-winning musical score live! Tickets are $41+.
📍 Squirrel Hill, Nov. 7Dance your life away with DJs Krass Advert, Satyrion, and Strawberry Bloodbath to Latin goth, cumbia, darkwave, and industrial music at the Squirrel Hill Sports Bar. Look for lots of local vendors, an ofrenda, face painting, and Oaxacan food. Free entry; 21+.
