If you’ve ever seen rows of bright orange marigolds, intricate paper banners fluttering overhead, and beautifully painted sugar skulls, you’ve gotten a glimpse of Día de los Muertos, one of the most colorful and meaningful celebrations of the year.
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a centuries-old tradition rooted in Mexico that is usually celebrated November 1–2. Families honor loved ones who have passed through a joyful celebration of their memory, built on the belief that the spirits of the departed return to visit their families. Families build ofrendas (altars) decorated with photos, favorite foods, candles, and cempasúchil (marigolds), which are all meant to help guide spirits home.
For families, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to introduce kids to Mexican culture and traditions, and to open up conversations about the people (and pets!) we love and miss. Between the folkloric dancing, papel picado, face painting, crafts, and delicious food, there’s so much to experience. Here’s where to celebrate in and around the Upstate this year.
Día de los Muertos Celebrations Near Greenville
Día de los Muertos at the Greenville Humane Society
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
305 Airport Road, Greenville
This one is for the pet lovers, and it’s all about honoring the pets who’ve crossed the rainbow bridge. There will be kid-friendly activities, educational displays about the traditions and meaning of Día de los Muertos, snacks, entertainment, and a welcoming space for reflection. Bring a favorite photo of a beloved pet to place on the community ofrenda, whether they were with you for a lifetime or just a short while. If your kids have lost a furry family member, this is a lovely way to help them remember.
MOSAIC Día de los Muertos Celebration
Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 5:30 PM
7 Shannon Drive, Greenville, SC
Everyone is welcome at this community celebration hosted by the local youth nonprofit, Mosaic Educational and Arts, which will feature traditional dance presentations and a community ofrenda. Honor a loved one by bringing something special to place on the altar, or bring a dish to share with everyone. There will be dancers showcasing folkloric dance routines that are beautiful and colorful to watch.
Day of the Dead Festival in Greer
Friday, October 30, 2026 from 12-10 PM
Center for the Arts, 804 Trade Street, Greer, SC
The City of Greer’s free festival will have a lot of family fun, including dance and music performances, an artist market, free crafts for children, food and beverage trucks, and monarch butterfly education (many families see them as a symbol of returning souls). This one is great for an after-school stop since it will last until late into the evening.
Worth the Drive: Day of the Dead Day Trips
Looking for more Day of the Dead festivals? These events are worth the drive, with three landing on Sunday, November 1, and one more in Columbia the following weekend.
Día de los Muertos in Asheville
Sunday, November 1, 2026 4-8 PM
The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage, 131 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC
About an hour up the mountain, Asheville Sister Cities hosts an evening celebration with traditional dance by Ballet Folklórico Raíces, live music, a photo booth, and altars where guests can leave photos and mementos of departed loved ones. The night ends with a candlelight procession accompanied by Asheville Second Line. Costumes are encouraged! Kids 12 and under get in free; general admission is $35, and students are $25 (plus tax). Proceeds support Asheville’s sister-city committees in Chiapas and Yucatán.
Festival Día de Muertos in Charlotte
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Camp North End, 1776 Statesville Avenue, Charlotte, NC
Now in its 22nd year, the Latin American Coalition’s free festival is one of the biggest Day of the Dead celebrations in the region. Families can catch live performances, watch and join in with the colorful Catrina Parade, explore community ofrendas created by local families, artists, and organizations, and visit the Kids Zone for crafts, marigold making, face painting, and more. You’ll also find food vendors, art installations, and live readings, playful rhyming poems.
Palmetto Luna Arts’ Day of the Dead Celebration in Columbia
Saturday, November 7, 10 PM-1 PM
Boyd Plaza, Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC
Celebrating its 15th year, this free morning celebration fills Boyd Plaza with a community altar, arts and crafts, live music, folkloric dance, and a live painting with Latino artists from across South Carolina. The event is free, but registration is requested through the museum’s website.
Tips for Celebrating with Kids
- Bring a picture of a lost loved one. Many of these events have community ofrendas, so tuck a photo of a grandparent, relative, or pet in your bag so your kids can experience the ofrenda.
- Talk about it ahead of time. A quick conversation about what Día de los Muertos means helps kids understand that it’s a happy celebration of remembering, not a scary one.
- Go respectfully. Ofrendas are personal and meaningful, so remind little ones to look with their eyes and not touch other families’ altars.
- Make your own at home. After the festivities, consider building a small family ofrenda with photos, marigolds, and a favorite treat of someone you love.
