Día de Los Muertos & Monster Party Returns to Downtown Orlando for Its 16th Year
This October, join the procession, honor tradition, and celebrate creativity at Downtown Orlando’s most spirited event of the season.
Courtesy Downtown Arts District Orlando
Downtown Orlando is about to come alive, literally, as the Downtown Arts District hosts its 16th Annual “Día de Los Muertos & Monster Party” next Thursday, October 16, 2025, along Magnolia Avenue. This vibrant fusion of culture, creativity, and community celebration has become one of the city’s most anticipated fall events, drawing locals and visitors alike to experience a night where art, music, and tradition collide.
A Celebration of Life, Art, and Culture
The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. with the Artists Opening Receptions inside CityArts Orlando, featuring Day of the Dead and Halloween-inspired works by regional, national, and international artists. The galleries will be filled with colorful altars, evocative imagery, and imaginative takes on the beloved Mexican holiday honoring departed loved ones.
Just outside, the Magnolia Avenue Street Party returns with even more energy; think unique art vendors, live entertainment, and food and drink offerings stretching through 10 p.m. The outdoor celebration transforms Downtown into a living gallery, with dazzling displays curated by CABETCAL and cultural participation from both the Mexican Consulate and Casa de Mexico. Families can explore interactive activities and cultural showcases that bring the rich traditions of Día de Los Muertos to life.
New This Year: A Darkly Beautiful Performance
As night falls, the event takes a delightfully eerie turn. At 9:30 p.m., the CityArts Signature Gallery will host a special feature — Phantasmagoria’s Poe, Through The Tales Darkly. This hauntingly theatrical storytelling experience reimagines Edgar Allan Poe’s chilling classics, including The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, and Annabel Lee, performed with the troupe’s signature flair. Admission is free with limited space available, and donations to the Downtown Arts District are both accepted and appreciated.
A Night Like No Other
“There’s nothing like the Día de Los Muertos & Monster Party,” says Barbara Hartley, Executive Director of the Downtown Arts District. “It’s the night we wait for all year. Ravelli will be playing on the street as guests arrive, and the energy just builds from there. The procession will lead from CityArts through Downtown and back again, with live mariachi performances by Mexico Lindo and Alternativa, and artwork that stops guests in their tracks. This year’s event is bigger, louder, and more alive than ever.”
Event Details
CityArts Orlando
39 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
6 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Thursday, October 16, 2025
Free admission | Family-friendly | Donations encouraged
For more information and the full schedule of activities, visit downtownartsdistrict.com.
