DENTON’S DAY OF THE DEAD FESTIVAL

WHEN

October 22-25, 2026

WHERE

Downtown Denton 
110 W Hickory, Denton, TX 76201

DETAILS

Held outside on Hickory and Industrial St, Denton’s Day of the Dead Festival captures the very essence of Denton’s artistic spirit: a true collaboration of the eclectic art and music community that only the northernmost tip of the golden triangle can provide. As is the artistic scene in this ever growing “little” town, Denton’s DOD Festival is a wonderful smorgasbord, paying homage to many of fall’s treasures such as cooler weather, the harvest, the celebration of Dia de los Muertos, and all things Halloween. It harkens to an earlier, simpler time, when communities gathered outdoors to celebrate life through song and dance, good food and drink, and camaraderie.

Denton’s DOD Fest includes Denton’s original Halloween Cabaret “Cirque du Horror,” as well as Denton’s very own Coffin Races and a lantern-lit twilight parade. This is a truly magical event, and one you won’t soon forget!

EVENTS

Thursday, October 22

• ​7:00 PM – Cirque du Horror Friends and Family Private Showing

Friday, October 23

• 7:00 PM – Cirque du Horror

Saturday, October 24

• 10:00 AM – Coffin Races Check-In
• 11:00 AM–9:00 PM – Denton’s Day of the Dead Festival
• 12:00–4:00 PM – Coffin Races
• 4:00 PM – Cirque du Horror
• 9:00 PM – Cirque du Horror

Main Stage at Industrial and Mulberry Streets

• 11:30 AM–12:30 PM – El Chanclazo
• 1:00–2:00 PM – The Pan Tones
• 2:30–3:30 PM – To Be Announced
• 4:00–5:00 PM – Mix Tape Vibez
• 5:30–6:30 PM – TWU Mariachi Alas
• 6:00 PM – Twilight Parade Lineup
• 7:00 PM – Twilight Lantern and Costume Parade
• 7:30–9:00 PM – Dreaming of You: The Selena Experience

Community Stage on Oak Street

• 11:00 AM–12:00 PM – Community Ensembles
  • DISD Mariachi Ensembles
  • TWU Mariachi
• 12:00–1:00 PM – Mariachi Alas
• 1:00–2:00 PM – Dance Block
  • RHS Strutters
  • Dawn Cheek
  • MS Ballet Folklórico de Nette
  • Schultz Ballet Folklórico Los Raiders
  • Denton Ballet Folklórico
  • Silhouette Dance Company
  • Ballet Folklórico Raíces de Oro
• 2:00 PM – Flight of Souls Blessing and Mariachi Quetzal
• 5:00 PM – Costume Contest

Additional Saturday Activities

• Street of Screams at Austin and Oak Streets
• Greater Denton Arts Council’s Boneyard on Bell at 400 E. Hickory St.

Sunday, October 25

• 12:00 PM – Pinebox Derby Check-In
• 1:30–4:00 PM – Pinebox Derby Events at the Greater Denton Arts Council
• 5:00 PM – Cirque du Horror Final Performance