19th Annual Day of the Dead Festival Marks Start of Coastal Bend Halloween Weekend

The 19th iteration of the Dia de los Muertos Street Festival will take over the heart of Corpus Christi on Saturday, serving as the primary anchor for a weekend filled with cultural observances and Halloween festivities across the Coastal Bend region.

The free event is scheduled to run from 1 p.m. until midnight, spanning ten downtown blocks. Organizers have planned a diverse program that includes live musical performances, visual art displays, and culinary offerings. Central to the celebration is a community ofrenda, or altar, which provides a dedicated space for families to honor deceased loved ones. The holiday serves as a time to remember the departed and celebrate the lives they led.

Simultaneously, the Villain Invasion Halloween Fest will occupy the Holiday Inn Downtown Marina on both Saturday and Sunday. This horror-themed gathering offers attendees the opportunity to meet actors from well-known horror films. Participants can also compete in costume contests and join gaming tournaments. A charitable component is integrated into the experience, as visitors who bring two nonperishable food items to the Coastal Bend Food Bank will receive a special edition event poster, provided supplies remain. Weekend admission passes begin at 20 dollars, with free entry for children aged 12 and younger.

Earlier in the day on Saturday, the Monster Mash Cupcake Dash will return to Water's Edge Park. This running event allows participants to dress up in costume for a 5K, a 10K, or a 2-mile walk. Every person who finishes the course is awarded a cupcake. The event supports Family Counseling Services, an organization that provides mental health care to the local community.

For those seeking a more relaxed alternative, Asbury Methodist Church will host a family pumpkin painting session from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Participants can purchase a pumpkin from the church's patch and decorate it on site. The pumpkin patch will remain open for visitors until Halloween.

A new addition to the weekend schedule is Hocus Pocus Corpus, which debuts at the Hilliard Center from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday. This free event features traditional Halloween activities such as trick-or-treating and door prizes. It also includes a community resource fair and a specific presentation focused on renters' rights.

Residents interested in suggesting future events for the Coastal Bend Weekend listing can contact Stephanie Molina via email at stephanie.molina@kristv.com.