Día de Muertos at Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden is hosting its Día de Muertos celebration from November 6 through November 9, 2026. The Garden spends those few days as a celebration of memory and connection, with bright marigolds, radiant altars, and festive trails where art and tradition meet under the desert sky. At the center of it all is the ofrenda, the traditional offering: visitors are invited to leave memories and wishes for loved ones, and a procession in memory of those who have passed leads guests to place those wishes on illuminated trees on Sunset Plaza.

Beyond the altars, there's a market with crafts, art, flower crowns, and masks, and food vendors serving tamales, pan de muerto, and more. Hands-on activities like sugar-skull making and face painting round out the weekend. The whole thing is part of a larger festival running from November 6 to 9, with the Garden open from 7 AM to 10 PM each day.

If you're planning your visit, it helps to know how the schedule breaks down. The Día de Muertos Celebration itself runs November 7 and 8 from 12 PM to 6 PM, with La Procesión happening those same afternoons from 5 PM to 6 PM. Music in the Garden kicks things off on November 6 from 6 PM to 9 PM, and Trailside Tunes runs November 6 through 8 from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM. For dog owners, Saturday Dog Days is November 8 from 7 AM to 1 PM, and Monday Sips & Strolls wraps up the festival on November 9 from 5 PM to 9:30 PM.

The Garden is at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway in Phoenix, and the celebration is included with Garden admission.