2026 Festival Schedule & Map
Thursday, 10/22
Friday, 10/23
Saturday, 10/24
(Hickory, Oak & Industrial Streets)
-
Coffin Races - Check In 10:00 AMAll Coffin Racers must check in for inspection.
- Day of the Dead Festival 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Enjoy all that the fest has to offer! Gates open at 11 am, Coffin Races begin at noon, and all day events are in full swing!
- Coffin Races 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Enjoy thrilling prelims, head to head competition, and the crowning of this year's champion!
- Cirque du Horror 4:00 PM
Take a journey to the macabre at the musical extravaganza, Cirque Du Horror. The whole family can enjoy a little fright and a lot of laughter through poetry, short stories, and songs.
- Cirque du Horror 9:00 PM
Take a journey to the macabre at the musical extravaganza, Cirque Du Horror. The whole family can enjoy a little fright and a lot of laughter through poetry, short stories, and songs.
Main Stage
(Industrial & Mulberry)
- El Chanclazo 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- The Pan Tones 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- Los Músicos 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
- Mix Tape Vibez 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- TWU Mariachi Alas 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
- Twilight Parade - Lineup 6:00 PM
Participants in the parade will lineup at Locust and E. Sycamore streets.
- Twilight Lantern and Costume Parade 7:00 PM
Bring your glowing lanterns, floats, and other creations as we parade through downtown Denton behind our Community Altar. Prizes will be given for best float/lantern creation.
- Dreaming of You, the Selena Experience 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, 10/24: Community Stage
(Oak Street)
- Community Ensembles 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- DISD Mariachi Ensembles
- TWU Mariachi
- Mariachi Alas 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- Dance Block 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- RHS Strutters
- Dawn Cheeck MS
- Ballet Folklorico de Nette Schultz
- Ballet Folklorico los Raiders
- Denton Ballet Folklorico
- Silhouette Dance Company
- Ballet Folklorio Raiecesde Oro
- Flight of Souls Blessing/Mariachi Quetzal 2:00 PM
We hold a blessing of remembrance and a mariachi serenade to release the memories of our loved ones.
- Costume Contest 5:00 PM
Dress to impress in one of our Costume Contest Categories!
- Day of the Dead-Themed Costume Category (13 +)
- General Category (13 +)
- Child (12 and under)
- Group/Family
Street of Screams
(Austin/Oak Streets)
Saturday 10/24: Greater Denton Arts Council "Boneyard on Bell"
(400 E. Hickory Street)
Sunday, 10/25
- Pine Box Derby Check In 12:00 PM
- Pinebox Derby Events - GDAC 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
A much smaller version of our coffin races, the Pinebox Derby allows all ages to particiapte in the fun! Open Class Racing Open Class allows anyone of any age, and skill level to build and race. These races are head-to-head competitions against all comers. Win our handmade trophy and bragging rights...until next year!
- Cirque du Horror's Final Performance! 5:00 PM
Take a journey to the macabre musical, Cirque Du Horror. The whole family can enjoy a little fright and a lot of laughter through poetry, short stories, and songs.