Free registration

General admission to the museum and festival is free. Although you may register for admission upon arrival, we encourage advance registration for a more convenient check-in experience.

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Parking

The Nelson-Atkins parking garage is located at 45th and Oak Streets. Parking is $20 per vehicle or free for museum members and guest with ADA placards.

Path of Memories altar Installation
Kirkwood Hall | Oct. 24-Nov.2
Follow the marigold path to encounter hummingbirds representing messengers carrying the energy of those who have passed and the spirit dog, Xoloitzcuintli, believed to guide souls to the afterlife. Guests are invited to honor those who have passed by placing paper remembrances provided around the display.  
The 16th annual display is a collaborative project between the Mattie Rhodes Cultural Art Center, the Consulate of Mexico in Kansas City, and Guadalupe Centers High School Impact Academy, as well as local artists, organizations, and students. 

Alebrije Video
11 am–4 pm | Educator Resource Center
In this short video, watch lead artist from Mexico, Miguel Bolívar, discuss the making of the larger-than-life hummingbird alebrije featured in this year’s installation.

Photo Op with La Calavera Catrina
1-2 pm | Nelson-Atkins Building 
Take pictures with the beautifully adorned Catrina from the annual KCK Día de Muertos on Central Avenue on Nov. 7. 

Altar Traditions with the Mexican Consulate in Kansas City
10 am-noon | Sculpture Hall | Level 1

Grupo Folklorico Alma Tapatia
1:45-2:20 pm | Atkins Auditorium

Grupo Folklorico Izcalli
3:15-4 pm | Atkins Auditorium

Art Activity
10 am–4 pm | Lens 2  
Create a paper hummingbird finger puppet. 

Viva la Tinta KC Community Printmaking
10 am–4 pm | Bloch Lobby  
Be the first to see their new mobile printmaking bike and watch a live printing demonstration. Learn about the impact of printmaking and take home a mini print—while supplies last. 

Bilingual Stories with KCK South Branch Library
11:15-11:30 am and 11:45 am-noon | Spencer Art Reference Library 
Take a seat and enjoy a bilingual story time.  

Interactive Dance with Grupo Folklorico Alma Tapatía
3-3:15 pm | Bloch Lobby Stage

Mariachi Fuego
10-11 am | Bloch Lobby Stage 

Gallery Learning Station: Endless Spiral (Espiral sin fin) by Betsabeé Romero
10 am-4 pm | Bloch Level 1
Learn about this new acquisition by world-renowned artist and former Nelson-Atkins altar installation lead, Betsabeé Romero. 

Photo Op with La Calavera Catrina
12–1 pm | Bloch Lobby 
Take pictures with the beautifully adorned Catrina from the annual KCK Día de Muertos on Central Avenue on Nov. 7. 

Mariachi Habanero
12:30-1:30 pm and 1:45-2:30 pm
Bloch Lobby Stage 

Aztecs Folklorico Dance Group from Guadalupe Centers Elementary School
1:30-1:40 pm | Bloch Lobby Stage 

Photo Op with Giant Puppet Elana Lucia
10 am-4 pm | Bloch Lobby

Spencer Art Reference Library
11 am-4 pm | Bloch Building
Pick up a button designed by students at the Guadalupe Centers High School Impact Academy, while supplies last.

Drawing Demonstration by Emiliano Zapata
1-4 pm | Spencer Art Reference Library
Learn more about the 2026 Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center’s Día de los Muertos featured artist’s inspirations and processes.

Low Sensory Breakroom
10 am–4 pm | Rockhill Room  
Need a break from the crowds?  Relax with various fidget items and enjoy the quiet in our calming sensory break room. 

KC Current Table
10 am-4 pm | Bloch Level 1
Join us for exciting and fun giveaways. 

Meet and Greet with Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center
1-4 pm | Spencer Art Reference Library 
For over twenty years, Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center has hosted exhibitions of Día de los Muertos offrendas, school workshops, and events. Save the date for their Calaca Night Parade on Nov. 6.

The Tamale Kitchen food truck
11 am–3 pm | North Plaza Drive  
Celebrating 10 years at the Nelson-Atkins annual festival. The Tamale Kitchen provides opportunities for the Hispanic community, connecting profit to social purpose while bridging a cultural divide. 

Miss Major & Her Minor Mood Swings 
5:30 pm | Theis Park, Northwest Side

Á la carte Mexican cuisine
11 am-2 pm | Bloch Lobby  
Purchase Mexican–inspired small plates, while supplies last. 

Yoli Tortilleria
11 am-3 pm | Classrooms 4 and 5 
Purchase fresh, quality, locally and seasonally sourced specialties reflecting the rich diversity of Mexican cuisine, while supplies last.

Rozzelle Court Restaurant
Lunch, 11 am-2 pm | Coffee and dessert, 2-4 pm | Nelson-Atkins Building 
Enjoy Mexican-inspired entrees and small plates. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options are available.

Free festival pins for Nelson-Atkins members
10 am–5 pm | Bloch Lobby Info Desk  
Members can stop by for a free, limited-edition Día de los Muertos enamel pin. To collect a pin, present your member card.  
Visit the Museum Store to purchase festival items and more.  

Museum membership

Join to get free garage parking, free special exhibitions tickets, and discounts at the Museum Store and Rozzelle Court Restaurant. Visit the info desk on your next visit to become a member. 

Share the love

Shortly after the event, photos from the festival will be available to view and download on the museum’s Flickr account: Flickr.

If you take photos, tag us!