New for 2025:

DDM Experience Pass — Tu Pase a la Celebración

The DDM Week Experience Pass is your key to a deeper, more immersive celebration. With your Pass, you’ll unlock curated experiences designed to complete your altar journey — hands-on workshops, tastings, and cultural activities hosted by Highland Park’s local businesses and artists. Each stop invites you to connect with the meaning and spirit of Día de los Muertos while collecting specialty stamps along the way.

Your Pass includes access to exclusive offers, complimentary tastings, and one-of-a-kind experiences inspired by Mexican culture and tradition. All participating stops and their details are listed below.

Get your DDM Experience Pass and begin your journey of remembrance, creativity, and connection.

Buy your PASS

Enjoy Exclusive Perks & VIP Experiences

  • Claim one mini piñata craft while supplies last. Enjoy traditional paletas and take selfies with La Catrina.

    Collect the Caña stamp at Memoral Park

    405 Laurel Ave, HP

  • Enjoy a complimentary MARACAME TEQUILA tasting (21+) for 1 and $10 DDM Week cocktail specials all week.

    Collect the FOOD Stamp at Tamales Restaurant

    493 Central Ave, HP

  • Free “Book of Life” screening with popcorn — 1 entry per DDM Pass. Extra tickets: $5+ suggested donation.

    Collect the CANDLE Stamp at Wayfarer Theaters

    1850 2nd St, HP

  • Create one calaverita ceramic ornament while supplies last. Extras available at $18+.

    Collect the CALAVERITA Stamp at Freestyle Ceramics & Tufting

    1910 1st St, HP

  • Enjoy a bread-making demo that shares the tradition and meaning behind Pan de Muerto. Learn how it’s made and sample this delicious cultural favorite

    Collect the BREAD Stamp at Mil Colibrís

    481 Roger Williams Ave, HP

  • Ticket holders: Enjoy a Drumming Journey to connect with your ancestors and spiritual team.

    All week: Altar-making with guidance and 15% off spiritual tools, plus free smudging blessings.

    Collect the COPAL Stamp at Soulshine Boutique

    459 Central Ave, 2nd Floor, HP

  • Includes a gentle yet profound writing workshop led by acclaimed author Gayle Brandeis to craft letters to ancestors and loved ones.

    All week: Letter station, Wind Phone, 10% off DDM books.

    Collect the CANDLE Stamp at Secret Worldbooks

    1774 2nd St, HP

  • Complimentary mezcal tasting and bites for one. Special DDM dinner menu for purchase after event and all week. Call PiXca to RSVP.

    Collect the PAPEL PICADO Stamp at PiXca

    455 Central Ave, HP

  • Celebrate your true self with one individual portrait included (first come, first served). Additional images available for purchase.

    Collect the PHOTO Stamp at Diana Gran Portraits

    474 Central Ave (Unit 204), HP

  • During this special event, ticket holder redeems pairing experience for +$10

    Same pairing available all week for $22 ($16 members).

    Collect the WATER Stamp at Lynfred Winery

    1823 St Johns Ave, HP

  • Free nail clipping for your pet. Pets in DDM-inspired costume receive treats, gifts & samples while supplies last.

    Collect the XOLO Stamp at

    Fur Fusion 464 Central Ave, HP

  • Join us for an afternoon celebrating style, tradition & remembrance. First 50 Pass Holders receive VIP seating & swag bag at the runway show.

    Collect the Flower stamp at

    ATELIER by elliestyled 1900 St Johns Ave, HP

Buy your PASS

Beyond the DDM Experience Pass, visitors can enjoy a variety of programs created by participating businesses — from themed wine pairings and full dining menus to signature cocktails, creative workshops, crafts, and even wellness classes inspired by Día de los Muertos. These experiences, offered throughout the week, are designed to extend the celebration across Highland Park. Some are free and open to the public, while others are available at a special DDM rate.

Oct
25
to Nov 2

Dia de los Muertos Bowl

ALL WEEK, enjoy a vibrant tribute to life, color, and tradition - every ingredient in this bowl celebrates the beauty of Mexico. Made with native fruits like banana, pitaya, mango, and pineapple, then swirled with nature's pigments - spirulina, curcumin, and pitaya - for those bold, soulful colors. Topped with floral dragon fruit cut-outs, our homemade gluten-free Bright Granola, and a sprinkle of edible glitter - because remembrance deserves to sparkle. 

DDM Week Special – Open to All – For Purchase

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Oct
25
to Nov 2

Pet Custom & Treats

Stop by during DDM Week (Oct 25–Nov 2) during business hours.
Bring your pet in a Day of the Dead–inspired costume and receive a treat, gift, and/or samples while supplies last.

DDM Week Special – Open to All – FREE

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Oct
31

Churros & Hot Chocolate - FREE

Stop by for a sweet afternoon treat! Enjoy complimentary churros and traditional Mexican hot chocolate as we celebrate Día de los Muertos week with warmth and community.
DDM Week Special – Open to All – FREE

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Nov
1

Chunkymania

Join us Saturday, November 1st, from 10AM-3PM, at the @theartcenterhp for our very 1st CHUNKYMANIA / DAY OF THE DEAD edition where we celebrate VEGANISM and everything Chunky meaning food! We'll also have other art & craft vendors so feel free to stop by and get some food and support all of our hard working vendors!

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Nov
1

Dia de Los Muertos Celebration - Park District of Highland Park

Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Future, and Bridging Our Communities

Join us for a vibrant day of traditional dance, music, and family-friendly fun! This free, all-ages event will feature:

  • Music by Mariachi Supremo

  • Dance Performances – by local Folkloric Dancers

  • Hands-on activities and crafts

  • Sugar Skull Face Painting

  • Local traditional beverages and pastries for purchase by Mil Colibris Bakery & Cafe

  • Random prize drawings at 2pm: win a Hidden Creek AquaPark 2026 Family Pass, Heller Nature Center Fire Ring rental, Day of the Dead art box, and more! For more information, visit https://www.pdhp.org/event/dia-de-los-muertos-3/

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