Latinos of Montclair Presents New Jersey's Largest Día de los Muertos Festival

originally published: 10/10/2025

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Latinos of Montclair invites the community to join New Jersey's most vibrant Día de los Muertos celebration, a three-day festival honoring life, memory, and cultural connection. From October 31 through November 2, 2025, the newly renovated Lackawanna Plaza will be transformed into a dynamic hub of art, music, food, and tradition — a celebration with something for everyone.

This year's festival will feature breathtaking performances, dozens of Latino artisans and food vendors, and New Jersey's largest community altar — a powerful tribute to loved ones who have passed, designed by local Mexican artist and entrepreneur Lilia Rios, owner of La Providencia, the state's largest provider of authentic Mexican goods.

More than a festival, Día de los Muertos 2025 fuels community impact. Proceeds will benefit the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, Ritmo Jardín - Latinos of Montclair's cultural enrichment program for children ages 5–12, and the continued development of Latino community-based programming throughout New Jersey. 

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Festival Hours:  Friday 10/31 from 11:00am – 5:00pm;  Saturday 11/1 from 11:00am – 5:00pm; and Sunday 11/2 from 11:00am – 4:00pm

---

Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage!
Want info on how to advertise? Click here

---

Across three unforgettable days, visitors will experience:

* The Mercadito: Over 60 artisans and food vendors offering authentic crafts, art, and flavors from across Latin America and New Jersey.

* The Community Altar: A breathtaking installation honoring ancestors through art, florals, and personal tributes.

* Free Daily Programming: Cultural showcases, live music, and family-friendly experiences open to all.

Featured Ticketed Experiences: Jersey's Largest Halloween Party (21+) An epic night of music, dancing, and Halloween magic at Lackawanna Station. Hora Loca, costume contests ($850 in prizes), face painting, and more! Tickets: $25 GA | $50 VIP | $550 Group VIP (up to 6 guests)

Catrina Candlelight Concert & Dance Party (21+).  A night of elegance, music, and dance — from candlelit string quartet to DJ dance floor. Live mariachi, Catrina face painting, and altar art experience. Tickets: $25 GA Dance Party | $50 Concert + Dance | $75 VIP Experience

Colores de Frida – Family Theater Experience. A bilingual theatrical performance celebrating the life and art of Frida Kahlo, blending live painting, dance, and music. Tickets: $5 General Admission Donation | Free for Children Under 5

---

Celebrating Culture, Supporting Community - More than a festival, Día de los Muertos 2025 fuels community impact. Proceeds will benefit:

* The New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice.

* Ritmo Jardín, Latinos of Montclair's cultural enrichment program for children 5-12.

* The development of Latino community-based programming throughout New Jersey.

Latinos of Montclair is a 501(c)(3) New Jersey–based nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating Latino culture, strengthening community, and amplifying representation through art, education, and civic engagement.

Sponsorship Opportunities: Latinos of Montclair welcomes partners who share our commitment to community, culture, and celebration. Sponsorship opportunities include on-site activation, logo visibility, and cross-platform recognition across digital and print media. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please contact:

 [email protected]

Vendor Opportunities: Visit www.latinosofmontclair.org/dia-de-los-muertos for details on event programming, ticketing, and vendor opportunities.

Follow @ddlm_nj and @latinosofmontclair on Instagram for festival updates, artist spotlights, and behind-the-scenes moments.

---

Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage!
Want info on how to advertise? Click here

---

You can have your events appear here, whenever someone reads an article about MONTCLAIR

click here for more information

---

Livingston Taylor (pete Muller To Open)
Saturday, May 16, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Outpost In The Burbs
Montclair, NJ

 

---

---

Joan Osborne Sings The Songs Of Bob Dylan
Friday, May 29, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Outpost In The Burbs
Montclair, NJ

 

---

---

Shannon Mcnally At Van Vleck House & Gardens
Sunday, June 07, 2026 @ 4:00pm
Outpost In The Burbs at Van Vleck House and Gardens
Montclair, NJ

 

---

EVENT PREVIEWS

Garden State Wine Growers Association presents SIPS, STARS & STRIPES: A NJ Wine Revolution on May 30th

The Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) has announced the cancellation of Sips, Stars & Stripes: A NJ Wine Revolution, originally scheduled for May 30, 2026. The decision comes in response to the unprecedented freeze events that impacted vineyards across New Jersey during April 2026. According to vineyard managers and growers throughout the state, prolonged overnight temperatures below freezing caused extensive and widespread damage to grapevines in nearly every wine-producing region of New Jersey.

---

George Street Playhouse presents "Hirschfeld's Broadway" on May 16th

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse presents Hirschfeld's Broadway a special benefit event taking place Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center. The production will take place in the Arthur Laurents Theater, between the matinee and evening performances of My Lord, What a Night. The event begins at 5:00pm.

---

53rd Annual St. George Greek Festival to Take Place May 14-17

(PISCATAWAY, NJ) -- The 53rd Annual St. George Greek Festival returns May 14-17, 2026. This Central Jersey tradition kicks-off New Jersey's "Greek Festival Season" lasting from May until October at Greek churches throughout the State. St. George-Piscataway Greek Festival is synonymous with "philotimo" the Greek ideal of welcoming EVERYONE to explore Greek culture through homemade food, good music, traditional dancing and cultural tours.

---

Land of Make Believe slates Grand Opening for Memorial Day Weekend

(HOPE TWP, NJ) -- There are many traditions come Memorial Day Weekend including parades, tributes to our service men and women, past and present, and family gatherings. For many families there is another annual tradition - a trip to the Land of Make Believe, a close by destination with affordable, bargain pricing.

---

Circus Vazquez Brings National Tour to Quaker Bridge Mall

(LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ) -- Circus Vazquez, which has presented quality family entertainment for more than 50 years, is returning to New Jersey with its 2026 national tour when it visits Quaker Bridge Mall from May 15-25. Tickets for the Quaker Bridge Mall shows are on sale now.

---

State Theatre New Jersey's A Night in Lights Annual Benefit Gala to Take Place May 30th

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey (STNJ) invites the community to its signature fundraising event, A Night in Lights Annual Benefit Gala, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Christopher's Restaurant & Bar located inside The Heldrich Hotel. This highly anticipated evening directly supports STNJ's arts education and community engagement programs, which serve more than 30,000 children and families each year.

---

North Jersey Artists, Leaders and Businesses Invited to Shape Region's Cultural and Economic Future at Community Gathering on National Heritage Area Designation

(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) invites artists, community leaders, business owners, cultural organizations, and residents to participate in Community Conversation: National Heritage Area in New Jersey on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 from 6:15pm to 7:45pm at the South Orange Performing Arts Center.

---

Visual Arts Center of New Jersey to Celebrate Spring Exhibitions with a Community Day on June 6th

(SUMMIT, NJ) -- On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey will celebrate its spring exhibitions with a Community Day event. The day, which will feature artist-led walks around Summit, a live podcast recording, and drop-in workshops, will run from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

---

"The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit" returns on June 9th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- GK Digital Ventures, in partnership with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), has announced the return of "The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit," set to take place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Following its acclaimed inaugural edition, the second annual summit arrives at the most significant moment in U.S. soccer history: New Jersey is hosting eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — including the Final — placing the Garden State at the center of a global spotlight.

---

UBS Arena To Host International Soccer Watch Party on June 19th

(BELMONT PARK, NY) -- UBS Arena will host an International Soccer Watch Party, a public screening of two of the FIFA World Cup 26 (TM) matches on Friday, June 19 featuring USA v. Australia and Haiti v. Brazil. The fan-focused events will highlight all the excitement the tournament is bringing to the New York Metro area this summer and provide local residents with a unique way to experience these soccer matches together as a community.