Day of the Dead Festival 2026

The Oldham County History Center will present its festive Annual Día de Los Muertos Festival on Saturday, November 7th, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the History Center campus, 106 North 2nd Avenue, La Grange. This colorful, family-friendly event is free and open to all.

Day of the Dead is a time-honored Mexican holiday that celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed away, blending remembrance with festive community traditions. The History Center’s event will feature beautiful altars (ofrendas), traditional music and dance, face painting, a parade, and vendors offering authentic foods and gift items.

“As a first-generation Mexican, preserving Día de los Muertos is very close to my heart—not only to honor and remember our loved ones, but also to share this beautiful tradition with our children and the community around us. It’s a way to keep our heritage alive while teaching others about the joy and meaning behind it. We would love for our friends and neighbors here in Oldham County to come be part of the festival, experience the colors, music, and stories, and celebrate together the memories that connect us all.” said Nancy Valencia De Morgan, Board Member for the Oldham County History Center.

Guests are invited to join in a joyful celebration of remembrance, culture, music, and community. Festivities include:

3:00pm – Face painting, live mariachi music, vendors, food trucks, altar displays (ofrendas)

4:00pm – Community Parade through historic downtown LaGrange, everyone is welcome to walk and celebrate together. (More info below.)

5:30pm – Cultural dance performances and additional music

6:30pm – Catrin & Catrina Contest. (More info below.)

Ofrenda Creation and Display (Setup September 29th - 30th, Exhibition October 1st – November 7th)

An ofrenda is collection of articles or “offerings” on an altar that represent the favorite things of a loved one who has passed. The practice of creating these altar displays is central to the Day of the Dead celebration. You are invited to visit this special exhibition of authentic ofrendas during the month of October at the Oldham County History Center.

If you would like to participate in this tradition and create your own altar, you are welcome to do so. Altar installation must be completed September 29th-30th, at the Rob Morris Education Building on the History Center Campus in downtown LaGrange. Altars must be no larger than a 4x4 card table, and you must provide your own table. Any candles used must be flameless. Perishable foods are not permitted to be displayed on altars. For inspiration, typical ofrenda displays include Marigold flowers, sugar skull imagery, El Catrin and La Catrina imagery, Monarch butterflies, and most importantly – photos of loved ones who have passed.

To coordinate participation and setup, please email education@oldhamkyhistory.com or call 502-222-0826.

The Ofrenda display exhibit will be avail for the public to view at the Oldham County History Center in LaGrange, KY October 1st – November 7th. The History Center Hours is open Wednesdays-Saturdays and admission is $8 with discounts for children, seniors, students, and veterans. Hours are below:

Wednesday-Friday 10:00am – 4:00pm

Saturday 10:00am – 2:00pm

(Closed Sunday-Tuesday)

Day of the Dead Community Parade at 4:00pm

The parade will begin at the Oldham County History Center campus in downtown LaGrange, at the corner of Main Street and Second Avenue. The parade route will go west down Main Street, turn right onto 5th Avenue, right onto West Jefferson Street, right onto South Walnut Avenue, right onto Main Street and back to the History Center campus.

Everyone is welcome to participate and walk in the parade. Respectful Day-of-the-Dead cultural dress and props are encouraged but not required. Dogs are permitted- and encouraged to come costumed as alebrijes (colorful spirit animals). Vehicles, horses, and bikes are not permitted. Strollers and dogs are permitted. Registration is not required to walk in the parade.

If you plan to walk in the parade, you may bring your leftover Halloween candy to pass out to spectator!

Day of the Dead Catrin & Catrina Contest at 6:30pm

Among the most iconic symbols of Día de Los Muertos are El Catrin y La Catrina- tall, elegant skeleton figures wearing, elaborate dress. First popularized by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada in the early 1900s, El Catrin and La Catrina serve as a reminder that death is the great equalizer—regardless of status or wealth, everyone is a skeleton in the end. Over the years, El Catrin and La Catrina have become beloved emblems of the holiday, blending beauty, artistry, and cultural tradition.

The Oldham County History Center’s Catrin & Catrina Contest invites participants of all ages to embrace this tradition by dressing in creative costumes inspired by La Catrina.

Contest Rules:

1. No masks: faces must be painted/ in full make-up to resemble El Catrin/ La Catrina

2. Costumes must be family-friendly; profane or vulgar costumes will not be permitted.

3. Costumes must demonstrate a degree of craftsmanship and creativity.

Contestants will be judged on their artistry and presentation, with an emphasis on culture and respect.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place in three age categories: Children (under 13), Teens (13–18), and Adults (19 and up). Registration is required to participate.