Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Old Town Albuquerque
There’s something truly special about Old Town Albuquerque in the fall. As October comes to a close, the historic heart of the city takes on an incredible glow as Old Town prepares for Día de los Muertos.
From October 30 through November 8, 2026, Día de los Muertos in Old Town brings together music, dance, art, tradition, remembrance, and community for 10 days of celebration.
At Spirits of Old Town, we’re proud to be part of the Old Town community, and we can’t think of a better time to visit, explore the neighborhood, and experience this meaningful celebration for yourself.
Experience the Magic of Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration centered around remembrance and honoring loved ones who have passed. Throughout Old Town, you’ll find colorful ofrendas, marigolds, calaveras, music, art, and other traditions that bring this celebration to life.
This year’s celebration will feature the Marigold Mile, with thousands of marigolds decorating Old Town, along with hidden ofrendas tucked throughout the neighborhood. Visitors can also experience traditional performances, including the Dance of the Matachines and the Catrina Procession.
One of the most memorable experiences will be the candlelight procession on November 2. Beginning 30 minutes after sundown, the procession invites the community to come together to remember and honor loved ones.
Look Up: The Globitos Candlelight Glow
If you’ve visited Albuquerque during Balloon Fiesta, you already know how much this city loves hot air balloons.
During Día de los Muertos, you’ll get to see them in a completely different way.
The GLOBITOS Candlelight Glow will feature towering 20-foot model hot air balloons illuminated throughout the streets and church courtyard, creating a spectacular nighttime display.
It’s another beautiful example of how Albuquerque blends its ballooning tradition with the art and culture of the Southwest.
Explore Plaza de los Recuerdos
For two nights, November 1 and 2, Old Town Plaza will become Plaza de los Recuerdos. Community members will bring their own altars and ofrendas to the plaza, creating a moving space dedicated to memory and remembrance.
With more than 50 community-built ofrendas planned, it promises to be one of the most meaningful stops during the celebration.
Take your time, explore the plaza, admire the artwork, and soak in the atmosphere. Día de los Muertos is about more than what you see. It’s about the stories, memories, traditions, and people behind them.
Make Spirits of Old Town Part of Your Visit
After spending the day exploring Old Town, take a break and join us at Spirits of Old Town.
We’re a craft distillery in the heart of Historic Old Town Albuquerque, and our cocktail menu is made for lingering, relaxing, and enjoying the neighborhood with friends.
Stop in for one of our house-crafted cocktails, enjoy the atmosphere, and raise a glass to an unforgettable evening in Old Town.
Whether you’re visiting Albuquerque specifically for Día de los Muertos or simply looking for something memorable to do this fall, make a day of it. Wander the Marigold Mile, discover the ofrendas, experience the music and performances, watch the Globitos glow, and then come see us at Spirits of Old Town.
Experience Día de los Muertos in Old Town
Día de los Muertos is one of the celebrations that makes Albuquerque unlike anywhere else. It’s colorful, welcoming, deeply rooted in tradition, and filled with opportunities to experience the culture and history of New Mexico.
Join us in Old Town from October 30 through November 8, 2026, and make Spirits of Old Town one of your stops along the way.
We’ll raise a glass with you.
