Waukegan Park District and Lake County Cultural Association to host Día de Muertos Community Celebration
The Waukegan Park District and Lake County Cultural Association NFP are partnering to host the 2026 Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Community Celebration from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, at Lakehurst Center, 300 Lakehurst Road, Waukegan. The event will feature art and food vendors, music and dance performances, and a catrina and catrín contest.
Highlights of the celebration include:
• 1-1:10 p.m. Welcome & Opening Remarks
• 1:15-2 p.m. Family Pictures with COCO Characters
• 1-3 p.m. Free Face Painting sponsored by Catholic Charities
• 2-2:30 p.m. Danza Azteca Quetzalcóatl
• 2:30-2:50 p.m. Xantolo Dance by Ballet Folklórico Tayahua
• 3-3:15 p.m. Intermission and contest preparation
• 3:15-3:45 p.m. Catrinas presentation
• 3:45-4:15 p.m. Catrina and Catrín Contest
• 4:15-4:30 p.m. Contest winners and awards
• 4:30-5 p.m. Closing activities and farewell
• Food vendors and drinks: La Michoacana Premium Waukegan, Texas Roadhouse and La Chuparosa.
“The Waukegan Park District is excited for the continued partnership with Asosiación Cultural de Lake County NFP to honor and commemorate Día de Muertos, a cultural tradition for many Latino families in the community,” Jacqueline Herrera Giron, president of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, said. “I have enjoyed experiencing this vibrant event and believe it provides a beautiful presentation for everyone to learn about the culture and what make this celebration so special.”
“The Waukegan Park District and the Lake County Cultural Association is a great partnership that focuses on enhancing cultural programs and events,” Jay Lerner, executive director of the Waukegan Park District, said. “It’s been a great season with their commitment to cultural education, embracing diversity and tradition. Through art, music and more, the Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Community Celebration offers a meaningful way for everyone to learn about and honor this rich cultural tradition.”
“The Lake County Cultural Association NFP is proud and grateful to continue our partnership with the Waukegan Park District in bringing this beautiful Day of the Dead celebration to our community,” Mario Garcia, president of the Lake County Cultural Association NFP, said. “As an organization made up entirely of dedicated volunteers, we are passionate about preserving and celebrating our Mexican heritage, sharing our cultural traditions with future generations and bringing families of all backgrounds together. Every member of our organization generously contributes their time, dedication, and efforts because we believe in the importance of giving back to our communities. By offering this celebration free to the public, we hope to promote cultural understanding, unity, and appreciation for the diversity that makes Lake County such a wonderful place to live. Together, through volunteerism, cultural education, and strong community partnerships, we are building stronger, more connected communities.”
For more information about the 2026 Día de Muertos Community Celebration, visit waukeganparks.org/diademuertos.