2025 Día de los Muertos Celebrations in Lake County, Illinois
By: Stephanie Wylie 10/24/2025
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a Mexican holiday, a joyful celebration honoring the lives of the deceased, is being observed throughout the region with events ranging from community festivals and cultural workshops to special dining experiences. Día de los Muertos—traditionally celebrated Nov. 1 and 2—is a distinct tradition that uses altars (ofrendas), bright marigolds, sugar skulls (calaveras de azúcar) and bread of the dead (pan de muerto) to welcome the spirits of loved ones home. This year, Lake County offers numerous ways to participate, immerse yourself in the traditions of Día de los Muertos, relive the music of Selena, and support local businesses and youth programming this season.
Find other fall events on the calendar.
The vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos will return to Downtown Highland Park for a second year with a week of events. The week-long celebration kicks off with a free community event at the Memorial Park Gazebo, featuring a large-scale ofrenda (altar). Festivities continue throughout the week with a variety of cultural experiences, including Latino food and drink tastings, cooking demonstrations, craft workshops and performances. A limited number of Experience Passes are available for access to premium events, including: wine and tequila tastings, pan de muerto (bread of the dead) baking, sugar skull decorating, papel picado workshops and more. The week concludes with the Catrina fashion show and contest. Community members are invited to participate by showcasing their interpretations of "La Catrina"—the elegant skeletal figure—through elaborate makeup, elegant costumes and floral headdresses.
Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 25-Nov. 2; Various times. Admission: Free with option to purchase experience passes starting at $35. Downtown Highland Park, 440 Central Ave., Highland Park.
Tour Wauconda and area businesses at Main Street Outfitters’s annual Day of the Dead Bike Ride. Adult riders of all skill levels will spend the day on their bikes hitting local bars and restaurants dressed in their best costumes. The day starts with Bloody Marys at the pre-party at Main Street Outfitters, continues on through Wauconda and will end back at MSO for Pauls’ Famous Chili. T-shirts are available for purchase. Don’t forget to bring your party attitude! Learn more on Facebook.com.
Sunday, October 26; 1 p.m. Admission: Free; T-shirts available for purchase. Main Street Outfitters, 513 S. Main St., Wauconda.
Get ready to test your knowledge of all things eerie and festive! A special Trivia Night: Halloween & Día de los Muertos fundraiser is set for Tuesday, Oct. 28. Hosted at Beer Bazaar, the evening will feature trivia questions covering topics related to both the frights of Halloween and the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos. Attendees are invited to test their spooky knowledge and celebrate the festive season. While trivia at Beer Bazaar is free to play and offers a chance to win prizes, the event will serve as a fundraiser for the La Mariposa Women’s Collective. A portion of the profits generated during the trivia night will be donated to the collective, supporting its community efforts. Check out the menu and see more about Beer Bazaar at TheBeerBazaar.com.
Tuesday, October 28; 6:30 p.m. Admission: Free. Beer Bazaar, 107 Center St., Grayslake.
The rich cultural traditions of Día de los Muertos will be celebrated in Round Lake Beach. Attendees can experience the vibrant customs of the holiday with folkloric dancers and displays of traditional altars. Children can also participate in craft activities. The celebration encourages guests to fully participate by wearing their best Catrina or Catrín sugar skull costumes. Throughout the evening, visitors can view the altars, shop from vendors and enjoy food from available food vendors. Learn more at RLBCivicCenter.com!
Friday, Oct. 31; 6 p.m. Admission: Free; food and drinks available for purchase. Cultural & Civic Center of Round Lake Beach, 2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach.
The rich cultural tradition of Día de Muertos is returning to Waukegan with a community celebration. The Waukegan Park District and Sugar Skulls Xilotl are partnering to host the event, the holiday is a distinct and ancient tradition focused on remembrance. The celebration will immerse attendees in the customs of the holiday, featuring several traditional elements such as altar exhibits, pan de muerto, workshops and vendors and performances. Central to the celebration are the calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls) and the custom of decorating the altars with photographs and the vibrant orange marigold flowers, thought to guide the spirits home. The Waukegan event provides an opportunity for the community to learn about and participate in this beautiful tradition of remembrance. For more information, visit WaukeganParks.org.
Saturday, November 1; 1-4 p.m. Admission: Free. Jack Benny Center for the Arts, 39 Jack Benny Dr., Waukegan.
Join the Park District of Highland Park for a free, family-friendly celebration of Día De Los Muertos titled "Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Future, and Bridging Our Communities" on Saturday, November 1. This vibrant event will immerse guests in traditional culture, featuring live performances by Mariachi Supremo and local folkloric dancers. Families can participate in hands-on activities, including crafts and festive sugar skull face painting. Attendees are also invited to honor their loved ones by contributing to a community ofrenda (altar). Don't forget to stay for the random prize drawings at 2 p.m. for a chance to win items like a Hidden Creek AquaPark 2026 Family Pass. Refreshments will be available for purchase from Mil Colibris Bakery & Café. No registration is required.
Saturday, Nov. 1; 1-3 p.m. Free admission. Park District of Highland Park, 636 Ridge Rd., Highland Park.
The Elawa Farm Foundation is set to host a special Día de los Muertos Dinner. The intimate evening is part of the farm's Special Guest Chef Dinner Series and will feature a four-course meal celebrating the Mexican holiday. The dinner will be led by Chef Ernesto Rodríguez of El Molcajete Sauces, who will present a menu rooted in tradition and bursting with vibrant, seasonal flavors. The evening begins with a reception featuring a mezcal margarita and festive appetizers. Guests will enjoy small bites such as ceviche shots, black bean purée in bamboo boats, and house-made chips with handmade salsas. The experience continues with a seated dinner that highlights autumn ingredients. A seasonal dessert will conclude the unforgettable culinary experience. For more information, click here.
Saturday, November 1; 5-8 p.m. $150 per person. Elawa Farm, 1401 Middlefork Dr., Lake Forest.
Fans of the late "Queen of Tejano music," Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, have a chance to relive her legendary performances with 512: The Selena Experience at the Mainstage Theatre. The ¡Vívela! Marquee Series event promises a "mind-blowing experience" that is billed as the closest possible recreation of a live Selena concert. The tribute production features a group of musicians who have orchestrated an extraordinary show designed to transport the audience back to 1995 within seconds of the first song. Hear Selena’s greatest hits, including classics like "Como La Flor," "Amor Prohibido," "Si Una Vez," and "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom," among others. Get more details at JLCenter.CLCIllinois.edu.
Sunday, Nov. 2; 4 p.m. Tickets start at $38. James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake.
Dining
One of the many ways to Día de los Muertos is through traditional Day of the Dead food. Favorite foods and drinks of the deceased are placed on the ofrenda, or altar, as an offering to their spirits. One of the most iconic Day of the Dead foods is the sugar skull, which is actually not eaten and only used as an offering. Sugar skulls are placed on the ofrenda to represent the souls of the departed. Pan de muertos is another recognizable Day of the Dead treat, a sweet bread topped with sugar and decorations to represent the deceased. Other common Day of the Dead foods include tamales, Mexican hot chocolate, chapulines and so much more!
Visit one of Lake County’s authentic Mexican and Central American restaurants this fall to get a taste of some of the popular Day of the Dead foods and beverages.
Catrachos Restaurant in Waukegan
Catrachos Restaurant in Waukegan offers authentic Honduran cuisine, delivering the country's heart and flavor with every dish. The menu features beloved staples such as baleadas and tajadas with meat, alongside traditional soups and fresh juices. All dishes are prepared using fresh ingredients, capturing the taste of home.
330 S. Green Bay Road, Waukegan.
Dos Amigos in Libertyville
Dos Amigos, founded by Sergio and Oscar, has established itself as a beloved fixture in Libertyville. The name, meaning "two friends," reflects the restaurant's welcoming spirit. The family-owned and operated establishment has received multiple accolades, including being named Best Restaurant in Libertyville several times by Restaurant Guru and once by Libertyville Businesses. The menu celebrates authentic Mexican flavors, featuring scratch-made salsas, rich moles, fresh tamales, and time-honored family recipes passed down through generations.
101 Rockland Rd., Libertyville.
El Puerto Mexican Restaurant in Fox Lake
El Puerto, situated on the shores of Nippersink Lake, provides a scenic lakeside dining experience. Guests can enjoy stunning sunset views from the expansive patio. The venue is an ideal spot for any gathering, featuring three separate dining rooms, a welcoming bar, and extensive outdoor space complete with a fireplace and boat docks. The menu highlights include popular items such as sizzling fajitas, enchiladas, and fresh seafood. These dishes are complemented by house-made cocktails, ensuring a memorable visit.
200 N. Forest Ave., Fox Lake.
La Mera Mera Taqueria
La Mera Mera Taqueria in Libertyville is celebrated for its exceptional tacos, which are made using regional recipes from across Mexico, including the southeast, Pacific coast, central, and northern areas. The menu also includes popular items such as gorditas, volcanes, and tortas, alongside a recently introduced selection of additional dishes. Patrons can complement their meal with a classic margarita or michelada.
1428 S. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville.
Mijo's Authentic Mexican in Libertyville
The restaurant's name, Mijo—meaning "my son"—is a tribute to Ivan and Martina and their family, who are the heart of the business. Mijo's was born after Martina's success in a 2018 tamale competition in Lake County, which inspired her to share her exceptional Mexican cooking. This family-owned spot delivers traditional Mexican flavors with a modern twist. The menu includes vegetarian dishes, Mexican and American breakfast options, and classic desserts like flan, all prepared using time-honored family recipes.
33 S. US 12, Fox Lake.
Nativo Mexican Cuisine in Bannockburn
Nativo Mexican Cuisine in Bannockburn offers an upscale yet relaxed dining atmosphere. The restaurant provides a hip vibe, delicious food, and inventive cocktails, encouraging repeat visits. The menu features a blend of both traditional and non-traditional Latin cuisine, incorporating flavors from around the world. Guests can explore this vibrant flavor profile through exclusive dishes such as Mango-Chili Tacos and signature Margaritas.
2535 Waukegan Rd., Bannockburn.
Pixca Seasonal American Bistro in Highland Park
Pixca Seasonal American Bistro in Highland Park emphasizes locally sourced ingredients with a menu that changes with the seasons. The name Pixca, which means "harvest" in Mayan, reflects the restaurant's commitment to fresh, thoughtful cuisine connected to the community. Executive Chef Fernando blends tradition and innovation in his dishes, drawing on his roots in Oaxaca, Mexico. There, he first learned the value of farming and wood-grilling, techniques he now uses to craft his seasonal American fare.
2535 Waukegan Rd., Bannockburn.
For more ways to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Lake County, click here. For your guides to everything spooky and festive this season, click here.
WINTER OUTDOOR GUIDE
ROAD TRIPS
Volo Museum
Family-Friendly Dining
Breakfast/Brunch
Lakeside Dining
MainStreet Libertyville
Historic Downtown Long Grove
Downtown Highland Park
Great Wolf Lodge Illinois
Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
Hyatt Deerfield
Visitors Guide
Special Offers
Accommodations
Weddings
Group Tours
Military Reunions
Community Partners
Partner Directory
Become a Partner
