By Abby Hoover, Managing Editor

The Kansas City Museum is preparing to host its 10th Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration on Saturday evening, October 21.

The celebration will explore the history and cultural traditions of Mexico and will be presented in partnership with the Mattie Rhodes Art Center, Crossroads Hotel, TICO Productions, Stone Lion Puppet Theatre, Giselle’s Bridal KC, Mi Mercado Fresh Market, Artists Craftsman KC, and La Mega KC radio.

The event will begin at 5 p.m., and with the sun setting over the Kansas City skyline around 6:30, the celebration will last until 9 p.m. Admission is pay-what-you-like, but tickets are required. All proceeds directly support the educational and public programming at the Kansas City Museum. 

Tickets to Día de los Muertos includes live music by Mariachi Estrella KC; puppetry by Stone Lion Puppet Theatre; live dance performances by Grupo Folklorico Izcalli; free face painting for children by artist Jessica Manco, Kathryn Messick, and the Van Horn Art Department at Cafe 3218; take home arts and crafts for kids by Mattie Rhodes Art Center, Artists Craftsman KC, Consulate of Mexico, and Kansas City Museum; participation in the indoor and outdoor community altars by bringing items to add. Items placed at the altar will not be returned.

In addition to the activities, attendees can shop at Wisteria, the museum’s boutique located inside on the First Floor, for some fun and colorful Day of the Dead items. Local vendors such as Tzintzun Clothing, Ollama Coffee, Virginia’s Mexican Arts & Crafts, Shop Veronica Style, and Maria’s Closet will be located outside.

Local businesses La Hamburguesa Loca, Snow & Roast, Sugar Skull Mexican Food Truck, and PH Coffee will be selling food and beverages from food trucks. No outside food or drinks will be permitted.

Visitors will enter through the south gates on Gladstone Boulevard and gather on the East Lawn. The first floor of the Museum will be open to guests. Street parking is available on both sides of Gladstone Boulevard.

For more information, call Paul Gutiérrez at 816-702-7705.