Ottawa 
Events Description
The 7th edition of the Day of the Dead Festival in Ottawa will take place at the historic ByWard Market. The event features a special program including outdoor exhibitions, Mariachi performances, folkloric dancers, authentic Mexican cuisine, Catrina contests, workshops, artisan market, and much more. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!
HOW MUCH
Free Admission
How to get tickets?
At the door
WHEN & WHERE
Date & Time:
October 31 to November 2, 2025
Friday | 3:30pm to 8:30 pm
- Day of the Dead Night Market @William Street in the ByWard Market.: Enjoy and explore our artisan market, fascinating art exhibitions and delicious traditional Mexican food throughout the entire afternoon!
- 5:00pm to 5:45pm: Day of the Dead costume contest @Main stage George Street Plaza (corner of George & William Streets, ByWard Market): Celebrate the Spirit of Día de los Muertos in Style! Join us and showcase your most creative and traditional costumes inspired by the rich colors, symbolism, and artistry of this beautiful tradition.
- 6:00pm to 8:00pm @ Main stage George Street Plaza (corner of George & William Streets, ByWard Market): Rock the night away with the amazing Latin band “UNO”
Saturday | 11am to 8:30pm
- 12:00pm @ Main stage (corner of ByWard Market Square and York Streets, ByWard Market): Welcoming remarks
- 12:10pm to 1:10pm @ Main stage (corner of ByWard Market Square and York Streets, ByWard Market): Musical presentation of the Mariachi Band “Los Paisanos” and Flora Flores.
- 1:15pm to 2:15pm @ Main stage (corner of ByWard Market Square and York Streets, ByWard Market): A special presentation by the Folkloric Ballet of the Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, accompanied by live musicians, featuring traditional dances from the state of Tamaulipas. This marks their debut performance in Canada.
- 2:30pm to 2:45pm @ Main stage (corner of ByWard Market Square and York Streets, ByWard Market): Cultural Spotlight Segment. A way to learn how cultures around the world honour and remember their departed loved ones. That’s why The Day of the Dead Festival is honoured to count on the presence of the dance group Héritage Colombien, who will share with us Colombia’s Death Rituals
- 3:00pm to 4:00pm: Day of the Dead Procession. Wear your best Catrin & Catrina costumes and be part of the celebration. The route will begin at the corner of William Street and George Street with the participation of Mexxi-Arts giant characters as well as the amazing “Thunderous Drums of the North East of Brazil”.
- 4:00pm to 4:30pm: Get ready to experience the irresistible energy of the Thunderous Drums of Northeast Brazil in a spectacular concert by Maracatuque!
- 4:45pm to 5:30pm: Feel the rhythm! Join José Sandoval and Salsa Force as they showcase an electrifying salsa dance and guide you through a salsa workshop. No experience needed everyone’s invited!
- 5:30pm to 6:00pm: Put your dance moves to the test at the Day of the Dead Dance Competition! Show off your skills and win awesome prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place! Don’t miss out let’s dance the night away! Fun for all ages and skill levels!
- 6:00pm to 8:30pm: Rattle Your Bones Dance Party! Join us for a night of colorful costumes, lively Latin beats, and the unforgettable sounds of Caribbean Latin Roots Band. Dance like nobody’s watching even the spirits will be grooving!
ALL DAY
Free Children’s Zone activities, located at EQ3 Plaza and ByWard Market Square Street in the corner of ByWard Market Square and George Street in the ByWard Market
Enjoy and explore our artisan market, fascinating art exhibitions and delicious traditional Mexican food throughout the entire day on William Street and York Street in the ByWard Market Street.
Sunday | 11am to 6pm
- 12:00pm to 1:00pm @ Main stage (corner of ByWard Market Square and York Streets, ByWard Market): Join us for a vibrant musical presentation by Dayan Salazar, celebrated Mexican music singer! Experience the passion and rhythm of Mexico.
- 1:00pm to 2:00pm @Main stage (corner of ByWard Market Square and York Streets, ByWard Market): A special presentation by the Folkloric Ballet of the Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, accompanied by live musicians, featuring traditional dances from the state of Tamaulipas. This marks their debut performance in Canada.
- 2:15pm to 3:15pm @ Main stage (corner of ByWard Market Square and York Streets, ByWard Market): Musical presentation of the Mariachi Band “Los Paisanos” and Flora Flores.
- 3:15pm to 4:15pm @ Main stage (corner of ByWard Market Square and York Streets, ByWard Market): Traditional Mexican Dance performance by “Viva México” and dance workshop.
- 4:15:pm to 4:30:pm @ Main stage (corner of ByWard Market Square and York Streets, ByWard Market): Brother H is a Mexican artist whose music embodies the rich spirit of his culture. Through his artistry, he invites audiences to experience the passion and vibrancy of Mexico.
- 4:45pm to 5:45 pm @ Main stage (corner of ByWard Market Square and York Streets, ByWard Market): Nada Q’ Perder , Ottawa’s Latin Rock tribute band, playing hits from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and 2000s. Featuring musicians from across Latin America and Canada, they bring nostalgia-packed Latin Rock to the stage with energy and passion!
ALL DAY
11:30am to 6:00pm
Enjoy and explore our artisan market, fascinating art exhibitions and delicious traditional Mexican food throughout the entire day on William Street and York Street in the ByWard Market Street.
Free Children’s Zone activities, located at EQ3 Plaza and ByWard Market Square Street in the corner of ByWard Market Square and George Street in the ByWard Market
Venue:
ByWard Market (East York Street & William Street Plaza), Ottawa
