One of McKinney's most colorful cultural celebrations is getting a new home this October.
The 2026 McKinney Día de los Muertos Festival takes place Saturday, October 17, from noon to 9 p.m., at TUPPS Brewery in East McKinney.
After five years at Dr. Glenn Mitchell Memorial Park, organizers are moving the celebration to TUPPS, where visitors will find music, traditional dance, cultural activities, local artisans, food vendors and community ofrendas honoring loved ones.
Admission is free, and the festival is open to everyone. Visit McKinney
If you've never attended, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience a tradition that is about much more than colorful costumes.
And if you're new to McKinney, the event offers another look at the community beyond its familiar historic square.
Where Is McKinney Día de los Muertos in 2026?
The festival has moved.
If you attended in previous years, don't automatically return to Dr. Glenn Mitchell Memorial Park.
The new location is:
TUPPS Brewery
402 E. Louisiana Street
McKinney, TX 75069
The festival runs Saturday, October 17, from noon to 9 p.m.
Organizers say the new venue provides more space while preserving the traditions, performances and community atmosphere that have become central to the celebration. Visit McKinney
For the latest information, visit the official McKinney Día de los Muertos website.
What Is Día de los Muertos?
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican tradition centered on remembering and honoring loved ones who have died.
Although the celebration often features colorful skull imagery, elaborate clothing, music and flowers, it is distinct from Halloween.
At its heart, the tradition celebrates memory, family and the continuing connection between generations.
One of its most recognizable elements is the ofrenda, an altar that may include photographs, flowers, candles and meaningful objects associated with loved ones.
The McKinney festival makes that tradition accessible through its community ofrendas.
Visitors are invited to bring a photograph of someone they wish to remember. Organizers say frames will be available so photographs can be included in the community displays. McKinneyDiaMuertos
I think that is one of the most meaningful parts of this event.
It isn't simply a festival to watch.
It's a celebration in which people can participate.
What Will Be Happening at the 2026 Festival?
This year's theme is "Year of the Heart."
Organizers have planned cultural performances, music, family activities and opportunities to learn about the traditions associated with Día de los Muertos.
Here are several highlights.
Community ofrendas
Visitors can honor loved ones by contributing photographs to the community remembrance displays.
Traditional music and dance
The published entertainment programs include mariachi music, folklórico dancing, Aztec dancers and other performances.
La Catrina Contest
Elaborate Catrina and Catrín costumes are a recognizable part of the celebration.
The festival includes a costume competition highlighting the artistry and creativity associated with these traditions.
Monarch butterfly memorial
Visitors can decorate a paper butterfly with a name or message honoring someone they love, then add it to the festival's memorial display.
Artisan marketplace
Local makers will offer artwork, crafts and merchandise inspired by the celebration.
Food vendors
Visitors will also find food vendors serving a variety of dishes.
Student scholarship presentation
The festival includes recognition of a local student scholarship recipient, connecting the celebration of cultural heritage with investment in the next generation. McKinneyDiaMuertos
For the current performance lineup: McKinney Día de los Muertos Main Stage Schedule.
Is McKinney Día de los Muertos Free?
Yes.
Visit McKinney lists the 2026 festival as free and open to the public. The organizer also offers free registration. Visit McKinney
Food, merchandise and some separately offered experiences may have additional costs.
You can check registration details through the official festival website.
Where Should You Park?
TUPPS Brewery provides parking along the western side of its property.
The venue also identifies downtown McKinney's public garages and parking lots as alternatives, with visitors able to walk to TUPPS. TUPPS Brewery & Taproom in McKinney, TX
Because this is a festival rather than an ordinary brewery visit, parking arrangements may be adjusted for the event.
The most useful starting point is the TUPPS Brewery event page.
Why the Move to TUPPS Is Interesting for McKinney
Here's another part of the story that interests me.
For years, when people talked about visiting McKinney, they usually meant one thing:
Historic Downtown McKinney.
And understandably so.
The square has restaurants, boutiques, galleries, historic buildings and the kind of atmosphere that gives McKinney a very different identity from many newer North Texas suburbs.
But McKinney's community destinations have been expanding beyond the square.
TUPPS is a good example.
Its East McKinney location offers a brewery, restaurant, event spaces and outdoor gathering areas that can accommodate a wide variety of community activities.
Now one of McKinney's major cultural celebrations is making that location its new home.
This isn't a reason to abandon the square.
It's another reason to explore more of the city.
I recently wrote about this broader change in:
Why McKinney's Best New Openings Aren't All on the Square This Year
That article explores how restaurants, community spaces and new attractions are spreading across McKinney.
Día de los Muertos at TUPPS is another example of that evolving local landscape.
What Does This Tell You About Living in McKinney?
When someone is considering relocating to McKinney, the conversation often begins with housing.
What can I buy for my budget?
Which neighborhoods should I consider?
Should I buy new construction or an established home?
How far will I be from work?
Those are important questions.
But I also want buyers to understand the community they're joining.
McKinney has a historic downtown that people travel to visit.
It has established residential neighborhoods, newer master-planned communities, parks, trails and continuing development.
And it has local traditions and cultural events that bring residents together.
That's why I like including community experiences in the information I share with relocation buyers.
They help answer a different question:
What does it actually feel like to live here?
If you'd like to explore more of McKinney, I've also put together:
A McKinney Weekend Getaway: Where to Eat, Shop & Explore Like a Local
That guide is a good starting point for discovering more of the city before or after the festival.
McKinney Día de los Muertos 2026 FAQs
When is McKinney Día de los Muertos?
Saturday, October 17, 2026, from noon to 9 p.m. TUPPS Brewery & Taproom in McKinney, TX
Where is the festival this year?
At TUPPS Brewery, 402 E. Louisiana Street in McKinney.
This is a new location for 2026. Visit McKinney
Is admission free?
Yes. General admission is free. Visit McKinney
Is the event family-friendly?
Yes. Organizers advertise family activities, cultural performances, face painting and opportunities for visitors of different ages to participate. McKinneyDiaMuertos
Can I bring a photograph for the community ofrenda?
Yes. The organizers invite visitors to bring a photograph of a loved one and say frames will be provided. McKinneyDiaMuertos
Will there be live music?
Yes. The event includes mariachi music, traditional dance performances, DJs and additional entertainment. TUPPS Brewery & Taproom in McKinney, TX
Where can I find the latest schedule?
Visit the official festival schedule.
A Final Thought
I've called McKinney home since 1998, and one of the things I've enjoyed most is watching our community evolve.
We have preserved much of what makes McKinney special while creating new places for people to gather, celebrate and experience different cultures.
Día de los Muertos is a beautiful example of that community spirit.
Whether you've lived here for decades or are just beginning to explore North Texas, I hope this guide helps you discover another side of McKinney.
And if you're considering making McKinney home, I'd love to help you explore the neighborhoods and housing options that fit your goals.
Michelle Gifford, REALTOR®
Real Broker
469-667-8468
Texas License #0780474
