Living community altar illuminated at night with photographs of loved ones at Hemisfair during Muertos Fest

TAKE PART IN THE COMMUNITY ALTAR

At the center of Muertos Fest, altars created by individuals and groups honor and remember loved ones who have passed. Those who aren’t building an individual altar can still take part in this tradition by sharing a photo of a loved one to be included on the Muertos Fest community altar, creating a shared space of remembrance and celebration. The Community Altar Exhibit is open to all, as space allows.

All altars will be available for viewing on...

- Friday, October 23
- Saturday, October 24
- Sunday, October 25

Want to add a photo of your loved one to the Community Altar? Please email us at altars@muertosfest.com.

APPLY TO BUILD YOUR OWN ALTAR

Each year, local families, schools, community members, and organizations create individual altars to share at Muertos Fest. Each is built with respect and reverence, telling a unique story and keeping the memories of loved ones alive through one of Día de los Muertos’ most meaningful traditions.

Altar builders will set up their altars on October 23, 2026 (time to be individually scheduled) and will leave their altars up for the duration of the festival.

2026 DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS ALTAR APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

Thank you to everyone who applied. We look forward to honoring this meaningful tradition together at this year’s Muertos Fest.

WHAT ALTAR BUILDERS NEED TO KNOW

We are honored to showcase the creativity, stories, and remembrance that make Muertos Fest so meaningful. Thank you for your interest in applying and for helping keep this tradition alive.

Full details and requirements, including the Altar Policies, can be found within the application. Please review them carefully before submitting.

We ask for a $30 refundable deposit, which will be returned after your altar space is cleaned up following the festival. If the deposit presents a financial hardship, please reach out to altars@muertosfest.com.

We encourage you to apply early for the best chance of securing a space. All altar applications are reviewed confidentially as part of the selection process.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all spaces are filled, so we encourage you to apply early. The final deadline to apply is September 15, 2026.