Coffin Races, Costumes and a Celebration of Life: Denton's Day of the Dead Festival Returns Saturday

Downtown Denton comes alive October 24 with a free street festival, live music, a twilight parade and one of North Texas' most unusual racing traditions.

Coffins racing down the street, colorful costumes, live music, and a celebration of loved ones. It must be time for Denton's Day of the Dead Festival.

One of North Texas' most distinctive fall traditions returns Saturday, October 24, bringing thousands of festivalgoers to downtown Denton for a day that combines Halloween fun with the cultural traditions of Día de los Muertos.

The free street festival runs from 11 AM to 9 PM along Hickory, Oak and Industrial streets, with activities for all ages.

And yes, those famous coffin races are back.

Coffin Races Take Over Downtown

Forget race cars. In Denton, competitors build their own coffins on wheels and race them down the street.

The annual Coffin Races have become one of the festival's biggest attractions, with teams competing in creatively designed, human-powered vehicles.

Some go for speed. Others go for laughs. And spectators get to watch the action unfold right in the middle of downtown.

Racing begins at noon Saturday and continues until approximately 4 PM, when the 2026 champion will be crowned.

Organizers recommend arriving early to get a good viewing spot.

Denton's Day of the Dead Festival — 2026

• When: Saturday, October 24, 11 AM–9 PM

• Where: Downtown Denton, along Hickory, Oak and Industrial streets

• Admission: Free to the main street festival

• Coffin Races: Noon–4 PM

• Costume Contest: 5 PM

• Twilight Lantern Parade: 7 PM

• Additional events: October 23–25

Music, Costumes and a Twilight Parade

There's plenty happening beyond the racetrack.

Two stages will feature live music, mariachi performances, community dance groups and Ballet Folklórico throughout the day.

Among the scheduled highlights are TWU Mariachi Alas, Mix Tape Vibez and an evening performance of Dreaming of You: The Selena Experience.

At 5 PM, festivalgoers can show off their creativity during the costume contest.

Then, as daylight fades, downtown Denton lights up for the Twilight Lantern and Costume Parade at 7 PM.

Participants are encouraged to bring illuminated lanterns, costumes and creative decorations for a colorful procession through downtown.

Celebrating the People We Remember

While the festival brings plenty of Halloween excitement, Día de los Muertos is also about something much more meaningful.

The tradition honors family members and loved ones who have died, celebrating their lives through music, art, remembrance and community gatherings.

Denton's festival includes a community ofrenda, or altar, where memories of loved ones are honored.

At 2 PM Saturday, the Flight of Souls ceremony will include a blessing of remembrance and a mariachi serenade.

It's a reminder that the festival isn't simply about costumes and entertainment. It's also about family, culture and keeping memories alive.

More Than One Day of Festivities

The celebration stretches beyond Saturday.

Cirque du Horror, Denton's original Halloween musical, has scheduled performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

On Sunday, October 25, the festivities continue with the Pine Box Derby, a smaller-scale version of the coffin races, at the Greater Denton Arts Council.

Families can also explore Saturday's Street of Screams, featuring games and puppet shows, while Boneyard on Bell offers additional activities, food vendors and entertainment.

A free DCTA shuttle is scheduled to operate from 10 AM until midnight on Saturday.

For the full schedule, maps and information about individual attractions, visit Denton's Day of the Dead Festival.

Whether you're there for the racing, the music, the costumes or the celebration of loved ones, downtown Denton is giving North Texas plenty of reasons to come together this weekend.

And really, where else are you going to see people racing coffins down a city street?