Corpus Christi sets weekend schedule for Dia de los Muertos and Halloween events

The 19th annual Dia de los Muertos Street Festival will take over 10 blocks of downtown Corpus Christi this Saturday. The free event runs from 1 p.m. to midnight and features live music, art, food, and cultural performances. A community ofrenda will be set up so families can honor loved ones who have passed away. The holiday focuses on remembering these individuals and celebrating their lives.

The festival has operated in this format since its inception. This year marks its 19th year in the city. Organizers plan to use the downtown space to create a gathering place for residents and visitors. The schedule allows for a full day of activities leading into the evening. Participants can move freely across the designated blocks during the open hours.

Other Halloween events are scheduled for the same weekend. Villain Invasion Halloween Fest will occupy the Holiday Inn Downtown Marina on both Saturday and Sunday. Attendees can meet actors from horror movies and enter costume contests. Gaming tournaments are also part of the program. Weekend passes start at $20. Children aged 12 and under enter for free. Visitors who bring two nonperishable food items for the Coastal Bend Food Bank will receive a special edition event poster while supplies last.

The Monster Mash Cupcake Dash will return to Water's Edge Park on Saturday morning. Participants can dress up for a 5K, a 10K, or a 2-mile walk. Every finisher receives a cupcake. Proceeds from the event benefit Family Counseling Services. That organization provides mental health care across the Coastal Bend region.

Asbury Methodist Church will host a family pumpkin painting session from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Families can select and purchase a pumpkin and decorate it together. The church's pumpkin patch will remain open through Halloween. This offers a quieter option for those seeking a less crowded activity.

Hocus Pocus Corpus makes its debut at the Hilliard Center on Saturday. The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. and offers free Halloween activities. These include trick-or-treating, door prizes, and a community resource fair. A presentation on renters' rights is also included in the schedule. Residents who want to suggest an event for the Coastal Bend Weekend listing can email Stephanie Molina at stephanie.molina@kristv.com.