FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – September 23, 2025 – Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and Damn Good Hospitality proudly present the inaugural Downtown Day of the Dead celebration—a vibrant, family-friendly tribute to the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos. Taking place Saturday, November 1st, this free event features a cultural festival, the iconic Skeleton Stroll and a lively Block Party in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale. This unique South Florida event honors Mexican traditions, culture, and cuisine while embracing modern interpretations that connect a broad spectrum of people.

“We are most excited to continue this colorful tradition in Fort Lauderdale,” said Genia Duncan Ellis, president and CEO of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. “Downtown Day of the Dead is more than a celebration—it’s a way to continue honoring Mexican heritage, build community and spark joy and wonder in attendees that past festivals have done so well.”

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
• 2:00 PM (Esplanade Park) – Face painting begins
• 3:00–8:00 PM (Esplanade Park) – Cultural performances, arts & crafts, Latin food vendors
• 6:00 PM (Esplanade Park/SW 2^nd St/Riverwalk) – Skeleton Stroll kicks off
• 5:00–11:00 PM (SW 3^rd Ave/Revolution Live/Backyard) – Block Party

The Downtown Day of the Dead will be a festive day embracing Mexican heritage and culture through food and beverage, music, dancing and more! Face painting opportunities will open at 2 pm at Esplanade Park and continue throughout the event. Mexican and Latin food and drink will be present on both sites. The Skeleton Stroll will start at Esplanade Park and proceed down SW 2nd St, continue along the scenic Riverwalk before culminating at Revolution Live and Backyard, where attendees will enjoy the Downtown Day of the Dead Block Party featuring food trucks, the Craft Crypt and the Muertos Block Party. DJs and additional face painting will fill the evening with the lively spirit of this unique celebration.

The Downtown Day of the Dead Celebration is proudly produced by Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and Damn Good Hospitality (Revolution Live, Backyard FTL, Stache), with major support from the City of Fort Lauderdale and in partnership with the Mexican American Council, General Consulate of Mexico in Miami and Las Olas Capital Arts. Additional support comes from Morningstar Storage – FAT Village and Kamora.

For sponsor and vendor opportunities at the Festival at Esplanade Park, email events@GoRiverwalk.com or call 954-468-1541. For opportunities at the Block Party, email Jarred@damngoodhospitality.com.

Follow us on social media, @RiverwalkFTL and @damngoodhospitalitygroup. Use hashtag #DowntownDOTD to share your celebration!

For more information, visit GoRiverwalk.com/DOTD.

About Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, Inc.
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization responsible for the programming, beautification and activation of Riverwalk Park and the Riverwalk District. Composed primarily of volunteer private citizens and overseen by a board of directors, all members uphold the organization’s directive, as stated in its mission statement, “to be the catalyst in building and nurturing Riverwalk and the Riverwalk District as a vibrant community connected by the New River.” Funding for this mission comes from hosting a wide range of fundraising, networking and membership events, grants, and by publishing local information on our informative website and in Go Riverwalk Magazine.