Halloween and Day of the Dead: Two Celebrations, Many Ways to Get Together
Kansas | October 13, 2026
Planeta Venus
A Family Guide to Celebrate, Learn, and Honor in Kansas
Planeta Venus began as a talk show on local radio in Wichita, Kansas, on November 2, 2015. The first show tackled a question that still matters to many families: Halloween vs. Day of the Dead.
More than a decade later, the conversation continues. In Kansas, especially in Latino communities, many families observe both dates: they go out with their children for candy and costumes, and they also prepare altars, remember those who are no longer with them, and share traditions that have traveled with them from Mexico, Central America, and other parts of Latin America.
Although Halloween and Day of the Dead occur very close together on the calendar, they are not the same. Each celebration has its own history, meaning, and way of bringing the community together.
Halloween: Costumes, Candy, and Neighborhoods
Halloween is celebrated on October 31. Its roots are related to ancient Celtic traditions in Ireland and other parts of Europe, especially the festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. Over time, these practices blended with Christian traditions and evolved into popular culture in the United States.
Today, Halloween usually means costumes, pumpkins, decorations, games, and candy. For many children, it's a night to imagine, play, and walk around the neighborhood with their family. It's also an opportunity for local churches, schools, libraries, clubs, businesses, and organizations to open their doors with free, family-friendly activities.
One of the most popular options is trunk-or-treating. Instead of going door-to-door, families visit decorated vehicles in a parking lot, park, church, or closed street. Activities often include candy, games, food, music, and other organized spaces for young children.
Day of the Dead: Memory, Affection and Heritage
The Day of the Dead is primarily celebrated on November 1 and 2. It is a tradition deeply rooted in Mexico, with indigenous and Catholic roots that have intertwined through generations.
It is not a Mexican version of Halloween or a celebration of fear. Instead, it is a time to remember with love family, friends, and loved ones who have died. Many families prepare an ofrenda, also called an altar, with photographs, marigold flowers, candles, pan de muerto, favorite food, and objects that evoke the person being honored.
The skulls, catrinas, music, bright colors, and flowers do not represent something dark. They express that memory, love, and family history are still alive. For many families, this tradition also gives children and young people a chance to meet their grandparents, great-grandparents, and loved ones through photographs and stories.
Different, but close
Although Halloween and Day of the Dead happen close together, they are different celebrations. Halloween usually focuses on costumes, games, imagination, and candy. Day of the Dead focuses on remembrance, cultural heritage, and connection with those who are no longer with us.
Even so, both can bring neighbors, families, and generations together. That cultural diversity is one of Kansas' riches. Our community has learned to enjoy pumpkins and costumes, while also sharing flowers, altars, food, music, and family stories.
It is not about erasing the differences between Halloween and Día de los Muertos. Rather, it is about respecting them, learning from each other, and building a community culture where families can take pride in their traditions.
This fall, find an event near you. You can take your kids trick-or-treating, visit a community altar, listen to music in Spanish, try different food, or ask an older person what tradition they remember from their childhood. Each activity can spark a new conversation and perspective.
Community altars and spaces of memory
Community altars, also known as ofrendas, offer a space to honor loved ones along with other families. Some organizations invite the public to bring photographs or souvenirs; others feature altars created by artists, students, or families.
If you visit an altar, take a moment to read the names, look at the photographs, and listen to the stories respectfully. Ask before placing objects, touching the offerings, or taking photographs up close. If the organizer accepts contributions, confirm which items can be taken and if they will be returned.
Not all evening events are vigils. Use the word vigil only when the organizer announces a ceremony of remembrance, prayer, candles, or reflection. In other cases, terms such as community altar, ofrenda, memorial space, or Día de los Muertos celebration better describe the activity.
Family Events in Wichita
Oct. 8–31 — Halloween Nights at Exploration Place: Nightly Halloween programming at the science museum. Confirm specific days, prices, and age recommendations before attending.
Oct. 9–10, 16–17 and 23–24 — BOOtanica: Decorated gardens and family activities at Botanica Wichita, 701 N. Amidon St. Confirm details before attending.
Oct. 15–18 — Kids Weekend: Isopods & Spooky Builds: Creative activities for kids at GROW Plant Bar, 320 S. Market, Suite 120.
Oct. 17 — WSU Pumpkin Run 5K and Little Pumpkin Fun Run 1K: Family run with a short option for kids. Confirm registration, time, and location before attending.
Oct. 18 — Broomsticks & Biplanes: Candy and costume event for kids at the Kansas Aviation Museum.
Oct. 24 — Day of the Dead at Plaza International NOMAR: 11 a.m.–10 p.m., 2200 N. Market St. Food, art, live music, dance, contests, and community altars.
Oct. 24–25 — Hay, Hooves & Halloween: 2–8 p.m. at the Old Cowtown Museum, 1865 W. Museum Blvd. Includes candy, costumes, entertainment, and historic home activities.
Oct. 28 — Tabernacle Bible Church Trunk or Treat: 4–6 p.m., 1817 N. Volutsia. Free event with games, prizes, candy, and fellowship.
Oct. 28 — Kids Halloween at Museum of World Treasures: 5–8 p.m. Costumes recommended; $8 admission plus tax, free for members.
Oct. 29 — Trunk or Treat Block Party: 5:30 p.m., in the 1700 block of Colorado Street. Games and candy for families.
Oct. 31 — Discover Church Trunk or Treat: 5–7 p.m., 1826 W. Maple St.
Oct. 31 — Tabernacle Bible Church Trunk or Treat: Activity related to a street closure from 5 p.m.; confirm final hours with the church.
TBC — Colonial Heights Church Trunk or Treat: 5200 S. Broadway. In previous years, it has offered decorated cars, costumes, hayrides, and an indoor option for bad weather.
TBC — Immanuel Baptist Church Trunk or Treat: 1415 S. Topeka. Previous events included dozens of decorated carts, games, candy, hot chocolate, and popcorn.
TBC — Salvation Army Trunk or Treat: Salvation Army Citadel, 1739 S. Elpyco. Check with the organization directly for date and time.
Events in Kansas City and Metro Area
Oct. 2–Nov. 12 — Day of the Dead Exhibit at Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center: 1710 Jarboe St., Kansas City, Missouri. Opening celebration: Oct. 2, 6–10 p.m., with art, family altars, music, vendors, and food.
Oct. 3 — Homefest at Colonial Presbyterian Church: Overland Park. Free community event with hayrides, games, lunch, face painting, and inflatables.
Oct. 10 — Hawktoberfest at Bluhawk: Overland Park, 1–4 p.m. Free festival with food trucks, music, inflatables, hayrides, and candy.
Oct. 11 — Trunk or Treat at Lakeside Nature Center: Kansas City, Missouri. Candy, costumes, and opportunities to meet animal ambassadors.
Oct. 17 — Day of the Dead at Museum of Kansas City: 5–9 p.m. Music, dance, community altar spaces, and cultural activities. Advance tickets are required.
Oct. 17 — Trunk or Treat at Kansas City Automotive Museum: Olathe—free event associated with Cars & Coffee, with a costume contest.
Oct. 17 — Halloween Happenings & Trunk or Treat: Merriam Marketplace, Merriam. Candy, games, and decorated cars.
Oct. 23 — Glow Night at Colonial Presbyterian Church: South Kansas City Campus. Trunk-or-treat activity with a light theme, inflatables, and face painting.
Oct. 24 — Truck or Treat: Lenexa Municipal Service Center. City vehicles, candy, and family activities.
Oct. 24–25 — Resurrection Trunk or Treats: Events at various locations in the metro area, including Olathe, Leawood, Overland Park, Brookside, Liberty, Blue Springs, Spring Hill, and Lee's Summit. Confirm specific campus hours.
Oct. 24 — St. Stephen Lutheran Church Trunk or Treat: Liberty, Missouri.
Oct. 24 — Clay County Sheriff’s Office Trunk or Treat: At Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Liberty, Missouri.
Oct. 30 — Day of the Dead with Guadalupe Centers: Kansas City, Missouri. Confirm location, hours, and family activities directly.
Oct. 31 — Bristol Hill United Methodist Church Trunk or Treat: Kansas City, Kansas, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Oct. 31 — KCK Main Library Trunk or Treat: Kansas City, Kansas, 6–8 p.m.
Oct. 31 — Reach Church Trunk or Treat: De Soto, Kansas.
Oct. 31–Nov. 2 — Path of Memories at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: Kansas City, Missouri. Installation with flowers and space to add a written memory.
Nov. 1 — Day of the Dead Festival at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free activity with music, folk dance, food, art, and altar programming.
Nov. 7 — Day of the Dead at Central Avenue: 1120 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. Food, art, ofrendas, music, catrinas, and a parade.
Topeka
Oct. 29 — City of Topeka Trunk or Treat: 5–8 p.m. at Evergy Plaza, 7th and S. Kansas Ave. Free event with costume contest, crafts, games, music, and family activities.
Garden City, Hays, and Rural Communities
Oct. 24 — Downtown Garden City Trunk or Treat: 5–8 p.m. Also, check out the Haunted Halls activities at Garden City Community College.
Oct. 30 — GCCC Student Government Association Trunk or Treat: 6–8 p.m., Garden City Community College Transportation Building. Admission is free and open to the public.
Oct. 30 — Catholic Charities Southwest Kansas Trunk or Treat: 6–8 p.m., Garden City Community College Transportation Building. Free event for families; confirm if held in conjunction with the student event or as separate programming.
Oct. 30 — Trick or Treat on The Bricks: 3–5 p.m., Downtown Hays. Participating businesses offer an organized candy trail for kids.
Oct. 13 — Hays High DECA Trick-or-Treat So Others Can Eat: 6–9 p.m. Youth pick up non-perishable food items for Community Assistance Center. It is a community service activity, not a candy route.
TBC — North Oak Community Church Trunk or Treat: Hays. In previous years, it included free food, games, and candy.
Independence: Look for Zoolloween, downtown events, and activities announced by the Chamber of Commerce. In previous years, they have included games, candy, crafts, a photo booth, a DJ, and a maze.
Coffeyville: Coffeyville Community College usually hosts the Red Raven Homecoming Haunt, complete with trunk-or-treat, games, activities, and candy. Check with the college or Chamber of Commerce for the end date.
Dodge City: Check trick-or-treating activities downtown, Village Square Mall, libraries, schools, and community organizations. Check which ones are kid-friendly and which are scary rides for adults.
Liberal: Check with the City of Liberal, $480, Seward County Community College, libraries, parks, and local organizations for Halloween events, altars, or Day of the Dead activities.
Colby and Northwest Kansas: Check calendars for the Chamber of Commerce, libraries, schools, and Colby Community College. Nearby communities often host harvest festivals during October and November.
Emporia: A Day of the Dead Festival is planned around October 17. Please confirm venue, time, cost, family activities, and possible community altars.
Girard: A Fall Festival is planned around October 17th. Check activities for kids, costumes, and cost.
Kensington: A harvest festival is planned for early November. Please confirm the schedule, activities, accessibility, and a plan in case of bad weather.
Before you leave
Please confirm date, time, cost, and address directly with the organizer.
Ask if there will be any Spanish-speaking information, interpretation, or staff.
Review parking, accessibility, and bad weather plan.
Bring water, a light layer, and candy bags or buckets.
Ask for ingredients if your child has food allergies.
For an ofrenda, bring photos or souvenirs only if the event indicates that you accept contributions.
Share with Planeta Venus your church, school, club, library, or neighborhood events so more families can find them.
Comentarios