Sundance Square Plaza invites North Texas to its 2026 Catrina Contest & Festival, as part of its Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration. Now a staple of Fort Worth’s fall events, this family-friendly event is open to the public this Saturday, Oct 17, 2026, from Noon to 11 pm.
Reflecting Fort Worth’s diverse cultural heritage and global influence, Sundance Square’s Annual Catrina Festival is one of the nation’s largest Catrina events; and by far, it’s the BEST runway show in Texas.
The Mini Catrina Contest for children (12 and under) starts at 2 pm; followed by the Catrina Contest at 5 pm. Judged on their stunning costumes and artistic displays—contestants will interpret La Catrina with vibrant colors, creativity and crafts as they honor loved ones and celebrate themes of life, remembrance, and renewal.
Throughout the day, guests can explore dozens of artisan market vendors; plus, food trucks will offer a variety of Catrina Festival favorites including tacos, empanadas, arepas, and churros— all while being entertained by musical and dance performances by Ballet Folklórico de Fort Worth, Mariachi Damas de Tejas, Monica Saldivar, Grupo Pakal, and Fusion Latina.
About Sundance Square
Fresh off hosting over a million visitors this summer with its simulcast broadcast of all 104 World Cup matches, the Catrina Festival is but one of Sundance Square’s ever expanding array of signature downtown programing which includes weekly live music concerts (every Wed thru Sunday night), monthly First Saturday Markets, the tallest live Christmas Tree in Texas, Holiday Winter Wonderland Weekends in December, the largest in-person New Year’s Eve celebration in Texas, the All-Western Stock Show and Rodeo Parade, MLK Celebration, Fort Worth Art Fair, year-round Gallery Nights and more— all family friendly and open to the public.
Plus, all events are complemented by Sundance Square’s incredible restaurants, retail stores, art galleries, and entertainment tenants which include a national comedy club, two live playhouses, a nationally renowned jazz club, an AMC Movie Theater, one of the country’s best Western Art Museums, and coordinated partnerships with Bass Performance Hall and Dickies Arena.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Noon – Ballet Folklorico de Fort Worth
1:00 pm – Mariachi Damas de Tejas
2:00 pm – Mini Catrina Contest
3:00 pm – Monica Saldivar
4:30 pm – Grupo Pakal
5:00 pm – Catrina Contest
7:30 pm – Fusion Latina
