Henderson is preparing for an evening of music, colorful traditions, and meaningful memories.
On Friday, October 23, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m., residents are invited to a free Día de los Muertos Celebration & Concert at Nevada State University. The event features community-made ofrendas, traditional dance, and a performance by Las Cafeteras.
The celebration takes place at the James E. & Beverly Rodgers Student Center, 1300 Nevada State Drive. According to the City of Henderson's official event listing, students and community members will create altars honoring loved ones who have died. Admission is free.
What Día de los Muertos celebrates
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is rooted in remembrance, family connections, and honoring loved ones who have passed away. Although it takes place near Halloween, it has a different cultural meaning.
Families and communities may share stories, display photographs, and create altars with flowers, candles, favorite foods, and personal keepsakes. Practices vary among families and regions, but remembering loved ones is at the heart of the tradition.
Henderson's celebration gives residents an opportunity to learn about these traditions through music, art, and community participation rather than treating the event as another Halloween attraction.
Community ofrendas tell personal stories
One of the evening's central features will be handmade ofrendas created by Nevada State University students and community members. An ofrenda is an altar or offering assembled to honor someone who has died.
Displays often include photographs, flowers, and objects that reflect the person's life, interests, or family connections. Each altar can carry its own meaning, making the experience both visually engaging and personal.
Families can use the exhibits to discuss relatives, cultural traditions, and the importance of preserving memories. Approach the displays respectfully, follow posted photography guidance, and give others space to reflect. |
 Illustrative Día de los Muertos ofrenda in Mexico. Photo: Chris Luengas / Pexels |
Las Cafeteras bring live music to Henderson
The city has announced a featured performance by Las Cafeteras, a Los Angeles-based musical group whose work incorporates Mexican musical traditions alongside contemporary influences. Traditional dance will also be part of the evening.
The exact concert start time was not specified in the event information reviewed for this article. Anyone attending specifically for the music should check the official event schedule for updates closer to October 23.
Together, the performances and ofrendas create an evening that balances lively artistic expression with reflection and remembrance.
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 Illustrative Día de los Muertos altar in Mexico City. Photo: Alberto Lara / Pexels. |
Planning your visit to Nevada State University
The event is at Nevada State University's James E. & Beverly Rodgers Student Center, 1300 Nevada State Drive, Henderson, NV 89002. Visitors unfamiliar with the campus should review Nevada State University's website for directions and general campus information.
Allow extra time to find the venue, particularly if you want to explore the displays before the performances. Parking instructions, accessibility arrangements, and any attendance requirements should be confirmed with organizers.
Free admission does not necessarily mean free campus parking. The city has not provided a complete minute-by-minute program in the listing reviewed, so keep your schedule flexible.
Día de los Muertos Henderson 2026: Quick facts
Date: Friday, October 23, 2026. Time: 5–9 p.m. Venue: James E. & Beverly Rodgers Student Center. Address: 1300 Nevada State Drive, Henderson. Admission: Free. Highlights: Las Cafeteras, traditional dance, and community ofrendas.
How to make the most of the evening
Arriving near the start of the 5–9 p.m. program can leave time to view the ofrendas before the featured performances. The city has not confirmed a specific Las Cafeteras start time, so anyone coming primarily for the concert should check the official event listing for updates.
Families attending with children can explain that the altars commemorate real people. Encourage young visitors to read any posted descriptions, respect photography restrictions and give others space for quiet reflection. Different families and communities observe Día de los Muertos in different ways; visitors should not assume every display carries the same symbolism.
Plan your route to the student center in advance, and confirm campus parking charges and accessibility arrangements with Nevada State University. Free admission does not guarantee free parking. Comfortable walking shoes and a flexible schedule will make it easier to explore the program without rushing.
Henderson's celebration brings neighbors together through art, music and remembrance. Whether you come for the ofrendas or the performance, approach the evening with curiosity and respect, and review the city's seasonal event information before visiting campus. |
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A free event from 5 to 9 on a Friday is pretty convenient. I’d check the Rodgers Student Center location before heading over.
Las Cafeteras sounds like a good draw, but I hope the concert doesn’t drown out the quieter part of the celebration.
Paul N.I was wondering about that too. Hopefully the ofrendas are in a separate space where people can take their time.
My family keeps photos of relatives on a small altar at home. Seeing what Nevada State students create could start some good conversations.
What a meaningful tradition to share with your family. The student and community-made ofrendas should offer a thoughtful way to talk about loved ones and the memories we keep.
I hope people take the photography guidance seriously. Those altars can hold very personal memories, even when they’re part of a public event.
kim_87Agreed. I’d ask before taking close-ups, especially if an altar has family photos on it.
Does anyone know if parking at Nevada State University will be free too? That would help families planning to come after work.
The student-made ofrendas sound like the heart of the evening. I’m glad there’s a reminder to give families space to reflect.