
May 16 · 8:30am
Annual Support the Troops Ride
feat. ZMF
Harley-Davidson Museum®
Ride to support the troops, then enjoy live music and food at House of Harley-Davidson.
Varies
ft. Mariachis, DJ, Local dance groups
Run through history and culture with a 5K at Milwaukee's only cemetery-based Día de los Muertos festival.
Part I
About this event
Experience a unique blend of fitness and culture at the Día de los Muertos 5K & Festival. Held at the historic Forest Home Cemetery, this event offers a 5K run or 2K walk through the scenic grounds, complete with a free festival t-shirt for participants. After the run, immerse yourself in the vibrant festival atmosphere with traditional music, dance performances, and a variety of cultural displays.
The festival features a Mercado with local vendors, traditional decorations, and community-made ofrendas. New this year are the colorful tapetes, intricate carpets made of sawdust and organic materials. The Procesión de las Almas, a peaceful walk led by a local priest, adds a spiritual dimension to the day. With free activities like face painting and sugar skull decorating, it's a family-friendly event that celebrates the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos.
From the organizer
Join us for a 5K spin through the cemetery and vibrant festival celebrating Día de los Muertos - it's a day full of fun, food and culture! Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum hosts the area’s only cemetery-based Dia de los Muertos festival! Walk/Run The day kicks off with a 5K run/2K walk through the cemetery. Free Dia de los Muertos festival t-shirt with all registrations. Register now Festival Grab lunch at a food truck and enjoy: Traditional music featuring Mariachis and a DJ Local dance groups Vendors at the festival Mercado Traditional decorations including cempazuchi, papel picado and hand-made catrinas Ofrendas (offerings to the dead) and nicho boxes in the chapel and Halls of History, made by local schools and community groups New this year: Tapetes, or carpets, of sawdust and organic material depicting layful images of death Procesión de las Almas - a local priest leads a peaceful walk through the cemetery that ends in the chapel Free activities including face painting and decorating sugar skulls Non-profit community resources *The 5K fee supports the walk/run experience, and the rest benefits Forest Home Historic Preservation Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to preserve the historic stuctures and arboretum and share the history of the cemetery through educational programs and public outreach.
Getting in
Tickets available online
Registration required — must sign up
Who'll Be There
Local families looking for a fun day out, community members interested in cultural events, runners and walkers of varying skill levels, vendors and local artists showcasing their work, individuals interested in Dia de los Muertos traditions.
Part II · The feel
The details organizers don't always put in the description — pulled from the room, the crowd, and what people remember afterward.
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