Día de los Muertos events serve as a way to celebrate culture, history and community, while also honoring loved ones who have passed. Families will find several signature Día de los Muertos events this fall in Missouri:

“Coco” at Gilloiz Center for Arts & Entertainment
Celebrate Springfield and the Gilloiz Theatre in Springfield, Missouri, will host a free showing of “Coco” Sept. 13. Guests will also receive a free popcorn and nonalcoholic beverage. Get the details.

Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center Presents: Día de los Muertos
The Mattie Rhodes Center in Kansas City will host an evening of art, culture and community Oct. 2 to kick off its altar exhibition, and an exhibit closing celebration and Calaca Night Parade Nov. 6. Get the details.

13th Annual Day of the Dead Celebration at The Museum of Kansas City
This pay-what-you-can event Oct. 17 will feature children’s face painting by local artists, community altars, food, vendors, and performances by Mariachi Estrella KC, Stone Lion Puppet Theatre and Grupo Folklórico Izcalli. Advance tickets are required. Get the details.

Plaza Del Día de los Muertos at Legends & Lanterns
Visitors can learn more about Día de los Muertos at the free Legends & Lanterns Festival, which returns to Historic St. Charles select weekends in October. Stop by the Plaza Del Día de los Muertos at Berthold Square (200 Main St., St. Charles, MO) for special activities inspired by the Day of the Dead. Get the details.

Día de los Muertos Celebration in Clayton
Join Downtown Clayton and Hispanic Festival, Inc. for Latin music performances, folkloric dancing, shopping, food, family art stations and more, all celebrating life, memory and culture. The free event runs 4-8 p.m. Oct. 24 at N. Brentwood Blvd., Clayton, MO. The final hour will feature illuminated decor, high-energy music and specialty cocktails. Get the details.

Día de los Muertos Festival at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
This annual event returns to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City Nov. 1. The event includes art activities, entertainment and traditional cuisine. Festival admission is free with museum admission. Get the details.

Día de los Muertos Celebration at the Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo will host a Día de los Muertos Celebration Nov. 1 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The event will include food and refreshments provided by local Hispanic businesses, live music, traditional Mexican dance performances and more. Visitors are also invited to stop by and visit the Zoo’s Beloved Animals Ofrenda, which will celebrate the memory of zoo animals throughout history and St. Louis-area pets. The Beloved Animals Ofrenda will be on display select dates in October and select nights during Boo at the Zoo. Get the details.

Día de los Muertos at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park
This free event Nov. 7 at the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis features altars, live performances, food and drink vendors, and a processional through Forest Park. In the family zone, guests will find face painting, bilingual story time, arts and crafts, and more. Get the details.

Kathryn Deters McDonald is a Missouri native, writer, author and lover of all things spooky, ooky and eerie. Salem, Shmalem. It’s all right here in The Spook-Me State.