Fort Worth Will Host Catrina Fest October 17
The annual celebration at Sundance Square Plaza features a high-stakes costume competition with a $5,000 top prize.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Cultural
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Catrina Fest will return to Sundance Square Plaza on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Participants in the costume contest will compete for a top cash prize of $5,000.
Why it matters
Founder Miguel Martin created this annual event five years ago to honor his late mother. The festival celebrates the cultural significance of Día de los Muertos through traditional music, dance, and elaborate costume displays.
The festival awards $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second, and $2,000 for third in the costume contest. These prizes are a central component of the event that Miguel Martin founded five years ago.
The players
Miguel Martin
He is the founder of Catrina Fest who established the event to honor his late mother.
Sasha Bass
She is a key figure who authorized the festival to be held at the Sundance Square venue.
The details
The event showcases a runway-style costume show alongside performances by mariachis and folklorico dancers. While Miguel Martin manages the competitive aspects of the festival, Sundance Square oversees the vendor arrangements, musical programming, and the communal altar.
Timeline
The first La Catrina image appeared in 1912.
Catrina displays gained significant attention in 2021.
The festival concept was developed in 2022.
Catrina Fest takes place on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The festival evolves the artistic tradition that began with the 1912 appearance of the La Catrina image in Mexico City. By institutionalizing these visuals in a modern public square, the event reflects a broader trend of elevating cultural heritage into major civic attractions.
Residents and visitors can attend the festival at Sundance Square Plaza to view the runway show and public displays. Attendees interested in participating must coordinate their costume entries directly with festival management to be eligible for the cash prizes.
The takeaway
The festival offers a unique way for the public to engage with Día de los Muertos traditions through community performance. Participants planning to enter the costume contest should ensure their designs align with the historical significance of the holiday to maximize their chances.
Further reading
Learn more about local events and traditions in the Fort Worth Cultural section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fort Worth Magazine.
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