Celebrate the memories of departed loved ones at the 18th annual Día de los Muertos Festival 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, in Mesa.

There is no charge to attend the Día de los Muertos Festival at Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., and parking is free. Go to mesaartscenter.com.

The free festival kicks off at 10 a.m. Oct. 19 with a traditional Aztec Dance performance by Ministerio de Danza Azteca. On Oct. 20, the closing ceremony at 4:30 p.m. will include Mesa Mayor John Giles, Vice Mayor Francisco Heredia and Consul General of Mexico Jorge Mendoza Yescas.

“Mesa Arts Center’s Día de los Muertos festival is special for its combination of rich cultural traditions and community-focused experiences,” said Mandy Tripoli, Mesa’s deputy director of visual arts and engagement/education. “From the community altar that invites attendees to add photographs to honor the memories of their loved ones to diverse performances and hands-on art activities to our inclusive Relaxed Hour and Mercado Marketplace, we celebrate the richness of Mexican culture.”

The community festival offers nonstop live entertainment featuring mariachi music, folklorico dance, contemporary bands and, new this year, a dedicated DJ stage. Hands-on artmaking activity highlights include a Copper Enamel Calaveras workshop, and free youth nichos and printmaking activities. Mesa Arts Center’s Art Studios also offer free glass and ceramics demonstrations throughout the festival.

Other festival highlights include traditional face painting, a wide variety of food options and an expanded vibrant Mercado Marketplace showcasing traditional and contemporary merchandise, jewelry and Mexican arts and crafts from local artisans and vendors. The Store, an artist’s cooperative and gallery, will also be open and selling Day of the Dead themed items.

In the spirit of traditional Día de los Muertos festivities, a community altar designed by local artists Luis and Pilar Estrada of Estradas Artistry is the centerpiece of the festival, where attendees can leave mementos in honor of their loved ones who have passed. Photographs are kept and replaced on the altar each year or can be collected by 5 p.m. Oct. 20.

Don’t miss the annual Altar Contest and altars by local artist Zarco Guerrero and Tucson artist Xochitl Avila. Additional installations include Mesa Arts Center’s alebrije sculpture created by Oscar Becerra Mora and Rueben Miguel Castillo Navarrete, photobooths, tintamarresques and a cemetery scene by Mesa Youth Creative Agency.

This year includes an expanded Relaxed Hour 9-10 a.m. Oct. 20. The Relaxed Hour provides a Día de los Muertos Festival experience that is welcoming, inclusive and comfortable for those with sensory sensitivities. The Relaxed Hour has fewer crowds, reduced lighting, less amplified sound, allergy-friendly snacks, sensory-friendly play space, meet and greet with festival performers and artmaking activities led by specialist artists with expertise in working with people with additional needs.

The festival continues across Main Street at the Plaza at Mesa City Center with an extension of the Mercado, new roaming elote carts, a music stage, live muralists curated by local legends Such and Champ Styles and activities with MABEL in front of ASU’s MiX Center. Additionally, as part of the celebration, admission to Arizona Museum of Natural History is free 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 19.

The festival culminates with an open procession to the Community Altar, led by traditional Aztec dancers and Ballet Folklorico La Llorona, followed by a closing performance by Mariachi Pasion at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 20.