Día de los Muertos is nearly here – and there are many ways to honor the holiday throughout the D.C. region.

The tradition, which is observed on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, is meant to be a celebration of life after death. It is a time to remember a loved one by setting up an ofrenda, or altar, in their memory. In Mexico – where the holiday originated – and throughout the world, people typically set up an ofrenda with photos of their deceased loved ones, along with candles, cempazúchitl (marigold flowers), sugar skulls, and papel picado. It is also tradition to place pan de muerto and other food and drinks as a gift for the departed.

Here are some ways you can celebrate locally:

Comedy en Español: Local comedians are hosting their second “Comedy Cuates” – an all-Spanish comedy show at Room 808. This time around, they’re bringing some out-of-town performers and doing it “estilo dia de los muertos” or Day of the Dead style. (808 Upshur Street NW, Oct. 27, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.; $5 for early birds, $10 for general admission)

Block Party on Bryant Street: Partake in the tradition with a celebration at Bryant Street Market featuring Mexican food. Festivities for the evening will also include face painting, music, art, and traditional altar displays. (670 Rhode Island Avenue NE, Oct. 27, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; FREE)

Visit the Mexican Cultural Institute’s Altar: Check out the unveiling of one of D.C.’s most elaborate altars. There will be live piano music, an art show focusing on Day of the Dead, and pan de muerto and hot chocolate. (2829 16th St NW, Oct. 28, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; FREE)

Mágica Muerte Art Exhibition: Dupont Underground is unveiling its exhibit of contemporary women artists from Oaxaca, Mexico through Nov. 19. You can learn more about the spiritual traditions of Oaxaca, along with the experiences of women artists in the country. There will also be art available for sale with all proceeds benefiting the artists. (19 Dupont Circle NW, Oct. 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $8 to $10)

Family Activities for the National Museum of the American Latino: The Smithsonian Institute is putting on a series of family-friendly activities for Día de los Muertos on behalf of the upcoming NMAL. You can stop by the National Museum of the American Indian for book readings, papel picado cutting, danza performances, an ofrenda, and other traditions rooted in Indigenous culture. (4th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; FREE)

Celebrate in Gaithersburg: The city’s multicultural committee is teaming up with the DeColores Mexican Folk Dance Company for an altar exhibit that will run through Nov. 5. There will also be a remembrance book for visitors to honor their deceased loved ones. (506 South Frederick Avenue, Oct. 29, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday-Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; FREE)

An Evening Picnic in Arlington: The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is welcoming people to stop by their lawn for an evening of family-friendly activities, including mask making, music and dance from local groups, and food from local food truck, La Tingeria. Local artist David Amoroso will also build a large altar for guests to place photos of their loved ones. (3550 Wilson Boulevard, Nov. 1, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; FREE)

Sip and Paint at El Centro D.F.: The local Mexican restaurant is hosting an evening of fun activities to celebrate the tradition. You can stop by to paint your own skull while sipping on margaritas and chowing down on tacos in between. (1218 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Nov. 1, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; $44)

Performances at the National Portrait Gallery: The art museum is celebrating one of its biggest events of the year with live Mariachi music, Mexican folk-dance performances, and workshops for all ages. Stop by to get your face painted like a skull or cut your own papel picado to decorate the community altar. (8th and G Streets NW, Nov. 2, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; FREE)

Reggae and Cumbia at Songbyrd: Local music acts Bongo District and the Loving Paupers are hosting a double album release party while celebrating the dead. Sugar skulls and dancing encouraged. (540 Penn Street NE, Nov. 2, Doors open at 7 p.m.; $13)

Bachata Dancing and Little Minor Taco at Wunder Garten: Stop by the local beer garden for a night of dancing, food, and celebration in honor of the holiday. Vibrant attire is encouraged for those who feel like dressing up. (1101 First Street NE, Nov. 2, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.; FREE)

Karaoke and Costume Contests at Maïz64: Visit this restaurant’s Mezcal Room for a celebration featuring DJs, karaoke, and Mexican cuisine. There will also be a costume contest for those who dress up as El Catrin and La Catrina – traditional folk characters of the holiday – with awards going to first, second, and third place winners. Tickets cover two cocktails and two appetizers. (1324 14th Street NW, Nov. 3, 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; $60)

Día de los Muertos Festival on the Washington Grounds: The celebration is back for its 7th annual festival on the National Mall. This year’s festivities will raise funds to help reunite immigrant children who have been separated at the border from their families, along with supporting unaccompanied minors and at-risk children outside of the United States. There will be mariachis, artists, a mechanical bull, and much more. (15th Street & Constitution Ave NW, Nov. 4, Starts at 4 p.m.; FREE)

Black Tie Fiesta at the Mexican Cultural Institute: Visit the historic mansion for an evening of celebrations for the dead. There will be live mariachi, an altar, DJs and dancing, a buffet, and an open bar. All attendees will participate in a drawing for a trip to Mexico with hotel and travel accommodations. Guests can dress up in masquerade style for a chance to be one of three winners. (2829 16th St NW, Nov. 4, 8:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.; $135 for early birds)

DCist/WAMU also wants to hear from you about your plan to celebrate Día de los Muertos. Tell us about your ofrenda, and how you’re honoring your loved ones. You can send us a picture and a story about who they were at harzate@wamu.org. Don’t forget to mention where in the D.C. region you’re writing from!