London’s Day of the Dead returns to Columbia Road and Ezra Street on Saturday 31 October 2026. This free East London street celebration brings music, dance, flowers, costume and a procession to the streets around Columbia Road. The current event information gives a midday start, while the organiser is still preparing the full programme.

Check Columbia Road’s official event update →

What is confirmed so far?

Columbia Road Flower Market has confirmed a Day of the Dead celebration for the Saturday. The organiser describes a day of music, dance, flowers, costume and procession, inspired by the Mexican celebration of life, death and remembrance.

The street’s flower-market connection is central to the occasion: marigolds are traditionally associated with Día de los Muertos and are used to welcome and remember loved ones. The atmosphere should be colourful and social rather than spooky, with Columbia Road’s independent shops forming the setting.

Programme details are still to come

The official Columbia Road page says that full programme details will follow. The event information supplied to London for Cheap mentions mariachi and brass-band sounds, dancers, face painting, decorated shops, fundraising stalls and activity around Bethnal Green Library. Treat those as expected highlights rather than a final timetable until the organiser publishes its update.

If you are travelling specifically for a performance, workshop or face painting, check the official page again nearer the date. Times, exact locations and any participation rules can change.

Getting there

Hoxton Overground is the closest station for Columbia Road. Shoreditch High Street, Bethnal Green and Old Street are also within walking distance, depending on your route. Buses along Hackney Road can be useful, but expect local diversions or crowds around a popular Saturday festival.

Columbia Road is an outdoor street setting, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. The published event location is around Columbia Road and Ezra Street rather than a ticketed venue.

Keeping it cheap

Watching the procession, taking in the decorations and enjoying the street atmosphere are the free parts. Budget separately if you plan to buy food, drink, face painting, flowers or market goods. Bringing water and eating before you arrive is the simplest way to keep the afternoon low-cost.

Useful questions

Is London’s Day of the Dead free?
Yes. The event is listed as a free street celebration. Individual food, drink, stalls, face painting and shop purchases are optional costs.
Do I need to book?
No general booking arrangement has been published. Check Columbia Road’s official page closer to the date in case a specific workshop or activity needs a reservation.
What time does it start?
The current event information says from 12pm. Columbia Road has not yet announced the complete programme or an end time, so check again before travelling.
Is this the Columbia Road Flower Market?
It is in the same area, but this is a Saturday celebration. The regular flower market is held on Sundays, so do not expect the usual Sunday market setup.

Source and last check

Details checked on 24 September 2026 using Columbia Road Flower Market’s official website. The organiser confirms the date and the street celebration, while its page says the detailed programme is still to follow. Check the official update again before setting out.