2026 Dia de los Muertos Food Truck Application Survey

Call for Food Trucks

BECOME A FOOD TRUCK VENDOR AT DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

Food trucks with culturally appropriate unique food offerings are invited to apply for the Día de los Muertos Festival, a signature event from the City of El Paso Museums & Cultural Affairs Department (MCAD).

On Saturday, October 24th, 2026, the City of El Paso will host the annual Día de los Muertos Festival and Desfile in the heart of El Paso’s Downtown Arts District. A celebration of life and those who have passed, Día de los Muertos is presented by the Museums & Cultural Affairs Department, the Mexican American Cultural Center, and partners. The festival includes free arts and cultural activities at MCAD’s museums and across the district, plus live music, local food and art vendors, and a mile-long parade through Downtown. In past years, over 50,000 people have attended this event.

Artisan Food Truck opportunities this year will take place on October 24th, 2026.

Hours of Operation:
Saturday, October 24th, 2026: 11:00am – 9:00pm, Downtown El Paso.

**APPLICATION INFORMATION**

-To apply as a food truck vendor at Dia de los Muertos, please submit your application by August 14th.

-We're seeking food trucks who offer original food products that reflect the spirit of the event.

*FEES and PERMIT NOTICE*

General City of El Paso Vendor Permits are not necessary as the event includes permitting.

Food Trucks : $450

The Market Food Trucks: $300 (You must be in good standing with The Market, attended at least 5 times, to participate and receive discount)

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Applications must be received by August 14th, at 11:59 pm MST. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Submission of application does not guarantee acceptance.

*Selected food trucks will be notified by September 28th and be notified of payment deadline for their space. A SECURE PAYMENT LINK FROM A MUNICIPAL EMAIL WILL BE SENT. (We do NOT take CashApp or any other form of financial service app for payment.) Any non-paid fees will equate to forfeiture of participation.

*Vendors are responsible for all operation equipment and supplies. NO EXTRA TENTS OR SEATTING ALLOWED.
*Spaces are limited and will be selected through a Dia de los Muertos Panel Review.
*PARTICIPATION IN PERVIOUS EVENT DOES NOT GUARANTEE SELECTION FOR DIA DE LOS MUERTOS '25.
* NO OIL DUMPING OR FOOD SPILL WILL BE ALLOWED. IF THIS OCCURS, FOOD TURCK WILL BE REMOVED FROM ELIGIBLE LIST. TRASH AND REFUSE, AS WELL AS ALL HAZARDOUS MATERIAL, MUST BE TAKEN AND DISPOSE OF PROPERLY.

*HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT INSPECTIONS BEFORE THE EVENT, AND THEY WILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMOVE ANY VENDOR WHO IS NOT FOLLOWING PROTOCOL OR PROCEDURE*

For further information or assistance, please contact Paulina Rosas at (915) 212-1769 and/or Rosasp@elpasotexas.gov. All technical assistance must be requested by Wednesday August 5th at 6pm.

VENDING GUIDELINES

-Participating Food Truck Vendors should plan for their truck to remain on the event footprint Saturday. Food Trucks will not be permitted to exit or re-enter the footprint due to the event layout and limited entrance/exit space.
-Vendors must bring their own supplies and equipment (food, vehicles, food supplies, stoves, grills, electricity, water, ice, as appropriate). Access to electricity is NOT included.
- Dia de Los Muertos will only accept food trucks with quiet generators (maximum of 64 dB pre generator).
-All participants are responsible for their own space's cleanup.
-All trucks and trailers are required to unhitch so as to ensure maximum capacity of the Food Court space. On-site parking is prohibited.
-Although event security will be on-site during the event, vendors are responsible for assigning an individual to remain within the truck during operational hours.
-Patio furniture is NOT allowed. Designated sitting areas will be provided by the event organizers.
-Spaces will be assigned by the Vendor Coordinator. Assignments are final; vendors may NOT reassign themselves. -----Food Trucks may trade spaces with a neighbor, with both parties and coordinator in agreeance.
-Dia de Los Muertos vendor permits must be displayed at all times. Vendors without these permits will be asked to leave immediately.
-Failure to be ready for business on time and maintain full operations throughout the event may result in future ineligibility to participate.
-All Food Truck Vendors should be fully staffed and prepared to provide service in a timely manner. Excessive delays or long lines may also affect future participation eligibility.
-Please be advised Dia de los Muertos attracted over 50,000 in past years. It is imperative that all selected food truck vendors be prepared to provide full menu operations throughout the entire event.

EVENT LOGISTICS

Will be discussed at the orientation after acceptance confirmation.