ATLRetro

With Halloween right around the corner, the Kool Kats behind the Rockabilly Luau are taking Mexico’s DAY OF THE DEAD and giving it literally to the dogs to raise money for three animal rescue charities on Sat. Oct. 15. EL DIA DE LOS PERROS a free family-friendly public festival features Mexican-themed games, food, craft vendors, a costume contest (for both humans and dogs), kids craft and activity area, and a mariachi band from noon to 5 p.m. at 559 Flat Shoals Ave. (30316), the same open meadow that hosts the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market.

You don’t have to dress up, but ATLRetro agrees with Ink for Paws cofounder and event organizer Chris Mattox that you’ll have more of a treat of a time if you do. “Any costume (for people or dogs) is acceptable, but we’re most fond of ‘sugar skull’ faces,” he says. “Women can dress in Mexican tunics which are often embroidered, or they can wear Mexican flamenco dress. Men can wear Quechquémitl, which is similar to a festive poncho. Anything is welcome, but the more elaborate the better.”

The vendors’ market isn’t vintage per se or dog and Day of the Dead-themed exclusively, but being full of handmade items, it’ll definitely take you back in time. Chris says there’ll be dolls, hats, blankets, baskets and crafts of all kinds, as well as a groovy Dia de Los Perros-themed raffle. “For those diehard Dia de Los Muertos fans, we have some amazing items up for grabs,” he adds.

Be sure to bring the kids for bouncy village, piñata, face-painting, puppets, and a crafts corner, too. “Kids can purchase a slab of tickets and play all day,” Chris says, which he compares to Chucky Cheese—but with a much more creative twist. Indeed, we’d much rather think about kids learning about a different culture’s take on Halloween and playing with skulls, though.