Mariachi Real de México, the ensemble Ramón Ponce and his son Ramón Ponce Jr. founded in 1991, marks its 35th year with a free Day of the Dead concert in Forest Park on Sunday, Nov. 1. The Forest Park Trust is hosting the afternoon at Oak Ridge, in the park, with a community ofrenda, face painting and children's crafts alongside the music.

Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the concert runs from 3 to 4 p.m. Admission is free, and the Forest Park Trust asks guests to register in advance through the link on the NYC Parks event page.

The band

NYC Parks' listing describes Mariachi Real de México as a Grammy-winning ensemble celebrating 35 years, and as one of the most sought-after mariachi groups in New York City and the Northeast.

The ofrenda and the crafts

The afternoon includes a community ofrenda, the altar of photographs, marigolds, candles and food that families build for the holiday. Teaching artists from Queens College run face painting and children's crafts during the event.

The concert is supported by a grant from Flushing Town Hall, with support from the Forest Park Trust, Council Member Joann Ariola and State Sen. Joe Addabbo.

More in Forest Park this week

Two other free programs in the park this week come from the same organizers. On Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Shape Up NYC holds intenSati, a cardio class that mixes dance, kickboxing and yoga, on the Sgt. Schaefer Oval lawn at Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South; registration is through NYC Parks.

On Friday, Oct. 30, from 10 a.m. to noon, NYC Parks and the Forest Park Trust hold a Restoration Friday, removing invasive plants, repairing trails and possibly planting. Volunteers meet at the Buddy Monument, Park Lane South and Myrtle Avenue. Tools are provided, no experience is needed, and registration is required; wear closed-toe shoes and bring water.

Getting there

Forest Park runs along the edges of Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens and Glendale. Oak Ridge, where the concert is held, sits inside the park; the NYC Parks event page has directions. The Forest Park Trust can be reached at 718-235-4100.

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