Anyone who has ever ridden on a charter bus, waited in a hospital lobby, or turned on cable TV at 8 p.m. has probably seen the hit comedy “Night at the Museum,” starring Ben Stiller. In the movie, Stiller plays a night guard at New York’s American Museum of Natural History when he (understandably) becomes shocked as he discovers the exhibits magically come to life after dark.

For many of us, the film sparked a sense of wonder and curiosity — what happens inside a museum at night?

On Saturday, you can experience that same magic at the Longmont Museum’s “Noche de Museo.” While ancient relics and taxidermied animals may not spring to life, you’ll find a cultural celebration that brings art and history alive in ways even Hollywood couldn’t script.

Longmont’s “Noche de Museo” is a highlight of this year’s Día de los Muertos celebrations. For more than two decades, Longmont’s Día de los Muertos festivities have drawn thousands of people from across Colorado, and now, in its 24th year, the tradition is more alive than ever.

“Noche de Museo” will bring the community together with Aztecan dance, genre-melding Latin rock and a hefty dose of traditional Mexican history.

Created to offer a more intimate celebration of Día de los Muertos, “Noche de Museo” was created to connect attendees with the past while honoring the present.

“The event offers a journey through Día de los Muertos across time, featuring everything from ancient Aztec dance to contemporary interpretations,” said Justin Veach, public programs curator at the Longmont Museum. “It’s a way to show how this rich tradition, while deeply rooted in Mexico’s past, continues to hold a special place in people’s lives today.”

Veach added: “Noche de Museo offers an experience that truly reflects Longmont’s vibrant Latinx community, which makes up over 25% of our population. It’s important for the museum to represent and celebrate the voices and traditions of our community, and this event does just that.”

This year’s event features a lineup of entertainers that are eclectic, energetic and engaging. Denver-based poet and musician Cipriano Ortega will serve as the emcee, guiding guests through a night that kicks off with a ritual performance by Grupo Azteca Tlahuizcalli, who will present traditional Aztec dances and open the event with a blessing. Following their performance, Ortega will take the stage, setting the mood for what’s next: a full musical set by iZCALLi, a Latin rock band known for mixing classic Latin folk with fuzz-rock flair.

For those unfamiliar with iZCALLi, the band is a staple of Colorado’s Latin rock scene. Led by frontman Miguel Aviña, with Brenda Aviña on bass and Luiggy Ramírez on drums, iZCALLi has recently expanded to an eight-piece lineup, bringing even more energy and depth to their live shows.

“Growing from a three-piece to eight musicians has let us take our live performances to another level,” said Miguel Aviña. “It allows me to explore my role as a frontman, step back when I want to, and just let the music breathe.”

The band’s music moves fluidly between English and Spanish — a choice that Miguel Aviña said happens naturally.

“We don’t really decide ahead of time which language a song will be in; Instead, we let the music lead,” he said. “The feel of the lyrics, the theme, and even my vocal range can vary depending on whether I’m singing in English or Spanish. There’s a different cadence and flow with each language that shapes how I express the ideas in the song.”

Miguel Aviña said the group’s latest album leaned heavily into the Spanish language.

“It’s been amazing to see how audiences connect with it,” he said. “People sometimes mention that they may not fully understand the words, but they feel the emotion behind them, which is exactly what we aim for. We want our expression, the inflection, and the energy in our vocals to carry the message, regardless of language.”

Saturday’s performance will be no ordinary set for iZCALLi. In true Dia de los Muertos fashion, the band will sport traditional La Catrina skeleton face paint and perform a carefully curated setlist that underscores their Latin roots, including salsa, cumbia and other danceable beats.

“We want people to feel connected, to celebrate and remember,” Miguel Aviña said.

He said the performance will be a tribute not only to the holiday but also to the band’s own journey and heritage.

“I’ve had a kind of spiritual reawakening recently, and I know others in the band have as well over the past few years,” he said. “Día de los Muertos has made us more mindful and appreciative of our ancestors — not just our grandparents, but all who came

before. I didn’t get to meet some of my grandparents, so there’s a sense of curiosity and gratitude about where we come from, and it feels powerful to have a day dedicated to honoring that. While I make it a practice to remember them when I feel called to, it’s special to have a day on the calendar that prompts us all to reflect. We wouldn’t be here without those who carried the ideas, traditions and strength that shape who we are today. It’s a privilege to celebrate that.”

Alongside the performances, attendees can experience the museum’s Día de los Muertos installation, featuring a series of offrendas — altars created by community members to honor the dearly departed. This year, the displays include an offrenda dedicated to pets, making the exhibit all the more personal. Guests can also enjoy beer, wine and concessions, rounding out the evening with a mix of celebration and reflection.

For Veach, the event is a testament to Longmont’s strong Latinx community.

“This is about more than just music or performance,” Veach said, “it’s a space for artists and the community to honor Día de Muertos authentically. There’s something about experiencing the history and artistry that connects people. It’s a unique mix of tradition and celebration you won’t find anywhere else. This gives space to local artists to honor Día de los Muertos in their own way. I’m not steering the ship here, it’s the artists. That in and of itself creates the most authentic and unique celebration possible.”

For tickets to Noche de Museo, visit longmontcolorado.gov/calendar/noche-de-museo-celebrating-day-of-the-dead-2.