(Elana Marie / For De Los )
Our 2025 guide to celebrating Día de los Muertos in SoCal
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Despite a handful of popular Día de los Muertos events facing cancellation due to community fears surrounding ICE operations, many annual celebrations throughout Southern California will continue to honor the dearly departed as planned.
Organizers for the Oct. 18 El Sereno Día de los Muertos Festival are working with Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado and her team to ensure the safety of its attendees during a precarious time for immigrant communities. Others, like the Museum of Latin American Art’s Day of the Dead Family Festival on Oct. 26, are placing an added emphasis on resilience.
This year, De Los is hosting a free community celebration to commemorate the holiday on Oct. 25 from 2 to 10 p.m. at the Las Fotos Project. Attendees can enjoy a community altar, a skull decorating workshop, face painting and more.
De Los will also be accepting submissions for our annual digital altar from Oct. 15 to Nov. 2. Community members can submit a photograph or memento to honor the memory of their dearly departed — pets included.
Here is a list of other Día de los Muertos observations and events taking place across Southern California.
Karen Garcia contributed to this reporting.
Showing Places
The Official De Los Día de Muertos Party
Boyle Heights Event
(Diana Ramirez / De Los)
Come join the De Los team for a one-of-a-kind Dia de los Muertos celebration on Oct. 25 at Las Fotos Project. The event will feature family friendly fun events from 2-5 p.m. including a public altar, face painting, a paper marigold workshop by Self Help Graphics and a sugar skull decorating class hosted by Tia Cuchas. There will also be a photo booth by Las Fotos Project and coffee and conchas by Cafe Nina.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! From 6-10 p.m. attendees ages 21+ can enjoy cocktails by Tequila Papi, tacos, and live music from Que Madre. Come gather free goodies and learn more about our annual digital altar.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! From 6-10 p.m. attendees ages 21+ can enjoy cocktails by Tequila Papi, tacos, and live music from Que Madre. Come gather free goodies and learn more about our annual digital altar.
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Oct. 18: The El Sereno Día de los Muertos Festival
El Sereno Event
El Sereno Community Arts hosts its 16th annual Día de los Muertos Festival on Oct. 18 from 3 to 10 p.m. In partnership with local grassroots group El Sereno Community Care Collective, as well as Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado and her team, organizers of the festival aim to ensure the safety of its attendees during a precarious time for immigrant communities. The day will be filled with art, music, altars and a great sense of community pride.
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Oct. 18: The Calavera LGBTQ Festival
Boyle Heights Event
After a brief hiatus, the Calavera LGBTQ Festival returns to Mariachi Plaza on Oct. 18 from 6 to 10 p.m.
Hosted by the Latino Equality Alliance (LEA), the event will celebrate the traditional cultural holiday through a queer Latine/x lens.
The evening will be filled with powerful community altars, vendors, folkloric and Aztec dancing, as well as an iconic Mx. Calavera drag contest. This space will celebrate queerness and honor ancestors.
Entry is free but donations go toward LEA programming to support LGBTQ youth and families.
Hosted by the Latino Equality Alliance (LEA), the event will celebrate the traditional cultural holiday through a queer Latine/x lens.
The evening will be filled with powerful community altars, vendors, folkloric and Aztec dancing, as well as an iconic Mx. Calavera drag contest. This space will celebrate queerness and honor ancestors.
Entry is free but donations go toward LEA programming to support LGBTQ youth and families.
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Oct. 18: Downtown Santa Monica's Día de los Muertos Celebration
Santa Monica Event
Downtown Santa Monica hosts its annual Día de los Muertos Celebration from 2 to 8 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Third Street Promenade. The evening festivities will feature live entertainment, large-scale art, a Latinx pop-up market, community altars, kids arts and crafts, face painting and games for all ages.
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Oct. 18: Self Help Graphics & Art's Día de los Muertos Workshops
East Los Angeles Event
(Sarahi Apaez / For De Los)
In the month leading up to the main celebration on Nov. 1, Self Help Graphics & Art will host a series of free papel picado workshops every Saturday in October from noon to 3 p.m. at the East Los Angeles County Library (4837 E. 3rd St., Los Angeles).
The arts organization will host its 52nd Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration from 3 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 1 at the East L.A. Civic Center. Organizers encourage attendees to dress in their favorite Día de los Muertos apparel — which should not be mistaken for Halloween costumes! Attendees can indulge in food from local street vendors, face painting, art activities and more.
The arts organization will host its 52nd Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration from 3 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 1 at the East L.A. Civic Center. Organizers encourage attendees to dress in their favorite Día de los Muertos apparel — which should not be mistaken for Halloween costumes! Attendees can indulge in food from local street vendors, face painting, art activities and more.
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Oct. 24: The Oxnard Performing Arts Center's Día de los Muertos
Oxnard Performing arts center
The Oxnard Performing Arts Center (OPAC) will hosts its annual Día de los Muertos Celebration on Oct. 24 from 5 to 10 p.m — honoring both Mexican and Filipino traditions through music, dance and vibrant art.
A community altar will also be on display at the Collection; individuals are encouraged to submit photos to be included in the display.
A community altar will also be on display at the Collection; individuals are encouraged to submit photos to be included in the display.
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Oct. 25: Calvary Cemetery Los Angeles' Día de los Muertos Mass and Celebration
East Los Angeles Event
Calvary Cemetery Los Angeles hosts its 11th annual Día de los Muertos Misa y Celebración on Oct. 25.
Doors open at 11 a.m. with a traditional Catholic Mass, a procession and a blessing of the altars to follow. The day will continue with a community celebration through 5 p.m. that includes folkloric dancers, live music and children’s activities. Attendees can create a memorial altar to honor loved ones, and organizations can host a booth.
There is also a Día de los Muertos Mass on Nov. 1 from noon at San Fernando Mission Cemetery in Mission Hills, as well as another service at the Santa Clara Cemetery in Oxnard, with a cultural celebration to follow.
Doors open at 11 a.m. with a traditional Catholic Mass, a procession and a blessing of the altars to follow. The day will continue with a community celebration through 5 p.m. that includes folkloric dancers, live music and children’s activities. Attendees can create a memorial altar to honor loved ones, and organizations can host a booth.
There is also a Día de los Muertos Mass on Nov. 1 from noon at San Fernando Mission Cemetery in Mission Hills, as well as another service at the Santa Clara Cemetery in Oxnard, with a cultural celebration to follow.
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Oct. 25: Grand Park's Día de los Muertos
Downtown L.A. Event
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Gloria Molina Grand Park’s annual Downtown Día de los Muertos celebration starts on Oct. 25 and continues through Nov. 2.
Opening ceremony festivities kick off on Oct. 25 at 11 a.m. with live music, dance, poetry and more. Visitors can stop by for the two-week exhibit featuring altars created by local artists and community organizations. The festivities conclude on Nov. 2 with performances by two-time Latin Grammy nominated artist Lupita Infante and L.A.-based band Boleros with Attitude.
Opening ceremony festivities kick off on Oct. 25 at 11 a.m. with live music, dance, poetry and more. Visitors can stop by for the two-week exhibit featuring altars created by local artists and community organizations. The festivities conclude on Nov. 2 with performances by two-time Latin Grammy nominated artist Lupita Infante and L.A.-based band Boleros with Attitude.
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Oct. 25: Olvera Street Día de los Muertos Festival
Downtown L.A. Event
(Olvera Street Merchants Assn. Foundation )
The Olvera Street Merchants Assn. Foundation will host its nine-day Día de los Muertos Festival from Oct. 25 through Nov. 2.
The festival, which has been held for nearly 40 years, includes evening programming that begins at 6 p.m. with a Danza de la Muerte presented by Teatro del Barrio. A nightly procession will follow the performance at 7 p.m., accompanied by a traditional Mayan Blessing/Soul Cleansing, before it ends at the Kiosko, where free sweet bread and beverages will be available.
Daytime entertainment will take place across two weekends, Oct. 25-26 and Nov. 1-2. Beginning at 11 a.m. attendees can enjoy live entertainment and face painting.
The festival, which has been held for nearly 40 years, includes evening programming that begins at 6 p.m. with a Danza de la Muerte presented by Teatro del Barrio. A nightly procession will follow the performance at 7 p.m., accompanied by a traditional Mayan Blessing/Soul Cleansing, before it ends at the Kiosko, where free sweet bread and beverages will be available.
Daytime entertainment will take place across two weekends, Oct. 25-26 and Nov. 1-2. Beginning at 11 a.m. attendees can enjoy live entertainment and face painting.
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Oct. 26: San Pedro's 14th Annual Día De Los Muertos Festival
San Pedro Event
Discover San Pedro will host its 14th Día de los Muertos Festival from 3 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 26. The festival includes live entertainment, a beer garden, food, crafts for kids, an altar contest exhibition and more. Visitors are encouraged to dress in Dia de los Muertos attire as the Catrina contest is back! Free trolley rides will be hosted by downtown San Pedro as well.
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Oct. 26: The Muckenthaler Cultural Center's Día de los Muertos Festival
Fullerton Event
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center celebrates its Día de los Muertos festival on Oct. 26 from 12 p.m to 4 p.m. at its historic estate. The free event will have activities for the whole family including live music, local artisans, and arts and crafts for kids.
Vendor applications are still open. Email adam@TheMuck.org for more information.
Vendor applications are still open. Email adam@TheMuck.org for more information.
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Oct. 26: The Museum of Latin American Art's Day of the Dead Family Festival
Long Beach Event
(Lorena Endara / For De Los)
The Museum of Latin American Art will host its annual Day of the Dead Family Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 26. This year’s theme is “resilience,” which symbolizes the community’s endurance and ability to overcome hardship.
MOLAA is still accepting applications for vendors and food pop-ups. For more information, you can contact the museum via email at education@molaa.org, or by phone at (562) 437-1689.
MOLAA is still accepting applications for vendors and food pop-ups. For more information, you can contact the museum via email at education@molaa.org, or by phone at (562) 437-1689.
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Oct. 26: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes presents Día de los Muertos Family Day
Downtown L.A. Event
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes will host its Día de los Muertos Family Day, a free community event that kicks off at noon Oct. 26. Performances will pay homage to the dead through music and dance. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
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Nov. 1: Día de los Muertos by Hollywood Forever
Hollywood Event
(Juli Perez / For De Los)
Hollywood Forever will host its 26th annual Día de los Muertos celebration on Nov. 1.
As in years past, the celebration will feature a children’s plaza, an Aztec ritual performance, altars, art exhibitions, traditional dances, artisan crafts and culinary vendors. Tickets are now on sale.
As in years past, the celebration will feature a children’s plaza, an Aztec ritual performance, altars, art exhibitions, traditional dances, artisan crafts and culinary vendors. Tickets are now on sale.
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Nov. 1: Boyle Heights Día de Muertos at Mariachi Plaza
Boyle Heights Event
The 1st Street Business Assn., in conjunction with Caminarte, will host Boyle Heights’ Día de Muertos event — in what they’re advertising as their “biggest and most vibrant block party yet.”
The event will take place on Nov. 1 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Mariachi Plaza, between Boyle and Soto Streets.
It will feature many opportunities for family fun, including free face painting, interactive art and over 20 local artisan vendors. Community-built altars will also be on display and attendees can enjoy live music.
The event will take place on Nov. 1 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Mariachi Plaza, between Boyle and Soto Streets.
It will feature many opportunities for family fun, including free face painting, interactive art and over 20 local artisan vendors. Community-built altars will also be on display and attendees can enjoy live music.
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Nov. 1: MidCity Mercado's Día de los Muertos Block Party
West Adams Event
(Giovanny Maldonado / MidCity Mercado)
MidCity Mercado, in partnership with City Councilwoman Heather Hutt of District 10, is hosting the third Día de los Muertos Festival Block Party from noon to 8 p.m. on Nov. 1.
The event includes free workshops, carnival rides and games, an immersive community altar and shopping at the mercadito. The family- and pet-friendly event also features live music, dance performances across two stages, face painting, food trucks and more.
The event includes free workshops, carnival rides and games, an immersive community altar and shopping at the mercadito. The family- and pet-friendly event also features live music, dance performances across two stages, face painting, food trucks and more.
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Nov. 1: Downtown Ventura's Día De Los Muertos Street Festival
Event
Come out to the biggest Día de los Muertos celebration in Ventura on Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Stretching across three city blocks, the festivities will include regional and cultural dances, community altars, street market “tianguis,” food vendors and a classic car show. The event will also include a beer garden with special drinks for those ages 21-plus. Organizers are still looking for vendors, sponsors and volunteers.
Stretching across three city blocks, the festivities will include regional and cultural dances, community altars, street market “tianguis,” food vendors and a classic car show. The event will also include a beer garden with special drinks for those ages 21-plus. Organizers are still looking for vendors, sponsors and volunteers.
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Nov. 1: Los Muertos 5K run at Olvera Street
Downtown L.A. Running
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Start Día de los Muertos early with a 5k run (or walk!) around historic Olvera Street on Nov. 1.
The kickoff starts at 8 a.m., but earlier risers can show up as early as 6 a.m. to have their faces painted for $15 cash.
The 3.5-mile route will start on Main Street, in El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument, then traverse through lower Chinatown, the Los Angeles State Historic Park and the Los Angeles River with stunning views of downtown L.A. The Olvera Street Día de los Muertos Festival will follow the race.
Registration fees for admission are $44 for those ages 12 and under, and $59 for those ages 13 and up. Virtual entries are also available at $60.
The kickoff starts at 8 a.m., but earlier risers can show up as early as 6 a.m. to have their faces painted for $15 cash.
The 3.5-mile route will start on Main Street, in El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument, then traverse through lower Chinatown, the Los Angeles State Historic Park and the Los Angeles River with stunning views of downtown L.A. The Olvera Street Día de los Muertos Festival will follow the race.
Registration fees for admission are $44 for those ages 12 and under, and $59 for those ages 13 and up. Virtual entries are also available at $60.
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Nov. 1: The Wallis' Día de los Muertos Family Fest Day
Beverly Hills Performing arts center
The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts will celebrate Día de los Muertos with its first Family Fest of the season.
Join in on the fun on Nov. 1 beginning at 11 a.m. for an event that will honor the memory of loved ones. The afternoon will be filled with family-friendly activities including festive music, dance and traditional foods.
Join in on the fun on Nov. 1 beginning at 11 a.m. for an event that will honor the memory of loved ones. The afternoon will be filled with family-friendly activities including festive music, dance and traditional foods.
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Nov. 1: Día de Muertos at the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum
Rancho Dominguez Museum
(Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum)
The Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum and the Semillitas Learning Community will host a free Día de Muertos celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 1.
The event will include live performances from mariachi to baile folklórico, traditional food options and vendors.
The event will include live performances from mariachi to baile folklórico, traditional food options and vendors.
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Nov. 1: Centro Cultural de México's Noche de Altares
Santa Ana Event
(Jenny Lynn / @SteadyJenny)
The Centro Cultural de México in Santa Ana is hosting its 23rd annual Noche de Altares from noon to 9 p.m. on Nov. 1.
The community-based event is a Día de Muertos celebration where families, students, local organizations and businesses come together to create an authentic cultural experience that reflects past and present Mexican traditions. Attendees can expect performances, live music, face painting, free workshops and local food and art vendors.
The community-based event is a Día de Muertos celebration where families, students, local organizations and businesses come together to create an authentic cultural experience that reflects past and present Mexican traditions. Attendees can expect performances, live music, face painting, free workshops and local food and art vendors.
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Nov. 1: Día de los Muertos at the Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Event
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
The Santa Monica Pier will commemorate Día de los Muertos with a two-day art installation.
From 5 to 8 p.m Nov. 1, attendees can stroll around the 100-year-old Carousel, which will be adorned with marigolds and papel picado. There will be live performances throughout the evening by traditional ballet folklorico dancers, as well as a mariachi group and a procession led by Aztec dancers. Guests can also share pictures of loved ones for the community altar and indulge in hot chocolate provided by Soda Jerks.
Details on Nov. 2 have yet to be announced. For more up-to-date information, visit the official site.
From 5 to 8 p.m Nov. 1, attendees can stroll around the 100-year-old Carousel, which will be adorned with marigolds and papel picado. There will be live performances throughout the evening by traditional ballet folklorico dancers, as well as a mariachi group and a procession led by Aztec dancers. Guests can also share pictures of loved ones for the community altar and indulge in hot chocolate provided by Soda Jerks.
Details on Nov. 2 have yet to be announced. For more up-to-date information, visit the official site.
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Nov. 1: Catalina Museum's Día de Muertos Family Festival
Avalon Event
(Catalina Museum for Art & History)
The Catalina Museum for Art and History hosts its seventh Día de Muertos Family Festival from 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 1. The evening will feature art projects for kids, local food vendors, tequila tasting, live music and performances.
There will also be a raffle for the 2025 Barbie Signature Collection Día de Muertos doll. The festival also invites all creative artists to submit their artwork in the Día de los Muertos Family Festival Ofrenda/Altar and Art Contest for a chance to win a cash prize.
There will also be a raffle for the 2025 Barbie Signature Collection Día de Muertos doll. The festival also invites all creative artists to submit their artwork in the Día de los Muertos Family Festival Ofrenda/Altar and Art Contest for a chance to win a cash prize.
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Nov. 2: The Fowler Museum at UCLA's Día de Los Muertos
Westwood Museum
(Elon Schoenholz)
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at the Fowler Museum at UCLA on Nov. 2 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Artist Maria Elena Cruz will lead a workshop on creating mini ofrendas and ornamental sugar skull piñatas in honor of those who have died. There will also be a curator-led tour through the museum’s newly installed kiosks, which showcase devotional practices from Haiti, Guatemala and Mexico.
The program will also feature live music by Mariachi Alta California and light refreshments.
Artist Maria Elena Cruz will lead a workshop on creating mini ofrendas and ornamental sugar skull piñatas in honor of those who have died. There will also be a curator-led tour through the museum’s newly installed kiosks, which showcase devotional practices from Haiti, Guatemala and Mexico.
The program will also feature live music by Mariachi Alta California and light refreshments.
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Nov. 2: Canoga Park's Día de los Muertos Family Festival
Reseda Event
(Main Street Canoga Park)
Canoga Park will celebrate its 25th annual Main Street Día de Muertos Family Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 2, located on Sherman Way between Canoga Avenue and Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
The event will feature a catrina-making contest, a classic car show, food trucks, chalk art, as well as a cultural procession.
The event will feature a catrina-making contest, a classic car show, food trucks, chalk art, as well as a cultural procession.
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Nov. 2: Bowers Museum's Mexican Day of the Dead
Santa Ana Museum
Bowers Museum will host a free and family-friendly Mexican Day of the Dead festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 2.
The event is part of the museum’s monthly free family festival series and includes face painting, art making, live performances and complimentary treats courtesy of the Nicholas Endowment.
The event is part of the museum’s monthly free family festival series and includes face painting, art making, live performances and complimentary treats courtesy of the Nicholas Endowment.
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Nov. 2: Antelope Valley's Día de Muertos
Lancaster Event
The Antelope Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host its ninth Día de Muertos celebration from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 2. There will be altars, art, food music as attendees gather to honor loved ones.
The organization is still accepting booth inquiries and sponsorships. For more information, email avhispanicchamber@gmail.com or call (661) 538-0607.
The organization is still accepting booth inquiries and sponsorships. For more information, email avhispanicchamber@gmail.com or call (661) 538-0607.
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Nov. 2: Downey Theatre's Día de los Muertos Art Festival
Downey Event
(Ashley Santisteven)
Downey’s 12th Día de los Muertos Art Festival will take place on Nov. 2 between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. at the Downey Theatre.
The free community event will feature a papel picado workshop, a silk-screen demonstration, a puppet show, a “chalk walk,” face painting, mobile car altars and more. Attendees can enjoy performances across three stages as well as three curated art exhibits. There will also be over 12 food trucks available for guests to peruse and chow to their heart’s desire.
The free community event will feature a papel picado workshop, a silk-screen demonstration, a puppet show, a “chalk walk,” face painting, mobile car altars and more. Attendees can enjoy performances across three stages as well as three curated art exhibits. There will also be over 12 food trucks available for guests to peruse and chow to their heart’s desire.
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