Updated for 2022
Los Angeles is hosting many special events in honor of Día de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead. While customs may vary, traditionally family and friends focus on the memories of deceased loved ones.
Families may construct Día de Los Muertos altars to honor their loved ones and ancestors who have passed away. These altars can be adorned with bright flowers, photos, candles, and meaningful objects.
Celebrations are joyous, and it is a way for families to connect and remember through generations. Additionally, family and friends may paint their faces to resemble skulls (Calaveras) while their bodies are in a skeleton costume (Calacas).
Día de los Muertos Events in Los Angeles
Los Muertos 5k 2022
Olvera Street with race start at El Pueblo Historical Monument
125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles, CA
Everyone is invited to participate in a special 5K run/walk celebrating Day of the Dead on Saturday, October 29th beginning at 8:00 am. This family-friendly event gives you the chance to “tour historic Olvera Street and enjoy music along the course, beautiful finisher medals, and a post-race Día de los Muertos celebration.” Registration information is available online.
Day of the Dead Coloring
Exposition Park – Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Regional Library
3900 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062
On Tuesday, October 25th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, teens are invited to the Exposition Park – Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Regional Library for a special craft time. “Relax while coloring Day of the Dead designs.”
Shoebox Altars With Self Help Graphics – Virtual Event
On Friday, October 28th at 4:00 pm, “in honor of Día de los Muertos, the Los Angeles Public Library, in collaboration with Self Help Graphics & Art, is proud to present a virtual workshop on how to make a shoebox altar.” Participants can use a recycled shoe box and other materials found at home while exploring the “significance of an ofrenda (offering) and how they can be used to celebrate loved ones who have since passed.” Check the website for a list of needed materials. This event will stream live on LAPL’s YouTube channel.
Grand Park’s Downtown Día de los Muertos
Grand Park
200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Downtown L.A.‘s Grand Park is planning a Día de los Muertos celebration beginning on Saturday, October 22nd and continuing through Wednesday, November 2nd. The 12-day public art display is a “community-oriented space inviting parkgoers to discover altars made by professional artists and local community organizations displayed throughout the park.” In addition, families are encouraged to contribute to a community altar created in partnership with Self Help Graphics. Check the website for more details as they become available.
Día de Los Muertos Celebration
1300 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90033
Self Help Graphics and Art presents the 49th Annual Día de Los Muertos Celebration on Saturday, November 5th from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Families are encouraged to “dress up in your favorite Día de Los Muertos fashion and take part in a community walking procession led by local Aztec dancers.” There will also be live performances, food vendors, artisans, and more. Register online for this free event.
23rd Annual Día de Los Muertos
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038
The 23rd Annual Día de Los Muertos Festival is happening at Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Saturday, October 29th. This year’s celebration features separate daytime, Día de los Muertos, and evening, Noche de los Muertos, events. The daytime event (9:00 am to 3:00 pm) features art exhibitions, a children’s plaza, arts and crafts vendors, cultural performers, altars, culinary vendors, and more. The evening event (5 pm to midnight) features arts and crafts vendors, cultural performers, culinary vendors, altars, and more. Each event requires its own tickets. A schedule of events is available online as are tickets.
Family Days: Día de Los Muertos
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
501 N. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is hosting Día de Los Muertos Family Day on Sunday, October 30th at 12:00 noon. The festivities will provide families with the chance to “explore the historical and cultural significance of Day of the Dead traditions.” Enjoy live music and dance and join in a “celebration of life and death.” This is a free event.
Día de los Muertos Block Party
24th Street Theatre
1117 W. 24th St., and Hoover St. between 23rd and 25th Streets
24th Street Theatre is hosting its 16th annual Día de los Muertos Block Party on Wednesday, November 2nd from 6 pm to 10 pm. This special outdoor event features musical and dance performances, rides, food, craft vendors, and more.
Decorate Your Own Sugar Skull
Central Library
630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90071
On Saturday, October 22nd from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, stop by the Central Library. Decorate your own sugar skull to celebrate Día de los Muertos. All materials will be provided while supplies last. This workshop is designed for children ages 5-11.
Día de los Muertos Festival on Olvera Street
El Pueblo Historical Monument
125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles, CA
A nine-day Día de los Muertos Celebration will be held on Olvera Street, beginning on Tuesday, October 25th and continuing through Wednesday, November 2nd. The festivities include live entertainment, community altars, face painting, and more. In addition, “each night a vibrant and colorful procession sets the stage for our ceremony.” Check the website for all the details.
Día de Muertos with Lil’ Libros Book Signing and Family Workshop
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Families are invited to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on Saturday, November 5th at 1:00 pm for a special Día de los Muertos event. Families will “enjoy a reading and book signing with Lil’ Libros founders and authors of the La Catrina book series Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein. Their book La Catrina: Emotions/Emociones is inspired by the iconic La Catrina figure of Día de Muertos.” Additionally, Lil’ Libros author Mariana Galvez will read and sign her newest book Where is?/Dónde está? Mi Ofrenda, “a search and find book to teach little ones how to find special everyday items to build their family altar for Día de Muertos.” A mini-printmaking workshop will follow the reading. In addition, there will be a screening of the Disney Pixar film Coco earlier in the day at 11:00 am. Tickets are available online.
Día de los Muertos in Studio City:
Sugar Skull Decorating
Studio City Branch Library
12511 Moorpark St., Studio City, CA 91604
On Thursday, October 27th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, kids and teens are invited to the Studio City Branch Library for Sugar Skull Decorating in celebration of Día de los Muertos. All materials will be provided while supplies last. Families are encouraged to RSVP (by emailing [email protected]) to reserve a kit.
Día de los Muertos in Canoga Park
22nd Annual Día de los Muertos Festival
Main Street Canoga Park
On Sherman Way (between Canoga and Topanga), Canoga Park, CA
Main Street Canoga Park’s 22nd Annual Día de los Muertos Family Festival is happening on Sunday, November 6th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Families will enjoy dance performances, live music, vendors, a classic car show, arts and crafts, food, altars, and much more.
Día de los Muertos in San Fernando
Día de Los Muertos Cultural Festival
MacNeil St. and 3rd St., San Fernando, CA 91340
The city of San Fernando is hosting a Día de Los Muertos Cultural Festival on Friday, October 28th from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Families will have the chance to build an altar in memory of a friend or family member who has passed. Then, on Saturday, October 29th from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, families may participate in the San Fernando Valley Mile race. Following the run, there will be live musical and dance performances, arts and crafts, food vendors, and more. Details and registration information are available online.
Día de los Muertos in Simi Valley
Día de los Muertos Celebration
Strathearn Historical Park
137 Strathearn Place, Simi Valley, CA
The Simi Valley Historical Society and Museum presents a Día de los Muertos Celebration on Sunday, October 30th from 11 am to 5 pm. The festivities include musical and dance performances, food vendors, face painting, arts and crafts for kids, and more. Pre-sale tickets are available online.
Día de los Muertos in Van Nuys
Decorate Sugar Skulls
Van Nuys Branch Library
6250 Sylmar Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91401
Visit the Van Nuys Branch Library on Saturday, October 15th from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm for a special Día de los Muertos activity. “Decorate sugar skulls with colored icing, sequins, glitter, feathers and foil.” This special activity is designed for children, teens, and their families.
Día de los Muertos in Downey
Downey Día de los Muertos Art Festival
8435 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA 90241
The Downey Día de los Muertos Art Festival is happening on Saturday, October 29th from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. The Festival features performances, unique artwork, and more. Check the website for more details as they become available.
Día de los Muertos in West Covina
Celebrate Día de los Muertos
Plaza West Covina
112 Plaza Drive, West Covina, CA 91790
Celebrate Día de los Muertos in West Covina on Monday, October 31st from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Enjoy an “evening full of mariachi, folkloric, live performances, costume contest, candy stations, and fun!” Register online, and be sure to check the website for details about the costume contest.
Día de los Muertos in Glendale
Día de los Muertos at Forest Lawn
4 Locations
Glendale: 1712 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale 91205
Covina Hills: 21300 Via Verde Drive, Covina 91724
Cypress: 4471 Lincoln Ave., Cypress 90630
Cathedral City: 69855 East Ramon Road, Cathedral City 92234
Forest Lawn is hosting a Día de los Muertos Celebration at each of its four locations. Be sure to check the website, because different locations are hosting their celebrations at different days/times. The Glendale Location is celebrating on Sunday, October 30th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The festivities include Mariachi Music, altars, dance performances, and more.
Día de Los Muertos Art and Music Show
636 Irving Ave., Glendale, CA 91201
Skye Studies presents Día de Los Muertos Art and Music Show happening on Friday, November 4th and Saturday, November 5th (from 4 pm to midnight each day). Enjoy live music, art exhibits, food, and more. Tickets are available online. (Children under 5 are free.)
Día de los Muertos in Orange County
Mexican Day of the Dead Festival
Bowers Museum – Key Courtyard
2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92706
The Bowers Museum invites families to its free Mexican Day of the Dead Festival happening on Sunday, November 6th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The festivities include live musical and dance performances, art-making opportunities, face painting, and more.
Día de los Muertos Festival
Muckenthaler Cultural Center
1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton, CA 92833
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at The Muckenthaler on Sunday, October 30th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This free event features activities for the whole family including arts and crafts, live music, local artisans, food, and more.
Día de los Muertos
Heritage Museum of Orange County
3101 W. Harvard St., Santa Ana, CA 92704
The Heritage Museum of Orange County is celebratingDía de los Muertos on Sunday, October 23rd from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Celebrate Day of the Dead “through art, food and entertainment.” Festivities include an altar exhibit, cultural workshops, vendors, food trucks, and much more. Register online for this free event.
Día de los Muertos
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618
Pretend City Children’s Museum is celebrating Día de los Muertos on Saturday, October 29th. Families will have the chance to “join in these joyful and vibrant festivities that are a tradition in Mexico, the United States, and throughout Latin America.” Activities include art projects, story time, face painting, and more. All activities are included in general admission. Tickets are available online.
Día de Los Muertos
Heritage Park
12100 Mora Dr., Santa Fe Springs, CA
The City of Santa Fe Springs is celebrating Día de Los Muertos on Saturday, October 15th from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Enjoy music, food, artisan vendors, and more. “Learn the art of decorating traditional sugar skulls through our Sugar Skull Workshop. Honor a member of your family by participating in our Community Ofrenda Showcase.” (Sugar skull decorating is designed for children 8 and older.) Details are available online.
Día de los Muertos in San Gabriel
Día de Los Muertos
Mission Playhouse Plaza
320 S. Mission Dr., San Gabriel, CA
Celebrate Día de Los Muertos in San Gabriel on Thursday, November 3rd from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Enjoy live music, a community altar, and more!
Día de los Muertos in Rancho Dominguez
Día de los Muertos Celebration
Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum
18127 S. Alameda St., Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220
Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum is hosting a Día de los Muertos Celebration on Saturday, November 5th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. “View ofrendas honoring the dead, live performances, Mexican cuisine, and shop from local artisans.” This is a free event.
Día de los Muertos in Oxnard:
Día de los Muertos
Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, CA
Visit the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Saturday, November 5th for a special Día de los Muertos community celebration. This free event includes artisan vendors, arts and crafts, live musical performances, altars, children’s activities, food, and more.
Día de los Muertos in San Pedro:
San Pedro’s 10th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival
398 W. 6th St., San Pedro, CA 90731
San Pedro’s 10th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival is happening on Sunday, October 23rd from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This special event includes live music, craft vendors, local food, altar competitions, and more.
In addition, The Disney Pixar film Coco will be screened at the historic Warner Grand Theatre on October 23rd at 1:00 pm. Doors open at 12:00 pm. Details and tickets are available online.
Día de los Muertos Chalk Festival & Arts and Crafts Fair
Deane Dana Friendship Regional Park & Nature Center
1805 W. 9th St., San Pedro, CA 90732
Head to San Pedro for the Día de los Muertos Chalk Festival & Arts and Crafts Fair happening on Saturday, November 5th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The fun includes live entertainment, kids’ crafts, food booths, community altars, chalk artists, and more. Register online for this free event.
Día de los Muertos in Santa Monica:
Día de los Muertos
Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at the Santa Monica Pier on Tuesday, November 1st from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Wednesday, November 2nd from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. At this special two-day public art installation, families can “contribute to the community altar as well as to view the altars made by local artists, Sylvia Sanchez and Daniel Alonso.” Additional festivities include live musical and dance performances, food, face painting, and more. Check the website for all the details.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos
Third Street Promenade (between Broadway and Wilshire), Santa Monica, CA
Downtown Santa Monica is celebrating Día de los Muertos on Friday, October 28th through Wednesday, November 2nd. Enjoy live entertainment as well as a “display of nine La Catrina sculptures,” created by Los Angeles-based artist Ricardo Soltero. In addition, Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico will perform on Sunday, October 30th at 6:00 pm on the 1300 Block of the Promenade.
Día de los Muertos in Huntington Beach:
Día del los Muertos Maker Market
Bella Terra
7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Visit Bella Terra on Saturday, October 15th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm for Día del los Muertos Maker Market. This special event commemorates an important cultural event through “creative goods, art and entertainment.” The free festivities include live entertainment, art installations, face painting, games, kids’ activities, and more.
Día de los Muertos in Long Beach:
Día de los Muertos Festival
Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802
The Museum of Latin American Art invites families to its Día de los Muertos Festival happening on Sunday, October 30th from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. “MOLAA’s Day of the Dead: Strength and Hope is all about overcoming challenges, love, and emerging heroes. Together we will celebrate the past and its difficulties, while looking forward to the future.” Check the website for more details.
Ofrenda: A Día de los Muertos Celebration
Carpenter Center
Cal State University Long Beach
6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach, CA 90840
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with “the nation’s premier Mexican folk dance company, Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles, and the musicians of Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar, on Saturday, November 5th at 8:00 pm. Ofrenda is described as an “unforgettable visual and musical experience,” “paying tribute to traditional music and dances from different regions.” Tickets are available online.
7th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival
Rainbow Lagoon
Shoreline Drive between Linden Ave. and Shoreline Village Dr., Long Beach, CA
The City of Long Beach is hosting its 7th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival on Saturday, November 5th from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Enjoy a “spectacular celebration and street extravaganza with breathtaking arts and crafts, dance, world-class music and entertainment, and food and beverage offerings.” A parade will also work its way through the area.
Día de los Muertos in Pasadena:
Día de los Muertos
Villa Parke Community Center
363 E. Villa St., Pasadena, CA
Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Pasadena at the Villa Parke Community Center on Friday, October 28th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Enjoy “dance performances, arts and crafts, food available for purchase, and ‘ofrendas,’ altars honoring the lives of the deceased.”
Día de los Muertos
Kidspace Children’s Museum
480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103
Kidspace Children’s Museum is celebrating Día de los Muertos from Tuesday, November 1st through Sunday, November 6th. “The program includes music, art, and a community ofrenda where families can share memories of people and pets who have enriched their lives.” Over the weekend, the festivities will also include live music, dancing, and food. All Día de los Muertos activities are included in general admission. Details and ticket information are available online.
Día de los Muertos Festival at Playhouse Village
696 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 160, Pasadena 91101
The Playhouse Village Association and Mercadito Monarca Cultural Arts Shop present Día de los Muertos Festival in Playhouse Village, a FREE full day event celebrating the ancestral tradition of Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on Sunday, October 16th from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Arcade Lane. The Festival brings back its unique presentation of community altars, music, artisan vendors and art workshops in a free, family-friendly event.
Día de los Muertos in Los Alamitos:
Día de los Muertos
St. Isidore Historical Plaza
10961 Reagan St., Los Alamitos, CA
A Día de los Muertos celebration is happening at St. Isidore Historical Plaza on Saturday, October 29th from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The celebration includes altars, food, music, raffles, and more.
Día de los Muertos in Boyle Heights:
Día de los Muertos Car Show
Mariachi Plaza
1831 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Head to Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights for a Día de los Muertos Car Show happening on Saturday, October 15th beginning at 12:00 pm. In addition to the Car Show, festivities also include food, music, vendors, and more. Details are available online.
Día de los Muertos in Manhattan Beach:
1st Annual Day of the Dead Celebration
Manhattan Village
3200 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Manhattan Village invites families to its 1st Annual Day of the Dead Celebration happening on Wednesday, November 2nd from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The festivities include live music, stilt walkers, face painting, and more. Register online for this free event.
Día de los Muertos in El Monte:
Muertos on Main
10935 Main St., El Monte, CA 91731
Muertos on Main is happening on Saturday, October 22nd from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The fun includes face painting, vendors, food, raffles, Aztec dance groups, musical performances, and more. Tickets are available online.
Create Sugar Skulls At Home
If schedules prohibit you and your family from enjoying one of these celebrations around town, or if you’re looking for a fun way to get your kids involved in Día del los Muertos at home, try making sugar skulls.
It’s a simple process that only requires a few ingredients. Best of all, it can be adapted so you can make enough just for your family or a large batch to share with your child’s class, as Yvonne did.
Take a look at the video and step-by-step instructions below or see Yvonne’s post about how to make sugar skulls.
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.
