Día de los Muertos Celebrations in Southern California: A Colorful & Festive Tradition
Updated: October 2025
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a vibrant and heartfelt celebration deeply rooted in Mexican culture. Though it might sound spooky, this holiday is anything but scary.
It’s a time for families to come together and remember their loved ones who have passed away. But it’s not a time for sadness—it’s all about celebrating life and the memories of those who are no longer with us. Families create ofrendas, or altars, filled with photographs, the deceased’s favorite foods and drinks, candles, and marigold flowers, believed to help guide spirits back home.
In Southern California, this tradition takes on a unique and multicultural form, welcoming all who want to participate. Cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Long Beach host grand events and parades that attract people of all backgrounds.
2025 Día de los Muertos Events in Southern California
La Mirada | October 18, 2025
Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno presents a stunning show of music, dance, pageantry, and tradition. Admire the diversity of how Mexico celebrates Día de los Muertos from state to state as told through song and dance.
🟣 FREE!
Día de los Muertos at Third Street Promenade
Santa Monica | October 18, 2025
Enjoy a Latinx pop-up market, community altars, kids’ crafts, and free face painting for all ages. Stroll among Ricardo Soltoreo’s towering paper mâché catrinas and alebrijes, and catch performances by local folklórico dancers and mariachi. Don’t forget to come dressed as a catrina or catrín for a chance to win the Best Dressed prize!
🟣 FREE!
Día de los Muertos at Fullerton College
Fullerton | October 23, 2025
An evening of music, food, activities, ofrendas, vendors, and performances.
🟣 FREE!
Día de los Muertos Festival on Olvera Street
Los Angeles | October 25 – November 2, 2025
The historic Olvera Street hosts the annual Día de los Muertos Festival featuring outdoor altar displays, nightly novenario procession, traditional Mayan blessing/soul cleansing, live entertainment, face painting (separate fee), and Carrera de los Muertos 5K. Don’t miss La Danza de la Muerte, a theatrical performance about the indigenous roots of Día de los Muertos.
🟣 FREE!
Día de los Muertos Festival at Gloria Molina Grand Park
Los Angeles | October 25 – November 2, 2025
a nine-day celebration featuring 19 community altars honoring loved ones and immigrant ancestors. The festivities kick off October 25 with live music, dance, workshops, and family activities, and conclude November 2 with Noche de los Muertos—a luminous evening of lantern-making, marigold art, mercado artisans, and performances by Lupita Infante and Boleros with Attitude.
🟣 FREE!
Día de los Muertos Celebration at MainPlace Mall
Santa Ana | October 25, 2025
Celebrate with interactive activities, live performances, cultural games, live music, plus an immersive altar installation that honors Day of the Dead and Aztec culture.
🟣 FREE!
Día de los Muertos
Mission Viejo | October 25, 2025
Experience the cultural richness and traditions of Day of the Dead with mariachi entertainment, folklorico dance performances, face painting, crafts, artisan market, and authentic food. Located at the Norman P. Murray Community Center.
🟣 FREE!
Día de los Muertos at Forest Lawn
Cypress, Covina Hills, Glendale, Cathedral City | October 25, 2025
Forest Lawn brings traditional Día de los Muertos customs to life with a vibrant celebration of remembrance and culture.
🟣 FREE!
Día de los Muertos Festival
San Pedro | October 26, 2025
Authentic altar displays, live entertainment, food trucks, beer garden, artisan craft vendors, catrina costume contest, face painting for children, free trolley rides, and more.
🟣 FREE!
Día de los Muertos Festival at MOLAA
Long Beach | October 26, 2025
The free family festival includes an all-day DJ on stage, cultural performances including Folklorico and mariachis, Catrina contest, art workshops, face painting, sugar skulls, delicious food and more., plus local merchants and artisans.
🟣 FREE!
Día de los Muertos at Heritage Museum of Orange County
Santa Ana | October 26, 2025
Celebrate with live entertainment, food, vendors, community altars, arts and crafts, and more.
🟣 FREE!
Día de los Muertos Festival at Muckenthaler Cultural Center
Fullerton | October 26, 2025
Enjoy festive activities for the whole family, live music, local artisans, and arts and crafts for kids.
Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Hollywood | November 1, 2025
Experience one of LA’s most beloved traditions at Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever. Enjoy Aztec blessings, vibrant altar displays, live music, artisan vendors, and DJs under the stars. Highlights include outdoor screenings of Coco, a dazzling drone show, and family-friendly performances celebrating life, memory, and community.
*Guests must purchase tickets for one of three timed sessions — daytime, evening, or late-night — and depart at the end of their selected time slot.
🟣 FREE!
Día de los Muertos
San Clemente | November 1, 2025
Join the City of San Clemente at Max Berg Plaza Park for rich cultural celebration. Explore a stunning display of traditional altars, enjoy live performers, Mexican music, folklorico dancing, Mexican cuisine and sweet treats, art contest, and Catrina and Catrin contest.
🟣 FREE!
Día de los Muertos
Dana Point | November 1, 2025
This traditional holiday will be celebrated in La Plaza Park with ofrendas, live bands, dancing, art, great food and delicious beverages.
🟣 FREE!
Día de los Muertos at The Wallis
Los Angeles | November 1, 2025
Enjoy a colorful afternoon of music, dance, food, and family activities at The Wallis’ first Family Fest of the season.
Día de los Muertos at Castle Park
Riverside | Weekends, September 20 – November 2, 2025
Experience a family-friendly daytime celebration of Mexican and Latin American traditions. Enjoy live traditional performances, follow the trick-or-treat trail, join in on the dance party, and show off your costume.
Día de los Muertos at Kidspace Children’s Museum
Pasadena | November 1-2, 2025
Families can enjoy live music, dance performances, and hands-on art. Create a memory postcard to add to the altar or take home as a keepsake. Performances include Aztec dance on Saturday and all-female mariachi ensemble Las Colibrí on Sunday.
Día de los Muertos at SeaWorld
San Diego | November 1-2, 2025
Celebrate life and remembrance with colorful Catrina statues, vibrant ofrendas, live traditional music, and authentic Mxican treats during this cultural holiday celebration.
🟣 FREE!
Día de los Muertos Celebration at Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica | November 1-2, 2025
The historic Merry Go-Round building transforms into a glowing space filled with altars and art by local artists Sylvia Sanchez and Yolanda Medina. Enjoy live mariachi, Ballet Folklórico, and a sunset Aztec procession, plus free face painting and family-friendly cultural activities throughout the weekend.
🟣 FREE!
Day of the Dead in Historic Gaslamp District
San Diego | November 1-2, 2025
Join in for a vibrant celebration of culture featuring free music, delicious food, and exciting activities for the whole family. Experience traditional dance performances, face painting by local artists, and hands-on crafts for kids.
🟣 FREE!
Día de Muertos at Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum
Rancho Dominguez | November 1, 2025
Watch live performances from mariachi to baile folklorico, enjoy traditional food, and shop vendors.
🟣 FREE!
Día de los Muertos Pop-Up at the Wilmington Cemetery
Wilmington | November 1, 2025
Celebrate with live music and a variety of booths and vendors with foods, crafts, gifts, and more.
En Memoria at Fairplex
Pomona | November 1, 2025
Experience art, culture, and remembrance at En Memoria at Fairplex. This Día de los Muertos celebration blends traditional altar making with the vibrant artistry of lowrider car culture. Enjoy visual art, live music, and delicious food in a colorful tribute to life, community, and creative expression.
🟣 FREE!
Mexican Day of the Dead Family Festival at Bowers Museum
Santa Ana | November 2, 2025
Celebrate with Bowers Museum during our free family festivals held every first Sunday of the month in the Museum’s beautiful Key Courtyard. Enjoy live performances, art making, face painting and complimentary treats at every festival.
🟣 FREE!
Día de los Muertos Art Festival
Downey | November 2, 2025
Celebrate with local and regional artist, live music, cultural performances, altars, food trucks, beer & wine garden, and family activities, including art alley, mercado, and children’s crafts.
Categories: Blog
This post was written by Kidsguide
