Día de los Muertos Events in California

Orange County, California Día de los Muertos Events Guide: Orange County boasts a vibrant array of California Día de los Muertos celebrations that showcase community ofrendas, stunning altar displays, Mexican-American art, music, dance, sugar skulls, La Catrina artwork, and engaging family activities.

Noche de Altares — Santa Ana (October/November, annual)

Dates vary by year. Downtown Santa Ana, California: Noche de Altares celebrates Día de los Muertos by gathering the community to create public altars that honor loved ones. Families, artists, schools, and organizations construct ofrendas adorned with photographs, candles, flowers, food, and cultural artwork.

Art Highlights:

  Community ofrendas

  Sugar skull art

  Papel picado

  Catrina artwork

  Live music

  Traditional dance

  Local artists

Visitor Information:

  Family-friendly

  Free community event

  Walking festival experience

  Great photography opportunity

  Respect personal memorial altars

Heritage Museum of Orange County Día de los Muertos

Date: November 1, 2026, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: Heritage Museum of Orange County, Santa Ana, California: The Heritage Museum of Orange County hosts a community Día de los Muertos celebration that emphasizes the preservation of cultural traditions through art, remembrance, and education. This event features a community altar where families can honor their loved ones.

Art Highlights:

  Community altar (ofrenda)

  Family photos

  Marigolds

  Arts and crafts

  Cultural performances

  Food vendors

Visitor Information:

  Free community event

  Family activities

  Live entertainment

  Vendors

  Educational experience

Festival Name: Viva La Vida — Santa Ana (October/November, annual)

Dates vary yearly. Downtown Santa Ana, California: Viva La Vida celebrates Latino culture, art, and community through Día de los Muertos traditions, highlighting local artists, musicians, performers, and cultural organizations.

Art Highlights:

  Día de los Muertos artwork

  Catrina costumes

  Murals

  Artisan booths

  Live performances

  Cultural displays

Visitor Information:

  Outdoor festival

  Art and music focused

  Family-friendly

  Food and craft vendors

Día de los Muertos at Christ Cathedral / Noche de Altares (Annual October/November celebration)

Dates vary. Christ Cathedral, Garden Grove, California: This celebration honors loved ones through community-created altar displays. The event beautifully combines remembrance traditions with music, dance, and cultural performances.

Art Highlights:

  Community altars

  Aztec dance

  Folklórico performances

  Mariachi music

  Face painting

  Cultural art

Visitor Information:

  Family-friendly

  Cultural performances

  Food vendors

  Children’s activities

Santa Ana Cemetery Día de los Muertos (November 1, annual programs vary)

Santa Ana Cemetery, Santa Ana, California: The cemetery offers families a respectful space to honor ancestors by decorating gravesites and creating personal memorials. Día de los Muertos traditions flourish through flowers, photographs, and remembrance.

Art Highlights:

  Grave decorations

  Marigold flowers

  Personal ofrendas

  Family memorials

Visitor Information:

  Respectful memorial setting

  Families may create personal ofrendas

  Free community activities may be offered

Día de los Muertos at Pretend City Children’s Museum

Date: November (annual)

2026 date announced closer to the event. Pretend City Children's Museum, Irvine, California: Pretend City introduces children and families to the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos through interactive learning, crafts, storytelling, and cultural activities.

Art Highlights:

  Sugar skull crafts

  Storytelling

  Children's artwork

  Cultural activities

Visitor Information:

  Family-focused

  Educational activities

  Museum admission required; shoes and shirt at all times.

Riverside County, California hosts an exciting array of Día de los Muertos events that celebrate this culturally rich holiday with community festivals, art exhibitions, ofrendas, live music, traditional dance, and cultural programs aimed at honoring ancestors and preserving Mexican heritage. 

Festival Name: Riverside Día de los Muertos Festival

Riverside Day of the Dead 4.7 • Festivals Website • Directions • (951) 965-4392

Date: Late October – Early November (Annual) 

(Location: Downtown Riverside / White Park area, Riverside, California)

History: The Riverside Día de los Muertos Festival brings together families, artists, and community organizations to commemorate loved ones who have passed away. This vibrant celebration showcases Mexican traditions through public ofrendas, artwork, music, dance, and cultural education. 

Art Highlights:

  Community ofrendas

  Sugar skull artwork

  La Catrina art

  Papel picado

  Marigold decorations

  Traditional clothing

  Local artists

  Cultural performances

Visitor Information:

  Family-friendly event

  Outdoor festival

  Art and food vendors

  Live entertainment

  Photography opportunities

  Visitors are encouraged to respect personal memorial altars

Festival Name: Day of the Dead Arts Fest — Redlands

Day of the Dead Arts Fest 4.0 • Festivals Website • Directions • (909) 798-8611

Date: October/November (Annual, dates vary each year)

Location: Redlands, California

History: The Day of the Dead Arts Fest celebrates the artistic connection to remembrance. This event features artists, makers, musicians, and community members sharing Día de los Muertos traditions through creative expression.

Art Highlights:

  Día de los Muertos artwork

  Handmade crafts

  Sugar skull designs

  Catrina creations

  Artist booths

  Cultural demonstrations

Visitor Information:

  Art-focused festival

  Family-friendly

  Great for artists and collectors

  Local vendors and performances

Festival Name: Jurupa Valley Día de los Muertos Celebration

Date: Annual October/November celebration (dates announced yearly)

Location: Jurupa Valley, 4800 Crestmore Road, Jurupa Valley, California

History: Jurupa Valley’s Día de los Muertos celebration features enduring community traditions, music, food, art exhibits, and activities that unite families in honoring their ancestors.

Art Highlights:

  Artist exhibits

  Community altars

  Traditional decorations

  Music

  Cultural performances

Visitor Information:

  Family-friendly

  Food booths

  Live music

  Art displays

  Community gathering

Festival Name: Downtown Riverside Día de los Muertos Community Celebration

Date: November (Annual, dates vary each year)

Location: Downtown Riverside, California

History: The City of Riverside officially recognizes Día de los Muertos as a vital part of its annual cultural programming. This event celebrates remembrance through art, community participation, and cultural traditions.

Art Highlights:

  Large-scale ofrendas

  Local artwork

  Face painting

  Music and dance

  Cultural storytelling

Visitor Information:

  Open to the public

  Community celebration

  Family activities

  Cultural learning opportunities

Riverside County Día de los Muertos Website Tags

Region: Riverside County, California  

Cities Featured:

  Riverside

  Jurupa Valley

  Redlands

Traditions Featured:

✓ Ofrendas

✓ Sugar Skulls

✓ La Catrina

✓ Marigolds

✓ Papel Picado

✓ Mariachi

✓ Folklórico Dance

✓ Mexican-American Art

✓ Ancestor Remembrance

Festival Name: Día de los Muertos — Festival of Altars (Marigold Project) November 2 (annual celebration) (Date may vary depending on year.) Potrero del Sol Park 4.5 • City park • Open Website • Directions • (415) 554-9521 San Francisco, California The Marigold Project’s Día de los Muertos Festival of Altars creates a community space where families and artists build ofrendas to honor loved ones who have passed away. This California Día de los Muertos festival connects ancient traditions of ancestor remembrance with modern San Francisco art and community expression. 

Art Highlights:

  Community ofrendas

  Marigold flower displays

  Candles and photographs

  Sugar skull artwork

  Papel picado

  Live music

  Traditional ceremonies

Visitor Information:

  Family-friendly cultural event

  Visitors can view community altars

  Bring respectful offerings if participating

  Photography is encouraged while respecting memorials

  Features performances and cultural activities 

Mission District Día de los Muertos Procession Date: Late October – November 2 (annual) Specific dates vary. Mission District San Francisco, California Calle 24 Latino Cultural District The Mission District has been a center of Latino culture in San Francisco for decades. Día de los Muertos celebrations here honor ancestors through neighborhood altars, Aztec traditions, music, dance, and community art. 

Art Highlights:

  Aztec dance ceremonies

  Lowrider art

  Murals

  Community altars

  La Catrina artwork

  Face painting

  Mexican-American art

Visitor Information:

  Walking celebration

  Great for photographers and artists

  Explore murals and cultural spaces

  Respect private memorials and offerings

Día de los Muertos: Night of Cempasúchil & Yerba Buena November 1 (annual) Example event: November 1, 2025, 4 PM–9 PM. Future dates vary. Yerba Buena Gardens 4.4 • Park • Open Website • Directions • (415) 543-1718 San Francisco, California This celebration honoring ancestors through Indigenous blessings, community altars, music, dance, art, and cultural performances highlights the importance of ancestral memory and community connection during the Day of the Dead celebrations. 

Art Highlights:

  Indigenous ceremonies

  Community altar

  Live mural painting

  Dance performances

  Artisan booths

  Traditional music

Visitor Information:

  Free community event

  Family-friendly

  Outdoor celebration

  Food and artisan vendors available 

Día de los Muertos Exhibition — SOMArts Cultural Center October–November (annual exhibition) Dates vary yearly. SOMArts Cultural Center 4.4 • Cultural center • Closed Website • Directions • (415) 863-1414 San Francisco, California SOMArts presents one of San Francisco’s most important Día de los Muertos events, featuring contemporary artists who create installations, altars, and artwork inspired by remembrance traditions. 

Art Highlights:

  Contemporary ofrendas

  Large-scale installations

  Chicano and Latino artwork

  Photography

  Sculpture

  Community altars

Visitor Information:

  Museum-style art experience

  Great for artists and students

  Photography opportunities

  Educational cultural experience

Día de los Muertos Celebration — Garfield Square November 1, 2026 (listed event date) Garfield Square Mission District, San Francisco Garfield Square celebrations bring residents together to honor loved ones through community remembrance, cultural activities, and Día de los Muertos traditions. 

Art Highlights:

  Ofrendas

  Flowers

  Community artwork

  Cultural performances

Visitor Information:

  Public community gathering

  Family-friendly

  Check yearly schedule before attending.

Sacramento, California Día de los Muertos Events Guide 5Sacramento has a long history of celebrating Día de los Muertos through Chicano art, community altars, music, dance, cultural exhibitions, and ancestor remembrance. Many Day of the Dead celebrations are connected to the work of Sacramento Latino artists and organizations dedicated to preserving Mexican traditions.

El Panteón de Sacramento — Día de los Muertos

October 31 – November 2 (annual) (Annual dates may vary.) Latino Center of Art and Culture Museum•Closed Website•Directions•(916) 446-5133 Sacramento, California El Panteón de Sacramento is one of the city’s major Día de los Muertos events. This celebration honors ancestors through family-created altars, live music, dance performances, and community art, representing Sacramento’s Mexican-American cultural heritage and keeping remembrance traditions alive through generations. Art Highlights:

  Community ofrendas

  Family altars

  Sugar skull artwork

  La Catrina figures

  Papel picado

  Traditional dance

  Local artists

Visitor Information:

  Family-friendly cultural event

  Live entertainment

  Art displays

  Food vendors

  Great photography opportunity

  Respect personal memorial altars

RCAF in Mictlán: 50th Anniversary of Día de los Muertos 5

March 9, 2026 – April 5, 2026 (special exhibition) Sacramento History Museum

Sacramento, California This exhibition celebrates the 50-year history of Día de los Muertos observances in Sacramento and highlights the influence of the Royal Chicano Air Force, a major Chicano art and cultural movement. Art Highlights:

  Chicano artwork

  Historical photographs

  Día de los Muertos posters

  Community stories

  Cultural artifacts

Visitor Information:

  Museum admission required

  Educational experience

  Great for students, artists, and history visitors

  Exhibition runs through April 5, 2026

La Raza Galería Posada Día de los Muertos Exhibition Date: October – November (annual exhibition season) La Raza Galeria Posada 4.3• Art Galleries • Closed Website • Directions • (916) 446-5133 Sacramento, California La Raza Galería Posada has played an important role in Sacramento’s Chicano art movement. The gallery promotes Día de los Muertos artwork, cultural education, and community remembrance through exhibitions and events. Art Highlights:

  Día de los Muertos paintings

  Prints and murals

  Calavera artwork

  Catrina art

  Community altars

  Local artists

Visitor Information:

  Art gallery experience

  Great for collectors and artists

  Educational cultural visit

  Check seasonal hours before visiting

Día de los Muertos Celebration — Catholic Funeral & Cemetery Services November 2 (annual) Locations include:

  St. Mary Cemetery & Funeral Center — Sacramento

  Calvary Cemetery & Funeral Center — Citrus Heights

  All Souls Cemetery & Funeral Center This celebration focuses on remembrance and honoring loved ones through community altars, photographs, personal items, and reflection ceremonies. Art Highlights:

  Memorial ofrendas

  Family photographs

  Candles

  Flowers

  Personal keepsakes

Visitor Information:

  Bring photographs or meaningful items for community altars

  Family remembrance event

  Respectful cemetery setting

Día de los Muertos — Downtown Sacramento / Community Events Date: Late October – November 2 (annual) Downtown Sacramento and cultural venues throughout the city Sacramento’s Día de los Muertos celebrations connect Mexican Indigenous traditions with modern Latino art, honoring ancestors through public displays, performances, and educational programs. Art Highlights:

  Public altars

  Street art

  Music

  Dance

  Cultural workshops

Visitor Information:

  Family activities

  Community celebrations

  Check yearly schedules through local event calendars