Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant cultural celebration that honors the lives of those who have passed, and this year, Southern California is bustling with events to commemorate this deeply significant tradition.
From October 8 through November 2, various festivities will take place across the region, providing opportunities for families and communities to come together in remembrance and celebration.
Kicking off the festivities, the Día de los Muertos Family Day will take place on October 8 at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Los Angeles. This event, starting at noon, features performances that bring to life the stories of the deceased through music and dance, creating a memorable experience for attendees.
As the month progresses, Oxnard will host Panteón Fest x Pipiripau on October 11. Running from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Heritage Square, this second annual festival includes a procession, Aztec dance performances, musical acts, and even a theatrical play, making it a family-friendly event filled with cultural richness.
Los Angeles will transform into a hub of remembrance starting October 25 with Downtown Día de los Muertos, held at Gloria Molina Grand Park. Lasting until November 2, this gathering features community altars, art installations, and music, creating a space for healing and togetherness as people honor their loved ones.
Simultaneously, Olvera Street will host its own Día de los Muertos Festival from October 25 to November 2. This nine-day event showcases nightly processions, community altars, and various entertainment forms, providing a continuous celebration of life and memory.
The Santa Monica Pier will also celebrate Día de los Muertos on November 1 and 2, hosting a public art installation dedicated to honoring local significance. This sixth annual celebration adopts a family-friendly approach to engage the community in remembrance through diverse programming.
For those looking to immerse in a unique blend of day and night celebrations, the Día y Noche de los Muertos event at Hollywood Forever Cemetery on November 1 offers three distinct time slots for attendees. From 1 p.m. until after midnight, visitors can explore children’s activities, altars, art exhibitions, and vibrant performances, ensuring a captivating experience.
In Downey, the Dia de los Muertos Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary on October 29. This lively event features live music, ballet folklorico, Aztec dancers, and various cultural displays, accompanied by food trucks. Admission is free, inviting families to partake in the joyous celebration.
On November 1, the Catalina Museum will present the Día De Muertos Family Festival from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Families will enjoy art projects, local cuisine, music, and even a raffle featuring the 2025 Barbie Signature Collection Día de los Muertos doll.
Running concurrently on November 1, participants can join the Los Muertos 5k at Historic Olvera Street. This unique race celebrates the Day of the Dead, featuring entertainment throughout the course, beautiful finisher medals, and a post-race celebration.
The Riverside Day Of The Dead festival will also take place on November 1 and 2, celebrating its 20th anniversary downtown. This event includes art displays, altars, food, performers, and lucha libre, creating an exciting atmosphere for community members to remember their loved ones.
Finally, the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana will host Viva la Vida Santa Ana on November 2. From 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., guests can participate in live performances, art-making activities, face painting, and enjoy complimentary treats, furthering the sense of community spirit.
As Southern California gears up for these vibrant celebrations, everyone is encouraged to share their own Día de los Muertos experiences using #abc7eyewitness on social media.
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