Celebrate Día de los Muertos by honoring the lives of friends, relatives and loved ones who have passed away. Also called Day of the Dead, this traditional Mexican holiday is on Nov. 1 & 2.
Festivities include creating small altars at home, citywide festivals filled with processions, family altars, dance, music, costumes, face painting and food. Participate in San Diego’s Día de los Muertos events—make crafts and remember the people who have filled your life with love, wisdom and guidance. Photo Credit: Adrienne Sigeti
October Events
saturday | 18
FREE Día de los Muertos. A vibrant tribute to tradition, culture and community with face painting, stilt walkers, a Mariachi Band and more. Today & tomorrow, 1–5 pm. Westfield Plaza Bonita, 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd. www.westfield.com/en/united-states/plazabonita/events/dia-de-los-muertos/131557
sunday | 19
FREE Día de los Muertos Celebration. Altars, kids activities and more. 10 am–5 pm. La Colina Park, 715 Valley Ave., Solana Beach. www.cityofsolanabeach.org/en/events
saturday | 25
FREE Encinitas Día de los Muertos. Art exhibits, workshops and more. 12–4 pm. MiraCosta College, 3333 Manchester Ave., Cardiff. www.encinitasarts.org
Fright Night. Ghosts and ghouls are welcome on the Día de los Muertos-themed Halloween Party Cruise aboard the William D. Evans, departing from the Bahia Resort. 6:30 pm-12 midnight. $40. For ages 21+. Bahia Resort, 998 W. Mission Bay Dr. www.bahiahotel.com/event/halloween-party-cruise
sunday | 26
FREE Oceanside Día de los Muertos Festival. Altars, chalk ceremony and more. 10 am–4 pm. Downtown Oceanside. www.friendsofoceansidediadelosmuertos.org
FREE Barrio Logan Día de los Muertos Celebration. Kids activities, live performances, ofrendas and more. 12–7 pm. Barrio Logan Cultural District. www.allforlogan.com/about-1-2
November Events
saturday | 1
Día de los Muertos at SeaWorld. Enjoy the flavors and sounds of this family centric Mexican tradition. Through Nov. 2. Details: www.seaworld.com
FREE Día de los Muertos Celebration. Live music and dance performances, themed photo ops, kids crafts and more. 3–8 pm. Downtown Chula Vista. www.downtownchulavista.com/events/dia-de-los-muertos-celebration
FREE Old Town San Diego Día de los Muertos. 40+ altars, fun activities, candlelit procession and more. Nov. 1-2. Old Town. www.instagram.com/p/DOWZSTNjUp_/
FREE Day of the Dead Gaslamp. Altars, decorations and more. Today, 11 am–9 pm & tomorrow, 11 am–6 pm. Gaslamp. www.dayofthedeadsd.com
FREE Día de los Muertos at Leo Carrillo Ranch. Colorful decorations, arts and crafts, photo ops and more. Nov. 1-2, 10 am–3 pm. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane. www.carlsbadca.gov
FREE 30th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival. Vendors, foodtrucks, altars, catrinas, live entertainment, artisan market and more. Nov. 1, 4-9 pm. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. www.artcenter.org
Looking for awesome Día de Muertos crafts and recipes for families? Visit our Día de Muertos Round-Up to learn how to make calacas crafts, ofrendas, alebrijes, nichos and more.
Updated: October 2025
