Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, is a holiday traditionally recognized in Mexico and much of Latin America from November 1st to November 2nd, and sometimes through November 6th, depending on the culture.
It is a time dedicated to celebrating and honoring the lives of deceased loved ones. It is important to recognize that this is not a time of mourning, but rather a moment to remember the lives our loved ones lived. During this observance, family and friends gather to partake in the holiday traditions such as creating Calaveras or sugar skulls, gathering marigold flowers, and building ofrendas or altars with photos of the departed and foods they enjoyed during their physical life.
Of course, this celebration is not solely focused on the dead, it is also used as a time to give gifts and celebrate with the living as well. This beautiful cultural holiday is meant to be spent with the community and loved ones. We’ve collected some incredible ways for you to learn more and celebrate Día de los Muertos in Los Angeles.
1. Día de Los Muertos YMCA Charity 5k Run
Join the 6th Annual Día de los Muertos 5K Run/Walk for the Wilmington YMCA. The 5K Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, November 8th at 8:00 AM at Wilmington Waterfront Park. This event is more than a run. It’s a celebration of life, culture, and community! Proceeds from this event directly support YMCA programs that provide financial assistance, youth opportunities, and essential community resources for families across Wilmington.
📆 When: Saturday, November 8th at 8:00 AM
📍 Where: Wilmington Waterfront Park (W C St, Wilmington, CA 90744)
2. Paramount Swap Meet’s first-ever Día De Los Muertos Festival
Join a vibrant community celebration honoring life, memory, and Mexican tradition at the historic Paramount Swap Meet. The Paramount Swap Meet is hosting its inaugural Día de los Muertos Celebration, and everyone’s invited! Get the full details on all the fun activities here!
📆 When: Sunday, November 16, 2025 from 11 AM – 4 PM
📍 Where: The Paramount Swap Meet (7900 All America City Way, Paramount, CA 90723)
3. Downtown Día de Los Muertos at Gloria Molina Grand Park
Los Angeles loves tradition, and Grand Park’s Día de Los Muertos displays return for its 14th annual celebration. Join them as they honor culture with beautiful altars created by talented local artists paying homage to the people, places, and ideas that have shaped our lives. Angelenos are also welcome to contribute to the annual community altar. Come and be a part of this powerful tribute.
🌼 Dates: October 25 through November 2, 2025
📍 Location: Downtown L.A. – Gloria Molina Grand Park Fountain Overlook and Performance Lawn, 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
🌐 Website: Gloria Molina Grand Park
4. Los Muertos 5K
Come celebrate the Day of the Dead in a unique way with a special 5k run/walk that tours Olvera Street! Immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of Los Angeles as you race through the historic streets featuring music along the course, gorgeous finisher medals, and a post-race Day of the Dead celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or simply looking for a fun day out, this event is the perfect blend of excitement and cultural appreciation.
🌼 Date: Nov. 1, 2025 at 8 a.m.
📍 Location: Olvera Street 845 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
🌐 Website: Los Muertos 5k
5. Self Help Graphics’ 52nd Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration
Self Help Graphics’ 52nd annual Día de Los Muertos Exhibition and Celebration is always an unbelievable experience. Events include an exhibition and altars, live entertainment from local DJs, a Muertos Market, and food vendors. They’re also hosting Día de Los Muertos crafting workshops on Saturdays in October. This event is free to the public.
🌼 Date: Nov. 1, 2025 from 3 pm-8 pm
📍 Location: L.A. County Civic Center Park, 4801 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90022
🌐 Website: Self Help Graphics
6. Día de los Muertos Festival at Olvera Street
For over 35 years, the historic Olvera Street has celebrated Día de los Muertos. The celebration is unique for its inclusion of pre-Columbian, Aztec, Mayan, and Catholic rituals surrounding death. You can participate in candlelight processions where Mayan blessings and cleansings will be offered. Following each procession, free pan de Muerto (sweet bread) and champurrado (Mexican hot beverage) will be served.
🌼 Dates: Oct. 25 – Nov. 2, 2025 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
📍 Location: Olvera Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
🌐 Website: Día de los Muertos Festival at Olvera Street
7. 7th Annual Día de los Muertos Family Festival at the Catalina Museum
Take a day trip out to Catalina Island for the grand celebration of the 6th Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Festival, a mesmerizing tribute to the vibrant Mexican tradition. Immerse yourself in kids’ art projects, savor the flavors of tequila tastings, explore a delectable array of local food vendors, and bask in the rhythms of live music and captivating cultural performances. The festivities also include an exciting opportunity to win cash prizes in the Ofrenda/Altar and Art Contest.
🌼 Date: Nov. 1, 2025 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
📍 Location: 217 Metropole Ave, Avalon, CA 90704
🌐 Website: Dia de los Muertos Family Festival at the Catalina Museum
8. Canoga Park’s 25th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival
Canoga Park’s annual Día de los Muertos Family Festival is back for its 25th year. Attendees can expect beautiful dance performances, music, vendors, an incredible classic car show, arts and crafts for the family, food, altars, and so much more.
🌼 Date: Nov. 1, 2025 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
📍 Location: Sherman Way between Topanga Cyn. Blvd. & Canoga Ave., Los Angeles, CA
🌐 Website: Main Street Canoga Park
9. Mexican Day of the Dead at the Bowers Museum
Embrace the spirit of the Day of the Dead at The Bowers Museum! Join them for an incredible free family festival filled with complimentary face painting, art projects, live performances, and treats.
🌼 Date: Nov. 2, 2024 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
📍 Location: 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706
🌐 Website: Bowers Museum
10. First-ever DTLA Día de los Muertos
The first ever DTLA Día de los Muertos is coming to Broadway on Sunday, November 2nd from 4–10 PM.
🌼 Date: Sunday, November 2nd from 4–10 PM
📍 Location: Downtown L.A.
11. Vidiots’ Día de los Muertos Celebration
Film buff favorite cinema, Vidiots, is serving up unique and classic films in honor of Día de los Muertos. Grab your tickets early online, but Vidiots also offers Limited Walk-Up tickets when showings no longer have online tickets for sale. A limited number of tickets will be available at the box office 45 minutes before a show’s start time, on a first-come first-served basis. Get your tickets here!
🗓️ November 2, 2025
- 💀Día de los Muertos Celebration
- Vidiots invites you to join us for our second annual Día de los Muertos Celebration – an all-day remembrance of our loved ones.
- 🎥 Coco en Español
- 🎥 Macario
12. Día de los Muertos Festival at Heritage Square Museum
Bring the family to have a picnic and enjoy community activities at this Day of the Dead Festival on Sunday, November 2nd at Heritage Square Museum. With free activities, food, and crafts for sale, it will be a fun day for everyone.
🌼 Date: Sunday, November 2nd, 2025
📍 Location: 3800 Homer St, Los Angeles, CA 90031
13. Honor your beloved pets at the L.A. Zoo pet ofrenda
Celebrate the memory of your furry friends this week with a special Día de los Muertos ofrendra and tribute at the Los Angeles Zoo. From October 4 through November 2, all L.A. Zoo guests are invited to contribute to the Beloved Pets Ofrenda. Guests can print photos of their pets from their phones or draw portraits using the art supplies provided. Get all the details here!
When: October 4 through November 2, 2025
Where: L.A. Zoo (5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027)
14. Long Beach’s Annual Día de los Muertos Grand Parade (CANCELLED)
Long Beach has canceled its annual Día de los Muertos festival amid concerns for the safety of all local residents.
🌼 Date: CANCELLED
📍 Location: Between Linden Ave. and Shoreline Village Dr., Long Beach, CA
🌐 Website: City of Long Beach
Originally written by Sophie Len. Edited by Jamie Ferrell.