One of my favorite times of year is Día de los Muertos. I remember my grandmother telling me about the celebrations they would have in Chihuahua and I always wished I could go.
San Diego has an incredible offering of mostly free events to celebrate Día de los Muertos, and I’ve curated a selection here, just for you. Please click on the links to find out more about each event.
If you like this round-up posts, please consider supporting me by following me on Instagram, TikTok, sharing the posts, and buying my books! An author is nothing without her readers, and I appreciate you so much. I’m also available for school visits and speaking engagements.
October 15, 2026
Sherman Heights Community Center, ongoing until November 2. Weeks of altars, workshops, film, food, and a candlelight procession — the Day of the Dead as Sherman Heights has kept it since 1994. https://shermanheightscc.org/dia-de-los-muertos
October 24, 2026
Join Latin@x Services at The San Diego LGBT Community Center for Festival Mictlan: Celebration of the Underworld—a family-centered gathering honoring Mictlan, the underworld in Mexica (Aztec) tradition, the sacred destination where souls journey and return on Día de los Muertos. https://thecentersd.org/events/festival-mictlan/
October 25, 2026
Come be part of the annual celebration of life, lowrider and classic car show, and festival event in Downtown Oceanside! https://visitoceanside.org/events/dia-de-los-muertos-festival/
In partnership with the City of Encinitas and MiraCosta College, Dia de los Muertos offers free family-friendly programming to North County residents of Latino heritage while uniting people of all backgrounds and traditions. https://www.encinitasarts.org/programs/encinitas-dia-de-los-muertos-celebration/
October 30, 2026
San Diego Ballet celebrates the Latin soul with the return of two audience favorites on one program. Audiences will be swept away by the evocative and romantic QUE BONITO AMOR, set to a rapturous score of mariachi music, and MAMBOMANIA, one of artistic director Javier Velasco’s sizzling signature works. https://www.sdmart.org/event/san-diego-ballet-dia-de-los-muertos/2026-10-30/
October 31, 2026
Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is planning a celebration like no other in San Diego – a free, family-friendly immersive experience. https://www.dayofthedeadsd.com/
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, October 31–November 2, 2026. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31340
Celebrate the Vibrant Spirit of Día de los Muertos at SeaWorld San Diego. https://seaworld.com/san-diego/events/dia-de-los-muertos/
Join us at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park for a Día de los Muertos celebration honoring tradition, community and remembrance. Experience this vibrant Mexican holiday as we celebrate loved ones who have passed and embrace the beauty of life. https://www.carlsbadca.gov/departments/parks-recreation/programs-and-events/special-events/dia-de-los-muertos
November 1, 2026
Join us as Downtown Chula Vista transforms into a beautiful and lively, cempasúchil filled celebration for the 6th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration! https://downtownchulavista.com/events/dia-de-los-muertos-celebration
Experience the spirit of Día de Muertos in Barrio Logan, San Diego, where tradition and community come alive through art, music, and remembrance. https://www.sandiego.org/events-festivals/barrio-logan-dia-de-los-muertos/9b6aca4bc0fb11f1a7f2
Enjoy live performances, family-friendly art-making activities, and a special Día de los Muertos ofrenda created by visiting artist Betsabeé Romero in collaboration with local San Diego students, all in the Balboa Park Plaza de Panama in front of The San Diego Museum of Art and free to the community. https://www.sdmart.org/event/dia-de-los-muertos-at-sdma/
Join us for a vibrant celebration of culture, art, and community at the annual Día de Muertos Festival at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido (CCAE). https://artcenter.org/event/31st-annual-dia-de-los-muertos-festival/
November 2, 2026
Join us for a beautiful afternoon celebrating culture, tradition, and the remembrance of loved ones at our Día de los Muertos Community Event at Veteran’s Park in Imperial Beach. https://www.imperialbeachca.gov/672/Dia-de-los-Muertos
Join us for in San Ysidro at Casa Familiar for the 2026 Día de los Muertos Celebration! We’re excited to bring back our annual celebration, where we come together to honor and remember our loved ones through an evening of art, culture, and community. https://www.casafamiliar.org/event/2026-dia-de-los-muertos/
On Monday, November 2, beginning at 6:00 p.m., the Old Town Chamber of Commerce will host the annual procession from Twiggs Street to El Campo Santo Cemetery. Viewing of the procession will be available to visitors on the main stage screen. Patrons are welcome to sit in the plaza to watch the procession or join the crowd along the procession route at San Diego Avenue. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31340
Día de Muertos Procession from Centro Cultural de la Raza to Sherman Heights Community Center. The opening ceremony begins at 5:30 PM, followed by a Día de Muertos Procession to Sherman Heights Community Center, where we will continue honoring our ancestors together. https://www.instagram.com/p/DdpPHmIy-KV/?__d=1%2F%3Fhidemenu%3Dtrue
Día de los Muertos Children’s Books to Read
An Ofrenda for Perro by Judith Valdés B. and illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera. Losing a pet is hard, but this picture book told through a Day of the Dead celebration will show readers that the love they have for their beloved companion will always remain.
Abuelita’s Gift: A Día de Muertos Story by Mariana Ríos Ramírez and Illustrated by Sara Palacios. Julieta is eager to honor her Abuelita’s spirit on Día de Muertos, but struggles to find the perfect gift. A touching story that celebrates ancestors and teaches that the most meaningful tributes come from the heart illustrated by award-winning Sara Palacios.
Remembering by Xelena González and illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia. A family remembers their beloved pet dog through the traditions of Día de Muertos in this “gorgeous, deeply touching exploration of grief and remembrance” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) from Pura Belpré Honor–winning team Xelena González and Adriana M. Garcia.
Día De Muertos Números: a Day of the Dead Counting Book by Duncan Tonatiuh. From award-winning and beloved author-illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh comes this celebratory bilingual picture book centering on a Día de Muertos ofrenda (Day of the Dead altar), constructed annually to honor the memory and welcome the spirit of a loved one.
This Moment Is Special: A Día de Muertos Story (Day of the Dead) by John Parra. Through all moments of the day, both large and small, a boy prepares for a Day of the Dead celebration, in this “comforting” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) and “heartfelt…both gentle and profound” (School Library Journal) picture book from Pura Belpré Honor–winning author-illustrator John Parra.
Day of the Dead ABC / Día de los Muertos ABC by Gabriela Orozco Belt and illustrated by Estelí Meza. In this beautifully illustrated bilingual book, readers aged 7 to 11 will delight in discovering the rich traditions and customs of Day of the Dead. From decorating colorful altars to enjoying delicious pan de muerto, this heartwarming book captures the essence of this special celebration.
You must be logged in to post a comment.