Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Los Angeles
The Best Day of the Dead events in LA
Dating back hundreds of years, Día de los Muertos ("Day of the Dead") is celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world. During the multi-day holiday, family and friends gather to honor and celebrate loved ones who have passed away. Traditions include building ofrendas (private altars), enjoying the favorite dishes and drinks of the departed, and visiting graves with mementos of the deceased.
In Los Angeles, Día de los Muertos events take place across the city, from LA's oldest district to museums and a cemetery of the stars. From traditional ceremonies to modern cultural festivals, here are the best Día de los Muertos events in Los Angeles.
Find our supplemental guide to family festivals here.
Grand Park's Downtown Día de los Muertos (through Nov. 2, 2022)
Grand Park's Downtown Día de los Muertos honors people, places and ideas that merit reverence and commemoration, from October 22 through November 2. The 12-day public art display—another free signature event celebrating Grand Park’s 10th anniversary—is a community-oriented space inviting parkgoers to discover altars made by professional artists and local community organizations displayed throughout the park and contribute to a community altar created in partnership with Self Help Graphics.
Hecho con Amor: Pan de Muerto - La Plaza Cocina (Oct. 22, 2022)
Teens with an interest in baking can learn how to make pan de muerto, the bread traditionally associated with Día de los Muertos, in this special workshop at La Plaza Cocina on October 22. The two hour course will be led by Alex Peña of Baking Evolution, a master baker and bread scientist with a speciality in pan dulce. Note that attendees between the ages of 12 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult, 10 a.m. to noon.
Noche de los Muertos - Hollywood Forever (Oct. 29, 2022)
In addition to traditional and cultural performances, Hollywood Forever’s Noche de los Muertos festivities will include music performances from Ed Maverick, Hermanos Gutiérrez, Son Rompe Pera, The Sacred Souls and more. This year’s extravaganza is dedicated to Mayahuel, the Aztec goddess of fertility who is associated with maguey (agave) and will feature theme art from Brandon Maldonado, as well as a multi-artist show and, as always, an altar exhibition. This is all ages, but if you have young children, they might prefer the activities available during the daytime Dia de los Muertos event, 5 p.m. - midnight.
Mariachi Herencia featuring Lupita Infante (Oct. 29, 2022)
Closing out Downey’s 9th annual Dia de los Muertos Festival is a special concert from Latin Grammy-nominated Mariachi Herencia de Mexico. The immensely popular mariachi outfit is currently in the midst of their 2022 tour and will certainly delight music-lovers. Note that, unlike the daytime festival at Downey Theatre, this is a ticketed event and you can purchase in advance, 8 p.m.
Day of the Dead: Strength and Hope (Oct. 30, 2022)
Live performance, sugar skull workshops and even a movie screening are just a few of the activities that round out the Museum of Latin American Art's packed celebration. The event is free, parking is $15.00. Stage entertainment, 11am-5pm, "Book of life" film screening at 8pm.
Noche de Ofrenda (Nov. 2, 2022)
On the evening of November 2, Self Help Graphics will open to all who want to pay homage their loved ones for Noche de Ofrenda. Guests may bring photos of those they want to honor to add to the art center’s community altar. You’ll be able to see some of the altars made by artists affiliated with Self Help Graphics, including the work of master altar makers Ofelia Esparza and Rosanna Esparza Ahrens, and enjoy live music and poetry. Mexican hot chocolate and pan de muerto will be served,
6:30-9 p.m.
Fowler Out Loud: Mariachi de Uclatlán (Nov. 2, 2022)
Don’t miss the Fowler Museum's annual mariachi concert under the stars with world-famous Mariachi de Uclatlán. Led by Grammy-winning musical director Jesús “Chuy” Guzmán, the ensemble is admired around the world for its exceptional 61- year-legacy of passionate musical excellence. Performance begins at 6pm in the Fowler Amphitheater.