Día de Los Muertos festivities in Old Town begin on October 1, 2026 and culminate with an amazing festival form Saturday, October 31 to Monday, November 2, 2026!
Experience San Diego's finest Día de Los Muertos celebration! Take a tour of more than 40 unique altars. Bring the family for amazing art and activities in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and stroll a fabulous street market for treasures. Join our annual candlelit procession or enter to win the Catrina Contest. Learn more below!
Día de Los Muertos Events & Activities 2026
Altar Tours
Community-Wide Self-Guided Tours
- Stroll through the historic streets of Old Town at your own pace, discovering beautifully crafted altars created by local businesses and museums.
- Self-guided tours of all Old Town altars will be published continuously as altars are set-up.
State Park Guided Tours
- Join us in celebrating lives and legacies of Old Town San Diego's historic families on a guided 45-minute tour through the State Park's multiple altars.
- Tours are provided FREE by California State Parks, and begin at the Robinson Rose Visitor Center. Tours dates and times will be published in October. Prior registration required.
Catrina Contest
Join us on Sunday, November 1, 2026, for the annual Catrina Contest!
- Guests are invited to celebrate the beauty, elegance, and tradition of Día de Los Muertos by showcasing creative Catrina-inspired attire, makeup, and costumes in one of Old Town's most beloved annual traditions. From classic interpretations to imaginative modern designs, participants of all ages are encouraged to take part in this colorful celebration of culture, remembrance, and community.
Weekend Mercado
- Shop amazing art and crafts on Saturday, October 31 & Sunday, November 1, 2026 along San Diego Avenue and Harney Street. Featuring Día de Los Muertos must-haves and fine crafts, this exciting event will include activities for the whole family!
- Interested in being a vendor? Please email [email protected].
State Historic Park: Art & Activities
- Throughout the weekend, visitors are invited to explore our historic museums, showcasing altares de muertos created by local artists honoring influential Old Town citizens. Engage in hands-on activities and sign up for a sugar skull painting workshop (additional material fee applies).
- Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov/dayofthedead
La Experiencia at Fiesta de Reyes
- Visit Fiesta de Reyes from September 1 through November 2 to enjoy the wonder of La Experiencia! Featuring professional face painters, captivating art demonstrations, live entertainment, and both traditional and contemporary altars on display. Wander through this charming plaza in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park on Thursday through Sunday for live mariachi music and beautiful folklorico dancers.
Live Music
- As the vibrant celebration of Día de Los Muertos unfolds, the air will be filled with the enchanting melodies of live music. Prepare to be entertained by a lineup of talented musicians and dancers, each adding their unique flavor to this culturally rich event all weekend long!
Candlelit Procession
- Experience our candlelit procession after sunset on Monday, November 2, starting at Immaculate Conception Church with blessings and traditional dances by Danza Azteca Atlachinolli. The procession will travel down San Diego Avenue to El Campo Santo Cemetery. Kick off at 5:00pm.
- Join our Candlelight Procession—an unforgettable nighttime tribute to those who came before us. Groups must apply.
