Día de Los Muertos – Day of the Dead – is a time to celebrate the lives of those who are not with us anymore. Typical traditions include making beautiful altars for them, bringing and enjoying their favorite foods and drinks, and having Marigolds, a seasonal flower, brighten up streets and cemeteries. Due to its position and history, San Diego has a strong Hispanic influence, which means there are dozens of ways to spend this special day. While Día de Los Muertos takes place on November 1, 2025, some events happen before. Here are our top picks:
1. Día de Los Muertos: A Community Celebration
On November 1st and 2nd, celebrate Día de Los Muertos at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. You can explore the museums and check out the altares de muertos, participate in hands-on art activities or try a sugar skull painting workshop. You can also honor lost loved ones by adding their name to the hanging wooden butterfly, located in the Plaza de Armas.
2. Downtown Chula Vista celebration
On November 1st, check out this free community event that features fun for the whole family. It’s a way for people to come together and honor loved ones that passed, while celebrating their life. There’ll be a community altar at Davidson, where you can add a photo of those you miss. There’ll also be an altar competitions for prizes, live music, dance performances, a car show, great food, and kids crafts. There’s absolutely something for everyone at this celebration!
3. California Center for the Arts, Escondido
The 30th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival at the California Center for the Arts is a vibrant, free, family-friendly event. Don’t miss the ArtWalk, featuring local artists, view or contribute to over 180 community altars, and participate in a festive Catrina contest. There’ll be live entertainment, like Folklorico Dance, music, and a dance party. Explore the food vendors, and artisan market.
4. Día De Los Muertos: Calienté! Latin Music & Spirits Fest
Enjoy an unforgettable themed spirits and music festival on November 2, from 2 to 5:30 PM. Your ticket grants you access to a lively celebration featuring local artists performing infectious rhythms of Banda, Mariachi, Bachata, Merengue, and Salsa. There’s also an all-inclusive sampling of premium spirits included, like tequila, sake, whiskey, and more. Guests are encouraged to utilize rideshare, as this is a strictly 21-and-over event.
5. Día de Los Muertos @ Barrio Logan
This year’s theme for the celebration is ‘From Mictlán We Rise ; A Return To Humanity’ – “In our streets where murals tell ancient stories and marigolds bloom between concrete and dreams, Día de Muertos is not just a celebration, it is resurrection.” Here, you’ll find 3 stages with live entertainment, free youth workshops, amazing local food, a muertos market, ofrendas, art installations, live art, a lowrider showcase, a catrin@ contest and – of curse – community!
6. Women’s Museum Paint & Sip
On October 23, head to the Women’s Museum of California for a creative event, honoring the traditions of this beautiful holiday. This is a guided painting activity, where you’ll explore the history and significance of DDLM, while expressing yourself. You don’t need any experience, and all materials are provided. Tickets cost $40.
7. SeaWorld DDLM
On November 1st and 2nd, experience the joyful cultural observance of Día de los Muertos at SeaWorld San Diego. The park comes alive with vibrant decorations, elaborate Catrina statues and colorful ofrendas honoring the departed. You can fully engage in the festive atmosphere with live traditional music and try a variety of authentic Mexican treats and beverages, such as Pan de Muerto, Elotes, and Micheladas.
8. Día de los Muertos Tequila tasting dinner
At Rumorosa, Sheraton San Diego Resort’s signature restaurant, on November 1, you can enjoy a special dinner. This special evening features a bold, Cali-Baja inspired five-course menu paired with a variety of Espolón tequilas, beginning with a Spicy Tuna Tartare Cone amuse-bouche. The meal continues with a Tequila-Cured Hamachi Roll paired with Reposado Tequila; a Charred Zabuton with Añejo Tequila; and Cochinita Pibil with Blanco Tequila. The experience concludes with a Calavera dessert, which is a white chocolate mousse featuring an Espolón Blanco Tequila glaze.