Día de los Muertos Events in Orange County
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican tradition honoring and remembering loved ones who have died. Orange County celebrations include community ofrendas, music, folklórico performances, art, food and family activities. Find Día de los Muertos events throughout Orange County below, along with information about the holiday and its traditions.
For more seasonal events, see our Halloween events and fairs and festivals guides.
When is Day of the Dead?
Día de los Muertos is traditionally observed on November 1 and 2. Orange County festivals, performances and community celebrations may take place on surrounding weekends or other nearby dates, so event dates do not always fall on the traditional observance days.
2026 Día de los Muertos Events in Orange County
Confirmed 2026 dates are listed where organizers have published them. Events marked 2026 date not yet announced have been held previously but have not announced a 2026 date. Always check the linked organizer before attending.
Jump to a city
Anaheim
Disneyland Resort Día de los Muertos & Plaza de la Familia
Date: 2027 date TBA
Location: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim
Disneyland Resort celebrates Día de los Muertos at El Zócalo Park in Frontierland with calacas, flowers and traditional ofrenda-inspired displays. At Plaza de la Familia in Disney California Adventure, guests can experience Coco-inspired storytelling and music, festive décor, a Memory Wall and special seasonal food and beverage offerings. Valid park admission and applicable reservation requirements apply.
Day of the Dead: A Night of Community & Culture
Date: 2027 date TBA
Location: Downtown Anaheim Community Center / Center Greens Park, 250 E. Center St., Anaheim
The City of Anaheim's free, all-ages Día de los Muertos celebration features altars, live performances, food and family activities.
Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center
2026 date not yet announced.
Location: 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim
Muzeo has hosted seasonal community programming in past years. Check the museum's current event calendar for a 2026 announcement before planning a visit.
Anaheim Town Square
2026 date not yet announced.
Location: State College Boulevard & Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim
Anaheim Town Square has previously hosted a free Día de los Muertos celebration with traditional dance and family activities. Check the Anaheim Town Square events calendar for current information.
Día de los Muertos Northgate Market 5K
Date: 2027 date TBA
Location: Angel Stadium, 2000 E. Gene Autry Way, Anaheim
The annual Northgate Market 5K returns with a Día de los Muertos theme, a run through Angel Stadium, finisher medals, a post-race expo and themed activities. A Kids 1K is also offered. Registration is required, and proceeds benefit the González Reynoso Foundation.
Costa Mesa
Día de los Muertos at Hana Field
2026 event cancelled; 2027 date TBA.
Location: 427 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa
Hana Field has hosted Día de los Muertos programming in previous years. Tanaka Farms says its 2026 Día de los Muertos event at Hana Field was cancelled because of expected rain. Check Hana Field for updates.
Día de los Muertos at Harbor Lawn–Mt. Olive Memorial Park
Date: 2027 date TBA
Admission: Free
Location: Harbor Lawn–Mt. Olive Memorial Park, 1625 Gisler Ave., Costa Mesa
The memorial park's celebration starts with art, crafts, face painting and food from 4:00–7:00 PM (a taco truck will be on site), followed by Mass, music and folklórico from 5:30–6:30 PM and mariachi from 6:30–8:00 PM. The Eventbrite header lists 4:00–7:00 PM, but the posted schedule runs until 8:00 PM.
Cypress
Forest Lawn – Cypress
Date: 2027 date TBA
Location: 4471 Lincoln Avenue, Cypress
Forest Lawn hosted Día de los Muertos cultural programming at its Cypress memorial park on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 12:00–3:00 PM. The celebration features folklórico dance, mariachi music, Bob Baker Marionette performances, community ofrendas, face painting and food trucks. Check Forest Lawn's Día de los Muertos page for details.
Dana Point
Dana Point Día de los Muertos Celebration
Date: 2027 date TBA
Location: La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point
The City of Dana Point hosted its Día de los Muertos Celebration at La Plaza Park on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 2 to 7 PM. Plans include live entertainment with mariachi, face painting, street art, crafts and a display of ofrendas honoring departed loved ones. The city's 3rd annual celebration supports local nonprofits, and the lineup announced on Patch includes a Selena tribute from 4:30–5:30 PM and Banda AZ from 6–7 PM. See the City of Dana Point events listing for updates.
Fountain Valley
Día de los Muertos Community Remembrance Wall
Date: 2027 date TBA
Location: Fountain Valley Recreation Center, 16400 Brookhurst Street
Visit the city's special events page for current details about the remembrance wall and related programming.
Fullerton
Fullerton College 31st Annual Día de los Muertos
Date: 2027 date TBA
Admission: Free and open to everyone
Location: Fullerton College Quad, 321 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton
Fullerton College's Cadena Cultural Center hosts its 31st annual celebration with face painting, coloring stations, a photo booth, dancing and local vendors selling handmade clothing, jewelry and cultural items. Parking is free in the student parking structure and student lots.
Muckenthaler Día de los Muertos Festival
Date: 2027 date TBA
Admission: Free
Location: The Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton
The Día de los Muertos Festival features festive activities, stage performances, live music, local artisans and special ofrendas honoring deceased loved ones. The Muck also invites the community to submit photos of loved ones for its ofrenda.
Noche de Muertos
Date & Time: Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 4:00–8:00 PM
Location: Fullerton Museum Center/Downtown Fullerton Plaza, 301 N. Pomona Ave.
Noche de Muertos is listed on the Fullerton Museum Center's 2026 calendar. Plans include vendors and a beer garden; check the organizer for complete activity details.
Garden Grove
Noche de Altares at Christ Cathedral
2027 date TBA.
Admission: Free
Location: Christ Cathedral Campus, 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove
The Diocese of Orange's Night of Altars brings together altars created by ministries from across Orange County, an altar blessing, folklórico and mariachi, food vendors, kids' activities and a cemetery walk-through. The 2026 celebration took place October 24.
Huntington Beach
Bella Terra Día de los Muertos Maker Market
2026 date not yet announced.
Location: 7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach
Bella Terra has previously hosted a Día de los Muertos maker market with artisans, entertainment and family activities. Check Bella Terra events for a current announcement.
Irvine
UC Irvine Día de los Muertos
Date: 2027 date TBA
Location: Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Dr., UC Irvine
UC Irvine's School of Social Ecology will host its fourth annual Día de los Muertos celebration. The free event is headlined by two-time Grammy winners Mariachi Divas, with Xipe Totec Danzantes Aztecas, Ballet Folklórico de UCI and Mariachi Orgullo de UCI. RSVP is requested.
Día de los Muertos at Pretend City Children's Museum
Date: 2027 date TBA
Location: Pretend City Children's Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine
Pretend City's family-friendly celebration includes Flower Songs Music at 11:00 AM, drop-in sugar-skull decorating from noon–2:00 PM and a folklórico performance by Relámpago del Cielo at 2:30 PM. The activities introduce children to the holiday's traditions of remembrance through music, dance and art. Check Pretend City's event page for any schedule changes.
Día de los Muertos at Heritage Park Library
Date: 2027 date TBA
Admission: Free
Location: Heritage Park Library Community Room, Irvine
Irvine Public Library's all-ages program celebrates the holiday with crafts, games and cultural music honoring loved ones who have passed.
La Habra
Día de los Muertos at Portola Park
Date: 2027 date TBA
Admission: Free outdoor event
Location: Portola Park, 301 S. Euclid St., La Habra
The City of La Habra and the Children's Museum at La Habra host a Día de los Muertos celebration with a community ofrenda, cultural dance, live music, crafts, games and Mexican food for purchase. Sugar-skull decorating costs extra, and entry to the museum's hands-on exhibits is $12 per person (ages 2 and up).
Lake Forest
Día de los Muertos To Go - El Toro Memorial Park
Date: 2027 date TBA
Location: El Toro Memorial Park, 25751 Trabuco Road, Lake Forest
The Orange County Cemetery District will hand out free children's Día de los Muertos craft kits, small marigold bouquets and pan de muerto at tables outside the El Toro Memorial Park office. Families may also create personal ofrendas at loved ones' gravesites. Decorations may be placed beginning October 22 and must be removed by November 17. Real-flame candles are not permitted.
Los Alamitos
St. Isidore Historical Plaza
2027 date TBA.
Location: 10961 Reagan St., Los Alamitos
St. Isidore Historical Plaza's Día de los Muertos celebration has included an altar display contest, face painting, folklórico dancing, live music, food and drinks. Check the organizer's website for its 2027 date.
Mission Viejo
Día de los Muertos Fiesta
2027 date TBA.
Admission: Free
Location: Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo
The Mission Viejo Activities Committee's Día de los Muertos Fiesta has featured entertainment, food and a live butterfly exhibit. At dusk, a procession leads into a display of illuminated classic-car ofrendas. Guests can bring a photo of a loved one for the community altar, and there are ofrenda and Catrina contests.
Orange
Noche de Muertos: Art, Wine & Bites in Old Towne Orange
Date: 2027 date TBA
Location: Check-in at The Potting Shed, 10 Plaza Square, Ste. 102, Orange
This Old Towne walk visits seven stops with ofrendas, art, live music, seasonal bites and wine-tasting stations. The art installations are free to see; the event passport covers food, wine tastings (21+ with ID) and a prize drawing. Proceeds support the Orange Community Arts Guild.
San Clemente
San Clemente Día de los Muertos Celebration
Date: 2027 date TBA
Location: Max Berg Plaza Park, 1100 Calle Puente, San Clemente
The City of San Clemente's Día de los Muertos event is free (food trucks charge) and includes Ballet Folklórico and Danza Azteca performances, sugar-skull crafts, face painting, vendors and a plein air art contest with youth, teen and adult categories. The community altar is up October 30–November 3, and residents can email photos for it through October 29. Pet photos are welcome, and submitted photos can be picked up starting November 5.
San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Date: 2027 date TBA
Location: 26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano's Día de los Muertos altar stands along the Resurgam walkway, where visitors can add the name of a loved one to the ofrenda.
Santa Ana
Noche de Altares
Date & Time: Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 12:00–9:00 PM
Location: 4th Street between Ross and Broadway, Santa Ana
Noche de Altares, presented by El Centro Cultural de México, brings the community together through altars, art and cultural remembrance in its 24th year. Community altar spaces cost $35 by money order or $40 by PayPal; see the event info page for the full schedule.
Bowers Museum Mexican Day of the Dead
Date: 2027 date TBA
Location: Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana
Bowers Museum lists its Mexican Day of the Dead free family festival for November 1, with live performances, art making, face painting and complimentary treats.
Heritage Museum of Orange County
Date: 2027 date TBA
Location: 3101 W. Harvard St., Santa Ana
The HMOC free community Día de los Muertos celebration returns with live entertainment, food, vendors, arts and crafts and a community ofrenda. Families can also submit photos of loved ones and pets who have passed for inclusion in the community altar.
Día de los Muertos To Go - Santa Ana Cemetery
Date: 2027 date TBA
Location: Santa Ana Cemetery
The Orange County Cemetery District will offer free children's Día de los Muertos craft kits, small marigold bouquets and pan de muerto outside the cemetery office. Families may also create personal ofrendas at loved ones' gravesites. Día de los Muertos decorations may be placed beginning October 22 and must be removed by November 17.
MainPlace Mall Día de Muertos Festival
2027 date TBA.
Location: MainPlace Mall, 2800 N. Main St., Santa Ana
The 2026 festival featured live performances on the Macy's main stage, live painters and a cartoonist, art workshops (plush alebrije butterflies, ceramic cantaritos and wooden frames), face painting, a Lotería art contest, an interactive Aztec Zone ofrenda and a mural photo booth.
City of Santa Ana: Día de los Muertos – Magic of the Altars
Date: 2027 date TBA
Location: Roosevelt-Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana
A free, all-ages afternoon hosted by the City of Santa Ana with art, games and cultural traditions. Guests can create their own offerings and visit the altar created by the city's Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency. Registration is required; see the City of Santa Ana event page for the registration link.
Viva La Vida Día de Muertos Festival
Date & Time: Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 3:00–10:00 PM
Location: 325 E. 4th St., Downtown Santa Ana
The 12th annual Viva La Vida festival returns to Downtown Santa Ana. Date and time per Travel Santa Ana.
El Poder de la Cultura Morelense: Día de Muertos
Date & Time: Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 12:00–10:00 PM
Admission: Free
Location: 120 W. 4th St., Downtown Santa Ana
El Poder de la Cultura Morelense brings the traditions of Morelos, Mexico, to Santa Ana's Día de los Muertos with live music, food, vendors, Catrinas and Chinelos de Morelos dancers in their masks and tall hats. A parade of Chinelos and Catrinas steps off at 5:00 PM.
Fairhaven Memorial Park
Date: 2027 date TBA
Location: 1702 Fairhaven Ave., Santa Ana
Fairhaven's Día de los Muertos observance includes folklórico, prayers, face painting and mariachi.
Yorba Linda
Yorba Linda Día de los Muertos
2026 date not yet announced.
Location: Yorba Linda Public Library, 4852 Lakeview Ave. (previous location)
The city has previously hosted a free event with music, food trucks, crafts, face painting and a community ofrenda. Check the Yorba Linda calendar for a 2026 announcement.
Churches, Cemeteries, Libraries & Parks
Churches and cemeteries throughout Orange County may offer Día de los Muertos observances or allow memorial decorations and ofrendas. Policies, permitted items and decoration periods vary by location and year, so confirm directly with the cemetery or church before bringing an ofrenda.
Orange County Cemetery District locations include Anaheim Cemetery, Santa Ana Cemetery and El Toro Memorial Park. Because holiday decoration periods and special activities can change, use the OC Cemetery District for current 2026 policies and dates.
Orange County Catholic Cemeteries also observes All Souls' Day and Día de los Muertos. For 2026, its special flower-placement period begins October 29 at 3:00 PM, with removal beginning November 12 at 6:00 AM. Check Orange County Catholic Cemeteries for cemetery-specific rules.
Orange County libraries and OC Parks also offer seasonal crafts, educational programs and community events from year to year. Check the OC Public Libraries calendar and OC Parks calendar for current programs. This year, OC Public Libraries' Dana Point branch hosts sugar-skull decorating on Tuesday, October 27, from 3:00–5:00 PM, with face painting from 3:30–4:30 PM. Placentia Library's community altar (411 E. Chapman Ave.) is up through November 1, and photos left there must be picked up by November 8.
About Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos is a tradition of remembrance with deep roots in Mexico. Modern observances reflect Indigenous Mexican traditions alongside Catholic observances associated with All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. Customs vary by region, family and community.
November 1 and 2 are the principal observance days. In many traditions, November 1 is especially associated with remembering children who have died and November 2 with adults, but practices are not identical everywhere.
Celebrations may include family gatherings, cemetery visits, music, food, marigolds, photographs, candles, pan de muerto, decorative calaveras and ofrendas created to remember and welcome loved ones.
What is an ofrenda?
An ofrenda is an altar or offering created in memory of someone who has died. It may include photographs, candles, marigolds, favorite foods and drinks, personal objects, religious or cultural symbols and other meaningful items. There is no single required layout; designs and traditions vary among families and communities.
Day of the Dead vs. Halloween
Día de los Muertos and Halloween occur close together on the calendar, but they are distinct traditions. Halloween is observed on October 31, while Día de los Muertos is traditionally observed November 1 and 2. Día de los Muertos centers on remembering and honoring deceased family members and loved ones.
Día de los Muertos FAQs
When is Día de los Muertos?
Día de los Muertos is traditionally observed November 1 and 2, although public festivals and community events may be scheduled on nearby dates.
Where are Día de los Muertos events in Orange County?
Orange County celebrations are held in cities including Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo, Orange, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana and Yorba Linda. Confirmed events and locations are listed above as organizers announce their schedules.
Is Día de los Muertos the same as Halloween?
No. The holidays occur close together, but Día de los Muertos is a distinct Mexican tradition centered on remembrance of deceased loved ones.
Are Día de los Muertos events family-friendly?
Many Orange County celebrations are designed for families and include art, music, crafts and community ofrendas. Individual event rules, admission requirements and activities vary, so check the organizer before attending.
This is a spectacular list, thank you so much for putting it together!
I attended the festivities at Forest Lawn Mortuary today. It was really beautiful to see families seated in beach chairs, on picnic blankets and in the amphitheater watching the dancers. I parked and walked quite a way to get to where the main event was taking place, noting the number of family members gathered around headstones, placing bright orange bouquets on the grave sites. There was an altar, cultural expressions (paintings and pottery), a lively dance group, a mariachi band and marionettes. There were skeletons that were dressed very differently, as well as groups of similarly dressed skeletons. The information that I read, along with insight from several of my Latino clients shared that they represent humanity and that death is a part of the life cycle for everyone, regardless of social status, and that the dead are still part of the community.
I enjoy learning more about different cultures and am learning Spanish, as I travel to Mexico several time a year with Here for Kids to visit our partners.