The City Heights Día de los Muertos celebration is hitting its 29th year, and what started as a school project has grown into one of the more authentic community observances of the holiday in San Diego.
Over 1,000 people show up annually to this grassroots event at Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park, and the vibe reflects the neighborhood’s actual diversity rather than trying to package the holiday into something sanitized for mass consumption.
Community Altars Tell Real Stories
The centerpiece here is the altar displays—over 30 of them created by families and local non-profits to honor people who’ve passed away. These aren’t just decorative setups for photo ops; they’re personal tributes with real stories behind them.
Walking through and seeing what different families have put together is honestly one of the more moving parts of any Día de los Muertos celebration in the city.
Beyond the altars, there’s face painting, mask making, and live entertainment running throughout the day. The activities work for all ages while keeping the cultural significance of the holiday front and center. There are also raffle prizes, which add a fun element without taking away from what the day is actually about.
Why This One Feels Different
What sets this celebration apart is that it’s truly community-driven. The City Heights Día de los Muertos Resident Committee runs the show, and you can tell it’s organized by people who care about getting it right rather than just checking a box.
People from all different backgrounds participate, which makes sense given that City Heights is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in San Diego.
The event also brings together residents and local agencies in a way that strengthens community ties beyond just this one day. It’s part of a bigger effort to improve cohesion and well-being in the neighborhood, which is something you can actually feel when you’re there.
See you there!
After 29 years, this celebration has become a City Heights institution for good reason—it honors tradition while building community in a way that feels real.
📆 Saturday, October 25, 11 AM–5 PM
📍 3795 Fairmount Ave, San Diego
🎟️ Free admission
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!