The greater Sacramento area is rich with an amazing array of state-of-the-art museums and historic sites that offer visitors the chance to explore California’s art, history, and science treasures all year long. A number of Sacramento Area Museums (SAM) are offering ways for the community to explore, experience, and learn more about Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. Held on November 1 and 2, the traditional Mexican cultural celebration honors and welcomes the souls of loved ones who have passed away.

A sampling of Día de Los Muertos activities and exhibits offered by local museums is below (but please check with the various museums and/or destinations for other events and more detailed information):

Mini Ofrenda Workshop with the Sacramento History Museum – November 1

The Sacramento History Museum invites the community to honor loved ones this Día de los Muertos by joining a heartfelt and creative workshop with Tina Favela at 1002 2nd Street, Old Sacramento. Attendees will construct and decorate their own miniature shoebox ofrenda (altar) to remember a cherished loved one who has passed on. This hands-on, all-ages experience is a wonderful way to celebrate their memory and keep their spirit alive in the tradition of Día de los Muertos. Please register in advance for this ticketed event at www.SacHistoryMuseum.org

Día de los Muertos Community Night at the Sacramento Children’s Museum — November 1

Join Sacramento Children’s Museum from 5 to 7 p.m. for a Día de los Muertos celebration for the whole family. The celebration includes calaveras de azúcar (sugar skull) workshops, a community ofrenda, pan de muerto and agua fresca tasting, face painting, hands-on activities, museum play and live music by Son Bugambilia. All ages are welcome. Register in advance at https://sackids.org/dia-de-los-muertos-at-scm/

“RECUERDOS ILUSTRADOS: DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS 2025” Exhibit at the California Museum through November 16

The California Museum’s annual Día de los Muertos exhibit explores the Mexican cultural tradition of honoring deceased loved ones each year on November 1 and 2 by creating calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls), altares de muertos (altars of the dead) and ofrendas (offerings), which has evolved from the Aztecs to modern day Mexico and California. This year’s exhibit features the work of printmaking artists Álvaro D. Márquez, Stephanie Mercado, and Daniel Villa, whose altars will be centered around the topic of immigration. Members of the public are also invited to honor friends and family members who have passed with a remembrance in the exhibit’s accompanying community altar. Learn more at CaliforniaMuseum.org/Recuerdos-Ilustrados

For more information about Sacramento Area Museums, visit www.SacMuseums.org.