{"id":500586,"date":"2026-10-19T00:44:42","date_gmt":"2026-10-19T00:44:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/500586\/"},"modified":"2026-10-19T00:44:42","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T00:44:42","slug":"your-guide-to-dia-de-los-muertos-events-on-the-eastside","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/500586\/","title":{"rendered":"Your guide to D\u00eda de los Muertos events on the Eastside"},"content":{"rendered":"

This story<\/a> first appeared on The LA Local<\/a>.<\/p>\n

D\u00eda de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a time to honor the memory of loved ones who have died. The holiday\u2019s most beloved traditions include building ofrendas at home or visiting cemeteries to decorate the graves of those who have departed.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The celebration, widely observed in Mexico and other Latin American countries, also brings colorful, vibrant events to Los Angeles. On or before Nov. 1 and 2, cempas\u00fachil-covered altars, intricately designed sugar calaveras and pan de muerto will spring up.\u00a0<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve rounded up a list of mostly free events on L.A.\u2019s Eastside and downtown to celebrate the cherished cultural holiday.<\/p>\n

Oct. 17: D\u00eda de los Muertos at El Sereno Community Arts\u00a0<\/p>\n

El Sereno Community Arts presents its 17th annual D\u00eda de los Muertos community celebration with a day full of activities for the whole family. The event will feature free arts and culture programming, community altars, live musical performances and food from local vendors. The festival will also feature artwork and handmade catrinas made from the arts center\u2019s community workshops.\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Oct. 17: What We Carry: East L.A. to Palestine at Tonalli Studio\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Ofelia<\/p>\n

Ofelia Esparza stands by an altar at Tonalli Studios on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.<\/p>\n

(<\/p>\n

Carol Martinez<\/p>\n

\/<\/p>\n

Boyle Heights Beat<\/p>\n

)<\/p>\n

Tonalli Studio will open its D\u00eda de los Muertos exhibition and ofrenda to showcase how land, home and family are threatened today. What We Carry tells the stories of resilience across generations from the communities of East L.A. to Palestine. Guests are invited to add names, prayers or written statements to this year\u2019s \u201cEast L.A. to Palestine\u201d ofrenda.\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Oct. 18: Paint and Sip at Cafe Ni\u00f1a\u00a0<\/p>\n

Join the beloved coffee spot for a morning decorating a miniature altar to add to your ofrenda at home.\u00a0 Each ticket will include your choice of a coffee or matcha, a paint set with a miniature ofrenda and a light brunch. Tickets are limited, so be sure to grab yours through their Instagram page.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Oct. 18: Crafting Party at Benny Boy Brewing\u00a0<\/p>\n

Benny Boy Brewing is hosting its 4th Annual D\u00eda de los Muertos Crafting Celebration, featuring sugar skull decorating sessions. There will be an assortment of crafting materials to choose from and additional items include a clear box to display your completed sugar skull, ribbon, cempasuchil flowers and a customized tealight candle. Guests can purchase a small or large skull and get free face-painting. Please note that the event is for guests 21 and over.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Oct. 24: Calavera LGBTQ+ Festival by Latino Equity Alliance\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A catrina is pictured with a Pride flag at the Calavera LGBTQ Street Festival.<\/p>\n

The Latino Equity Alliance will celebrate its annual Calavera LGBTQ+ Festival with an evening of drag and musical performances, dancing, community resource booths and an altar. In collaboration with the Get Out the Vote Initiative, the festival will also feature a free, nonpartisan, L.A. County Mobile Voting Center located outside the venue for the public to access.\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Cost: Youth (under 18) $5 and adults $10<\/p>\n

When: 5:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24\u00a0<\/p>\n

Where: Ace Mission Studios, 516 S Mission Rd., Los Angeles<\/a><\/p>\n

More information: Visit their webpage<\/a> to purchase tickets\n <\/p>\n

Oct. 24 \u2013 Nov. 2: D\u00eda de los Muertos at Gloria Molina Grand Park\u00a0For 10 days, Gloria Molina Grand Park will transform into an exhibition space honoring cultural traditions through art, community altars and remembrance. Kicking off the festivities with an opening ceremony, attendees can enjoy live musical performances from El R\u00edo, Grupo Bella, Ana\u00eds Azul, and Mariachi Arco Iris de Los Angeles. The celebration will honor indigenous roots by including a sacred processional and blessing from Ohtli Yollotl Collective. Guests can explore up to 17 unique altars from local artists and organizations on display and are encouraged to contribute to the event\u2019s designated community altar by leaving a photo, note, or memento in remembrance of a loved one. This year\u2019s theme is \u201cThe Power of One\u201d and is curated by artist Consuelo G. Flores. Guests will be able to participate in family-friendly activities, including free face painting, sugar skull workshops and wellness offerings from community partners.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Cost: Free\u00a0<\/p>\n

When: Opening ceremony: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Noche De Muertos Closing Celebration: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. 10-day exhibition displays open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Where: Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles<\/a><\/p>\n

More information: Check their webpage here<\/a>.\n <\/p>\n

Oct. 25: Family Day at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Young<\/p>\n

Young dancers at D\u00eda de los Muertos Family Day at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in October, 2024.<\/p>\n

For an afternoon full of family-friendly activities and entertainment, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes welcomes attendees to participate in this year\u2019s community celebration. Featuring three workshops that explore traditional practices, including painting skull masks, flower accessories and herb bundles. Food from Tamales Veracruz y M\u00e1s and Sammy\u2019s Elotes y M\u00e1s will be available for purchase. This year\u2019s celebration will feature a number of live entertainment acts, including Banda Filarm\u00f3nica Los Alebrijes, Grupo Folkl\u00f3rico Princesa Donaji, and Los Elejidos de As\u00eds de los Muertos. LA Plaza encourages guests to contribute to their Ofrenda Comunitaria.<\/p>\n

Oct. 25: Las Fotos Project Community Wellness Day\u00a0In partnership with Youth to the People, Las Fotos Project is hosting its bi-monthly community wellness day with a D\u00eda de los Muertos celebration. The event will feature family-friendly activations like art-making, including their signature vela decorating station, calavera or catrina face painting,\u00a0 a community ofrenda, and a stylized portrait station. Guests can enjoy light bites and beverages and explore the free clothing swap station and community resources available, including special guest Soluna to discuss their free mental health resources. In partnership with Polo\u2019s Pantry and Saticoy Food Hub, there will also be fresh produce available while supplies last.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Oct. 27: Community Ofrenda at SuperNova Thrift\u00a0Beginning Oct. 24, SuperNova Thrift invites the community to take part in the making of their D\u00eda de los Muertos altar. People are encouraged to bring a photocopy of their loved ones with their name, a letter, drawing, or memory, flowers, and small nonvaluable offerings. Participants are also welcome to join by being a helping hand in the making of the altar. The altar will be open for viewing at the storefront from Oct. 27 to Nov. 2, with three special days of remembrance. <\/p>\n

Oct. 30: 1st Street Community Block Party<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A child dances folkorico at D\u00eda de Muertos 1st Street Community Block Party on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.<\/p>\n

(<\/p>\n

Luis Cano<\/p>\n

\/<\/p>\n

Boyle Heights Beat<\/p>\n

)<\/p>\n

The 1st Street Collective, a hub for the businesses along Boyle Heights\u2019 1st Street corridor, is back with its D\u00eda de Muertos Community Block Party at Mariachi Plaza. This year\u2019s celebration will feature music, dancing, family-friendly activations and local vendors. Enjoy free face painting, live art installations, performances, a community altar and more for people of all ages.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Cost: Free<\/p>\n

When: 5 to 10 p.m., Friday, Oct. 30\u00a0<\/p>\n

Where: Mariachi Plaza and along 1st Street, 1831 1st St., Los Angeles<\/a><\/p>\n

More information: Visit their Instagram page here<\/a>.\n <\/p>\n

Nov. 1: D\u00eda de los Muertos at Plaza de la Raza\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A truck is decorated at Plaza de La Raza\u2019s Dia de los Muertos celebration in 2024.<\/p>\n

Join Plaza de la Raza\u2019s annual outdoor community celebration, which will include hands-on workshops, musical entertainment, art and local vendors. Attendees can join a variety of crafting workshops, from calaca puppet making to papel picado, alebrije making, and flower making with altarista Ofelia Esparza and family. Attendees can also walk through a vendor marketplace and explore the artwork and altar installations that will feature over 25 participating artists.\u00a0 Live performances include members of Ozomatli, El Mariachi Manchester, Danza Divina de Los Angeles, Tiny Tots Folklorico, Plaza de La Raza Mariachi and Folklorico students, and Folkor Pasi\u00f3n Mexicana.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Boathouse Gallery will also be open for its \u201cEl Velorio\u201d exhibit, featuring original work from over 200 local artists and curated by Superchief Gallery, Irene Hernandez and Manny Martinez. The exhibit will be on display from Oct. 10 to Nov. 7.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Cost: Free, including free parking at the DMV lot\u00a0<\/p>\n

When: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1<\/p>\n

Where: Plaza de la Raza, 3540 N. Mission Rd., Los Angeles<\/a><\/p>\n

More information: Check their Instagram page here<\/a>\n <\/p>\n

Nov. 6 \u2013 8: Every Altar Begins with a Story by Colibri Dance Theatre & Casa 0101 Theater\u00a0This D\u00eda de Los Muertos, a contemporary theatrical dance production takes center stage at Casa 0101. Presented by the Colibri Dance Theatre, the performance will be full of stories of love, family, resilience, joy, grief, forgiveness and strength.\u00a0\u00a0In this showcase, an altar comes to life as told through the eyes of CUENTOS characters \u201cLa Catrina,\u201d \u201cEl Catrin,\u201d \u201cAlebrije,\u201d and \u201cCalacas.\u201d Attendees can experience a night of movement, music, and poetry that honors D\u00eda de Muertos traditions and cultural practices.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Cost: $23 \u2013 $29, including special ticket prices for Boyle Heights residents,\u00a0students\/seniors, and group ticket purchases.\u00a0<\/p>\n

When: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 7, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8<\/p>\n

Where: Casa 0101, 2102 1st St., Los Angeles<\/a><\/p>\n

More information: Visit their webpage<\/a> to purchase tickets.\n <\/p>\n

Nov. 7\u00a0: Cafecito + Little Pi\u00f1ata Workshop\u00a0Join this community collaboration between Healing in Spanglish and Little Pi\u00f1ata Guy for a mini pi\u00f1ata workshop to dedicate and honor loved ones. Each attendee ticket includes coffee from Anhelo Coffee, Pan de Muerto by Reposter\u00eda Aguilar, and materials to create your own mini pi\u00f1ata. Spend your morning remembering your loved ones and crafting with community. Tickets are limited.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nov. 7: D\u00eda de los Muertos at Self Help Graphics & Art\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Dancers<\/p>\n

Dancers perform Danza Azteca at Mariachi Plaza during a procession for the Self Help Graphics & Art D\u00eda de los Muertos celebration.<\/p>\n

(<\/p>\n

Courtesy of Self Help Graphics & Art<\/p>\n

)<\/p>\n

To round out their monthlong community art workshops and events, Self Help Graphics and Art will host its 53rd Annual D\u00eda de los Muertos celebration. This year\u2019s celebration is in partnership with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and the Smithsonian\u2019s National Museum of the American Latino. The communal gathering will begin with a procession at 2 p.m. at Mariachi Plaza led by Danza Azteca Chicomecoatl and will end on the corner of 1st Street and Anderson Street, outside Self Help Graphics, for the festivities. Attendees can shop through the \u201cMuertos Market,\u201d featuring local artists and artisans, local food vendors, Self Help Graphics prints for sale, face painting, and arts activities for all ages. The celebration will also include a main stage for live musical performances from Extra Ancestral, Chulita Vinyl Club L.A., Jimetta Rose and the Voices of Creation, La Santa Cecilia, The Red Alibi, Mendez High School Mariachi, and headliners, Los Lobos.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Cost: Free<\/p>\n

When: 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7<\/p>\n

Where: Self Help Graphics & Art, 1300 1st St., Los Angeles<\/a><\/p>\n

More information: To register and reserve your spot, visit the webpage here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

* Event will take place outside on the Anderson Street side\n <\/p>\n

Nov. 7 \u2013 8: Floricanto\u2019s Fiesta de D\u00eda de los Muertos<\/p>\n

The Floricanto Center for Performing Arts and Danza Floricanto will host a D\u00eda de los Muertos-themed showcase for its 24th annual program. For one weekend only, the Center will be transformed into a cemetery, and a series of characters, including the show\u2019s guide \u201cLa Catrina,\u201d will lead audiences through an evening of storytelling and dance. The showcase will feature themes of love, death, mental illness, teen pregnancy and immigration. Show doors open 30 minutes before showtime.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Cost: General admission pre-sale: $15, $20 at the door\u00a0<\/p>\n

VIP seating presale only:\u00a0Children ages 5 to 10 years old $10 *child tickets only sold at box office<\/p>\n

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, and 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8<\/p>\n

Where: Floricanto Center for the Performing Arts, 2900 Calle Pedro Infante, Los Angeles<\/a><\/p>\n

More information: To purchase tickets, visit here<\/a> or call (213)-466-2611\n <\/p>\n