It is time for Día de Los Muertos in Old Town San Diego! This pre-Hispanic tradition originated in Mexico and pays tribute to loved-ones who have passed away. The holiday is celebrated with uniquely decorated ofrendas (altars), elaborate costumes and face-painting, and time spent with family and friends.
Experience San Diego's finest Día de Los Muertos celebration! Join our annual candlelit procession on November 2. Take a tour of more than 40 unique ofrendas. Watch a free screening of Disney Pixar's "Coco" under the stars. Bring the family for amazing art and activities in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and stroll a fabulous street market for treasures. Learn more below!
Día de los Muertos Events & Activities 2023
Annual Procession
Our traditional candlelit procession will be on Thursday, November 2, 2023. A free event, which draws over 5,000 visitors, starts at sundown in front of the Immaculate Conception Church, located at San Diego Ave and Twiggs St. The procession will travel down San Diego Ave to El Campo Santo. Learn More.
Kickoff at 6:15pm.
Weekend Mercado
Shop amazing art and crafts on Saturday, October 28 & Sunday, October 29, 2023 along San Diego Avenue and Harney Street. The event will also include activities for the whole family.
Sat: 10am-5:30pm & Sun: 10am-4:30pm.
Interested in being a vendor? Learn more by clicking HERE.
State Historic Park: Art & Activities
Throughout the weekend, visitors are invited to explore our historic museums, showcasing altares de muertos (altars of the dead) created by local artists in honor of influential Old Town citizens. Engage in hands-on activities and sign up for a sugar skull painting workshop (additional material fee applies). In the Plaza de Armas, San Diego artists will create chalk art celebrating the diverse communities that have shaped Old Town throughout the centuries.
We encourage visitors to honor their loved ones by contributing their names to the Community Altar located in the Plaza de Armas. This project is made possible through the State of California's Arts in Parks program, a partnership between the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the California Arts Council. Join us on Saturday, October 28, from 11 am to 9 pm, and Sunday, October 29, from 11 am to 5 pm, for a journey through history and art.
"Coco": Free Outdoor Showing
The San Diego Public Library is delighted to present a free community screening of Disney Pixar's beloved film "Coco" in the Plaza de Armas (Old Town San Diego State Historic Park) on Saturday, October 28, at 7pm.
Gather with friends and family for a heartwarming cinematic experience under the stars.
Ofrenda Tours
OTSD State Historic Park is hosting free ofrenda (altar) tours in the park every Saturday and Sunday from October 14-29 and on November 1 & 2. Reserve your spot on the tour at the Robinson-Rose Visitor Center (4002 Wallace St).
A self-guided tour of all of the ofrendas in Old Town will be available in October.
More Día de los Muertos Events & News
Travel to Día de los Muertos Events
Driving? There is plenty of free parking at the CalTrans Parking Lot at 4050 Taylor Street available on evenings after 5pm and all day on Saturdays and Sundays. Check out the Parking Map for more information on additional parking options.
Want to avoid traffic? Take transit! Old Town Transit Center serves San Diego MTS Blue & Green Line Trolleys and local bus lines; North County Transit Coaster commuter trains; Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains; UCSD "Campus to Hillcrest" shuttle; USD "Campus to Old Town" shuttle;
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