Old Town is one of San Diego's most exciting communities to celebrate Día de los Muertos! This pre-Hispanic tradition originated in Mexico and pays tribute to loved-ones lost. The holiday is celebrated with uniquely decorated ofrendas (altars), elaborate costumes and face-painting, and time spent with family and friends.
Visit Old Town San Diego for a season of celebrations. Join our annual candlelit procession on November 2. Take a tour of more than 40 authentic ofrendas. Bring the family on October 29 & 30 for a street festival with crafts and activities. Learn more below!
Día de los Muertos Events & Activities
Our traditional candlelit procession will be on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. 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. Kickoff around 6/6:30pm. Learn More.
The Old Town San Diego Foundation is hosting a street festival on Saturday, October 29 & Sunday, October 30 along San Diego Avenue. The event will include activities for the whole family, including face painting, crafts, and more. There will be a beer garden and live music. Learn more at oldtownsandiegofoundation.org.
OTSD State Historic Park is hosting free ofrenda (altar) tours in the park every Saturday and Sunday October 15-30 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 is available. See below!
More Día de los Muertos Events & News
Travel to Día de los Muertos Events
Driving? Old Town Trolley is operating a FREE shuttle service from the CalTrans Parking Lot at 4050 Taylor Street into Old Town. Drop off location is in front of the Old Town Market (4010 Twiggs St.) It will operate from 5:30-11pm on Friday, Oct. 28 - Sunday, Oct 30. Shuttle will pick up/drop off approx. every 15 minutes. 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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