Illustration of a dia de los muertos scene (Día de Los Muertos Celebration at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park)
Other Halloween Activities

Día de Los Muertos Celebration at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of Día de Los Muertos at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. This community celebration features stunning altares de muertos (altars of the dead) within historic museums, interactive art activities, and a special screening of Disney's 'Coco'. Honor loved ones by contributing to a community altar and witness a captivating candlelit procession.

More in San Diego:

What to Expect

Community altar with hanging wooden butterflies

Event Details

Duration

Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Old Town

Timed Entry

No

Featured Performers

  • Aztec dancers
  • Matt Schnittker

Organizer

California State Parks

Food & Drink

Not specified, but likely available from local vendors.

Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (1/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (5/5)

Best For

Families, cultural enthusiasts, those honoring loved ones

Vibe

Cultural, celebratory, respectful, family-friendly

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Location

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
San Diego Avenue
San Diego, CA
92110

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $
  • Parking: Free parking is available in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park lots. Lot 'F' will be closed. Overflow parking is available at the CalTrans Parking Lot at 4300 Taylor Street, San Diego, CA 92110.
  • Accessibility: Accessibility improvements are ongoing. Many parks have facilities designed to meet varying abilities. Contact access@parks.ca.gov or (916) 445-8949 for specific questions.
  • Pets: Pet-friendly for Catrina contest participation

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early on Sunday to secure a good spot for the Candlelit Procession, as park operations conclude at 4:00 p.m.
  • Consider bringing a chair or blanket for the outdoor screening of Disney's 'Coco' on Saturday evening.
  • The sugar skull workshop has a $10 material fee, so bring cash or be prepared to pay with a card.
  • Pets are welcome to participate in the Catrina contest, so bring your costumed furry friends!
  • The Community Altar accepts donations of $5.00 to contribute a name to the butterfly feature.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Movie in the Park: Disney's 'Coco' screening
  • Candlelit Procession
  • 3rd Annual Catrina Contest (children and adults)
  • Sugar Skull Painting Workshop
  • Community Altar for honoring loved ones

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates and times for the Día de Los Muertos celebration?

The celebration takes place on Saturday, November 1st from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 2nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Are there any special activities for children?

Yes, there is a bilingual story time on Saturday and a children's Catrina contest on Saturday.

Can I bring my pet to the event?

Pets are welcome to participate in the Catrina contest.

Is there a cost to participate in the sugar skull workshop?

Yes, the sugar skull workshop has a $10 material fee.

How can I honor a lost loved one at the event?

You can contribute their name to the hanging wooden butterfly feature next to the Community Altar.

Tags

dia de los muertoscommunity eventfamily friendlyarts craftsstorytimemuseumparadecostume contest

More Halloween Events Near San Diego

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 3, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Halloween Events Near Me editorial team