Día de Los Muertos with East Bay Kids

Día de Los Muertos is a festive holiday meant to celebrate the dead and honor those who have passed. Here in the East Bay, there are many ways to celebrate with our community – including food, dance performances, colorful crafts, sugar skulls, and festive fun!

Thank you to the Oakland Museum of California, OMCA, for sponsoring this round-up. Don’t miss their annual Día de los Muertos Community Celebration on October 25, where kids 12 and younger receive free admission (reservations required).

Read on to find out where and how you can honor your loved ones with children in a special way.

Día de los Muertos Outings and Celebrations in Oakland

Featured Día de los Muertos Community Celebration at OMCA, Oakland

Sunday, October 25, 11 am to 4 pm. OMCA invites you to the 32nd annual Día de los Muertos Community Celebration, honoring the vibrant traditions of this beloved cultural holiday. Experience a full day of connection through hands-on activities, live music, delicious food, and the powerful presence of danza and ceremonia.

Children 12 and younger receive free admission; $10 for everyone else to access the festival. The garden is closed to those without a ticket. Tickets Required >

Días de los Muertos: Arte de los Muertos, Oakland

November 1, 7 & 8, 2026. Step inside Fairyland’s chapel to experience colorful ofrendas, calaveras, papel picado, and other festive creations honoring loved ones and celebrating tradition through the eyes of 450 TK to 5th-grade artists. General admission rates apply.

Día de los Muertos Festival, Fruitvale

Sunday, November 1, 2026. The Unity Council Día de Los Muertos Annual Festival is a free, outdoor festival celebrating the vibrant, culturally rich Fruitvale neighborhood with live music, food to buy, altar exhibits, Aztec rituals, rides, games, and crafts.

34-foot-tall artistic sculpture La Catrina has arrived in Fruitvale from Mexico and will be on display through Día de los Muertos on November 1. You might even spot her from BART.

Free/Cheap Family-friendly Día de Muertos events

Book Ahead for these East Bay Día de los Muertos Ticketed Performances & Events

Día de Muertos presented by Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno (Oakland & Livermore)

The Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno performance showcases the diversity of how Mexico celebrates Día de Muertos from state to state since the pre-Hispanic era. Tickets are $40 plus fees. The runtime is approximately two hours.

Dates and Locations:

• Oct. 11, Calvin Simmons Theatre, 10 10th Street, Oakland Purchase Tickets >
• Oct. 25, Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, Livermore Purchase Tickets >

Luna Mexicana (Oakland)

Luna Mexicana is a beautiful blend of exuberant dance, joyful music, colorful costumes, flowers, candles, food, and a celebration of family with beautiful ofrendas in the Paramount lobby created by local artists. The runtime is approximately two hours, including intermission.

Date and Location: Oct. 30 & Nov. 1, Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland
Purchase tickets >

Día de los Muertos (San Francisco)

A celebration of Latin American music and culture performed by the SF Symphony, with artists’ work in the lobby, along with crafts and dancers. This program is not designed for children, but kids’ tickets are half off.
Date and Location: Nov. 7, Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco 
Purchase tickets > (kids’ tickets half off)

Thank you again to our sponsor, OMCA, for presenting their 31st Annual Don’t miss their annual Día de los Muertos Community Celebration on October 25, 2026.

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