Thank you to our sponsor, Oakland Ballet Company presenting Luna Mexicana, one of the Bay Area’s most elaborate and inclusive Dia de los Muertos events.
Día de Los Muertos is a festive holiday meant to celebrate the dead and honor those that have passed. Here in the East Bay, there are often many ways to celebrate with your community – including food, dance performances, colorful crafts, sugar skulls, and festive fun!
Read on to find out where and how you can honor your loved ones with children in a special way.
Spotlight on Luna Mexicana
Luna Mexicana is one of the Bay Area’s most elaborate and inclusive Dia de los Muertos events. Like the celebration that inspires it, Luna Mexicana is a beautiful blend of exuberant dance, joyful music, colorful costumes, flowers, candles, food, and – most of all – a celebration of family. There are three performances at San Jose’s Hammer Theatre, two on Saturday, Oct. 22nd, and one on Sunday, Oct. 23rd. There are also two performances at Oakland’s Paramount Theatre, an evening show on Friday, Oct. 28th, and a matinee performance on Saturday, Oct. 29th. Both shows promise to have lots of children in attendance.
Luna Mexicana guests can join members of The Oakland Ballet Company in the Paramount lobby prior to the performances and visit the ofrendas created by local artists and pick up gifts at the Luna Mexicana boutique.
Dia de Los Muertos Outings and Celebrations in Oakland
Dia de Los Muertos Festival, Fruitvale
Sunday, October 30, 2022. The Unity Council Día de Los Muertos Annual Festival is a free, outdoor festival that celebrates the vibrant, culturally rich Fruitvale neighborhood.
Free/Cheap Family-friendly Día de Muertos events
No EventsDia de Los Muertos Food and Treats
Oct. 24 to 31: Fruitvale Restaurant Week: In celebration of Oakland’s Dia de los Muertos Festival, participating restaurants along International Blvd. will offer a special menu. Grab something delicious, save on cooking, and you will be supporting a Fruitvale small business. See which restaurants are participating >
Sweets anytime. of my favorite Berkeley sweet shops are offering lots of treats you’ll want to eat! The Xocolate Bar on Solano has special beautiful organic chocolate calaveras. Casa de Chocolates in Elmwood will let you pre-order a number of super tasty Mexican pastries or their famous frozen hot chocolate.
Do you have any other favorite traditions you plan to keep this year with children for Day of the Dead?
Kid-Friendly Dia de Muertos Activities and Crafts
Create a cultural headdress, Oakland. Sundays from 2 pm – 3:30. Attend a headdress-making workshop at Mannequin Madness in Oakland to create wearable art for Dia de los Muertos, appropriate for ages 8+. $60 each. Website to register >
Anytime. Make a papier-mâché sugar skull (carton piedra). North Oakland artist, Daniel Camacho, shows others how to make fantastic sugar skulls.
Anytime. Make a paper marigold flower (flores de papel). These were the simplest instructions I found online, maybe not the best, but Sunset knows how to make it pretty.
Book Ahead for East Bay Dia de Los Muertos Performances
Ticket Alert: The Oakland Ballet Company presents Luna Mexicana (Oakland & San Jose)
Luna Mexicana is a beautiful medley of exuberant dance, joyful music, elaborate costumes, flowers, candles, food, and – most of all – a celebration of family with five Bay Area performances. Tickets range from about $25 to $65 depending on location and ticket category. Junior and student discounts available. Children under two do not require a separate ticket.
No proof of vaccination is required to attend, but masks are required.
The Hammer Theatre, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose
- Saturday, Oct. 22 – 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm
- Sunday, Oct. 23 – 2:30 pm
The Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland
- Friday, Oct. 28 – 7:30 pm
- Saturday, Oct. 29 – 2 pm
The runtime is approximately two hours including intermission. Purchase tickets >
Ticket alert: Mexico Danza presents Dia de los Muertos
Ballet Folklórico México Danza is a non-profit dance company dedicated to presenting the beautiful, cultural heritage of Mexico through folkloric dance. Tickets range from $20 to $30 plus fees. The runtime is approximately two hours. Masks are required.
Location: San Leandro Performing Arts Center, 2250 Bancroft Ave, San Leandro
Purchase tickets >
- Saturday, Oct. 1 – 7 pm
- Sunday, Oct. 2 – 3 pm
Ticket alert: Dia de Muertos presented by Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno
The Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno performance showcases the diversity of how Mexico celebrates Dia de Muertos from state to state since the Pre-Hispanic era. Tickets are $35 plus fees. The runtime is approximately two hours. Masks are required.
Location: San Leandro Performing Arts Center, 2250 Bancroft Ave, San Leandro
Purchase tickets >
- Saturday, Oct. 8 – 7 pm
- Sunday, Oct. 9 – 2 pm
Ticket alert: Dia Los Muertos presented by SF Symphony
Join the San Francisco Symphony’s vibrant Day of the Dead celebration conducted by Carlos Miguel Prieto. This annual event features traditional Latin American music and culture, dazzling guest artists, colorful festivities, and fun-filled events for the entire family.
Location: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
Purchase tickets >
- Saturday, Nov. 5 – 2 pm
Thank you again to our sponsor, Oakland Ballet Company presenting Luna Mexicana, one of the Bay Area’s most elaborate and inclusive Dia de los Muertos events.
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