Día de Los Muertos with East Bay Kids

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 who 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 four festive performances this year: two at San Jose’s Hammer Theatre and two at Oakland’s Paramount Theatre. These shows promise to have lots of children in attendance.

• Saturday, Oct. 28, 2:30 pm Matinee at San Jose’s Hammer Theatre
• Sunday, Oct. 29, 2:30 pm Matinee at San Jose’s Hammer Theatre
• Friday, Nov. 3, 7:30 pm Evening Show at Oakland’s Paramount Theatre
• Saturday, Nov. 4, 2:30 pm Matinee at Oakland’s Paramount Theatre

Dia de Los Muertos Outings and Celebrations in Oakland

Community Alter at César E. Chávez Branch Library, Oakland

Saturday, Oct. 21 – Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023
The community Dia de Los Muertos Altar will be on display for a few weeks. You’ll want to visit and enjoy. You can also contribute, send a picture (4×6 or smaller) with your information on the back. Learn more.

Dia de Los Muertos Festival, Fruitvale

Sunday, October 29. The Unity Council Día de Los Muertos Annual Festival is a free, outdoor festival that celebrates the vibrant, culturally rich Fruitvale neighborhood with live music, food to buy, alter exhibits, Aztec rituals, rides, games, and crafts. There are more activities for children throughout October, both large and small.

Free/Cheap Family-friendly Día de Muertos events

No Events

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 are available. Children under two do not require a separate ticket.

The Hammer Theatre, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose

• Saturday, Oct. 28, 2:30 pm
• Sunday, Oct. 29, 2:30 pm

The Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland

• Friday, Nov. 3, 7:30 pm
• Saturday, Nov. 4, 2:30 pm

There will be beautiful ofrendas in the Paramount lobby created by local artists and a special Luna Mexicana boutique. The runtime is approximately two hours including intermission. Purchase tickets >

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 $40 plus fees. The runtime is approximately two hours.

Dates:

• Saturday, Oct. 7 – 2 pm
• Sunday, Oct. 8 – 2 pm

Location: San Leandro Performing Arts Center, 2250 Bancroft Ave, San Leandro
Purchase tickets >

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.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 4 – 2 pm

Location: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
Purchase tickets >

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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