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 26, 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.
Dia de Los Muertos Outings and Celebrations in Oakland
Featured Día de los Muertos Community Celebration at OMCA, Oakland
Sunday, October 26, 11 am to 4 pm. OMCA invites you to the 31st 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. The garden is closed to those without a ticket. Tickets Required >
Comida es Vida: Food Traditions for Day of the Dead, San Francisco
Saturday, October 25. Join a flavorful Día de los Muertos celebration at the Exploratorium. Make sugar skulls, learn traditional recipes from Guatemala and Mexico, and discover the rich history of chocolate while honoring culture and community.
Días de los Muertos: Arte y Música, Oakland
November 1-2 & 8-9. 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 artist.
Dia de Los Muertos Festival, Fruitvale
Sunday, November 2. 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.
Free/Cheap Family-friendly Día de Muertos events
Book Ahead for East Bay Dia de Los Muertos Ticketed Performances
Dia de Muertos presented by Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno (Oakland & Livermore)
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 and Locations:
- Oct. 4, Calvin Simmons Theatre, 10 10th Street, Oakland Purchase Tickets >
- Oct. 12, Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, Livermore Purchase Tickets >
Coco Film with Live Orchestration (San Francisco)
See the beautiful PIXAR film, Coco, about a music-loving boy who journeys into the Land of the Dead to learn lessons from his grandfather, set to live orchestration with the SF Symphony.
Date and Location: Oct. 29, Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco
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.
Date and Location: Nov. 1, Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco
Purchase tickets >
Luna Mexicana (Oakland)
Luna Mexicana is a beautiful blend of exuberant dance, joyful music, colorful costumes, flowers, candles, food, and – most of all – a celebration of family. This performance will have lots of children in attendance.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.
Date and Location: Nov 1, Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland
Purchase tickets >
Thank you again to our sponsor, OMCA, presenting their 31st Annual Don’t miss their annual Día de los Muertos Community Celebration on October 26.
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