Día de los Muertos at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park — San Diego, CA

Día de los Muertos at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park — Event Details

📍 Venue: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park — San Diego Ave and Twiggs St, San Diego, CA 92110
📅 Dates: Oct 31-Nov 2, 2026; festivities begin Oct 1
🕐 Hours: Nov 1: 10am-5:30pm; Nov 2: 10am-4pm; Catrina Contest Nov 1; candlelit procession Nov 2 5pm
🎫 Price: Free
👶 Ages: All ages
🚗 Parking: On-site / street parking — check the official event page for details
⏱ Plan for: 2–3 hours
🏢 Organizer: https://www.oldtownsandiego.org/ddlm/

🎃 Local Insight Ratings

Best for: Everyone — a gorgeous cultural celebration of life and remembrance.

💡 Know Before You Go

🎃 Check for workshops — sugar-skull decorating and face-painting sessions fill up early.

🎃 Come with respect — this is a meaningful cultural tradition; admire ofrendas without touching them.

🎃 Bring a photo for community altars — many events invite you to add a loved one’s photo to a shared ofrenda.

🎃 Try the pan de muerto — the traditional bread of the dead is a must.

🎃 Evenings are magical — candlelit altars after dark are the most moving (and photogenic).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone attend?
Yes — Día de los Muertos celebrations welcome everyone. Come to honor, learn, and celebrate respectfully.

When is Día de los Muertos at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park?
Día de los Muertos at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park takes place Oct 31-Nov 2, 2026; festivities begin Oct 1, typically around November 1–2 for Día de los Muertos.

Is Día de los Muertos at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park free?
Free. Food and artisan market purchases are extra.