Marigold petals carpet the streets each fall, while candles flicker beside framed photographs. Music drifts through plazas, museums, and even cemeteries. Día de los Muertos has become one of the most moving travel experiences in America. In 2026, the festiva holiday falls on November 1 and 2. However, celebrations stretch across several weeks, from mid-October into November. This guide covers ten events in America worth planning a trip around.
Best Día de los Muertos Events in America for 2026
Before You Go
Día de los Muertos grows from Mexican tradition and honors loved ones who have died. UNESCO recognizes it as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Families build altars, called ofrendas, with flowers, candles, food, and photographs. The mood feels joyful, yet it stays deeply personal. Therefore, you should treat every altar with dignity and respect. For example, you should ask permission before photographing a family or an offering. What’s more, you should skip the costume-party mindset. Instead, arrive curious and ready to listen. Finally, confirm dates, tickets, and schedules on each organizer’s website. That’s because details can shift, and several 2026 lineups are still taking shape. Whatever the case may be, it will be well worth the wait and well worth the visit.
1. Muertos Fest, San Antonio, Texas
Start at Hemisfair in downtown San Antonio. Muertos Fest returns October 23–25, 2026. Organizers rank it among the largest Day of the Dead celebrations in the country. They launched the festival in 2013, and it now welcomes more than 100,000 visitors for free. Wander among more than 80 community-built altars. Then catch live music on five stages. Two signature processions anchor the weekend, so claim a good viewing spot early. A fashion show with Día de los Muertos-inspired looks adds some flair. Come hungry, too, because downtown San Antonio is a great place to eat.
2. Hollywood Forever, Los Angeles
Hollywood Forever hosts its 27th annual celebration on Saturday, October 24. The historic cemetery on Santa Monica Boulevard becomes a gallery of altars, dance, and art. City listings call it one of Southern California’s largest celebrations. However, organizers require tickets, and recent editions have sold out. Therefore, you should buy earlier than later. Organizers have also used timed entry sessions in recent years, so check your slot. Once inside Hollywood Forever, walk slowly and make sure to take photos.That’s because very altar tells a personal story. After all, the cemetery’s Latino community has helped sustain this tradition for decades.
Related: Underrated Attractions in Los Angeles
3. All Souls Procession, Tucson, Arizona
Head to the Sonoran Desert for something different. Tucson’s All Souls Procession draws inspiration from Día de los Muertos, yet it stands as its own tradition. Artist Susan Johnson started it in 1990 to honor her late father. About 25 people joined her that first year. Today, more than 150,000 participants gather for a two-mile, human-powered procession. The night ends with the burning of an urn filled with hopes, memories, and offerings. The 37th edition returns November 8 at 4 p.m and concludes on November 9 at 12 p.m. Saturday events usually include the free Procession of Little Angels.
4. National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago
Chicago offers a more reflective experience. The National Museum of Mexican Art marks a milestone in 2026. Its annual exhibition turns 40 and carries the title Where Memory Lives: 40 Years of Día de Muertos. Visit the museum in Pilsen to see altars and artwork up close.
Meanwhile, Día de Muertos Xicágo 2026 takes over Harrison Park from 3 to 8 p.m. Confirm the date before you book. Then stroll through the neighborhood’s murals to round out your day.
5. Mictlán, Coral Gables, Florida
Florida joins the celebration on Saturday, October 31. Mictlán 2026 takes over Ponce Circle Park from 5 to 10 p.m. Expect monumental marigold arches and eight towering Catrina figures. A 360-degree communal altar anchors the evening.
Browse the Market of Memory for food, drinks, and crafts. Then settle in for animated digital installations and stage performances. The Consulate General of Mexico in Miami and the City of Coral Gables present the event together. Because it falls on a Saturday, it suits a weekend getaway.
6. Olvera Street, Los Angeles
Olvera Street offers a gentler pace. Merchants at this historic plaza have celebrated the holiday for nearly 40 years. In recent years, the site has hosted a nine-day installation of altars by local artists and community groups. Families will find activities for kids, too. Check olveraevents.com for the 2026 schedule. Afterward, grab a meal at one of the plaza’s Mexican restaurants. By the way, Olvera Street is widely considered the oldest street in Los Angeles.
7. Historic Market Square, San Antonio
San Antonio earns a second spot on this list. This time around, it’s when the Historic Market Square hosts a two-day celebration on October 24–25. Hours run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and live entertainment begins at noon. Don’t miss the Las Monas Cultural Dance Procession. Dancers in colorful costumes perform from 1 to 2 p.m. both days. Mariachi groups play throughout the weekend. Best of all, the event overlaps with Muertos Fest, so you can enjoy both in one trip.
8. Día de los Muertos Festival, Riverside, California
Inland Southern California deserves a stop. Listings describe Riverside’s festival as one of the state’s largest. It stretches across six to seven blocks and draws more than 75,000 visitors. Once there, you can expect more than 80 community-built altars, along with two stages featuring folklórico and Aztec dancers. What’s more, Lucha libre matches and lowrider displays add a distinctly Southern California twist. While Día de los Muertos is officially November 1-2, the Riverside event will be held the following weekend, on November 7-8.
9. Solana Beach, California
If you prefer a small-town feel, then head on down to coastal San Diego County. On Sunday, October 18, La Colonia Park hosts a free festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 40 altars anchor the day. This year’s theme honors the veterans of La Colonia de Eden Gardens. Meanwhile, the entertainment keeps the mood lively. MiraCosta Ballet Folklórico, Mariachi Del Mar, and a classic car show all join the lineup. Kids can enter a costume contest, and dogs get one too. Despite being a small community, parking often runs tigh. Therefore, you should arrive early if you can, to beat the traffic.
10. Mercado La Paloma, Los Angeles
Close your trip in South Los Angeles. Mercado La Paloma hosts its free Day of the Dead Festival on Sunday, October 25, from noon to 5 p.m. Organizers describe it as a respectful, joyful gathering for families. They will announce artists and performances soon, so watch the venue’s website. In the meantime, the market’s food vendors make an easy lunch stop. About a mile from the California Science Center, Mercado La Paloma has received broader attention due to the Michelin Star rating of Holbox seafood counter. In fact, Holbox is often ranked among the best restaurants in America, despite its modest prescence.
Planning Your 2026 Trip
Dates cluster between mid-October and early November. As a result, you can string several events together. For example, pair Los Angeles with San Diego County for one long weekend. Alternatively, build a Texas trip around San Antonio’s two festivals.
Book flights and hotels early, since crowds grow every year. Pack comfortable shoes, because most events involve plenty of walking. Bring cash for vendors, too. Above all, arrive with respect and an open heart.
Finally, bring a photo of someone you miss. Many altars welcome offerings, and you may find comfort in the ritual. Día de los Muertos reminds travelers that memory is a form of love.
Related: Best Día de Muertos Celebrations in California
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, MSN.com and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University and is a Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW) member.
