By Mey Lyn Mitteenn
Metro | The Source

Every fall, altars bloom across Los Angeles, covered in marigolds, candles and memories as the city honors loved ones who have passed. The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), one of Mexico’s most cherished traditions, reminds us that death is not the end, but a moment to celebrate those who live in our hearts.

Families decorate altars with cempasúchil (marigolds), sugar skulls, photos and the favorite foods of those who left – offerings meant to guide and welcome their spirits home for a night willed with love and remembrance.

This season, Metro makes it easy to honor loved ones and enjoy the beauty of this tradition. Here are seven free Day of the Dead events you can get to easily by bus or rail – so grab your TAP card and Go Metro to celebrate life, art and culture across the city!

1) Gloria Molina – Grand Park

Downtown LA’s heart turns into a sea of color during Grand Park’s Day of the Dead celebration. This year’s event features 19 altars created by artists and local organizations, each telling a story of remembrance and cultural pride. 

On Opening Day, enjoy live performances by Mariachi Las Catrinas, Ballet Folklorico and family-friendly activities like card-making and sugar skull decorating. Closing Day will wrap up with music by Latin GRAMMY®-nominated artist Lupita Infante and the band Boleros with Attitude (BWA). A community mercado will showcase local LA artisans.

●  When: From Saturday, Oct. 25 to Sunday, Nov. 2 

●  Where: Gloria Molina Grand Park – 200 N. Grand Ave.

●  Times: Opening Day: Saturday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
          Nine-Day Exhibition: from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
          Closing Day: Sunday, Nov. 2, from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Go Metro: Take the B (Red) / D (Purple) Line subway to Civic St./Grand Park OR take the A (Blue) or E (Gold) to Historic Broadway. 

●  For more information, visit: www.grandparkla.org/diadelosmuertos/. 

2) Santa Monica Pier

Head to the coast to experience the Santa Monica Pier transformed for Día de los Muertos. The historic Merry Go-Round building will be filled with art installations, including a transformation of the 100-year-old carousel, adorned with marigolds and papel picado. Throughout the evening, enjoy mariachi music and the dance of Ballet Folklorico.  

●  When: Saturday, Nov. 1, and Sunday, Nov. 2 

●  Where: 1624 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica 

●  Time: 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.  

●  Go Metro: Take the E Line to Downtown Santa Monica.  

●  For more information: www.santamonicapier.org/diadelosmuertos. 

3) Olvera Street

Few places in LA capture the spirit of this day like Olvera Street. For nearly four decades, people and artists have kept this tradition alive. Enjoy colorful altars, a procession with Aztec dancers and some participants dressed up as skeletons and face painting for kids. Don’t miss a special theater show that shares the story behind this celebration of life each evening at 6 p.m.

●  When: From Saturday, Oct. 25 to Sunday, Nov. 2  

●  Where: 5-11 Olvera St., Los Angeles

●  Time: Altars (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.) | Theater (starts at 6 p.m.) 

●  Go Metro: Take the B (Red) / D (Purple) / A (Blue) Line / J Line to Union Station  

●  For more information: www.olveraevents.com/day-of-the-dead-olvera-street. 

4) Plaza de la Cultura

Celebrate through art, dance and storytelling. This festival includes Oaxacan dances, a procession, a community altar and a playful catrina-comedy sketch. Visitors can also join free workshops in art, gardening and traditional cooking. Families can also participate in the community’s ofrenda by adding photos of their loved ones.

●  When: Sunday, Oct. 26 

●  Where: 501 N Main St., Los Angeles

●  Time: 12 p.m.  

●  Go Metro: Take the B (Red) / D (Purple) / A (Blue) Line subway to Union Station

●  For more information: www.lapca.org/event/dia-de-muertos/. 

5) East LA

The Eastside’s annual Día de los Muertos celebration brings together community and tradition. Expect colorful altars, live music, dance performances, face painting, art vendors and a community resource. 

●  When: Saturday, Nov. 1 

●  Where: East LA Civic Center Park, 4801 E 3rd St., Los Angeles

●  Time: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. (The procession is from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.)

●  Go Metro: Take the E Line to East LA Civic Center  

●  For more information: www.selfhelpgraphics.com/diadelosmuertos. 

6) Canoga Park

Join this valley-style festival, in which Metro is also a sponsor. This family event includes altars, a Catrina contest, live music, folklórico dances, chalk art and even a vintage car show. You’ll also find food trucks, artisan and live music, too.   

●  When: Sunday, Nov. 2 

●  Where: On Sherman Way (between Canoga Avenue and Topanga Canyon Boulevard) 

●  Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  

●  Go Metro: Take the G (Orange) Line to Sherman Way or take the bus Line 162 to Sherman Way/Owensmouth.  

●  For more information: www.mainstreetcanogapark.la/festival. 

7) San Pedro

There’s also a fun celebration in the South Bay region of LA! Enjoy live music, food, art vendors, children’s activities, a beer garden, an altar contest exhibition and more! Visitors are encouraged to dress up in Dia de los Muertos-themed costumes to take part in the festivities. 

●  When: Sunday, Oct. 26

●  Where: 398 West 6th St., San Pedro

●  Time: 3 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

●  Go Metro: Take the J Line (Silver) 950 to Pacific/7th  

●  For more information: www.discoversanpedro.org/events/dia-de-los-muertos-festival.