November 1 and 2 bring community Día de los Muertos gatherings across San Diego County. You can contribute to a community ofrenda, spend an afternoon making art with the kids or join a candlelight procession. You’ll find six places below with confirmed November 2026 programming, including an ofrenda that stays on view after the main celebrations.
The main dates to save are Sunday, November 1 and Monday, November 2. If that weekend is already busy, Mingei’s ofrenda stays on view through November 9.
Before you go: All times are local San Diego time. Official details were checked on October 27, 2026. Recheck the linked organizer page before leaving, especially for processions and parking arrangements.
1. Make art at The San Diego Museum of Art
The Plaza de Panama celebration centers on an ofrenda created by artist Betsabeé Romero with local students. Visitors are invited to share memories and participate through art-making. Romero is scheduled to inaugurate the ofrenda on the museum’s front steps at 11 a.m.
- When: Sunday, November 1, 2026, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Where: Plaza de Panama, in front of The San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park.
- Cost and ages: Free community event with family-friendly activities. Free admission to SDMA and MOPA@SDMA runs noon–5 p.m. that day.
See the museum’s November 1 event details. The separate Taco Party is ticketed, so you’ll need a separate ticket if you want to add that to your afternoon. Parking is separate from museum admission.
2. Honor loved ones in Old Town
Monday’s procession travels from Twiggs Street to El Campo Santo Cemetery. Watch along San Diego Avenue or on the plaza screen.
- When: November 1–2, 2026. Altars: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. November 2 procession: 6 p.m.
- Where: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
- Admission: Free, all ages. Sunday sugar-skull workshops: $10 per skull; sign-up required. Butterfly activity: $5 suggested donation.
State Parks parking is paid, rate unpublished; Lot F is closed. Bring copied altar photos: items aren’t returned. Official schedule.
3. Spend time with Sherman Heights’ living traditions
Sunday brings ofrendas and Lotería de Muertos. Monday’s evening program includes danza azteca, copal and drums.
- When: Tradiciones Vivas is Sunday, November 1, 2026, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. The Candle-Light Procession program is Monday, November 2, 4–9 p.m.
- Where: Sherman Heights Community Center, 2258 Island Avenue, San Diego.
- Cost and ages: Both programs are free and all ages. Candles are provided for the procession.
Check Sherman Heights’ official November calendar. The organizer lists a 4–9 p.m. program window, not a separate procession departure time. Check that detail before planning your arrival.
4. Visit Downtown Chula Vista’s community altar
Third Avenue’s celebration gives you music, dance and local vendors alongside the ofrendas. Bring a copy of a loved one’s photo if you’d like to pin it to the Community Altar at Davidson. Children’s crafts and the Catrín and Catrina ensemble contest are also on the organizer’s program.
- When: Sunday, November 1, 2026, 3–7:30 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Chula Vista, along Third Avenue. The Community Altar is at Davidson.
- Cost and ages: Free, family-friendly community celebration. Food and vendor purchases are separate.
See the Downtown Chula Vista Association’s event page. Allow extra time for parking and follow posted signs and event closures.
5. Head to Escondido for an evening festival
The California Center for the Arts, Escondido combines community altars with music and dance across its campus. Crafts are scheduled from 4–8 p.m., and the museum offers free admission from 4–9 p.m. It’s a good option if an afternoon start works better for your family.
- When: Sunday, November 1, 2026, 4–9 p.m.
- Where: California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 North Escondido Boulevard.
- Cost and ages: Free, family-friendly festival. Food, drinks and shopping cost extra.
Read the festival program. A practical detail to plan around: the main lot at Escondido Boulevard and Woodward Avenue is closed or has very limited availability during construction from October 12–November 20. The venue’s parking guide recommends rideshare or public transit and explains accessible drop-off options.
6. Plan a museum visit to see Mingei’s ofrenda
If November 1 fills up quickly, Mingei’s ongoing Community Spotlight offers another chance to spend time with an ofrenda. Created with Sherman Heights Community Center, the installation by Francisco Soto and Lidia Martinez remembers athletes and the passions they leave behind.
- When: The advertised exhibition run ends November 9, 2026.
- Where: Mingei International Museum, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park. Ask the museum for the installation’s exact viewing location.
- Cost: The museum’s Entry Level is free with no ticket needed. The exhibition page does not specify an installation admission charge or viewing level, so confirm access with the museum; the Exhibitions Level has separate ticket requirements.
See the installation details. For a visit inside the museum, regular hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday–Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, and 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Friday. November 9 is a Monday, when the museum is closed, so November 8 is the last regular museum-opening day within the advertised run. The installation page does not publish separate viewing hours.
Make room for remembrance
Give yourself time to read the stories behind the ofrendas and enjoy the performances. If an organizer invites photos for a community altar, a copy of a favorite family picture can be a thoughtful contribution. Keep irreplaceable originals at home and ask before photographing someone or touching a display.
For families, daytime art activities may be an easier fit than an evening procession. Free entry leaves a little more room for a meal or something from a local artist. Just keep parking and optional activities in your budget too.
Planning more time together this month? Browse my November family outings and free things to do in San Diego for more ideas.
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