8 Places to Raise the Dead on Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday where families can reunite with the souls of relatives who have passed away. According to History.com, the holiday is celebrated each year from October 31st to November 2nd. The story goes that “the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31st for the spirits of children to rejoin their families for 24 hours while spirits of adults can do the same on November 2nd.” Dia de los Muertos is meant to be a fun reunion, so in the spirit of gathering with those you love, here’s everything you need to plan your own event, plus where to go for celebrations in Los Angeles.

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Pink Taco (West Hollywood)

Pink Taco is dedicating October 31st to Dia De Los Muertos. Beginning at 6 p.m., you can enjoy an All Night Happy Hour with $8 Food and Drinks, Music, Face Painting, and a Costume Contest where three winners will receive a Pink Taco Gift Card.

Be among the first 25 guests, and treat yourself to a special bag of Pink Taco Swag.

Vallarta Supermarkets (Various)

This Halloween and Dia de los Muertos, Vallarta Supermarkets wants to be your one-stop shop. Visit La Dulceria pop-up shop for sweets that span the globe, including dulces like chile-covered mango paletas from Mexico and Central America.

A special Ofrenda (Altar) Bundle and a Calavera Pan de Muerto are also available from October 23rd until Thursday, November 2nd. The bundle is just $11.99 for a 5-pack of Pan de Muerto Bread, Marigolds, and a special Candle.

Downtown Dia de los Muertos (DTLA)

Beginning October 21st and running until Thursday, November 2nd, it’s Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Downtown Día de los Muertos at Gloria Molina Grand Park between Grand Ave. and Hill St.

Stroll through the park to view 20 altars made by professional artists. This coincides with Grand Ave Arts: All Access, which is an afternoon of free arts, entertainment, and more – including many major institutions opening their doors for free access from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Make your free reservation on the website.

Dia y Noche de Los Muertos (Hollywood Forever Cemetery)

The 24th Annual Dia y Noche de Los Muertos is an all-day event, focusing on child-friendly events from 9 to 3 p.m. and taking it up a notch as the sun starts to set from 5 p.m. to Midnight. There will be altar exhibitions, cultural performances, and an array of culinary vendors curated by L.A. Taco.

Each part of the day requires a separate ticket beginning at $35 for the Daytime and $60 for the Evening. Children under 5 are free.

The event takes place on October 28th, 2023.

Day of the Dead on Olvera Street (DTLA)

This annual event is 35 years strong and features a 9-day festival with a nightly procession complete with community altars and different performances. Visit the website for all the details. The event is free, but donations are always welcome.

Dates are October 25th through November 2nd, 2023. The altars are on view from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

La Monarca Bakery (Various)

Mexican cultural staple La Monarca Bakery is serving up even more sweets for Dia de Los Muertos. Available now, pick up purple and orange Halloween Mini Conchas, gorgeous Pan de Muerto – in single portions or as a platter, and Mexican Pumpkin Bread.

Orders can be placed online at ordermonarca.com or in-store.

Dia de Los Muertos 2023 at Forest Lawn (Glendale, Covina Hills, Cypress Park, Cathedral City)

Find your closest Forest Lawn for daily Dia de Los Muertos Festivities. The event kicks off October 29th from Noon to 3 p.m. in Glendale, Covina Hills, and Cypress Park. The closing event will occur at Forest Lawn Cathedral City from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on November 2nd, 2023.

The event is free to visit and includes Altars, Cultural Celebrations, and Mariachi Music. If the spirit moves you, visit the website for more specifics.

KA’TEEN (Hollywood)

KA’TEEN, the Yucatan-inspired restaurant helmed by Chef Wes Avila, will be celebrating Dia De Los Muertos on November 1st and 2nd with a specialty dining experience.

The evening begins with a Welcome Drink along with a menu featuring Specialty Dishes. The evening will be complemented with Fire Dancers and DJ Music. Reservations can be made via Resy beginning at 6 p.m.