Los Angeles will remember its loved ones in full color when LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes hosts its Dia de Muertos Family Day on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m. The free celebration fills the museum and its outdoor campus at 501 North Main Street, in the heart of El Pueblo de Los Angeles and steps from Olvera Street, with altars, art, music and hands-on activities designed for the whole family.
Dia de Muertos, honored across November 1 and 2, is a beloved Mexican tradition that welcomes the spirits of departed loved ones back for a brief, joyful visit. Families build ofrendas, or altars, with photographs, candles, marigold flowers, favorite foods and treasured objects, turning grief into gratitude and memory into celebration. At LA Plaza, that spirit comes alive in the galleries and gardens of the museum dedicated to Mexican-American history and culture in Los Angeles.
The Family Day invites children and grown-ups alike to create their own remembrances. Young visitors can decorate calaveras, make paper marigolds and contribute to community altars, while storytellers and musicians keep the afternoon moving with traditional sounds. It is a gentle, welcoming first introduction to the holiday for little ones, and a meaningful gathering place for families who celebrate every year.
Admission to the Family Day is free, and the museum’s exhibitions are open the same day, including LA Starts Here!, its permanent look at the Mexican-American experience in the city. LA Plaza sits at 501 North Main Street in downtown Los Angeles, an easy walk from Union Station. Happy City News recommends arriving early, bringing a photo copy of a loved one for the community altar, and leaving time to stroll Olvera Street afterward.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
