Día de los Muertos in Long Beach

Día de los Muertos–Day of the Dead–is a centuries-old celebration of our departed loved ones with deep roots in Mexican and Latin American culture. Though the holiday is celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2, Día de los Muertos activities in Long Beach will take place throughout the months of October and November, ranging from festivals and a seasonal pop-up bar to pan de muerto specials.

MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICAN ART

The Día de los Muertos Festival (628 Alamitos Ave) will host its annual Día de los Muertos Festival on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, with this year’s theme being Resilience. This free family event brings the community together for a celebration in the museum’s outdoor sculpture garden with live performances, food and drinks, vendors, as well as arts and crafts. This year’s festival will recognize the community’s capacity to overcome hardship while honoring the legacy of our ancestors.

Credit: MOLAA

PAN DE MUERTO

Pan de muerto is a sweetened bread set out as a traditional offering for ancestors who return to visit on Día de los Muertos. It can be found at Mexican bakeries around Long Beach, including Mil Hojas Bakery (718 Orange Ave), Monica’s Bakery (133 W Anaheim St), and Marilus Bakery (1400 Cherry Ave). One of the most popular local options is made with flavors of fennel and orange zest at two-time James Beard Award nominee Gusto Bread (2710 E 4th St), an artisanal panadería on Fourth Street.

ROXANNE’S

Roxanne’s (1115 E Wardlow Rd) in the California Heights neighborhood will open up their seasonal hidden bar Marie’s Tek Tec to become Marie’s de los Muertos on Oct. 1. This month-long pop-up pays tribute to Día de los Muertos with themed drinks, a community altar, and a ceremonial “Pour One Out” shot–buy a shot and get one free to pour out in memory of a departed loved one. On the pop-up’s last day, Nov. 1, Roxanne’s will host a special event with an Aztec dance ceremony, live music, face painting, and a coloring station for kids. For details, visit Eventbrite.

LONG BEACH CLOTHING CO.

Show your Long Beach pride and celebrate the holiday with a new t-shirt design from Long Beach Clothing Co. (4218 Atlantic Ave. / 5308 E 2nd St). Their new Day of the Dead shirt features a skull crowned with a sombrero surrounded by roses. The intricate line art imitates the sugar skull designs that usually decorate a Día de los Muertos altar. Pick one up at the brand’s Bixby Knolls or Belmont Shore locations.

FUEGO AT HOTEL MAYA

Fuego at Hotel Maya (700 Queensway Dr) will celebrate Día de los Muertos all weekend long on Nov. 1 and 2. Festivities will be held from 5:30 to 9:30 PM on Saturday, Nov. 1, with live music, a taco and elote grill station, tequila vendors and giveaways, as well as a sugar skull face painting for guests who want to look the part. Music will be provided by live band The Night Shift. On Sunday, Nov. 2, enjoy brunch specials from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, accompanied by mariachi, tequila vendors and face painting. On both days, the restaurant will be decorated with an altar, and themed dining will be available by reservation in the cabana.

BEACHWOOD BREWING

Get a delicious, sour taste of Mexico with three beers celebrating Día de los Muertos at Beachwood Brewing (3630 Atlantic Ave / 6430 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste 140 / 247 Long Beach Blvd). The local brewer has created a series of three sour beers inspired by the Belgian lambic tradition, trips to Baja, and flavors of Mexican candy. Día de los Mangos is aged in oak barrels with mango tamarind and habanero chili. Día de los Mangos Picoso is made the same way, but with extra habañero. Día de la Piña is aged in oak barrels with pineapple, tamarind, and chilli. If you stop by the Beachwood Blendery (247 Long Beach Blvd) location in Downtown Long Beach and buy any bottle of the three to take home, you can also get a Día de los Mangos t-shirt for $15!

LONG BEACH HERITAGE

November 1

Long Beach Heritage, in partnership with Councilwoman Mary Zendejas, will host a Día de los Muertos celebration at the historic Bembridge House. This event on November 1 from 12:30 to 4:30 PM will feature holiday crafts, traditional food and drink, and the opportunity to honor loved ones with a community ofrenda. Attendees are invited to bring a 4×6 copy of a photo of a loved one to place on the altar — frames will be available.

About the Author

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for over 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.