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, Dia de los Muertos activities in Long Beach will take place throughout the months of October and November, ranging from festivals and film screenings to pottery classes and a new locally made t-shirt drop.
CLAY POTTERY STUDIO
Clay Pottery Studio (408 E 1st St) is bringing back its popular Clay of the Dead classes this October, giving attendees the chance to craft lanterns and candelabras in the studio’s haunted surroundings. Open to adults only, these sessions include tempting treats and drinks in the ticket price, plus the option to create additional clay crafts for an additional $10 each. To book your Clay of the Dead experience, visit the studio’s booking site.
MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICAN ART
The Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave) will host its annual Dia de los Muertos Festival on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. This free family event brings the community together for a celebration in the museum’s outdoor sculpture garden with live music and folklorico performances, DJs, food and drinks, vendors, as well as arts and crafts. Sign up for the Catrina/Catrin contest and win incredible prizes. For details, visit the MOLAA website.
CITY OF LONG BEACH FESTIVAL
Hosted by the City of Long Beach and Office of First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas, the 2026 Día de Los Muertos Festival is a free, family-friendly celebration taking place on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2026, from 1 to 7 PM, at Rainbow Lagoon (400 E. Shoreline Dr.) The event will feature a variety of culturally rich performances, vendors, and a resource fair. The celebration returns to Long Beach in its original festival format, inviting the community to gather, honor loved ones and celebrate together in one central location.
QUEEN MARY
On November 2 at 6:30 PM, enjoy a screening of the hit Disney/Pixar movie Coco on board the Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy). Purchase popcorn and snacks at the concession stand, then settle into the historic ship’s private theater for a family friendly movie night celebrating Mexico’s Day of the Dead traditions and one family’s journey to reunite during the special holiday. Movies on the Mary continue into the holiday season with Christmas movies in December. For dates, visit the Queen Mary’s What’s on Deck page.
LONG BEACH CLOTHING CO.
Show your Long Beach pride and celebrate Día de los Muertos with a new t-shirt design from Long Beach Clothing Co. (4218 Atlantic Ave. / 5308 E 2nd St). Their new limited-edition Catrina shirt features a beautiful woman with long hair decorated with marigolds. The shirt comes in black or sand colors, or as a black long sleeve or crewneck sweater. Pick one up at the brand’s Bixby Knolls or Belmont Shore locations.
RANCHO LOS CERRITOS
Rancho Los Cerritos (4600 Virginia Rd) is celebrating Dia de los Muertos with a community ofrenda set up outside its visitor center from October 14 to November 8, 2026. The altar honors people connected with the Rancho’s past and showcases traditional symbols of the holiday. On October 24, the Rancho will host a workshop with Long Beach artist Hely Omar Gonzalez, who will lead a painting workshop inspired by themes from the current exhibit, Seeds of Resilience: Barrio Americano, and Día de los Muertos iconography. This workshop, Symbols of Remembrance, is open to all ages and participants are welcome to contribute their creations to the community ofrenda.
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.
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