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Annual Día de los Muertos Festival

Promotional poster for the 30th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival at California Center for the Arts, Escondido featuring a Catrina face painting with event date November 1 and details for vendors, food trucks, altars, and live entertainment.

Join us for a vibrant celebration of culture, art, and community at the annual Día de los Muertos Festival at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido (CCAE).

This free, family-friendly event brings together traditional and contemporary expressions of Día de los Muertos, offering an immersive experience for all ages.

Event Highlights

Art & Community

  • ArtWalk: Explore Día de Muertos-inspired artwork created by local and regional artists.
  • Community Altars: Honor loved ones who have passed by visiting or creating your own altar, complete with traditional offerings such as marigolds, candles, and photos.
  • Catrina Contest: Show off your best Catrina or Catrín attire for a chance to win fun prizes.
  • Gallery Exhibition: Enjoy a curated exhibition celebrating the beauty, symbolism, and cultural depth of Día de los Muertos.

Performances

Experience an exciting lineup of live music, dance, and cultural performances throughout the day. From vibrant Folklórico dance groups to contemporary musicians and DJs, each performance highlights the spirit and creativity of the celebration.

Food & Drink

Savor delicious traditional and modern cuisine from local food vendors, and enjoy refreshing beverages, including specialty cocktails, at CCAE’s outdoor bars and patios like the Marigold bar!

Family & Community

  • Artisan Market: Browse unique, handcrafted items from local vendors.
  • Kids’ Crafts & Face Painting: Enjoy creative family activities and colorful face painting inspired by Día de los Muertos traditions.

Museum Exhibitions

The Museum at CCAE welcomes guests to explore exhibitions inspired by art, culture, and remembrance, often curated to complement the themes of Día de los Muertos.
Free museum admission is offered during the festival.

Conference Center

As part of the campus-wide celebration, the CCAE Conference Center hosts an annual Open House and Community Showcase, welcoming local businesses, event professionals, and organizations to connect with festival guests.

This interactive experience highlights the many ways CCAE brings art, culture, and community together across its campus.

Sponsors & Partners

This event is made possible through the generous support of: Prebys Foundation · Linden Root Dickinson Foundation · City of Escondido · San Diego Foundation · CalCoast Credit Union

Valued Community Partners: Tierra Caliente Academy of Arts · The City of Escondido