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30th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival

November 1, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Free
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.

Celebrate culture, art, and community at the 30th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival! This beloved event blends traditional and contemporary elements of Día de los Muertos through art, music, dance, food, and remembrance.

Event Highlights
Art & Community:

  • ArtWalk curated by Pako Pablo Studios, featuring 10–15 artists
  • 180 Community Altars honoring loved ones (first come, first served; materials provided)
  • Catrina Contest with prizes for best Catrina / Catrín attire
  • Curated Gallery Exhibit of local works celebrating Día de los Muertos — vote for your favorite!

Performances:

  • Regional Folklorico dance groups
  • Live music by Los Sleepwalkers
  • DJ Mike Zee setting the festival vibe

Food & Drink:

  • Local favorites: Tocho Morocho, Disfruta, Churros Don Karlitos, Little Thai Cottage, Sabor Piri Piri, MyPozole & more
  • Refreshments & signature cocktails at the Marigold Bar

Family & Community:

  • Artisan Market featuring handcrafted goods
  • Kids’ Craft Zone by ColabCrafts and face painting for all ages

Museum Exhibition:

  • Light Among Shadows: The Night of the Dead in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán — a photographic journey through ritual beauty and remembrance.
  • Free Museum Admission during the festival.

Conference Center:

  • Día de los Muertos Open House – Community Business Showcase – As part of our campus-wide Día de los Muertos celebration, the Conference Center will host a special Open House from 4–9 PM, inviting local businesses and event professionals to connect with guests and share their services. This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight your business while celebrating art, culture, and community across our campus. Participation is free, and space is limited.

Sign Up to Participate

Sponsors & Partners:
Frida’s Street Tacos · Four Tunas Fish & Bar · Prebys Foundation · County of San Diego · CCAE Charitable Trust
Valued Community Partners: Tierra Caliente Academy of Arts · The City of Escondido

Details