The 32nd Annual Día de los Muertos celebration at the Sherman Heights Community Center runs October 15 through November 2, 2026 — weeks of altars, workshops, food, and a candlelight procession that have made this San Diego County’s longest-running event of its kind since 1994, when local resident Domingo Sandoval first asked the Center for space to build an altar honoring his loved ones.
The season opens with Noche de Mole & Ofrenda Preview on Thursday, October 15 (6:30-9pm), the Center’s annual fundraiser with regional mole tastings, live entertainment, and a first look at more than 25 community altars. Free community workshops follow throughout the season: a Calavera Mask Workshop (Oct 19-20), a Pan de Muerto Workshop taught in Spanish and English ($25, Oct 22), and a Mariposa Piñatas Workshop (Oct 29).
More than 25 community altars, plus front-yard altars throughout the neighborhood, are open to the public for self-guided visits Tuesday-Friday, 2-6pm, October 20-23 and 27-30 (closed October 31). Guided student tours are also available for school groups on weekday mornings during the same window.
The season closes with Tradiciones Vivas on Sunday, November 1 (11am-5pm), a full day of walking the altars, learning the traditions behind Día de los Muertos, and playing Lotería de Muertos, followed by the Candle-Light Procession on Monday, November 2 (4-9pm), with danza azteca, copal, and drums leading the community in honoring their ancestors.
The Center is located at 2258 Island Avenue, San Diego, CA 92102.
For additional information visit shermanheightscc.org/dia-de-los-muertos
