Downtown Día de los Muertos Altars at Grand Park

Gloria Molina Grand Park turns into an open-air memorial garden this weekend. Downtown Día de los Muertos opens Saturday, October 24 and stays up through Monday, November 2, and it costs nothing to walk in. If you are mapping out the things to do in Los Angeles over the next ten days, this is one of the easiest free picks on the list.

When: October 24 to November 2, 2026, daily 8 AM to 9 PM Where: Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Price: Free

What to expect

The heart of the event is a community exhibition of 17 altars, built by professional artists and local organizations. Each ofrenda tells a different story, so the display reads as a walk through many cultures and families rather than one single tribute. Visitors are also invited to leave something at the community altar, which makes the park feel like a shared place for remembering.

The opening celebration runs Saturday, October 24, from 11 AM to 4 PM. Expect a procession and blessings by Ohtli Yollotl honoring Indigenous roots, plus live music from El Río, Grupo Bella, Anaís Azul and Mariachi Arco•Iris de Los Angeles. Families can join face painting, sugar skull workshops and wellness activities from community partners, and the day ties in with Grand Ave Arts: All Access, so you can add other cultural stops along Grand Avenue.

The closing night, Noche de los Muertos, is Sunday, November 1, from 3 to 7 PM. Check the park's page for current details before you go.

Planning your visit

The altars stay on display all ten days, so you do not need to catch the opening. Weekday mornings are usually the calmest if you want time to read each ofrenda. Evenings give the park a different feel once the light drops. For LA events this weekend, pairing the opening celebration with a walk to nearby museums and the music center makes an easy afternoon.

Grand Park sits just off Grand Avenue near City Hall, and it is a short walk from the Metro B and D Line Civic Center/Grand Park station, so skipping the car and the downtown parking bill is realistic. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, since most of the exhibition is outside.

This is a place of remembrance as much as a festival. Keep voices low near the altars, ask before photographing people, and treat the offerings with care. For more Día de los Muertos plans around the city, browse our festivals page, and see the Downtown guide for food and things to see nearby. Schedules can shift, so confirm details on the official event page before heading out.