Southern California will celebrate life and remember loved ones with altars, music, food and more

The annual Day of the Dead celebration returns to give people a chance to joyfully remember all those who have died with altars, music, food and a festive atmosphere. While it falls on Nov. 1 and 2, events are going on throughout October and November. And to help you celebrate, here are a dozen Day of the Dead events in Southern California.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Hollywood Forever’s Día de los Muertos is one of the city’s biggest events, so expect to see thousands of people strolling through the cemetery all day. The entertainment includes musical acts like Los Lobos and ranchera star Pedro Fernandez as well as art exhibitions, processions, Aztec-style dancers and, of course, altars.

When: 10 a.m.-midnight Oct. 26

Where: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles

Cost: $53.60 and up

Information: ladayofthedead.com

Long Beach Dia de los Muertos Parade

A parade will take place with floats and cultural performances ending at the Arte y Ofrendas Festival at Rainbow Lagoon.

When: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov. 2

Where: Pine Avenue downtown

Cost: Free

Information: longbeach.gov

Mercado La Paloma

The celebration at this bustling market and restaurant hall will include dancers, music from acts like Oaxaca’s Alejandra Robles plus workshops and food for purchase.

When: Noon- 5 p.m. Oct. 27

Where: 3655 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles

Cost: Free

Information: mercadolapaloma.com/events

Downey Dia de Los Muertos Art Festival

About 25,000 people are expected to attend throughout the day to check out folklorico dancing and live music, hang out in a beer and wine garden, check out vendor booths and see traditional work from local artists.

When: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Oct. 27

Where: Downey Theatre Plaza, 8435 Firestone Blvd.

Cost: Free

Information: ddlm.downeytheatre.org

Grand Park

The park’s 15-day celebration will include poetry recitals, music performances, Día de los Muertos-inspired workshops, face painting, food trucks, bilingual art activities and the unveiling of a collection of altars created by professional artists and local organizations. Other highlights include the inaugural Los Angeles Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival between Broadway and Spring Street from 2-10 p.m. Saturday, with the parade launching at 7 p.m. Altars will be on display for the duration of the event.

When: Saturday through Nov. 2

Where: 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles

Cost: Free

Information: grandparkla.org

Catalina Museum Dia de los Muertos Family Festival

You can hop on a boat and head to Catalina Island for a celebration that will include music by Mariachi Las Catrinas and Sin Frontera, a puppet show, an art contest, tequila tasting, food vendors and a raffle for a Barbie Día de los Muertos doll.

When: 4-9 p.m. Nov. 1

Where: Catalina Museum for Art & History, 217 Metropole Ave., Avalon

Cost: Museum admission is $18 for adults, free for children 15 or younger

Information: catalinamuseum.org

Dia de los Muertos at Fuego

The celebration at this seaside Latin restaurant will include a performance by Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea plus a face painting station, DJs and altars to honor those who have died.

When: Nov. 1-2

Where: Fuego at Hotel Maya, 700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach

Cost: Free to enter, food and drinks for purchase

Information: hotelmayalongbeach.com

Riverside Day of the Dead

The celebration expands to two days this year, with thousands of people anticipated. Expect to see lots of altars, a Catriana pageant, live music, dance performances and even lucha libre wrestling.

When: 1-10 p.m. Nov. 2, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 3

Where: Market Street between University Avenue and 14th Street

Cost: Free

Information: On Instagram at @riversidedayofthedead

Dia de los Muertos at Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

Because pets are family, too, the Wallis is organizing a Day of the Dead event for animals that have touched people’s lives. People can bring a photo of a pet to add to the communal altar, and there will be supplies to decorate your tribute. And yes, of course people can bring their current pets, too.

When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 2

Where: 12005 Bluff Creek Drive, Playa Vista

Cost: Free

Information: annenbergpetspace.org/events

City of Ontario Celebrates Dia de los Muertos

The Ontario Museum of History & Art and the city of Ontario have teamed to offer several events. Highlights include the museum’s annual Dia de los Muertos exhibit, which will include paintings, sculptures, mixed media, photography and altar installations. The exhibit is open through Nov. 17. A reception from 1-5 p.m. Nov. 1 will include a performance by Ballet Folklorico Mi Lindo Mexico, then the procession will start at D Street and Euclid Avenue at 5 p.m. and conclude at the R. Jack Mercer Community Bandstand.

When: Through Nov. 17

Where: 225 S. Euclid Ave., Ontario

Cost: Free

Information: ontariomuseum.org

Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Anaheim Cemetery

The cemetery will honor those who have died with a celebration that will include folklorico dancing and mariachi performances. People will receive free bouquets of marigolds for the decoration of gravesites or home altars, plus free pan de muertos. Families are also welcome to build personal altars on the gravesites of loved ones.

When: Nov. 2

Where: 1400 E. Sycamore St., Anaheim

Cost: Free

Information: occemeterydistrict.com

Heritage Museum of Orange County

The museum will celebrate with a community altar that will include pictures and offerings to people and pets. There will also be performances, food, vendors, and arts and crafts.

When: 6-10 p.m. Oct. 27

Where: 3101 W. Harvard St., Santa Ana

Cost: Free

Information: heritagemuseumoc.org