Día de los Muertos in San Jose 2026: Free Events on October 31 and November 1

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is November 1–2, when families honor loved ones who have died with altars (ofrendas), marigolds, music, and food. In San Jose, the two biggest community celebrations both start on Saturday, October 31 — and both are free.

1. Avenida de Altares — Mexican Heritage Plaza, East San Jose

Saturday, October 31, 2026 · 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose
Free family event

This is the 10th annual Avenida de Altares, put on by the School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza. The plaza fills with a community altar gallery — dozens of ofrendas built by local families and artists. There are hands-on art activities for all ages, an artisan vendor market, and face painting.

Good to know before you go:

• The event is mostly outdoors, with some activities indoors.
• The live performance lineup is announced on the organizer’s Instagram page as the date gets closer.
• Arrive early if you want a close look at the altars before the evening crowd builds.

2. Micailhuitl Día de Muertos — History Park

Saturday, October 31, 2026 · 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 1, 2026 · 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
History Park, 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose
Admission is free

Now in its 22nd year, the Micailhuitl ceremony is hosted by Calpulli Tonalehqueh, an Aztec dance group. It is rooted in the Mexica tradition of honoring the dead. Saturday opens with a community procession from the park’s main entrance — everyone is welcome to join it.

Across the two days you will find:

• Danza Azteca: Saturday 5–9 p.m., Sunday 2–4 p.m.
• Community altares throughout the park, including the main altar at the Park Tower
• Kids’ activities: Saturday 2–6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (sugar skull decorating, flower crowns, paper marigolds)
• Trunk or Treat for kids on Saturday, 2–5 p.m.
• An arts and crafts market with 40+ Native artists, a food court, live music and Ballet Folklórico, and a lowrider exhibit
• 20+ historic buildings open to explore (Saturday 2–6 p.m., Sunday 12–4 p.m.)

Practical notes from the organizer:

• Parking at the main entrance lot is limited. The larger Kelley Park lot at the end of Phelan Ave costs $6; overflow parking is at the San José State South Campus Garage (10th and Alma), where a $6 daily fee may also apply.
• By transit: VTA Bus Route 73 stops at Senter Rd. & Phelan Ave, about a five-minute walk to the entrance.
• The event is alcohol-free and drug-free. Dogs are allowed on a leash. You can bring your own folding chairs.

A gentle note for a hard season

For many families, this holiday sits close to a hard year — a lost job, rent that went up, a benefits letter that scared you. If money is tight right now, you do not have to sort it out alone. Free help with food, rent, health coverage, and utility bills exists right here in Santa Clara County, and much of it takes one short check to find.

→ Check what you qualify for — it takes about 3 minutes

See also: Free food in San Jose · Rent help · All program guides