Forest Lawn Día de los Muertos 2026: Free Family Celebrations Across Southern California
Updated: Sep 23
Día de los Muertos is one of Southern California’s most meaningful family traditions—a joyful, art-filled time to remember loved ones, share stories, and introduce children to a celebration rooted in Mexican and Mesoamerican culture. For 2026, Forest Lawn is bringing free community celebrations to four locations across Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the Coachella Valley.
Families can expect a colorful afternoon or evening filled with folklórico dance, mariachi music, community ofrendas, handcrafted Catrina and alebrije artwork, hands-on activities, face painting, food, and opportunities to pause and remember relatives and friends who have passed. At the Glendale, Covina Hills, and Cypress celebrations, Bob Baker Marionette Theater performances add another kid-friendly reason to attend.
This guide covers every confirmed 2026 Forest Lawn celebration, including dates, times, full addresses, what is free, what children may see, and practical tips for making the day feel respectful and comfortable for your family. Event details can change, so use the linked official event page before leaving home.
See the official Forest Lawn Día de los Muertos 2026 event page for the organizer’s latest updates and location choices.
Forest Lawn Día de los Muertos 2026: Quick Facts
Admission: Free and family-friendly.
Sunday events: November 1, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM in Glendale, Covina Hills, and Cypress.
Monday event: November 2, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in Cathedral City.
Highlights: Folklórico dancers, mariachi music, community ofrendas, Catrina and alebrije artwork, arts and crafts, face painting, refreshments, and food vendors.
Special Sunday highlight: Bob Baker Marionette performances are planned for Glendale, Covina Hills, and Cypress.
Best for: Families interested in culture, music, art, remembrance, and community traditions.
Photo courtesy of Forest Lawn.
Why This Celebration Can Be So Special for Kids
For children, Día de los Muertos can open a gentle, age-appropriate conversation about family history and remembrance. The mood is often colorful and celebratory rather than frightening. Marigolds, music, dance, favorite foods, photographs, and handmade art all help families focus on the lives and stories of people they love.
Younger children may be drawn first to the bright costumes, puppets, face painting, and crafts. Older children can engage with the symbolism of the ofrendas and ask questions about why families display photographs, candles, flowers, favorite objects, and food. Parents do not need a perfect explanation. A simple message—“Families gather to remember people they love and keep their stories alive”—is a thoughtful place to begin.
The celebration also gives families who do not observe Día de los Muertos at home an opportunity to learn with humility. Encourage kids to look carefully, listen to presenters, and understand that the altars are not Halloween decorations. They are personal and community expressions of love, memory, and cultural continuity.
Confirmed 2026 Forest Lawn Día de los Muertos Events
Address: 1712 S. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, CA 91205
Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM–3:00 PM
Price: Free
The Glendale celebration is a convenient choice for families coming from central Los Angeles, the Eastside, the San Fernando Valley, and nearby foothill communities. The historic grounds provide a striking setting for community ofrendas, music, dance, and art. Children who enjoy performance may especially appreciate the planned Bob Baker Marionette appearance.
Because this is likely to be a popular location, arrive near the beginning if you want more time to explore the displays before the largest crowds. Build in pauses and let children set the pace; some may want to watch every performance, while others may prefer the art and craft areas.
Address: 21300 Via Verde Drive, Covina, CA 91724
Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM–3:00 PM
Price: Free
The Covina Hills event is a strong option for San Gabriel Valley and eastern Los Angeles County families. The celebration is scheduled to include the same core traditions—music, folklórico dance, community altars, colorful art, crafts, face painting, and food—along with a Bob Baker Marionette performance.
The grounds are expansive, so comfortable walking shoes are a smart choice. If your family has small children or grandparents attending together, allow extra time to move between activities and locate seating. Check the official event page shortly before your visit for any site-specific instructions.
Address: 4471 Lincoln Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630
Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM–3:00 PM
Price: Free
The Cypress celebration brings the event closer to Orange County families while keeping the same welcoming, community-centered format. Expect performances, ofrendas, Catrina and alebrije artwork, family activities, and food options. Bob Baker Marionettes are also planned for this Sunday location.
Families coming from farther south may find Cypress the simplest drive of the three Sunday celebrations. As with every location, remind children that the altars may include photographs of real people and meaningful personal objects. Looking is encouraged; touching should wait until an organizer says an activity is interactive.
Address: 69855 E. Ramon Road, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Date: Monday, November 2, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Price: Free
The Cathedral City celebration takes place on the evening of Día de los Muertos itself, making it a meaningful option for Coachella Valley families or anyone visiting the Palm Springs area. The later schedule can create a different atmosphere as families gather after school and work.
Because the event begins around sunset, bring a light layer and confirm conditions before leaving. The press announcement lists music, dance, ofrendas, artwork, crafts, face painting, refreshments, and food vendors across the Forest Lawn celebrations. Bob Baker Marionettes are specifically listed for the three Sunday locations, so families should not assume a puppet performance is part of the Cathedral City program unless Forest Lawn later confirms it.
Photo courtesy of Forest Lawn.
What Families Can Expect
Music and Dance
Folklórico dance and mariachi music are central to the celebrations. For children who have never seen these art forms live, the movement, costumes, and instruments can be an engaging introduction. Give kids a simple listening challenge: notice the rhythm, watch how the skirts move, or identify the instruments they hear.
Community Ofrendas
Ofrendas are altars created to honor and remember loved ones. They may include photographs, candles, marigolds, papel picado, favorite foods, and objects connected to the person being remembered. Some children may immediately understand the idea; others may have questions about death or the photographs they see. It is okay to answer briefly and honestly, then follow your child’s lead.
Catrinas and Alebrijes
Catrinas are elegant skeletal figures closely associated with Día de los Muertos imagery. Alebrijes are fantastical, brightly colored creatures that blend animal forms and imaginative patterns. Forest Lawn’s announcement highlights handcrafted examples of both, giving families a natural way to talk about artistic traditions and symbolism.
Crafts, Face Painting, and Food
Arts and crafts and face painting can help younger visitors participate rather than only observe. Food trucks and carts are expected, so admission may be free while food purchases are separate. If allergies are a concern, review vendors on site and bring a backup snack that fits the venue’s current policies.
Photo courtesy of Forest Lawn.
How to Prepare Children Before You Go
A short conversation in the car can make the experience more meaningful. Explain that Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life and memory. Families may feel joyful and sad at the same time, and both feelings are welcome. Let children know they may see skull imagery, but it is not meant to be scary.
If your family has lost someone, consider sharing one happy memory before attending. You do not need to create an altar or bring an object unless the organizer specifically invites it. A spoken story can be just as powerful. For children who are grieving, avoid pressuring them to participate; simply being present around music, color, and community may be enough.
You can also practice respectful viewing. Ask before photographing people at a personal altar, do not touch photographs or offerings, and avoid treating sacred or memorial elements as props. Cultural events are most rewarding when families arrive curious, appreciative, and ready to listen.
Parent Tips for a Smooth Visit
Confirm the location and start time on the official Forest Lawn page on the day of the event.
Arrive early if your children want crafts, face painting, or a good view of performances.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection for the Sunday afternoon celebrations.
Bring a light layer for Cathedral City’s evening event and check the weather before leaving.
Set a family meeting point in case your group gets separated.
Carry water, tissues, and a small quiet activity for children who need a sensory break.
Budget separately for food and drinks even though admission is free.
Ask event staff before placing any item on an altar or photographing a close-up of personal memorials.
Allow extra transition time; large cultural celebrations can be busy, musical, and emotionally stimulating.
Accessibility, Sensory Needs, and Multigenerational Visits
Forest Lawn’s parks are large outdoor properties, and the exact layout varies by location. Families using strollers, wheelchairs, or mobility aids should check with the selected location about accessible routes, drop-off areas, and seating. Arriving early can reduce the pressure of navigating crowds.
Children sensitive to sound may find mariachi music and amplified performances loud. Pack child-safe hearing protection and identify a quieter edge of the event when you arrive. A visual schedule—altar, craft, snack, performance, then home—can also make the outing easier for children who prefer predictability.
For multigenerational groups, choose one or two must-see activities instead of trying to do everything. Día de los Muertos is about connection, and a slower visit with grandparents or extended family can be more meaningful than rushing through every station.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes.
Sun hats and sunscreen for the Sunday events.
A light sweater or jacket for the Cathedral City evening.
Water and any essential child supplies.
A small amount of money or a card for food vendors.
Hearing protection for sound-sensitive children.
A respectful, curious mindset.
Takeaway
Forest Lawn’s 2026 Día de los Muertos celebrations offer families four free opportunities to experience music, dance, art, remembrance, and community. Glendale, Covina Hills, and Cypress gather on Sunday afternoon, November 1, while Cathedral City celebrates Monday evening, November 2. The three Sunday locations add Bob Baker Marionettes to an already family-friendly mix.
Choose the location that works best for your family, verify the latest details before leaving, and give children a little cultural context in advance. The most memorable part may not be a performance or craft—it may be the story your family shares together.
Conclusion
A thoughtful Día de los Muertos outing can be joyful, educational, and deeply personal. Forest Lawn’s free celebrations make it easier for Southern California families to learn about the holiday in a community setting, surrounded by traditional music, expressive art, and beautiful tributes to loved ones. Whether this is part of your family’s yearly tradition or your first time attending, approach the day with warmth, respect, and room for children’s questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Forest Lawn’s Día de los Muertos events free?
Yes. Forest Lawn describes the 2026 celebrations as free, family-friendly community events. Food sold by trucks or carts may cost extra.
2. Which locations have Bob Baker Marionettes?
The press announcement lists Bob Baker Marionette performances at Glendale, Covina Hills, and Cypress. A puppet performance is not confirmed for Cathedral City.
3. Is Día de los Muertos appropriate for young children?
Yes, many families attend with young children. The events include music, dance, crafts, face painting, and colorful artwork. Prepare children for skull imagery and explain that the holiday lovingly remembers people who have died.
4. Do we need to bring a photo or offering?
No. Families can attend, observe, and participate in public activities without bringing anything. Only place an item on an altar if Forest Lawn or event staff clearly invite visitors to do so.
5. Which Forest Lawn location should our family choose?
Choose the closest or easiest location for your schedule. Glendale, Covina Hills, and Cypress run Sunday from noon to 3:00 PM. Cathedral City runs Monday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and is best suited to Coachella Valley families or visitors.
About the Author
Angela M. Cantoni is the founder and publisher of FUN WITH KIDS IN LA®, where she helps Southern California families discover memorable events, attractions, and practical ways to enjoy Los Angeles with children.
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