Save the Date! City of Long Beach’s Dia de los Muertos Festival Returns Nov. 1

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PRESS RELEASE

Above: The Annual Día de los Muertos celebration is returning to its original format as a festival at Rainbow Lagoon on Nov. 1, 2026.

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach and Office of First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas proudly present the 2026 Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival, a free, family-friendly celebration of life and remembrance of loved ones who have died. This year's celebration will take place on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2026, from 1 to 7 p.m., returning to its original location at Rainbow Lagoon (400 E. Shoreline Dr.)

"Dia de los Muertos is a meaningful cultural celebration that allows us to honor our loved ones who have passed on and cherish our memories of them," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "This festival will celebrate the lives of generations past that have helped shape the City we value today, and we encourage community members to join us."

The 2026 Día de los Muertos Festival will feature a variety of culturally rich performances, vendors, a resource fair and participation from various City departments and community partners, among other elements. Following last year's Día de los Muertos Parade cancelation, the celebration returns to Long Beach in its original festival format, inviting the community to gather, honor loved ones and celebrate together in one central location.

"We are thrilled to once again bring the vibrant spirit of Día de los Muertos to our beautiful Downtown shoreline," said First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas. "This beloved celebration is a time to honor and remember those who are no longer with us, while coming together as a community to celebrate culture, tradition, family and love. I invite everyone to bring your family and friends, experience the beautiful colors, music and traditions of Día de los Muertos, and join us for an unforgettable celebration along our Downtown waterfront."

The City is currently seeking organizations and vendors to participate in the festival. Nonprofit organizations and community groups interested in participating in the resource fair may submit an application now through Oct. 23. Entries should be culturally relevant. Food vendors and retailers are also encouraged to fill out a vendor interest form by Oct. 23 to participate in the festival.

This event is free and open to the public.

Día de los Muertos is deeply rooted in the traditions and cultures of the indigenous communities of Mexico and Latin America. As family, friends and neighbors continue those traditions in ways that are most meaningful in their lives, the City encourages the entire community to come together for this grand celebration at Rainbow Lagoon.

Additional details will be available at a later date at longbeach.gov/diadelosmuertos.

About the City of Long Beach

Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

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