Dia De Los Muertos is an annual holiday that follows Halloween and pays respect those who have passed through providing gifts, food, flowers, art, and other offerings on a home altar or ofrenda. Historically celebrated by those of Mexican heritage, with the San Francisco Bay Area's large Mexican community, many vibrant events will be happening post-Halloween that commemorates departed loved ones in honorable and artistic ways.
Here is a diverse list of a few of the public happenings to get involved in, from a symphony special, to an art fiesta, and more.
See also: 5 Cute And Beautiful Small Business Latinx Boutiques
View this post on Instagram
201 Van Ness Ave / (415) 864-6000 / Website
Beginning at 12:45pm on Saturday November 5th, the SF Symphony will be hosting a cultural celebration that includes traditional Aztec dancing, elaborate altars, and other art exhibits that all culminates in a concert helmed by trumpet soloist Pacho Flores and performers from Casa Círculo Cultural and Canción de Obsidiana at 2pm.
View this post on Instagram
934 Brannan St / (415) 863-1414 / Website
SOMArts is an incredibly breathtaking art exhibit tucked away in the Design District near Bellota that is guaranteed to be your new favorite hidden gem museum. With their thought-provoking community-led exhibitions, this holiday will feature an inclusive and impressive gallery that explores the generational connection to the dead and its relationship to navigating current social justice issues.
View this post on Instagram
Potrero Del Sol Park / Website
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Marigold Project, every November 2nd gives the Potrero neighborhood a chance to unite and interact at the Festival of Altars and Ritual Circle, hosted in the lush Potrero Del Sol Park. This year, come out between 2pm to 11pm to join a proper paying of respect to deceased loved ones, or watch their live stream of the tradition beginning at 5pm online.
View this post on Instagram
210 Lincoln Blvd / Website
If you happen to be on the northern end of the city, the recently unveiled Presidio Tunnel Tops Parks will be the scenic destination for the Art Fiesta happening on Tuesday, November 1 from noon to 5pm. Here you can expect family-friendly activities like facepainting, paper flower crafting, and traditional skull decorating. There will also be two altars set up nearby, one at the Presidio Visitor Center to honor People from the Presidio's Past, and the other at the base of the Presidio Steps to remember the endangered and extinct park species.
View this post on Instagram
470 Castro St / (415) 437-3400 / Website
In the Castro neighborhood, join Strut's inaugural free Dia de Muertos celebration graciously put on by QTPOC and hosted by Lulu Ramirez and La Reina de Aztlan. This is a fantastic way to get involved in the first-ever initiation of this inclusive and intersectional event, which is guranteed to be vibrant, entertaining, and informative, complete with snacks, a showstoppingly talented drag show, and a respectful community altar. This historic party will kick off at 5:30pm on Saturday, October 29 with the show at 6:30pm.
View this post on Instagram
520 4th St / (415) 636-0029 / Website
The Grand truly lives up to its name, with an opulent ballroom and multi-level balconies for an impressively swanky nightclub experience. If you are looking to dance the night away, head to this electrifying venue on Friday, October 28 for a Latin-themed night with all of the hottest hits.
No matter the event, San Francisco's many community events will kindly ensure you don't feel alone on this reverent holiday.
See also: Your 2022 Guide To San Francisco Halloween Parties
Photography by: Becerra Govea Photo/Pexels
