Oakland's Annual Día de los Muertos Festival
Featured photo is courtesy of @DiaOakland
A Beloved Oakland Tradition
Oakland’s Día de los Muertos Festival is one of the city’s most cherished cultural events, drawing tens of thousands of attendees each fall to celebrate Latinx heritage, community, and remembrance. Held in the heart of the Fruitvale neighborhood, the festival honors the traditional Mexican holiday that celebrates the lives of ancestors with color, music, food, and art. Organized by The Unity Council, the festival has been a staple of East Oakland since the 1990s and is nationally recognized for its cultural impact.
Location, Dates, & Neighborhood
The festival is typically held late October or early November, aligned with the Sunday closest to November 2, which is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on the traditional calendar. It takes place along International Boulevard near Fruitvale Avenue, transforming several city blocks into a pedestrian-only celebration zone. This stretch of the Fruitvale District is rich with murals, taquerias, and local vendors year-round. During the festival, it becomes a vibrant open-air gallery of ofrendas (altars), community installations, and live performances. The Fruitvale BART station offers easy access.
What You’ll See & Do
Expect a multi-sensory experience that blends tradition with contemporary creativity. Attendees can explore elaborately decorated altars (ofrendas) dedicated to loved ones, enjoy Danza Azteca dance ceremonies, listen to live music across multiple stages, and savor local food vendors serving everything from tamales to pan dulce. Children’s activities, artisan markets, face painting, and interactive workshops make the festival a family-friendly event with plenty to discover throughout the day.
Honoring Culture, Building Community
By centering community voices—especially those from Oakland’s Latinx, Indigenous, and immigrant populations—Día de los Muertos in Fruitvale helps sustain intergenerational traditions in a modern urban setting. Whether you're there to honor your ancestors, enjoy live music and food, or simply witness the beauty of cultural pride, this festival invites everyone to take part in a joyful experience. ¡Feliz Día de la los Muertos from Oakland!
