Día de los Muertos Celebration at the Pier

Celebrate Day of the Dead at the end of Route 66 with this two-day art installation surrounding the Santa Monica Pier’s historic carousel, which will be decked out in marigolds and papel picado for the occasion. The free, family-friendly event also features ballet folklorico performances and activities for kids all weekend. Sunday’s celebration will start with a parade with Aztec dancers beginning at the west end of the Pier—Día de los Muertos attire is encouraged—followed by live mariachi music, arts and crafts, an artistan market and a car meet. In addition to altars made by local artists Sylvia Sanchez and Yolanda Medina, there will also be a community altar, and attendees can pay tribute to loved ones who’ve passed away by sharing stories and photographs of their favorite Pier memories.