Two free celebrations: Solana Beach on Sunday, October 18 (12 days away) and Oceanside on Sunday, October 25.
Solana Beach: Sunday, October 18
- When and where: 10am to 5pm at La Colonia Park, 715 Valley Avenue. Free and family-friendly.
- This year: a tribute to the City of Solana Beach's 40th anniversary, with photos from the city's history, a cake cutting and a limited-edition mug giveaway.
- The altars: more than 40, honoring family and friends; Danza Azteca San Luis Rey begins the blessing at 10am.
- Music and more: MiraCosta Ballet Folklórico Club, a classic car show by the Viejitos Car Club, Los Gringos Muertos Band, Ilusión Norteña, JoJo Productions and Mariachi Del Mar.
- Kids and contests: a free piñata, scavenger hunt and crafts; catrín/catrina, dog costume and face mask contests.
- Bring: picnic chairs and blankets. Food, drinks and handmade goods are for sale.
- Parking is limited: the City asks you to carpool, bike, walk or take transit.
City event page Parks and Rec 858-720-2454
Questions or want to take part: info@lacoloniacommunityfoundation.org, or @lacoloniacommunityfoundation on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Oceanside: Sunday, October 25
- When and where: 10am to 4pm at Pier View Way and Coast Highway, Downtown Oceanside. Free.
- What: the 25th annual festival: altars with marigolds, a chalk cemetery, live music, Danza, a lowrider and classic car show, a catrín/catrina contest, kids' crafts, vendors and food.
- Getting there: public parking is limited and the festival recommends transit. The Oceanside Transit Center (Coaster and Sprinter) is a few blocks away.
Marigolds for your altar
Mellano Farms in Oceanside grows rows of them: its Pumpkin and Marigold Fall Festival runs every October weekend, 10am to 4pm, at the farm stand, 5750 N River Road.
Source: Visit Oceanside.
Getting there without the parking hunt
Sunday Coaster trains at Solana Beach: 20 on Sunday, Oct 18 and 20 on Sunday, Oct 25 (NCTD schedule). Times: Coaster times at Solana Beach · fares · bike routes.
A hand hauling chairs and an altar: $35 a stop in Solana Beach, Del Mar and Cardiff. Text PJ. More this month: Halloween · the next 90 days.
Sources: City of Solana Beach · Visit Oceanside. Checked October 6, 2026.
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Questions people ask
When is Día de los Muertos in Solana Beach in 2026?
Sunday, October 18, 2026, 10am to 5pm at La Colonia Park, 715 Valley Avenue. It's free.
What is the theme of Solana Beach's 2026 Día de los Muertos?
A tribute to the City of Solana Beach's 40th anniversary, with photos from the city's history, a cake cutting and a limited-edition mug giveaway.
When is the Oceanside Día de los Muertos Festival?
Sunday, October 25, 2026, 10am to 4pm at Pier View Way and Coast Highway downtown. It's free; parking is limited, so take transit if you can.
Where can I get marigolds for a Día de los Muertos altar in North County?
Mellano Farms in Oceanside holds a Pumpkin and Marigold Fall Festival every October weekend, 10am to 4pm, at 5750 N River Road.
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