Riverside Day of the Dead Festival Returns November 7–8 With Altars, Music and Art

RIVERSIDE — November 7, 2026. The 23rd annual Riverside Day of the Dead Festival is returning downtown this weekend as a free, family-friendly event, presented by artist Cosme Córdova and Division 9 Gallery.

Hours and activities

The two-day celebration is scheduled Saturday, November 7, from 1 to 10 p.m., and Sunday, November 8, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Organizers advertise traditional altars, Aztec dancers, live music, Catrina presentations, lucha libre, car altars, art, food and other performances.

A celebration of memory

Día de los Muertos honors the memory of loved ones who have died. Community altars and personal artwork offer ways for families to participate in the tradition, while visitors can learn about the cultural meaning of the celebration.

Costs and public access

The event itself is described as free, but food and vendor merchandise may be sold separately. Riverside’s downtown calendar confirms the times; exact road closures and vendor information should be checked with organizers. The event has not yet concluded, so the number of visitors, performers and sales remains unreported.

Source: Riverside Downtown Partnership 2026 event calendar.

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