Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Davis Cemetery District & Arboretum

This is a public altar and a self-guided visit, not a hosted event. There is no set start time and nobody is going to meet you at the gate. The ofrenda goes up on Thursday 29 October and stays in place through 2 November, and you go when it suits you.

Alongside the public ofrenda the District puts out grave-cleaning supplies and educational signage about the traditions and what they mean. New this year is a designated pathway decorated with marigolds and papel picado, so there is a route to walk rather than just a thing to look at, for reflection and honoring loved ones.

It is free, and the grounds are worth the visit on their own: the arboretum is one of the quieter beautiful places in Davis.

The District is looking for help to bring the in-person event back. They are after a community member or organization to partner with and eventually take the lead, with the hope of a community gathering again in 2027. If that sounds like you or your group, get in touch with us and we will put you together with them.

Full details and their own page: daviscemetery.org.

The Davis Cemetery District & Arboretum is also a sponsor of the Zombie Bike Parade Festival.