Sunnylands Center & Gardens will once again bring together local artists, community groups, and the public for its annual Coachella Valley Days of Los Muertos celebration, honoring the rich cultural tradition of Día de los Muertos. From October 30 to November 3, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the gardens adorned with vibrant altars (ofrendas), artwork, and installations that pay tribute to this beloved Mexican holiday.
Eight local organizations, including Animal Samaritans and the Cathedral City Boys & Girls Club, will create altars in the gardens to commemorate loved ones who have passed away. Nichos, or decorative shadow boxes, crafted by artists from the nonprofit Raices Cultura, will also be on display, adding depth to the visual experience. Guests will encounter additional artworks, such as drawings, paintings, and miniature piñatas, created by students from across the Coachella Valley, enhancing the colorful tribute.
From Wednesday through Sunday, the public is invited to tour these stunning displays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at no cost. Visitors will also find interactive arts and crafts activities scattered throughout the grounds, allowing them to take part in the creative festivities.
Friday, November 1, offers an extra-special lineup of events. Sunnylands will extend its hours until 9 p.m., allowing for a magical nighttime viewing of the illuminated altars and nichos. Flashlights are recommended to enhance the twilight experience. During the day, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., a free drop-in workshop invites participants of all ages to create their own Día de los Muertos-inspired crafts. The evening culminates with a 6:30 p.m. screening of Pixar’s Coco in the West Gardens, celebrating family, memory, and the Land of the Dead.
Art Flying Aerial, a family-run studio based in Palm Desert, will present hourly performances on Sunday, November 3, showcasing Day of the Dead-themed aerialist routines. These 15-minute performances will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., captivating audiences with acrobatics inspired by Mexican traditions.
In addition to cultural offerings, Desert Oasis Healthcare’s mobile clinic will be on-site on Friday and Saturday, offering free health screenings, flu vaccines, and consultations with primary care providers.
Leading up to the main event, Sunnylands will host two unique, hands-on workshops. On October 23, participants will create “mini-ofrendas” using flowers and small photo frames, perfect for home displays. The second workshop, taking place October 25, will focus on mosaic skull-making, where attendees will craft their own colorful ceramic calaveras. Registration is required for both workshops.
Schedule at a Glance
Wednesday, Oct. 30 through Sunday, Nov. 3
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. – During Coachella Valley Days of Los Muertos, an annual celebration at Sunnylands, guests can walk the gardens while enjoying Día de los Muertos art and décor: colorful papel picado (decorative cut paper), art installations depicting traditional Mexican imagery by Art Flying Aerial, nichos (shadow boxes) created by local artists in partnership with Raices Cultura, and ofrendas (altars) designed by local nonprofit organizations.
Friday, November 1
8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Sunnylands will stay open until 9 p.m. for nighttime viewing of the displays and special programming in celebration of Day of the Dead. The altars will be lit at 5:30 p.m.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Desert Oasis Heathcare’s mobile health clinic will be on-site offering free health screenings, flu vaccines, and consultations with a DOHC primary care provider.
1 p.m. to 6 p.m. – A free, drop-in workshop will be available for families to create miniature nichos (display boxes) that honor and celebrate a loved one who has died and to decorate tin foil sculptures to represent Day of the Dead figures.
6:30 p.m. – Pixar’s animated movie, Coco (2017), about a young boy’s journey into the Land of the Dead, will be screened in the West Gardens. Rated PG. Runtime 1 hour 45 minutes.
Saturday, November 2
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Desert Oasis Heathcare’s mobile health clinic will be on-site offering free health screenings, flu vaccines, and consultations with a DOHC primary care provider.
Sunday, November 3
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Art Flying Aerial will stage a 15-minute, Day of the Dead-themed aerial performance every hour. Performances include creative backgrounds, costumes, and routines by local students.
Located at 37977 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage, Sunnylands offers free admission and parking, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this meaningful and beautiful celebration of life, death, and community.
For more information or to register for workshops, visit www.sunnylands.org/events.
