Community Altar at The Collection & New Collaboration with El Velorio Art Show
OXNARD — The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit Corporation (OPAC) invites the community to honor loved ones and celebrate life at its annual Día de los Muertos Celebration, featuring two vibrant events:
COMMUNITY ALTAR @ The Collection
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 2 | 6–7 p.m. | Free and Open to the Public
Location: Between The Cheesecake Factory & Larsen’s Grill
On View: Through November 2
This year’s altar is inspired by the monarch butterfly, a powerful symbol of the soul, transformation, and migration. In a city shaped by immigrant stories, the theme highlights the beauty and resilience of movement across borders. In Mexican tradition, the monarchs’ annual arrival in central Mexico each fall is believed to carry the spirits of departed loved ones back to earth, making them a cherished emblem of Día de los Muertos. Community members are invited to submit a photo of a departed loved one to be lovingly displayed. The Opening Reception will feature a ceremonial Aztec blessing and dance and a performance by Ballet Folklórico Mestizo of Oxnard College.
MAIN CELEBRATION @ OPAC
Details: Friday, October 24 | 5-10pm | Free and Open to the Public
Location: Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard
Get ready for a night bursting with color, music, and tradition! This year’s festival will feature:
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High-energy live bands and festive beats that keep the plaza dancing all evening. Headlining the event are local favorites, Los Cool Arrows, playing cumbias, rock en espanol, and rock.
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Mesmerizing cultural dance performances, including Aztec, Ballet Folklorico and the Diablitos, and roaming entertainers
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A bustling mercado with artisan vendors, craft activities, and delicious regional foods
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Hands-on activities, games and art-making for attendees of all ages
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A dazzling art exhibition and larger-than-life altars lighting up the night
NEW COLLABORATION: OPAC x El Velorio
This year marks an exciting partnership with El Velorio, the renowned Día de los Muertos art show founded in Los Angeles. The Oxnard installation will showcase 100 custom-designed cross-shaped canvases created by Ventura County artists, blending tradition with contemporary expression. El Velorio is a production of The Pelayo Foundation. This will be their first foray into Ventura County.
“At the Pelayo Foundation, we believe the arts are a bridge that connects cultures, inspires new generations, and keeps traditions alive. Bringing our work to the Oxnard Performing Arts Center is about more than an event — it’s about giving artists a stage, a voice, and the exposure they deserve. We are honored to support — along with Oxnard College and the Port of Hueneme — and to uplift the creative spirit of Oxnard, sharing this city’s vibrant talent with the world,” remarks Cynthia Salas, Pelayo Foundation Board Member, and Antonio Pelayo Pelayo Foundation President.
“Our partnerships make celebrations like this possible and profoundly expand our reach,” said Carolyn Merino Mullin, OPAC Executive Director. “By working with visionary collaborators like El Velorio, The Collection and our many community sponsors, we’re able to amplify impact and ensure these traditions remain accessible to everyone. In times when connection is more important than ever, we strive to create welcoming spaces where families can celebrate, remember loved ones, and share in the healing power of art and culture.”
These events are sponsored in part by: El Velorio, Pelayo Foundation, The Port of Hueneme, Oxnard College, The Collection, The Artist Tree, County of Ventura, Ventura Music Festival, Lazer Media, and Mission Bank.
How to Participate
Community members can submit a photo for the altar on the OPAC website: theopac.org/dia-de-los-muertos. Admission to both events is free and family-friendly.
For details and updates, visit TheOPAC.org