Día San Jose California 2026

Día San Jose California 2026

Día De Los Muertos, also called Day of The Dead, is a celebration of life. Día San José is a culmination of family, entertainment and most of all fun! Throughout the day, visitors will sing, dance, laugh and celebrate their loved ones.

• Stay in downtown, just a 5 minute drive from all the gay bars and clubs in The Alameda district. The AC Hotel by Marriott is a readers choice with great rooms and modern décor.

The Event

• Next Edition: Saturday 17th October, 2026.
• Held in the historic Cesar Chavez Park, Día San Jose is the area’s largest Day of the Dead celebration and you would be foolish to miss it.
• Día San Jose is a one-of-a-kind event where revellers commemorate the Mexican holiday: deceased souls of loved ones are welcomed back for a momentary reunion filled with dynamic entertainment, lively dancing, melodic singing, people dressed in eye-catching costumes and makeup, and more.
• Día San Jose never strikes a sombre tone and hits all the right upbeat notes for this uniquely Mexican tradition.
• The festival combines music, culture, tradition, food and art into a mezcal that tastes as good if not better than your abuelas capirotada. Come and rock the dead, rattle your bones and shake the soul.
• Stay close to the event at the San Jose Marriott, just a short walk from the square and close to all the city's main attractions.

The Artist Colony

• Walk through the Artist colony filled with over thirty five contemporary and traditional artists who have masterfully captured the spirit of Día De Los Muertos.
• You don’t want to miss the signature altars that the low and slow amigos at Blvd Bombs create every year from the back of their trunks, you thought their cars were a work of art, wait until you see the altars they create.

The Main Stage

• On the main stage enjoy music that we are sure will put you into the muerto mood, cheer on your favourite Lucha Libre match, or watch in awe of local Chicano youth artists paint murals live at the festival, all while having home cooked authentic Comida Mexicana, no food trucks here, all are old school con safos.
• Relax in the festival's signature beer garden with a cold chela and experience a unique taste of San Jose.

Gay-Friendly Districts

• Downtown San Jose: With a variety of cafes, restaurants, and arts venues, the downtown area is gay-friendly and offers lots to see and do.
• Santana Row: An upscale, pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining district where everyone is welcome. Great for people-watching and enjoying a sunny afternoon.

Popular Gay San Jose Bars

• Splash Bar and Grill – Busy LGBTQ nightspot with two separate levels for dancing and a rooftop patio. Regular theme nights.
• Renegades Bar – Gay bar serving great cocktails and appetizers. Pool table, darts, pinball, and outdoor patio.
• Mac's Club – Oldest gay bar in San Jose. Dive bar serving strong drinks. Friendly staff and patrons.

Recommendeed Hotels in San Jose

Here are the Hotels we recommend that keep you close to the events and the city's gay bars:

The Fairmont,  The Westin,  Hotel De Anza,  AC Hotel by Marriott