Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Disney California Adventure with music, food, colorful traditions, and experiences inspired by Pixar’s Coco.

Plaza de la Familia has officially returned to Disney California Adventure! From August 21 through November 2, 2026, Paradise Gardens Park transforms into a colorful celebration of Día de los Muertos, with live music, special food, beautiful décor, and experiences centered around family and remembrance.

While Plaza de la Familia coincides with Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, this seasonal celebration has an identity all its own. Inspired by the traditions of Día de los Muertos and Pixar’s Coco, Plaza de la Familia gives guests the opportunity to celebrate the everlasting bonds of family through storytelling, music, food, and meaningful experiences.

From The Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia Celebrate the Musical World of Coco! to mariachi performances and the Memory Wall, here’s everything you can experience at Plaza de la Familia in 2026.

What is Plaza de la Familia?

Plaza de la Familia is Disney California Adventure’s annual celebration of Día de los Muertos. Inspired by the traditions surrounding the holiday and the story of Pixar’s Coco, the event combines live entertainment, cultural displays, themed food, merchandise, and interactive experiences that honor the importance of family and remembering loved ones.

Photo by Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort

However, at California Adventure Park, Día de los Muertos is more than just a day – it’s two whole months! Plaza de la Familia welcomes Guests starting in August, offering the opportunity to learn about Día de los Muertos and its traditions until November.

Inside Plaza de la Familia, you’ll find different ways Día de los Muertos comes to life, as well as celebrations of eternal love and the bonds of family. 

Where is Plaza de la Familia Located?

Plaza de la Familia sits inside California Adventure, in the Paradise Gardens area of the theme park. 

Food, Entertainment, and Events in Plaza de la Familia

Plaza de la Familia brings the spirit of Día de los Muertos to life through colorful décor, live entertainment, delicious food, and interactive experiences that celebrate family and remembrance.

Throughout Paradise Gardens Park, you’ll find vibrant marigold displays, traditional papel picado banners, colorful calacas and catrinas, and a beautiful marigold arch that serves as one of the area’s most popular photo spots. Guests can also visit the Memory Wall, where they can leave notes honoring loved ones in the tradition of Día de los Muertos.

Photo by Danny Shuster

One of the highlights of the celebration is The Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia Celebrate the Musical World of Coco! This lively performance brings beloved songs from Coco to life through storytelling, music, and dance. Featuring favorites like “Remember Me” and “The World Es Mi Familia,” the show celebrates the themes of family and remembrance that are at the heart of both the film and the holiday.

Live mariachi performances also take place throughout the day at the Paradise Garden Bandstand, adding even more music and energy to the festivities.

Food is another major part of the celebration. Paradise Garden Grill offers a seasonal menu inspired by Mexican cuisine, including returning favorites like the Chilaquiles Carnitas Torta, along with other limited-time dishes available only during Plaza de la Familia. Special desserts, beverages, and seasonal snacks can also be found throughout the area.

Photo by Tatjana Lazar

Guests can also browse a collection of Coco-inspired merchandise featuring colorful artwork and characters from the film. Seasonal apparel, drinkware, and souvenirs make it easy to bring a piece of the celebration home.

Whether you’re stopping by to watch a performance, sample the food, or simply admire the beautiful decorations, Plaza de la Familia offers one of the most meaningful and visually stunning seasonal experiences at Disneyland Resort.

Don’t Miss the Memory Wall

One of the most meaningful experiences at Plaza de la Familia is the Memory Wall in Paradise Gardens Park. Guests can write a remembrance note honoring a loved one and add it to the display, creating a personal way to participate in the celebration.

You’ll also want to stop by the colorful Árbol de la Vida (Tree of Life), which makes for one of the most beautiful photo opportunities in the area. And keep an eye on the Disneyland app for daily entertainment schedules and times for select Coco character experiences.

A Tip for Visiting Plaza de la Familia

If you’re planning to visit in the late afternoon or evening, check the Disney California Adventure operating hours before your trip. On nights when Oogie Boogie Bash takes place, Disney California Adventure closes to regular daytime guests at 6 PM.

Plaza de la Familia is included with regular admission to Disney California Adventure, but you’ll need both valid park admission and a theme park reservation for Disney California Adventure to experience it.

Thank you to Disney for inviting us to experience a preview of Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort.