Hollywood Forever Cemetery is the big party event for things to do in LA on Dia De Los Muertos, but it is kind of far removed from the bitter sweet solemnity of the Mexican holiday.

For a more authentic Dia De Los Muertos the place to go is Olvera Street, LA’s founding neighborhood. We visit Olvera Street on our Downtown LA Bicycle Tour. Olvera Street during the month of October contains lovingly built alters to family loved ones who’ve passed on that reach the level of folk art with their creativity. There is also a Muertos Art Walk October 5th, we have a bike tour that day that breaks here starting at 10AM.

Marigolds, sweet treats, portraits and mementos make up the gorgeous alters families build to honor, and connect with loved ones who’ve moved on to the spirit world. A combination of Aztec celebration of the dead, and Catholicism’s All Saints Day marks the day the dead return to the transition world to visit the living.

The merchants of Olvera Street have planned a month of entertainment weekends, have sugar skulls and other Dia De Los Muertos themed products. So if you’re looking for things to do in LA on Dia De Los Muertos come take an LA bike tour with Handlebar Bike Tours, sign up for the Downtown LA Bike Tour and we bring you to Olvera Street and give you a chance to walk around, check out the alters, and support the vendors of DTLA.