Item No. 8.
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY:JASON CHACON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION
DATE:SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
SUBJECT:APPROVAL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S 13TH ANNUAL DIA DE LOS MUERTOS ART
FESTIVAL STREET CLOSURE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will consider the approval of a street closure for the 13th Annual Dia De Los Muertos Art Festival.
The Dia De Los Muertos Art Festival has become a popular local and regional event for over a decade. The festival will be held from 11am - 8pm on Sunday, November 1, 2026 and will feature food trucks, a community stage, vendors, arts and crafts, performers, and live music in and around the Downey Theatre and Civic Center outdoor areas.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
Approve the following street closures for the City of Downey's 13th Annual Dia De Los Muertos Art Festival scheduled for Sunday, November 1, 2026:
Brookshire Ave. at 2nd St.; and,
Civic Center Dr. at 3rd St.
BACKGROUND
Each year, the City of Downey offers a varierty of special events for the community to enjoy. The Dia De Los Muertos event has continued to bring the City a unique celebration of the Mexican culture and recognizes the large Mexican community that exists in Downey. The event will showcase Mexican cuisine, Mexican entertainment and activities for youth and families to experience together. The event continues to grow in popularity and brings an average of 25,000 participants each year to the Civic Center in Downey.
ANALYSIS
For the City of Downey's 13th Annual Dia De Los Muertos event, staff recommends closing 2nd St. and 3rd St. access to the Downey Civic Center area at Brookshire Ave. and Civic Center Dr. Additional recommended closures to vehicular traffic are proposed on the first and second parking rows in front of the Downey Civic Center. A map is attached for review.
The proposed closures of 2nd St. at Brookshire Ave. and the first and second parking rows will be on Saturday, October 31, 2026 starting from 5:00 pm until 3:00 am Monday, November 2, 2026. The proposed street closure for 3rd St. at Civic Center Dr. will be from 6:00am Sunday, November 1, 2026 through 3:00 am Monday, November 2, 2026 to allow staff time of set-up, breakdown, and clean-up. Parks and Recreation staff has met and received approval from the Embassy Suites regarding closure of the 2nd St. entrance as it relates to the hotel access to host this all-day event. Additionally, staff has coordinated with Downey Police and the Public Works Department for street closures support and staffing.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Public Engagement
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended action will result in an expenditure of approximately $2,500 from the General Fund, Parks and Recreation Department, Downtown Events budget, Account No.10-4-4322 as previously approved in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 operating budget.
Attachments
Attachment A: Closure Map
ATTACHMENT A
CITY OF DOWNEY’S CIVIC THEATRE 13TH ANNUAL DIA DE LOS MUERTOS EVENT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2026
PROPOSED STREET CLOSURE