While Dia de Los Muertos is technically still a week away, the celebrations are starting early in many corners of the city. That’s why this week’s iteration of Go Metro Weekends is devoted to Day of the Dead events you can reach via Metro Bus or Rail.

This weekend: 

1. Hollywood Forever will throw their annual Dia de Los Muertos bash this Saturday from noon to midnight. The theme for this year’s gathering is Shamanic Visions of the Huichol. Tickets are $20 and as far as we can tell, costumes are a must… (Metro Red Line to Hollywood/Vine Station, then walk 20 minutes south on Vine and east on Santa Monica Boulevard.)
2. Those who want to celebrate in a more laid-back manner can check out over 75 altares at Grand Park. Swing by this Saturday afternoon and you can also visit the many cultural institutions participating in the Grand Avenue Arts: All Access event. Saturday evening, Grand Park hosts La Noche de Ofrendas from 7 to 9 p.m. with dance, music, spoken-word performances, food trucks, and construction of a community altar. (Metro Red or Purple Line to Civic Center/Grand Park Station or Metro Gold Line to Little Tokyo/Arts District Station.)
3. This Sunday, Oct. 25, Olvera Street begins its candlelit Novenario of “living muertos” in honor of the deceased. Each evening through Nov. 2, visitors can partake in the procession, which begins at 7 p.m., and finishes with champurrado and pan de muerto. (Metro Red, Purple, Gold or Silver Line to Union Station.)
4. Zona Rosa Caffee will turn a section of Old Pasadena’s Playhouse District into a Mexican zocalo this Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. (Metro Gold Line to Lake Station, then walk 15 minutes south on Lake and east on Colorado Boulevard.)

Next week/end: 

1. The Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach offers Dia de Los Muertos-themed arts and crafts classes for kids and adults next Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 28 and 29. Adult workshops are $20, while kids create for free. (Metro Blue Line to 5th Street Station, then walk about 12 minutes east on 6th Street and north on Alamitos Avenue, or hop aboard various Long Beach Transit buses to 7th/Alamitos.)
2. Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor is open 7 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, and from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. on weeknights. Tickets start at $20. (Metro Blue Line to Downtown Long Beach Station)
3. The City of Santa Monica DoTD celebration will take place next Sunday, Nov. 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery. (Big Blue Bus 7 to Pico WB/17th Street. Event also offers free valet bike parking.)
4. Canoga Park will close down five blocks of Sherman Way between Vasser and Canoga Avenue in the Valley for their own Dia de Los Muertos Family Art Festival, Nov. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. (Metro Orange Line to Canoga Station then walk 15 minutes north on Canoga Avenue.)
5. Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios (Metro Red Line to Universal City/Studio City Station)
6. The Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary in Whittier open their gates for Dia de Los Muertos revelers Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Metro Bus 207 to Workman Mill/Rose Hills Memorial Park.)
7. Last, but certainly not least, is the Self Help Graphics Return of the Souls DoTD fiesta. Held Nov. 1 in Boyle Heights, guests can participate in a procession from Mariachi Plaza at 3 p.m., or join the celebration in full swing at Mendez Learning Center (1200 Plaza del Sol East, 90033) near Pico/Aliso Station. Attendance is free, or you can purchase a Day of the Dead package to save on food, treats, souvenirs and a fast pass for some lines.