Events & festivals
Learn about Cabo's annual events and festivals
Annual Events and Festivals to Plan
Your Cabo Vacation Around
When planning your trip to Cabo, you’ll discover many attractions, tours, and stunning beaches that are perfect for your itinerary. This sun-drenched destination is brimming with opportunities for adventure. But beyond its natural beauty, Cabo is also home to various annual events and festivals. Whether you’re into fishing, food, film, tennis, or music, Cabo offers a packed calendar of events travelers will want to attend. Here’s a glimpse at nine must-attend events in Cabo that should be on your list.
Los Cabos International Film Festival
If you’re a film enthusiast, the Los Cabos International Film Festival is a must-attend event. This annual celebration brings together a star-studded gathering of actors, producers, and directors from across the globe, making it a premier destination for national and international film industry elites. The festival has firmly established Cabo as a sought-after location for world-class entertainment events, offering a truly enchanting experience for cinephiles.
Los Cabos ATP Tennis Open
Get ready for an exhilarating tennis experience! Each August, the prestigious tournament at Cabo del Mar Village draws top professional players and passionate fans from around the world. Since its inception in 2016, this event has become a highlight of the tennis calendar. Arrive in style via yacht or chartered boat from Marina Village, and immerse yourself in six days of world-class competition. The ATP Open takes place across eight courts, with a stadium that seats 3,500 spectators, making it a must-see event for any tennis enthusiast.
San José Jazz Weekend Festival
Jazz enthusiasts, get ready to celebrate! Each May, Plaza Pescador comes alive with the sounds of talented jazz musicians from near and far. This well-loved event draws around five thousand people each year, creating a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere where locals and visitors can enjoy live jazz performances. The festival’s prime location allows attendees to easily explore the plaza’s lively shops, restaurants, and other attractions, making it a perfect outing for music lovers and families.
Gastrovino Baja Food & Wine Festival
Culinary enthusiasts and wine lovers flock to Todos Santos each April for a remarkable three-day celebration of Cabo’s finest food and drink. This annual event offers an exceptional experience featuring world-class dining and wine tasting. Guests can enjoy live music while hearing fascinating stories from master Mexican winemakers. Renowned chefs and restaurateurs present their most exquisite dishes, captivating the taste buds of all in attendance. The festival also engages attendees by allowing them to vote on their favorite wines and sparkling beverages in various categories.
Medano New Year's Eve Fireworks
Break away from the usual New Year’s Eve routine and embrace the magic of Cabo under a starry sky. Start your day with sun-soaked adventures like swimming, snorkeling, fishing, or kitesurfing in the crystal-clear waters. As the evening approaches, go to the breathtaking Médano Beach in Cabo. This stunning stretch of sand offers a picture-perfect setting where you can welcome the new year in style, surrounded by the coastline’s beauty and the celebration’s warmth. It’s a night you’ll never forget, marking the start of the year with unforgettable memories.
Los Cabos Open Of Surf
Imagine the perfect blend of music and surfing for your beach getaway. Every summer, the Los Cabos Open Of Surf Festival combines these elements in a spectacular event, recognized as the largest in Mexico and Latin America. Held at the famous Zippers Beach Break on Costa Azul, this invitation-only festival showcases top surfers from around the globe as they demonstrate their free surfing skills on foam boards. It’s an exhilarating, action-packed celebration of the surf culture, offering a chance to embrace the laid-back vibes and leave the worries of daily life behind in the beautiful setting of Cabo.
East Cape Bisbee Fishing Tournaments
Cabo is renowned for its world-class fishing, particularly in the Sea of Cortez, home to some of the largest billfish. Each year, starting in August, three major billfish tournaments draw anglers from around the globe to the East Cape, where they compete for substantial cash prizes and bragging rights. The June Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Summer Slam offers over $500K in prizes across categories like billfish, tuna, dorado, and wahoo. The iconic Bisbee’s Black and Blue Marlin Tournament, known as the “World’s Richest Tournament,” features multi-million-dollar prizes. Whether on your boat or a charter, these events are action-packed.
Day of the Dead Festival
In November, the nation comes together to celebrate the “Day of the Dead,” a cherished holiday throughout Mexico. The Cabo festival pays tribute to ancestors with beautifully adorned altars crafted by family members and loved ones. These altars are intricately decorated with vibrant candles and flowers, creating a stunning display of color and devotion. The altars are then showcased in Cabo San Lucas’s central square, Plaza Amelia Wilkes, where the community can admire them and vote for the most impressive designs.
San José del Cabo Art Walk
In San José, the Art Walk takes place every Thursday evening from November to June, inviting art lovers to explore its cobblestone streets. Enjoy a glass of wine as you admire local artwork and engage with artists and gallery owners. After the walk, discover the town’s charming spots, such as City Hall’s iconic clock tower and vibrant murals, or Plaza Mujeres, where new experiences await. For more details on Cabo’s festivals, activities, luxury accommodations, and dining, check out our Family Guide to Visiting Los Cabos.
SCORE Baja 1000
Each year, Ensenada, known as the ‘Desert Racing Capital of the World,’ hosts the iconic Baja Desert Race, starting from Ensenada and ending in La Paz. This legendary event, often regarded as the pinnacle of desert racing, never fails to deliver excitement. Traditionally, the race has shifted from a point-to-point route to a single-loop course, adding to the challenge. As the thrilling season finale of the SCORE World Desert Championship, the Baja 1000 is an annual highlight that racing fans eagerly anticipate.
Revolution Day – Nov. 20
Revolution Day, celebrated every year on November 20, is an official Mexican holiday marking the beginning of the Mexican Revolution. On this day, visitors can immerse themselves in vibrant outdoor festivities, including lively parades and festivals. The air fills with enthusiastic cries of “Viva la Revolución!” and “Viva Mexico!” as people gather to celebrate. It’s also a perfect opportunity to savor traditional Mexican dishes like enchiladas, tostadas, tacos, and fajitas, adding a delicious flavor to the patriotic spirit of the day.
Las Posadas
Las Posadas is a cherished Mexican Christmas tradition that spans nine days. It is rooted in the story of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of Jesus. Families and communities come together each evening to adorn their homes and share traditional meals. The festivities are marked by communal gatherings, where participants sing, pray, and celebrate in honor of the soon-to-be-born Jesus, creating a deep sense of unity and reverence throughout the event.
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