FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN OCTOBER
San Miguel de Allende Fair
Date: September 20 – October 5
Location: San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
The fair offers an entertainment-filled experience for all ages, including amusement rides, food stalls, and much more.
Among the main attractions of the 2024 San Miguel de Allende Fair is the People’s Theater, where excellent artists and musical groups perform.
Expo Ganadera EXPOGAN Chihuahua
Date: September 25 – October 5
Location: Chihuahua, Chihuahua
One of the most unique characteristics of this event is that it combines a rural atmosphere with modern experiences. It features cattle, sheep, goats, and horses, rodeos, agricultural machinery exhibits, and regional food tastings, along with massive concerts, cultural performances, and family-friendly spaces.
The commercial area stands out with more than 300 exhibitors showcasing machinery, supplies, technology, and regional products. There are also conferences and technical workshops for ranchers, producers, and students in the agricultural sector.
Cocula Fair, Jalisco
Date: September 25 – October 5
Location: Cocula, Jalisco
Held at the Adrián Puga Esplanade, where renowned artists gather. The festival seeks to keep the essence of Cocula alive with mariachi, bands, and top-level shows.
For over a week, attendees can enjoy free concerts, performances by famous groups, mariachi galas, and artistic shows. There is also a gastronomic fair.
Tlalpujahua Christmas Ornament Fair
Date: September 27 – December 15
Location: Tlalpujahua, Michoacán
This Magical Town dresses up to celebrate and showcase some of the most beautiful blown glass Christmas spheres, as well as other holiday decorations. Over 300 artisans participate in the fair, displaying their exquisite Christmas ornaments.
All artisans gather at the Municipal Auditorium to showcase their products, but you can also find these beautiful ornaments in various shops throughout the town.
In addition to Christmas ornaments, there are other regional handicrafts available for purchase, including brass objects, rustic furniture, cantera stone pieces, and a wide variety of ceramics. Visitors can also enjoy a rich gastronomic display.
Fiestas del Sol
Date: September 27 to October 13
Location: Mexicali, BC
This is one of the region’s most important events, featuring the Isla de las Estrellas, a free stage within the fair where local, national, and international artists perform.
Feast of San Francisco de Asís - Santo Charito
Date: September 28 – October 12
Location: Real de Catorce, San Luis Potosí
This is a festival in honor of San Francisco de Asís, who is affectionately known as “El Charito” in this magical town. These patronal festivals attract thousands of people and are very significant celebrations. The event includes various activities such as amusement rides, traditional folk dances, music, and a local artisan market.
On October 4, there are mañanitas (morning serenades) for San Francisco, followed by a solemn mass.
Whale Shark Season
Date: October to April
Location: La Paz, Baja California Sur
Every year, La Paz Bay welcomes dozens of whale sharks. Observing them in their natural habitat and swimming alongside them is a unique experience.
Their massive size, reaching up to 12 meters in length and weighing 20 tons, is matched only by their gentleness, allowing you to swim with them without any danger.
Alfeñique Fair
Date: October 1 – November 4
Location: Toluca, State of Mexico
This is a colorful event held in the city center, specifically around the Portales and the Cathedral of San José.
The word alfeñique is of Arabic origin and refers to a cooked sugar paste, stretched into thin rods and twisted. Nowadays, this term refers to sugar glass figures made for Day of the Dead.
These sweet treats, shaped like coffins, skulls, crosses, sheep, deer, bones, processions, angels, animals, and fruits, are sold at the fair. You can also enjoy other traditional sweets like dulce de leche, jamoncilla, amaranth candy, tamarinds, cocadas, and many more.
The celebration also includes traditional altar displays, a zombie parade, and the Llorona in the Portal 20 de Noviembre, as well as various representations of La Catrina, mummies, and other iconic Day of the Dead characters.
The fair also features cultural events like dance, music, theater, exhibitions, conferences, a gastronomic showcase, concerts, book presentations, workshops, video screenings, and competitions.
San Pedro Arte Fest
Date: October 2 – 6
Location: San Pedro, Nuevo León
A festival dedicated to live music, theater, and the performing arts. It features national and international artists, as well as high-quality cultural showcases.
The event includes concerts by top musicians, classical ballet shows, theater performances, historical tours, and art exhibitions.
Tecalitlán Mariachi Festival
Date: October 2 – 12
Location: Tecalitlán, Jalisco
The program includes mariachi gala performances featuring the best and most famous groups of this traditional music style.
This major event, held in the birthplace of mariachi, is a great opportunity to experience the traditions of the municipality and enjoy the best mariachi music from Jalisco.
National Coffee and Huipil Fair
Date: October 2 – 12
Location: Cuetzalan, Puebla
The beautiful "Pueblo Mágico" (Magical Town) of Cuetzalan fills with joy and color during the fair held in honor of San Francisco de Asís, the town's patron saint. However, the celebration is a blend of Catholic and pagan rituals, starting with the “Corte de Palo” ceremony by the Voladores de Cuetzalan. In this ritual, the dancers perform at the foot of the tree that will be used to create the pole for their famous aerial dance. The ceremony includes candles and incense, seeking permission and forgiveness from nature for cutting the tree.
In addition to the traditions and folklore, visitors can enjoy mechanical rides, handicraft displays, sports activities, and gastronomic exhibitions, with the rich local coffee taking center stage.
The celebration also features concerts by famous artists, the coronation of the queen, and a dance.
Monclova Fair
Date: October 2 – 19
Location: Monclova, Coahuila
One of the city’s most important events, it features its traditional opening parade, commercial, industrial, and livestock exhibits, cultural presentations, a mechanical rides area, gastronomic pavilions, and sporting events.
The “People’s Theater” offers free concerts by renowned artists in regional Mexican, pop, rock, and urban music.
October Fair
Date: October 3 – November 4
Location: Guadalajara, Jalisco
This is one of the largest fairs in the country, taking place at the Benito Juárez Auditorium and other locations across Guadalajara, Zapopan, Tlaquepaque, Tonalá, and Tlajomulco.
The Fiestas feature a wide variety of artistic and cultural performances, along with multiple recreational activities.
The event includes a commercial zone where you can taste the best dishes from Jalisco and discover many surprises.
Other traditional spaces include the Canica Azul, the Mansion of Terror, amusement rides, and the Main Stage.
Morelia en Boca
Date: October 3 – 5
Location: Morelia, Michoacán
Morelia en Boca is is one of Mexico's most prominent gastronomic projects. This event brings together top Mexican and international chefs, traditional Michoacán cooks, winemakers, artisans, and culinary experts who share their art and knowledge during the festival.
It includes tastings, workshops, and sampling sessions where experts from Michoacán’s culinary scene present their projects and work.
International Contemporary Dance Festival “Lila López”
Date: October 3 to 12
Location: San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí
This festival has been held since 1981 and aims to promote and teach modern dance.
The event showcases various dance styles, including street dance, vertical dance, and dance theater, among others.
It features specialists who offer courses and workshops, as well as activities for children.
National Mole Fair
Date: October 3 – 26
Location: San Pedro Actopan, Milpa Alta, Mexico City
This event, celebrated since 1977, combines gastronomy, crafts, and culture and has become one of the most important events in San Pedro Actopan, which produces between 28,000 and 30,000 tons of mole annually.
Mole is one of the most famous dishes of Mexican cuisine, an exquisite blend of dozens of spices and ingredients, with each person having their secret recipe.
More than 60 producers participate in the fair, offering a wide variety of moles, such as red, almond, pine nut, apple, green mole, pipián, and adobo.
Visitors can also enjoy dishes based on nopal, rabbit, barbacoa, bean tamales, blue, red, and nopal tortillas, quesadillas, sopes, tacos, pozole, and beverages like pulque, aguamiel, and atole de pinole.
The celebration includes the sale of handcrafted products, mechanical rides, and cultural events, with various bands providing music throughout the fair.
Sinaloa Cultural Festival
Date: October 4 – 26
Location: Mazatlán, Sinaloa
The festival includes a wide range of cultural activities such as dance, singing, theater, literature, and much more.
It's a great event for all ages and tastes, featuring interesting classical music concerts with renowned national and international artists, as well as film screenings, gastronomic showcases, and puppet shows.
Carrera Panamericana
Date: October 9 – 16
Location: Zócalo, Mexico City
La Carrera Panamericana is a gathering of engines, classic cars, and high-speed competitions, covering 8 states over 7 intense days. It is the most important and longest road rally race in the world. The route includes Oaxaca, Veracruz, Mexico City, Querétaro, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Aguascalientes, and San Luis Potosí.
Quimera International Festival of Arts and Culture
Date: October 9 – 19
Location: Metepec, Estado de México
This event offers a large number of performances and brings together artists from various disciplines such as music, theater, visual arts, dance, literature, and cinema. Participants come from various countries, giving the festival an interesting multicultural aspect.
The festival takes place at several venues such as the Parish of San Juan Bautista and Santa María de Guadalupe, the Old Franciscan Convent, and Juárez Park, among others.
International “Paste” Festival in Real del Monte
Date: October 10 – 12
Location: Real del Monte, Hidalgo
This town is located about 12 km from the state capital, Pachuca, and is famous for the “paste,” a dish of English origin brought by the English when they came to mine silver in the region. The original paste was a pastry filled with ground beef and potatoes, but today there are many varieties, both sweet and savory.
The event includes a wide range of cultural and artistic events, a commercial and artisanal zone, and musical performances.
Of course, you can't miss the opportunity to try the delicious pastes.
International Music Festival
Date: October 10 – 18
Location: Cancún, Quintana Roo
The festival is filled with concerts, recitals, conferences, masterclasses, and the traditional International Trumpet Competition.
This is an unforgettable experience for music lovers.
International Cervantino Festival (FIC)
Date: October 10 – 26
Location: Guanajuato and León, Guanajuato
One of the most important cultural festivals in the world, offering more than 700 activities with over 3,500 artists from nearly 40 countries.
Events include conferences, workshops, readings, dance, a wide variety of concerts featuring different music genres, theater, exhibitions, and more.
The Pilgrimage of the Virgin of Zapopan
Date: October 12
Location: Zapopan, Jalisco
The "romería" is the annual pilgrimage that takes place in the early morning of this day, from the Cathedral of Guadalajara to the Basilica of Zapopan.
The image of Our Lady of Zapopan visits various churches in the Guadalajara metropolitan area, including Tlaquepaque and San Andrés. On October 12, the image, known affectionately as "La Generala," leaves the Metropolitan Cathedral of Guadalajara and is accompanied by devotees, as well as dancers with masks and feathers, along the eight-kilometer journey between the churches.
Upon arrival at the Basilica of Zapopan, a mass is held, and the following day the celebration continues with dances and music.
Columbus Day
Date: October 12
Location: Nationwide
This day commemorates the discovery of the Americas and has been celebrated in Mexico since 1928, during the presidency of Álvaro Obregón.
The festivities include floral tributes to the monuments of Christopher Columbus.
However, this day also serves as a moment of reflection on the profound changes it brought to the native peoples of the Americas, often inviting people not to celebrate it.
Heineken Silver Live Out
Date: October 12
Location: Monterrey, Nuevo León
Held at Parque Fundidora, this is a major music event that annually invites some of the best modern music performers.
International Theater Festival of Zacatecas
Date: October 11 – 18
Location: Zacatecas, Zacatecas
With unique performances from national and international theater companies, the streets, plazas, and squares of Zacatecas blend with the magic of theater.
Plays are presented by local, national, and international groups.
The most spectacular venue is the Plaza de Armas, where major productions or shows with extensive technical requirements are staged, allowing hundreds of spectators to enjoy them.
The charm of the event lies in being able to walk through the beautiful city and encounter free performances for all audiences.
International Book Fair
Date: October 16 – 19
Location: Zócalo, Mexico City
At the fair, you can find a variety of titles from both national and international publishers. You'll discover children's books, science fiction, specialized books, and even cookbooks. In addition to exhibitors, the International Book Fair at the Zócalo in Mexico City offers a complementary program featuring musical performances, theatrical presentations, and diverse exhibitions.
Bierfest
Date: October 16 – 19
Location: Orizaba, Veracruz
This festival features an impressive lineup of bands in a unique atmosphere. The music will make you dance, enjoy, and vibrate to the fullest. Additionally, there is a showcase of craft beers.
Alebrijes Parade
Date: October 18
Location: Mexico City
This event is organized by the Museum of Popular Mexican Art Trust. The parade begins at 12:00 PM in the Zócalo, continues through 5 de Mayo Avenue, Juárez Avenue, and Paseo de la Reforma, ending at the Angel of Independence roundabout.. At the end of the parade, the Monumental Alebrijes will remain on display along the main sidewalks of Avenida Paseo de la Reforma, between the Angel of Independence and the Diana Cazadora roundabouts, from Saturday, October 19 until 8:00 PM on November 3.
International Revueltas Festival
Date: October 18 – 26
Location: Durango, Durango
This festival is the most important cultural event in Durango and serves as a meeting point for local, national, and international artists and creators.
Music, dance, literature, visual arts, and performing arts claim their space across the 39 municipalities of the state. The event takes place primarily in the historic center of the city of Durango, which is an architectural heritage of exceptional value.
As the biggest cultural event in the state, it attracts artists and creators from various disciplines.
Tlaxcala Fair
Date: October 23 – November 17
Location: Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala
This is the largest celebration in Tlaxcala, where tradition, fun, history, and color come together. It features a traditional bullfighting arena and a local theater, showcasing top-tier artists.
The fair offers an attractive and extensive program, including a commercial area, livestock exhibits, bullfights, amusement rides, sports tournaments, popular dances, delicious cuisine, and various family-friendly shows.
The coronation of the queen is a highlight, culminating in a grand dance featuring a renowned artist or band.
Festival of the Skulls
Date: October 24 – November 2
Location: Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
This is one of the most important festivals in the city, aimed at rescuing and preserving the traditions of the Day of the Dead in a festive setting. The celebration also pays tribute to José Guadalupe Posada, a renowned engraver and illustrator from Aguascalientes.
It takes place at Isla San Marcos and is a blend of magic, fun, and mysticism.
The festivities include a Skulls Parade along Avenida Madero in the Historic Center, featuring floats and groups in traditional costumes. Additionally, there are culinary and craft exhibits, processions, street theater, concerts by the Aguascalientes Symphony Orchestra, film showcases, music festivals, and much more.
All Saints Fair
Date: October 24 – November 9
Location: Colima, Colima
This is one of the most anticipated fairs in the state. The celebration includes amusement rides, culinary and craft showcases, as well as the typical Palenque where renowned artists perform.
Chocolate and Pan de Muerto Fair
Date: October 25 – 26
Location: Mexico City
This event takes place in the Jardín Hidalgo in the Historic Center of Coyoacán, featuring 120 booths offering hot chocolate and Pan de Muerto (a traditional Day of the Dead bread). Additionally, there is a Catrina and Catrin Costume Contest, as well as a Legends Tour through various streets of this historic neighborhood.
Visitors can also admire the altars, view a huge sugar skull exhibit, and enjoy a multimedia show on the facade of the San Juan Bautista Church.
San Francisco Fair
Date: September 26 – October 19
Location: Pachuca, Hidalgo
This family-friendly event allows visitors to enjoy the rich gastronomy of the state and its diverse handicrafts. It features circus acts, ice shows, amusement rides, and artistic, cultural, and sporting events. There is also a local theater that can accommodate up to 60,000 people, where various renowned artists perform.
Mexico Grand Prix
Date: October 26
Location: Mexico City
Formula 1 returned to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez after 23 years, and the Mexico Grand Prix has become a favorite among the International Automobile Federation.
Mega Catrina Procession
Date: October 26
Location: Mexico City
This procession is filled with culture, tradition, and art in the heart of Mexico City. It is a monumental procession where life and death intertwine in a unique celebration. It is one of the events to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico City, featuring a parade of thousands of participants dressed as Catrinas and Catrines, who will traverse the main streets of the capital accompanied by music, floats, and a burst of color and creativity.
The parade starts at the Angel of Independence and progresses along Paseo de la Reforma, Avenida Juárez, 5 de Mayo, and concludes at the Zócalo.
Rosario Castellanos Festival
Date: October 29 – November 2
Location: Comitán de Domínguez, Chiapas
A festival organized by the State Council for Culture and the Arts of Chiapas, offering various concerts in public venues, musical events, theater performances, and much more.
Hannah Pixan
Date: October 30
Location: Campeche, Campeche
This is an altar contest featuring flowers, food, incense, and mementos of the deceased, set up in the Historic Center of the city, specifically on 8th Street. The festival creates a colorful, mystical, and unique atmosphere.
This event is part of the celebrations for the Day of the Dead, and the municipalities of Tenabo, Calkiní, and Ciudad del Carmen also participate.
Pomuch Day of the Dead Festival
Date: October 31
Location: Pomuch, Campeche
This festival originates from a very unique tradition in the town, where they honor their deceased not only with altars but also with a ceremony that involves carefully cleaning the remains of their loved ones.
In recent years, it has become a celebration filled with color, culture, and tradition, transforming the town into a stage for various activities.
The festival includes theater performances, a huge paper lantern (Cantoya balloon), Day of the Dead altars, photo exhibitions, concerts, dances, and a ritual of the Mayan ball game known as "Pok Ta Pok."
Zacatecas Day of the Dead Festival
Date: October 31
Location: Zacatecas, Zacatecas
This celebration embraces the rich tradition of the Day of the Dead. The festivities include a contest for arches and facade decoration, showcasing creativity and devotion to fill the city with color.
A concert is held at the Plaza de Armas, often becoming an emotional and moving musical experience honoring La Catrina.
There are also contests for altars and sawdust carpets that highlight the creativity of local artists.
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