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📆 October has settled into its stride, and the calendar is getting busier by the day. This weekend’s lineup covers a lot of ground, with food and wine events, concerts, theater, family activities, markets and an especially long list of live music options.
Halloween and Day of the Dead are beginning to make their way into the regular weekend schedule, too. A few themed markets and early celebrations are happening now, with the larger festivals, parties and cultural events still to come. I’ll keep adding those to the calendar as details are confirmed.
Whether you’re looking for a full-day outing or simply somewhere to enjoy dinner and good music, you should have no trouble making plans.
Here’s what’s happening from Thursday through Sunday.
— Michele Kinnon
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This Weekend's Top Picks
Wine Fest XI
Saturday, October 17
Wine Fest is the kind of event I would happily build a Saturday night around, especially this year in its new home at Distrito Xcalacoco Beach. From 7–11 PM, guests can work their way through more than 80 wine labels, with grilled meats, seafood, artisan cheese and charcuterie, desserts, premium cocktails and craft beer along the way. There is even a bluefin tuna cutting demonstration, followed by live music and a light-and-fireworks finale. The ticket is not inexpensive, but it covers a lot. This is an adults-only evening with a white dress code and limited capacity. Tickets required.
Pink Floyd Tribute: The Dark Side of the Moon — Cozumel
Sunday, October 18
This one caught my attention because the setting is almost as interesting as the music. At 7:30 PM, Parque Benito Juárez in Cozumel will host a live Pink Floyd tribute featuring The Dark Side of the Moon and other classics, with projection mapping across the island’s iconic clock tower. A Pink Floyd concert in the main square would already be a fun Sunday night; adding the visuals should make it something people will remember. The performance is part of the weekend surrounding Cozumel’s first Pueblos Mágicos Triathlon, so downtown should be especially lively. Best of all, the concert is free. I would get there early for a clear view of the tower.
Food & Drink
Mexican Cooking & Tequila Experience begins at México Lindo Cooking School in Puerto Morelos on Friday, October 16, at 5 PM. Four tequila tastings lead into a hands-on class making tortillas, quesadillas, tamales, salsa verde and chicken tinga. The 2.5-hour experience costs $950 MXN; a vegetarian menu is available and space is limited.
Spanish Wine & Tapas Tasting starts at Wine O’Clock Boutique in Playa del Carmen on Friday, October 16, at 7 PM. Sommelier Alejandro Bru guides guests through Spanish denominations of origin, with tapas chosen to accompany the wines. The tasting costs $1,200 MXN per person, and reservations are required.
Kermés Gastronómica El Arrecife is happening at Parque Fundadores in Puerto Morelos on Sunday, October 18, from noon–10 PM. The community food fair gathers local dishes and vendors in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Stop for lunch, stay for dinner or browse until something catches your eye.
Festival Parrillero del Caribe Mexicano fills Parque Benito Juárez in Cozumel on Sunday, October 18, from noon–10 PM. The island food festival combines local and international dishes with drinks, cocktails and live entertainment. If you are a grill fan, you won’t want to miss this.
Arts & Culture
Reencarnación: Mito o Verdad is on stage at Teatro de Cancún in Cancún on Friday, October 16, from 7–9 PM. The Spanish-language drama uses love, resentment and revenge to explore whether unresolved relationships can follow people across lifetimes. Tickets range from $240–$360 MXN.
Mosaic Art Experience runs at Paramova Mosaic Art Studio in Villas La Playa, Puerto Morelos, on Saturday, October 17, from 10 AM–1 PM. Beginners can bring an idea or start from scratch with studio guidance. The $600 MXN fee includes materials; space is limited and reservations are required.
Inferius is at Teatro 8 de Octubre in Cancún on Saturday, October 17, from 7–9 PM. This Spanish-language independent production from Producciones Ixchel follows condemned souls forced to confront the choices that sealed their fate. Tickets are $200 MXN.
Candlelight: Disney Love Songs brings beloved Disney music to Auditorio STOA in Cancún on Saturday, October 17, at 7 PM. The 60-minute concert presents romantic favorites in a candlelit classical setting. Tickets start at $390 MXN; children must be at least 5, and guests under 16 require an adult.
Raúl Ornelas Live in Playa del Carmen comes to Teatro de la Ciudad in Playa del Carmen on Saturday, October 17, at 8 PM. The Mexican singer-songwriter is known for romantic songs written to be remembered and sung along with. Tickets range from $550–$950 MXN, plus fees.
Markets & Fairs
Puerto Morelos Artisan Night Market is happening at Parque Fundadores in Puerto Morelos on Thursday, October 15, from 4–10 PM. Browse artisan crafts, honey, sauces, gourmet products and other locally made finds while enjoying music and the sea breeze. Purchases support Puerto Morelos makers and small businesses.
Nuestra Cosecha Local Market is happening at Parque Ignacio Josaffat Sánchez Cordero in Puerto Morelos on Friday, October 16, from 8 AM–3 PM. Shop directly from area producers for fruit, vegetables, eggs, honey, fish, medicinal plants, sauces, soaps, sweets and more. Admission is free.
Isla Mujeres Artisan Fair is happening at Malecón Paseo de las Sirenas in Isla Mujeres on Friday, October 16, from 6–11 PM. More than 25 local artists and artisans will share their work along the waterfront. The community fair is family friendly and supports island makers.
La Lomita Saturday Market is happening at La Lomita in Puerto Aventuras on Saturday, October 17, from 10 AM–1 PM. The shaded community market brings together crafts, jewelry, social projects, coffee and casual bites. Bring the family, meet local makers and make a relaxed morning of it.
Mercado Circular PDC: Día de Muertos & Halloween Edition is happening beside Colegio Pápalote in Playa del Carmen on Saturday, October 17, from 5:30–10 PM. Shop crafts, fashion, art, organic products and food, with children’s activities, workshops, live music and a juggling clown. Costumes are encouraged, and the event is family friendly.
Cancún Vinyl Market Vol. 10 begins at Las Hijas de la Tostada in Cancún’s Hotel Zone on Sunday, October 18, at 3 PM. Browse vinyl, CDs, shirts, posters and stickers, hear DJ sets or join a $200 MXN record-painting workshop. Admission is free with registration; the market is family and pet friendly.
Bazar Monstruosón is happening at Xtabay Centro Cultural in Playa del Carmen on Sunday, October 18, from 5–11 PM. This Halloween market mixes local art, accessories and unusual finds with tarot readings, a costume contest and seasonal surprises. Come dressed up and get an early start on spooky season.
Live Music Around Town
These are the live music annoucements that have been submitted to the Riviera Maya Events Calendar before midnight on Wednesday. If your event is not listed, it may have been submitted after the cutoff.
Thursday, October 15
Mr. Rojo at Brain Freeze, Playa del Carmen | 8 PM (Latin pop)
Aura Band at Caimán Public Market, Playa del Carmen | 9 PM (Latin and pop-rock)
Crossover at Caimán Tugurio, Playa del Carmen | 9:30 PM (rock)
Polly Rockets at Corner Bar 44, Playa del Carmen | 9:30 PM (rock)
The Harry's at Fah Bar, Playa del Carmen | 8:30 PM (rock and pop covers)
Ensambless Band at Karen's Restaurante, Playa del Carmen | 9:30 PM (variety covers)
Voodoo Chile Blues at La Vagabunda on 5th, Playa del Carmen | 7:30 PM (blues)
Incircle at McCarthy's Irish Pub, Playa del Carmen | 10:30 PM (rock)
Luces Bien at Yupiss, Playa del Carmen | 10:30 PM (rock)
Blue Soul at Paparazzi Pizza, Puerto Aventuras | 8 PM (’80s and ’90s hits)
Delay Rock Band at Las Micheladas del Semáforo, Puerto Morelos | 10 PM (rock covers and tributes)
Xibalba Roots at La Sirena, Puerto Morelos | 8 PM (roots reggae)
Friday, October 16
Aura Band at Caimán Public Market, Playa del Carmen | 9 PM (Latin and pop-rock)
Luces Bien at Corner Bar 44, Playa del Carmen | 10 PM (rock)
Andromeda at Dirty Martini, Playa del Carmen | 10 PM (rock and pop covers)
Polly Rockets at Fah Bar, Playa del Carmen | 8:30 PM (rock)
Ensambless Band at Karen's Restaurante, Playa del Carmen | 9:30 PM (variety covers)
Blue Soul at La Vagabunda de la 38, Playa del Carmen | 8 PM (’80s and ’90s hits)
Rock Pek at La Vagabunda on 5th, Playa del Carmen | 8:30 PM (soft rock)
Daniela Aparicio at Lido Beach Club, Playa del Carmen | 8 PM (pop)
Balboa at McCarthy's Irish Pub, Playa del Carmen | 10:30 PM (rock en español)
Mr. Rojo at Yupiss, Playa del Carmen | 10:30 PM (Latin pop)
Noches Cubana at The Divot, Puerto Aventuras | 7:30 PM (Cuban music and salsa)
Saturday, October 17
The Outsiders at Sin Vergüenza, Cozumel | 9:30 PM (Mexican rock)
Black Rose at Sin Vergüenza, Cozumel | 11:30 PM (Caifanes tribute)
Goliath at Paamul Hotel & Beach Club, Paamul | 4 PM (rock covers)
Aura Band at Caimán Public Market, Playa del Carmen | 9 PM (Latin and pop-rock)
Luces Bien at Corner Bar 44, Playa del Carmen | 9:30 PM (rock)
Crislex at El Doctorcito, Playa del Carmen | 3 PM (live covers)
Crossover at Fah Bar, Playa del Carmen | 9 PM (rock)
Ensambless Band at Karen's Restaurante, Playa del Carmen | 9:30 PM (variety covers)
Dúo Okana at La Vagabunda de la 38, Playa del Carmen | 11 AM (chillout pop)
Modem Paris at La Vagabunda on 5th, Playa del Carmen | 1 PM (pop)
Son del Padrino at La Vagabunda on 5th, Playa del Carmen | 7 PM (Latin music)
Mr. Rojo at La Vagabunda on 5th, Playa del Carmen | 9 PM (Latin pop)
CRIST Project at McCarthy's Irish Pub, Playa del Carmen | 10:30 PM (rock)
Primera Fila at Yupiss, Playa del Carmen | 12:30 AM (Latin music)
Angelica and Friends at Cafe Olé, Puerto Aventuras | 5 PM (live favorites)
Tequila Shot at Cafe Olé, Puerto Aventuras | 7:45 PM (rock covers)
Deja Vu at La Sirena, Puerto Morelos | 9 PM (classic rock and oldies)
Talla Musical at Micheladas del Semáforo, Puerto Morelos | 10:30 PM (Latin music)
Sunday, October 18
Aura Band at Caimán Public Market, Playa del Carmen | 9 PM (Latin and pop-rock)
Ensambless Band at Karen's Restaurante, Playa del Carmen | 9:30 PM (variety covers)
Mad Horse Country at Fah Bar, Playa del Carmen | 8:30 PM (country)
Victoria Carpio Dueto at La Vagabunda de la 38, Playa del Carmen | 11:30 AM (jazz)
El Flaco de la Salsa at La Vagabunda de la 38, Playa del Carmen | 6:30 PM (Latin and salsa)
Dúo Okana at La Vagabunda on 5th, Playa del Carmen | 7 PM (pop)
Modem Paris at La Vagabunda on 5th, Playa del Carmen | 1 PM (pop)
Lex at Lido Beach Club, Playa del Carmen | 7 PM (acoustic)
Salsa Night at Zenzi Beach Club, Playa del Carmen | 8:30 PM (salsa)
Primera Fila at Yupiss, Playa del Carmen | 11 PM (Latin music)
Blue Soul at Munchy's Sports Bar, Puerto Aventuras | 5 PM (’60s, ’70s and ’80s hits)
Puerto Malix at La Sirena, Puerto Morelos | 8 PM (jazz-flamenco fusion)
The Weekend Roundup is only part of what’s happening. The full Riviera Maya Events Calendar also has DJ and techno nights, karaoke, dancing, wellness events and plenty of late-night fun that didn’t make this edition. Take a look and find your kind of weekend fun.
Would you like to see your event featured in the Weekend Roundup? Make sure it is submitted to the Riviera Maya Events Calendar on Wednesday for consideration in the Thursday newsletter.
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