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🎃The spooky season is almost upon us…Pumpkins are starting to appear in Chedraui, pan de muerto is popping up in local panaderias and the local cemeteries are getting spruced up to welcome both the living and the dead.
Halloween, Día de Muertos and Janal Pixán events start ramping up across the region this weekend with theatrical performances, Maya legends after dark, costume contests, cultural ceremonies and even a special Halloween-themed party for kids at Coco Bongo.
And this is just the warm-up! The biggest concentration of holiday events arrives next weekend, but there is already enough happening to justify a special seasonal section in this week’s roundup. You’ll find it immediately after our Top Picks, followed by events for foodies, art exhibitions & cultural shows, markets and a very full live music schedule.
Here’s what’s happening from Thursday through Sunday.
— Michele Kinnon
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This Weekend's Top Picks
24th Annual Sea Turtle Festival
Friday, October 23 through Sunday, October 25
Now in its 24th year, the Festival de la Tortuga Marina is one of those events that reminds me how much conservation work happens quietly along this coast. The celebration moves through three communities over three days, opening in Akumal on Friday with a Maya ceremony, games and dancing before continuing in Tulum on Saturday with the Sea Turtle Caravan, a kermés and outdoor cinema. Sunday’s finale at Playa Xcacel includes sand-sculpture and drawing contests, workshops, music and the naming of this year’s Sea Turtle Ambassadors. The entire festival is family friendly and rooted in protecting one of the Riviera Maya’s most beloved residents.
Festival Parrillero del Caribe 2026
Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25
If you plan your weekends around what you are going to eat and where, this grill fest is absolutely worth the trip to Puerto Morelos. The 5th Festival Parrillero del Caribe brings together 22 nationally and internationally renowned grill specialists for two full days of meat, fish and seafood masterfully cooked over fire. There will also be grilling classes, wine and craft beer tastings, a chocolate tasting, 40 food and artisan stands, DJs and live bands. The festival runs from 1–10 PM at Ventana al Mar and Parque Fundadores. Buy tickets for one day or two. Children under 12 admitted free. A portion of ticket sales will support DIF Quintana Roo.
Halloween, Día de Muertos & Janal Pixán
These are the Halloween, Día de Muertos and Janal Pixán events already on the calendar from Thursday through Sunday.
Soul Fest — Día de Muertos Celebration at MAcC runs Thursday, October 22, from 5:30–9:30 PM at MAcC Cancún. The family celebration includes live performances, a costume contest, traditional storytelling, a fair, café de olla, pan de muerto and a student-run Haunted House. Admission is 450 MXN at the door; kids 200 MXN and children under 4 enter free.
Traditional Pumpkin Carving Workshop begins Friday, October 23, at 5 PM at Museo Frida Kahlo Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen. Anastacia Martínez leads the small-group workshop, which combines pumpkin carving with calaca-inspired Día de Muertos imagery. The cost is 300 MXN; advance reservations are required and the workshop is geared for ages 15 and older.
Maya Legends After Dark returns to Marte’s Place at La Patrona in Cozumel on Friday, October 23, and Saturday, October 24, with guided tours from 6:30–7:30 PM. The 30–40 minute experience brings the Alux, Xtabay and Waay Chivo to life through storytelling, theatrical encounters and a few well-placed scares.
Murcisemana 2026 begins in Playa del Carmen on Saturday, October 24, with family activities devoted to bats and their role in the local environment. The wider program includes art workshops, games, puppet theater, talks and bat watching at dusk. Times and locations vary by activity.
Huellas que Sanan begins Saturday, October 24, at 5 PM at Somos Ávalon Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen. Bring a photo or candle for the community pet altar and join a ceremony remembering animal companions, with a fire offering, raffles for independent rescuers, a pet-food drive and a small market. Admission is free.
Coco Bongo Halloween Kids Party takes over Coco Bongo in Playa del Carmen on Saturday, October 24, from 5–8 PM. The afternoon program includes Merlina Addams, Mario Bros., K-Pop Warriors, Barbie, Spider-Man, astronauts and Pirates of the Caribbean. Tickets are available online.
Mar de Almas: Janal Pixan 2026 opens in Puerto Morelos on Saturday, October 24. The opening is expected to begin at 6 PM with a Maya ceremony beside the leaning lighthouse, followed by a canoe procession, cultural activities and contests for decorated boats and façades, catrín and catrina costumes, alebrijes and monumental catrinas. The festival continues November 1–2.
ZombieRun Challenge at Hacienda Mundaca launches Isla Mujeres’ Luz y Vida 2026 festival on Saturday, October 24, at 6 PM. Participants can run from the zombies or join the undead, with children’s, youth and open categories, plus a costume contest, local vendors and performances. Registration is free.
Festival de Catrinas del Caribe: La Casa de las Brujas is on stage at Teatro de la Ciudad in Playa del Carmen on Saturday, October 24, at 7 PM. Kárani uses circus and theater to retell the Guanajuato legend La Casa de las Brujas in a family-friendly Día de Muertos production. Tickets are just 50 MXN.
Mercado Circular PDC: Día de Muertos & Halloween Edition is happening beside Colegio Pápalote in Playa del Carmen on Sunday, October 25, from 5:30–10 PM. Shop local crafts, fashion, art, organic products and food, with children’s activities, workshops, live music and a juggling clown. Costumes are encouraged.
Food & Drink
Festival Parrillero del Caribe in Puerto Morelos - See our Top Picks
Parrillero Tulum Fest 2026 fills the Municipal Plaza in Tulum on Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, from 4–11 PM. The public, family-friendly festival combines grilled specialties and local food vendors with live music and cultural activities.
Pulque: Néctar de las Diosas runs at Lavanda in Playa del Carmen on Sunday, October 25, from 4–8 PM. The launch event introduces one of Mexico’s oldest fermented drinks through an afternoon of art, culture and community activities.
French Soirée at Caché begins at Caché Hotel Boutique in Playa del Carmen on Sunday, October 25, at 7 PM. Guest chef Mehdi will serve a three-course French dinner with choices including onion soup, bœuf bourguignon, fish en papillote and dark chocolate fondant. Dinner is 690 MXN per person; advance reservations are recommended.
Arts & Culture
Don’t Stop Me Now! — Queen Tribute comes to Teatro de la Ciudad in Playa del Carmen on Thursday, October 22, at 8 PM. Melina and vocalist Víctor Carré lead a full live show built around Queen’s biggest songs. Tickets are available through the theater box office and TusBoletosMX.
Alma del Manglar opens at Grace Gallery in Puerto Morelos on Friday, October 23, from 6–8 PM. The exhibition features Alfredo Lanz with work by Antje Osterrath, Valentina Innocenti, Alysha Marko and Ricardo Xwaks.
Edgar Oceransky Live in Cancún begins at La Casa de Oscar Burgos in Cancún on Friday, October 23, at 9 PM. The Mexican singer-songwriter brings his 2026 tour of trova, acoustic ballads and career favorites to the city. Tickets are available online.
Alice and the Wonders of the Borderline is at Teatro de Cancún on Saturday, October 24, at 8 PM. This dark, adult reworking of Alice in Wonderland uses familiar characters to explore mental illness, addiction and emotional abuse. The production includes mature and potentially distressing themes. (in Spanish)
Markets & Fairs
Puerto Morelos Artisan Night Market is happening at Parque Fundadores in Puerto Morelos on Thursday, October 22, from 4–10 PM. Browse artisan crafts, honey, sauces, gourmet products and other locally made goods beside the waterfront.
La Lomita Saturday Market runs at La Lomita in Puerto Aventuras on Saturday, October 24, from 10 AM–1 PM. The shaded community market brings together crafts, jewelry, social projects, coffee and casual bites.
Feria Trendy at SangaFest takes over Colegio San Gabriel in Playacar on Saturday, October 24, from 11 AM–6 PM. Local artisans and producers join a full day of music, dance, art, wellness activities and creative projects for children.
Cielito Lindo Food Market Pre-Opening is happening in Puerto Morelos on Saturday, October 24, from 4–11 PM. Tour the new food market, try local food and drink specials and stay for a live Queen tribute.
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 22
Andromeda at Quinta Parrilla, Playa del Carmen | 6 PM (rock)
Kraliz at Bloody Mary, Playa del Carmen | 7 PM (rock)
Voodoo Chile Blues at La Vagabunda on 5th, PDC | 7:30 PM (blues)
Galáctika Deep Roots at Jungle Bar, Playa del Carmen | 8 PM (roots reggae)
Mr. Rojo at Brain Freeze, Playa del Carmen | 8 PM (Latin pop)
Selvático Jam at Jungle Bar, Playa del Carmen | 8 PM (tropical fusion)
Sonora Barón at Jungle Bar, Playa del Carmen | 8 PM (Chilean cumbia)
Tequila Sunrise at Zenzi Beach, PDC | 8:30 PM (rock and pop covers)
The Harrys at Fah Bar, Playa del Carmen | 8:30 PM (rock and pop covers)
Aura Band at Caimán Public Market, PDC | 9 PM (Latin and pop-rock)
Signals at Bloody Mary, Playa del Carmen | 9 PM (rock)
Crossover at Caimán Tugurio, Playa del Carmen | 9:30 PM (rock)
Ensambless Band at Karen’s Restaurante, PDC | 9:30 PM (variety covers)
Polly Rockets at Corner Bar 44, Playa del Carmen | 9:30 PM (rock)
The Roomies at Lux Morty, Playa del Carmen | 10 PM (rock and grunge)
InCircle at McCarthy’s Irish Pub, Playa del Carmen | 10:30 PM (rock)
Luces Bien at Yupiss, Playa del Carmen | 10:30 PM (rock)
Lex & Mauro at Nauti Burro, Puerto Aventuras | 6 PM (rock covers)
Blue Soul at Paparazzi Pizza, Puerto Aventuras | 8 PM (’80s and ’90s hits)
CRIST Project at Los Molcajetes, Puerto Morelos | 8 PM (rock and pop covers)
Xibalba Roots at La Sirena, Puerto Morelos | 8 PM (roots reggae)
Delay Band at Las Micheladas del Semáforo, Puerto Morelos | 10 PM (rock covers and tributes)
Friday, October 23
Galáctika Deep Roots at MoraMora, Cancún | 8 PM (roots reggae)
Selvático Jam at MoraMora, Cancún | 8 PM (tropical fusion)
Sonora Barón at MoraMora, Cancún | 8 PM (Chilean cumbia)
The Roomies at Bloody Mary, Playa del Carmen | 7 PM (acoustic rock)
Blue Soul at La Vagabunda de la 38, PDC | 8 PM (’80s and ’90s hits)
Daniela Aparicio at Lido Beach Club, Playa del Carmen | 8 PM (Latin pop)
Nacho Aviño & Renata Rivera at Wine O’Clock, PDC | 8 PM (’80s and ’90s piano favorites)
Bad Decisions at Zenzi Beach, Playa del Carmen | 8:30 PM (rock)
Polly Rockets at Fah Bar, Playa del Carmen | 8:30 PM (rock)
Rock Pek at La Vagabunda on 5th, Playa del Carmen | 8:30 PM (soft rock)
Aura Band at Caimán Public Market, Playa del Carmen | 9 PM (Latin and pop-rock)
Crossover at Bloody Mary, Playa del Carmen | 9 PM (rock)
Ensambless Band at Karen’s Restaurante, PDC | 9:30 PM (variety covers)
Marea Roja at Caimán Tugurio, Playa del Carmen | 9:30 PM (rock en español)
Andromeda at Dirty Martini, Playa del Carmen | 10 PM (rock and pop covers)
Golliath at Lux Morty, Playa del Carmen | 10 PM (rock covers)
Mr. Rojo at Corner Bar 44, Playa del Carmen | 10 PM (Latin pop)
Balboa at McCarthy’s Irish Pub, Playa del Carmen | 10:30 PM (rock en español)
Luces Bien at Yupiss, Playa del Carmen | 10:30 PM (rock)
Noches Cubanas at The Divot, Puerto Aventuras | 7:30 PM (Cuban music and salsa)
Saturday, October 24
Casablanca at MoraMora, Cancún | 9 PM (PXNDX tribute)
Ravenvoid at MoraMora, Cancún | 9 PM (My Chemical Romance tribute)
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)
Favels at El Doctorcito, Playa del Carmen | 3 PM (live covers)
Blue Soul at Fah Bar, Playa del Carmen | 6:30 PM (retro favorites)
Son del Padrino at La Vagabunda on 5th, PDC | 7 PM (Latin music)
The Roomies at Bloody Mary, Playa del Carmen | 7 PM (acoustic rock)
Sound Collective at Pez Vela, Playa del Carmen | 8 PM (rock and pop covers)
The Killing Grooves at Zenzi Beach, PDC | 8:30 PM (soul and blues)
Aura Band at Caimán Public Market, PDC | 9 PM (Latin and pop-rock)
Crossover at Fah Bar, Playa del Carmen | 9 PM (rock)
Mr. Rojo at La Vagabunda on 5th, Playa del Carmen | 9 PM (Latin pop)
The Phoenix at Bloody Mary, Playa del Carmen | 9 PM (rock)
Ensambless Band at Karen’s Restaurante, PDC | 9:30 PM (variety covers)
Polly Rockets at Caimán Tugurio, Playa del Carmen | 9:30 PM (rock)
Blackout at Lux Morty, Playa del Carmen | 10 PM (rock)
Luces Bien at Corner Bar 44, Playa del Carmen | 10 PM (pop-rock)
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)
Tequila Shot at Cafe Olé, Puerto Aventuras | 7:45 PM (rock covers)
Stefi Alonso at Paparazzi, Puerto Aventuras | 8 PM (pop)
Queen Tribute at Cielito Lindo Food Market, Puerto Morelos | 4 PM
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 25
Victoria Carpio Dueto at La Vagabunda de la 38, PDC | 11:30 AM (jazz)
Modem Paris at La Vagabunda on 5th, Playa del Carmen | 1 PM (pop)
El Flaco de la Salsa at La Vagabunda de la 38, PDC | 6:30 PM (Latin and salsa)
Dúo Okana at La Vagabunda on 5th, Playa del Carmen | 7 PM (pop)
Kraliz at Bloody Mary, Playa del Carmen | 7 PM (rock)
Lex at Lido Beach Club, Playa del Carmen | 7 PM (acoustic)
Mr. Rojo at Brain Freeze, Playa del Carmen | 8 PM (Latin pop)
Combo Criollo at Zenzi Beach, Playa del Carmen | 8:30 PM (salsa)
Mad Horse Country at Fah Bar, Playa del Carmen | 8:30 PM (country)
Aura Band at Caimán Public Market, PDC | 9 PM (Latin and pop-rock)
Golliath at Bloody Mary, Playa del Carmen | 9 PM (rock covers)
Lazy Dynamite at Caimán Tugurio, Playa del Carmen | 9 PM (rock)
Ensambless Band at Karen’s Restaurante, PDC | 9:30 PM (variety covers)
Luces Bien at Corner Bar 44, Playa del Carmen | 10 PM (pop-rock)
The Roomies at Lux Morty, Playa del Carmen | 10 PM (rock and grunge)
Primera Fila at Yupiss, Playa del Carmen | 10:30 PM (Latin music)
Blue Soul at Munchy’s, Puerto Aventuras | 5 PM (’60s, ’70s and ’80s hits)
CRIST Project at Micheladas del Semáforo, Puerto Morelos | 7 PM (rock)
Puerto Malix at La Sirena, Puerto Morelos | 8 PM (jazz-flamenco fusion)
The 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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