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📆 This weekend, Mexican culture takes center stage!
More than 150 artisans are coming to Xcaret, mariachi will fill the theaters in Playa del Carmen and Cancún, and Cozumel is celebrating San Miguel with several days of festivities. Add markets, food events, family fun and a very long list of live music, and the hardest part may be deciding where to start. Here’s what’s happening from Thursday through Sunday.
-Michele Kinnon
This Weekend's Top Picks
Xcaret Mexican Folk Art Fair
Thursday, September 24 — Sunday, September 27
The Xcaret Mexican Folk Art Fair returns for its third edition, bringing 150 master artisans from across Mexico to Hacienda Henequenera near the park’s main entrance. From traditional textiles and embroidery to ceramics, woodcarvings, blown glass and metalwork, this is a chance to shop directly from the people keeping these techniques alive. Exhibitions, talks and demonstrations are also planned from 10:30 AM–7:30 PM daily. Admission is included with a regular park pass; event-only admission is $200 MXN, and Soy Xcaret members enter free.
Festival of San Miguel de Cozumel
Thursday, September 24 — Tuesday, September 29
Cozumel’s celebration of San Miguel the Archangel begins Thursday and carries the island through six days of traditional music, dance and community events. Weekend highlights include a Mexican festival at Parque Benito Juárez, Tardes Cozumeleñas, a Yucatecan vaquería with Orquesta Jaranera El Makech and Sunday’s Una Cana al Aire at the Explanada de la Bandera. The festivities continue through Tuesday with cultural presentations and a closing cumbia dance. A lovely excuse to make a weekend of Cozumel and immerse yourself in authentic Mexican traditions.
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Fun for Families
Environmental Film Festival is happening at the Akumal Community Center on Friday, September 25, at 7:30 PM. The free Trees & Seas Film Festival program features eight short films about conservation, sustainability and our relationship with nature. Three films have English subtitles and five have Spanish subtitles. Family friendly.
Cabeza de Aire is happening at Parque La Ceiba in Playa del Carmen on Saturday, September 26, at 4 PM. This family-friendly performance from Argentina blends dance, visual theater and body puppetry, turning bags, flowers and elastic threads into airplanes, dragons, rain, birds and fish. Admission is by voluntary contribution.
Karaoke for Kids is happening at Hoyo 19 in Puerto Aventuras on Saturday, September 26, from 7–9 PM. Young singers can grab the mic, choose a favorite song and perform for a supportive crowd. It is designed especially for children and is family friendly. Check with the venue for admission details.
La Mecánica de los Sueños is happening at Teatro de la Ciudad in Cancún on Sunday, September 27, at 1 PM. This imaginative family production from Cancún’s Municipal Theatre Company is filled with memorable characters and stage magic. Collect tickets at the box office at 11 AM, then return at least 20 minutes before showtime.
Food & Drink
FIVE 2026: International Wine and Wine Tourism Fair runs at Cancún Center in the Hotel Zone from Thursday, September 24 through Saturday, September 26. More than 50 wineries from 17 countries will gather for tastings, new labels, producer meetings and wine-travel ideas. Daily schedules, access rules and ticket options vary, so check the official program before going.
Huayacán Wine Festival is happening at Plaza Aria on Avenida Huayacán in Cancún on Saturday, September 26, with sessions from noon–4 PM and 5–10 PM. Sample wines and tapeo-style small plates from participating producers. Admission is listed at $950 or $1,100 MXN; contact the organizers for session details and reservations.
Arts & Culture
14th CoralCun International Festival is happening at Parque Fundadores in Puerto Morelos on Friday, September 25, from 6–9 PM. Visiting choirs from Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Mexico will fill the waterfront with choral arrangements and popular music as part of the six-day international festival. It’s free and family friendly.
¿Quién es Hamlet? is happening at Centro Cultural de las Artes in Cancún on Friday, September 25, from 8–10 PM. This Spanish-language play follows a theater company attempting to stage Hamlet while power struggles, production changes and questions over who gets to tell the story blur fiction and reality. Tickets are available via WhatsApp.
Mariachi Sol de México is happening at Teatro de la Ciudad in Playa del Carmen on Saturday, September 26, from 8–10 PM. The acclaimed ensemble, led by José Hernández, will be joined by Mariachi Real de Lujo for an evening celebrating Mexico’s mariachi traditions. Doors open at 7 PM; tickets are available online or at the theater box office.
Markets & Fairs
Puerto Morelos Artisan Night Market is happening at Parque Fundadores in Puerto Morelos on Thursday, September 24, from 4–10 PM. Browse handmade crafts, honey, sauces, gourmet products and other community-made finds while enjoying music and the waterfront setting. Purchases directly support local artists, producers and small businesses.
La Lomita Saturday Market is happening at La Lomita in Puerto Aventuras on Saturday, September 26, from 10 AM–1 PM. Shop handmade crafts and jewelry, learn about community projects, grab coffee or something good to eat and enjoy the market’s shaded neighborhood setting. Family friendly.
Live Music Around Town
Thursday, September 24
Mr. Rojo at Brain Freeze, Playa del Carmen (Mexican folk)
Aura Band at Caimán Public Market, Playa del Carmen (Latin and pop rock)
Crossover at Caimán Tugurio, Playa del Carmen (rock)
Polly Rockets & Karaoke at Corner Bar, Playa del Carmen (rock covers)
Loope de la Sierra at Fah Bar, Playa del Carmen (cumbia)
The Beatles Tribute at La Vagabunda de la 38, Playa del Carmen (Beatles tribute)
Voodoo Chile Blues at La Vagabunda on 5th, Playa del Carmen (electric blues)
Why Not? at Lux Morty, Playa del Carmen
InCircle at McCarthy’s Irish Pub, Playa del Carmen (rock and pop covers)
Tequila Sunrise at Zenzi Beach Club, Playa del Carmen
Luces Bien & Karaoke at Yupiss, Playa del Carmen (pop-rock)
Cheap Tequila at Nauti Burro, Puerto Aventuras (country rock/Americana)
Blue Soul at Paparazzi Pizza, Puerto Aventuras (’80s and ’90s favorites)
Delay Band at Las Micheladas del Semáforo, Puerto Morelos (rock covers)
Friday, September 25
The Real 2 Tone Festival at Rockalitas, Cancún (ska and reggae)
Daniela Aparicio at Lido Beach Club, Playa del Carmen (Latin pop)
Aura Band at Caimán Public Market, Playa del Carmen (Latin and pop rock)
The Roomies at Caimán Tugurio, Playa del Carmen (rock, grunge, country)
Saturno, Luces Bien & Karaoke at Corner Bar 44, Playa del Carmen (rock)
Andromeda at Dirty Martini, Playa del Carmen (rock and pop covers)
Polly Rockets at Fah Bar, Playa del Carmen (rock covers)
Blue Soul at La Vagabunda de la 38, Playa del Carmen (blues and retro favorites)
Rock Pek at La Vagabunda on 5th, Playa del Carmen (soft rock)
Golliath at Lux Morty, Playa del Carmen (rock)
Balboa at McCarthy’s Irish Pub, Playa del Carmen (rock en español)
Azul & Friends at RIOT, Playa del Carmen (nu metal)
Bad Decisions at Zenzi Beach Club, Playa del Carmen (rock)
Mr. Rojo & Karaoke at Yupiss, Playa del Carmen (Mexican folk)
Noches Cubana & Salsa at The Divot, Puerto Aventuras (Cuban and salsa)
Los Brócolis at Veleta Market, Tulum (electroacoustic rock)
Saturday, September 26
D’Rabbits at Paamul Hotel & Beach Club, Paamul (rock and blues)
Aura Band at Caimán Public Market, Playa del Carmen (Latin and pop rock)
Los Brócolis at Caimán Tugurio, Playa del Carmen (rock)
Luces Bien, Saturno & Karaoke at Corner Bar 44, Playa del Carmen (rock)
Crossover at Fah Bar, Playa del Carmen (rock)
Son Del Barrio at La Perla Pixán, Playa del Carmen (cumbia and reggae)
Dúo Okana at La Vagabunda de la 38, Playa del Carmen (salsa & bachata)
Modem Paris at La Vagabunda on 5th, Playa del Carmen (pop rock)
Mr. Rojo at La Vagabunda on 5th, Playa del Carmen (Mexican folk)
Maria Balam at Lido Beach Club, Playa del Carmen (Latin)
Blackout at Lux Morty, Playa del Carmen (rock)
Crist Project at McCarthy’s Irish Pub, Playa del Carmen (rock)
The Killing Grooves at Zenzi Beach Club, Playa del Carmen (soul & blues)
Karaoke & Primera Fila at Yupiss, Playa del Carmen (Latin)
Angelica and Friends at Cafe Olé, Puerto Aventuras
Tequila Shot at Cafe Olé, Puerto Aventuras (rock covers)
Talla Musical at Micheladas del Semáforo, Puerto Morelos (Latin)
Los Brócolis at Plaza Huina, Tulum (rock)
Sunday, September 27
Mr. Rojo at Brain Freeze, Playa del Carmen (Mexican folk)
Día de Jamaica: Roots x Caché at Caché Hotel, Playa del Carmen (reggae)
Aura Band at Caimán Public Market, Playa del Carmen (Latin and pop rock)
Lazy Dynamite at Caimán Tugurio, Playa del Carmen (soul and funk)
Luces Bien, Stefani & Karaoke at Corner Bar 44, Playa del Carmen (pop-rock)
Mad Horse Country at Fah Bar, Playa del Carmen (country)
Victoria Carpio Dueto at La Vagabunda de la 38, Playa del Carmen (sax and jazz)
El Flaco de la Salsa at La Vagabunda de la 38, Playa del Carmen (salsa)
Dúo Okana at La Vagabunda on 5th, Playa del Carmen (salsa, timba and bachata)
Modem Paris at La Vagabunda on 5th, Playa del Carmen (pop rock)
The Roomies at Lux Morty, Playa del Carmen (rock, grunge, country)
Sundays at Zenzi: BBQ & Salsa at Zenzi Beach Club, Playa del Carmen (salsa)
Primera Fila & Karaoke at Yupiss, Playa del Carmen (Latin)
Blue Soul at Munchy’s Sports Bar, Puerto Aventuras (’60s–’80s favorites)
Eduardo Vazquez at Diving Bar, Puerto Morelos (rock classics and familiar favorites)
This 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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