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📆 The Weekend Roundup is back with another full slate of things to do!

Mexican Independence Day may be behind us, but some Semana Patria celebrations continue into the weekend. Add food and culture festivals, free wellness activities, family fun, markets, candlelight concerts and live music from Cancun to Tulum, and there’s no shortage of reasons to get out. Here’s what’s happening from Thursday through Sunday.

- Michele Kinnon

P.S. I’m still looking for an exclusive sponsor for the Weekend Roundup. If you’re a local business owner and would like to get your brand in front of 5,000+ readers, let’s chat.

This Weekend's Top Picks

Apapaxoa GastroCultural Festival at Xcaret

Friday, September 18 – Wednesday, September 23

Apapaxoa returns to Hotel Xcaret Arte and other Grupo Xcaret properties for six days of ambitious dinners, workshops, tastings, art, music and cultural experiences. More than 50 internationally recognized chefs and creators are taking part, including chefs representing over 70 Michelin stars. The program ranges from collaborative meals and brunches to mixology, wine, wellness and a concert by Mexican singer Emmanuel. Activities are ticketed separately, so check the official program before choosing your experience.

🔗 Get details here

World Wellness Weekend 2026 in Quintana Roo

Friday, September 18 – Sunday, September 20

World Wellness Weekend brings three days of free activities to more than 50 hotels, spas, fitness centers and wellness venues across Quintana Roo. The program may include yoga, fitness classes, meditation, mindfulness, movement, nutrition and relaxation, with options for a range of interests and energy levels. No account is required: use the official map to find participating venues, see what they are offering and contact them directly to reserve. It’s an easy way to try something new—or simply slow down for an hour—without spending anything.

🔗 Get details here

Fun for Families

  • Getting to Know the Manatee is happening at Parque La Ceiba in Playa del Carmen on Saturday, September 19, at 1:30 PM. This educational session introduces children and adults to the manatees of the Mexican Caribbean and explains why protecting their aquatic habitat matters. Free Admission.

  • Festival del Chile en Nogada is happening at Colegio Puerto Aventuras on Saturday, September 19, at 6 PM. Bring the family for a colorful evening of Mexican traditions with live music, folkloric dance, fair games, a mechanical bull and plenty of antojitos. Admission is $100 pesos for adults and $50 pesos for children.

  • Candlelight: Disney Love Songs is happening at Auditorio STOA in Cancún on Saturday, September 19, at 7 and 9:30 PM. The Cuarteto de la Riviera Maya performs favorites from Coco, Encanto, Frozen and other Disney films beneath thousands of candles. Tix start at $370 MXN. Ages 5+.

  • Sábado de Varieté Infantil is happening at Tercer Acto Club in Playa del Carmen on Saturday, September 19, at 6 PM. Families can enjoy circus acts, storytelling, puppetry, bubbles, clowning and visual theater in one lively Spanish-language variety show. Admission is free, with a voluntary contribution encouraged.

  • Lucha Libre Nights at Autóctona is happening in Cancún on Friday, September 18, and Sunday, September 20, from 8–11 PM. Families looking for something different may get a kick out of the traditional two-out-of-three-falls matches. A complimentary snack is included, and Maya dishes are available from the menu.

Food & Drink

  • Chiles en Nogada Cooking Workshop is happening at Colegio Puerto Aventuras in Puerto Aventuras on Thursday, September 17, from 4–8 PM. Learn to prepare one of Mexico’s signature dishes from start to finish, then take home a recipe booklet. The $1,100 MXN fee includes ingredients and a tasting; advance reservations are required.

  • Premium Mexican Wine Tasting is happening at Wine O’Clock Boutique in Playa del Carmen on Thursday, September 17, at 7 PM. Sommelier Gerson Soriano will guide guests through four Mexican wines, including Chardonnay, Sangiovese rosé and Nebbiolo. Admission is $850 MXN per person, and advance reservations are required.

  • Chiles en Nogada Cooking Class with Chef Karla is happening at El Pirata in Puerto Morelos on Saturday, September 19, from 4–6 PM. Prepare Mexico’s celebrated seasonal dish during a hands-on class, then enjoy your chile en nogada with a glass of wine. The class costs $450 MXN per person; advance reservations are required.

Arts & Culture

  • When Playa Speaks is happening at Spin & Tonics in Playa del Carmen on Thursday, September 17, from 8–11 PM. The multilingual open mic welcomes poetry, music, spoken word, storytelling and singing in English, Spanish, Spanglish or any language that feels natural. Admission is free, whether you perform or simply listen.

  • Cabaret by Motion Onstage Experience is happening at Teatro de la Ciudad in Cancún on Friday, September 18, at 8 PM. Created for Motion’s 10th anniversary, the production mixes the glamour of 1920s cabaret with contemporary pop, dance and theatrical performance. Tickets are available through the official ticket page.

  • Ecos de México is happening at Vesica Santuario in Tulum on Sunday, September 20, at 6 PM. Harp, violin and piano bring new life to music by Manuel M. Ponce, José Alfredo Jiménez, Chavela Vargas, Juan Gabriel and more. Tix start at $240 MXN. All ages.

Markets & Fairs

  • Puerto Morelos Artisan Night Market is happening at Parque Fundadores in Puerto Morelos on Thursday, September 17, from 4–10 PM. Browse locally made crafts, honey, sauces, gourmet products and other coastal finds while enjoying music and the waterfront setting. Purchases directly support artists, producers and small businesses from Puerto Morelos.

  • Mexican Fiesta Bazaar is happening on Avenida Tulum in front of the Palacio Municipal in Cancún from Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 20, from 11 AM–9 PM daily. The three-day bazaar brings together local food, crafts, gifts and seasonal Mexican products in a convenient downtown location.

  • La Lomita Saturday Market is happening at La Lomita in Puerto Aventuras on Saturday, September 19, from 10 AM–1 PM. Shop handmade crafts and jewelry, learn about community projects, grab coffee and breakfast bites, and enjoy the market’s shaded neighborhood setting. It is an easy way to support local makers close to home.

  • Benefit Sale for Ecoludoteca La Ceiba Tulum is happening at Parque La Ceiba in Playa del Carmen on Saturday, September 19, from 11 AM–4 PM. Shop discounted tumblers, crafts, caps, clothing, aqua shoes, mugs and beach toys while helping support the environmental learning center’s work with children and the community.

  • Faro Artisan and Food Fair is happening at Parque Fundadores in Puerto Morelos on Saturday, September 19, from 4–10 PM. Local artisans, cooks and small businesses gather beside the lighthouse with handmade goods and regional food. The waterfront setting and early start make this a relaxed, family-friendly Saturday outing.

  • VeganXarte Vegan Food & Art Festival is happening at Casa Pillaly in Playa del Carmen on Saturday, September 19, from 5–9:30 PM. Expect vegan food, local makers, art activities, a clothing swap and a recycling exchange where clean materials can be traded for a plant. DJ Gordi Veganos provides the music.

  • Noche Mexicana — Emprende Akumal is happening at Parque Central and Parque de la Serpiente in Akumal on Saturday, September 19, from 6 PM. The fifth edition combines live music, cultural performances, traditional food, local entrepreneurs and family activities. Admission is free; food and products will be available for purchase.

Live Music Around Town

Thursday, September 17

  • Kraliz at Bloody Mary, Playa del Carmen (indie rock)

  • Signals at Bloody Mary, Playa del Carmen

  • 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 at Corner Bar 44, Playa del Carmen (rock covers)

  • Loope de la Sierra at Fah Bar, Playa del Carmen (cumbia)

  • Bob Marley Tribute at La Vagabunda de la 38, Playa del Carmen (reggae)

  • 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)

  • Andromeda at Quinta Parrilla, Playa del Carmen (rock and pop covers)

  • Aqua Caribbean at TierRa, Playa del Carmen (Caribbean and Latin)

  • Luces Bien at Yupiss, Playa del Carmen (pop-rock originals and covers)

  • Black Line at Zenzi Beach, Playa del Carmen (rock)

  • Honey Pie at De Boca en Boca, Puerto Aventuras

  • Achy Music at Nauti Burro, Puerto Aventuras (singer-songwriter)

  • Blue Soul at Paparazzi Pizza, Puerto Aventuras (’80s and ’90s favorites)

  • Delay Band at Las Micheladas del Semáforo, Puerto Morelos (rock covers)

Friday, September 18

  • Crossover at Bloody Mary, Playa del Carmen (rock)

  • Aura Band at Caimán Public Market, Playa del Carmen (Latin and pop rock)

  • The Harrys Band at Caimán Tugurio, Playa del Carmen

  • Luces Bien at Corner Bar 44, Playa del Carmen (pop-rock originals and covers)

  • Saturno at Corner Bar 44, Playa del Carmen

  • 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)

  • Rock Pek at La Vagabunda on 5th, Playa del Carmen (soft rock)

  • Daniela Aparicio at Lido Beach Club, Playa del Carmen (Latin pop)

  • Golliath at Lux Morty, Playa del Carmen (rock)

  • Balboa at McCarthy's Irish Pub, Playa del Carmen (rock en español)

  • Reggae Nights at Roots Jamaican Kitchen, Playa del Carmen (roots reggae)

  • Fernanda McGregor at TierRa, Playa del Carmen (Latin music)

  • InCircle at TierRa, Playa del Carmen (rock and pop covers)

  • Mr. Rojo at Yupiss, Playa del Carmen (Mexican folk)

  • Bad Decisions at Zenzi Beach, Playa del Carmen (rock)

  • Friday Latin Nights at De Boca en Boca, Puerto Aventuras (salsa and bachata)

  • Noches Cubana & Salsa at The Divot, Puerto Aventuras (Cuban and salsa)

Saturday, September 19

Sunday, September 20

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.

Jump to the Full Riviera Maya Events Calendar

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. 

Submit Your Event Here

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