Guadalajara is often called the “Cultural Capital of Mexico”. Guadalajara changes its rhythm several times a year. Late summer brings mariachi contests, charreada showcases, religious processions, and citywide fairs. May and June shift the focus to film, art, and international cultural programs.
The year wraps up with the Book Fair, a major draw for literary travel. These festivals and events in Guadalajara influence traffic, hotel demand, and daily routines more than most visitors expect. When mapping out things to do in Guadalajara during these months, where you stay matters as much as the events themselves.
Table of Content
- Top Festivals and Events in Guadalajara
- 1. Festival Internacional de Cine (FICG)
- 2. Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y la Charrería
- 3. Festival del Vino Mexicano (FEVINO)
- 4. Festival Cultural de Mayo
- 5. GDL Open AKRON (WTA 500)
- 6. Fiestas de Octubre
- 7. Calaverandia
- 8. Feria Internacional del Libro (FIL)
- 9. World Cup Fan Fest in Guadalajara
- 10. Jalisco Jazz Festival
- 11. Romería de la Virgen de Zapopan
- 12. Desfile de los Locos
- Closure
- FAQs
- More Related Blogs From Travel Recommendations
Top Festivals and Events in Guadalajara
These events highlight the diversity of Guadalajara’s calendar. Each section offers details on what visitors can expect, how to participate, and practical tips for making the most of the experience.
1. Festival Internacional de Cine (FICG)
The most prestigious film festival in Latin America was founded with help from Guillermo del Toro. It showcases independent Ibero-American films, short films, and documentaries. The Festival Internacional de Cine (FICG) is ideal for cultural and film enthusiasts
Dates: April 17 – April 25, 2026.
Venue: Conjunto Santander de Artes Escénicas & Cineteca FICG.
Entry Cost: $100 – $500 MXN per screening.
Attendees can expect screenings of both national and international films, including feature films, documentaries, and shorts, alongside workshops, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers and actors. The festival serves as a key platform for Mexican cinema, attracting filmmakers, critics, and audiences from around the world, and often hosts premieres of major Latin American films, making it a vital event for the region’s film industry.
2. Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y la Charrería
The Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y la Charrería celebrates two of Mexico’s most iconic traditions: mariachi music and charrería, the traditional Mexican rodeo. The Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y la Charrería appeals strongly to music and culture lovers.
Dates: August 27 – September 7, 2026.
Venue: Teatro Degollado (Galas) and Historic Center (Parades).
Entry Cost: Free (Public plazas) / $1,000 – $3,000 MXN (Teatro Degollado).
The festival features live mariachi concerts, competitions, parades, charreadas or equestrian events, dance performances, and craft exhibitions. Recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, mariachi music is at the heart of the festival, which preserves and promotes both musical and equestrian traditions, offering visitors an authentic cultural experience.
3. Festival del Vino Mexicano (FEVINO)
An upscale tasting event focusing exclusively on high-quality Mexican wine labels from regions like Valle de Guadalupe and Coahuila. The Festival del Vino Mexicano (FEVINO) is perfect for food and wine enthusiasts.
Dates: April 25, 2026.
Venue: Trasloma Park / various outdoor gardens.
Entry Cost: $800 – $1,200 MXN (includes tasting glass).
The Festival del Vino Mexicano is dedicated to showcasing Mexico’s burgeoning wine industry, highlighting regions such as Baja California, Querétaro, and Jalisco. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, gourmet food pairings, workshops on wine production, and opportunities to meet winemakers. This festival plays an important role in promoting Mexican wines, encouraging culinary tourism, and celebrating the artistry behind the country’s growing viticulture.
4. Festival Cultural de Mayo
A high-arts festival featuring international classical music, dance, and opera. Each year focuses on a “Guest Country” (Canada is slated for 2026). The Festival Cultural de Mayo suits cultural travelers and arts aficionados
Dates: May 12 – May 28, 2026.
Venue: Teatro Degollado & Cabañas Museum.
Entry Cost: Free – $800 MXN.
The Festival Cultural de Mayo is Guadalajara’s premier cultural festival, held every May, featuring a diverse range of artistic expressions. Attendees can experience theater, live music, dance performances, art exhibitions, film screenings, and literary events, often featuring international artists alongside local talent. The festival promotes cultural exchange, giving local artists exposure while enriching the city’s cultural landscape with global perspectives.
5. GDL Open AKRON (WTA 500)
A premier women’s professional tennis tournament that draws the top-ranked players in the world to Guadalajara. The GDL Open AKRON (WTA 500) attracts sports and tennis fans
Dates: September 14 – September 20, 2026.
Venue: Panamerican Tennis Center (Zapopan).
Entry Cost: $500 – $5,000 MXN, depending on the round.
The event includes competitive tennis matches with world-ranked players, practice sessions, and fan interaction zones. By hosting this international sporting event, Guadalajara positions itself as a global sports destination and attracts tennis enthusiasts from around the world.
6. Fiestas de Octubre
The city’s largest traditional fair. It features a month of night-time concerts at the “Palenque” and “Auditorio,” amusement rides, and traditional food. The Fiestas de Octubre is ideal for family travelers and festival-goers.
Dates: October 2 – November 2, 2026.
Venue: Auditorio Benito Juárez.
Entry Cost: $50 – $100 MXN (Entry); $500 – $4,000 MXN (Concert tickets).
The Fiestas de Octubre is a month-long celebration in Guadalajara, regarded as one of the largest urban festivals in Mexico. It offers a wide variety of activities, including concerts, theater performances, amusement rides, exhibitions, gastronomy events, and sporting competitions, with a dedicated carnival area for families. This festival highlights local culture and arts while providing an extensive entertainment experience for visitors of all ages.
7. Calaverandia
The world’s first “Day of the Dead” theme park. Calaverandia is a festival that celebrates the “Day of the Dead” and Halloween in a family-friendly format. Calaverandia appeals mainly to families and cultural explorers. It’s a great event for tourists traveling with children or those interested in tradition.
Dates: October 25 – November 16, 2026.
Venue: Ávila Camacho Park.
Entry Cost: ~$790 MXN (Adult) / ~$390 MXN (Child).
The event includes workshops for children, traditional altars known as ofrendas, costume contests, art exhibitions, and live music. By blending modern Halloween festivities with traditional Mexican customs, Calaverandia introduces younger generations to the nation’s rich cultural heritage in a fun and engaging way.
8. Feria Internacional del Libro (FIL)
The 2nd largest book fair in the world and the number 1 for the Spanish language. It is a massive cultural event with 800,000+ visitors. The Feria Internacional del Libro (FIL) is perfect for literature enthusiasts and academic travelers.
Dates: November 28 – December 6, 2026.
Venue: Expo Guadalajara.
Entry Cost: $30 MXN per day.
It features book presentations, author talks, workshops, conferences, and exhibitions by publishers from numerous countries. The FIL serves as a major platform to promote literature, reading, and publishing globally, drawing authors, literary enthusiasts, and publishers together in a vibrant exchange of ideas.
9. World Cup Fan Fest in Guadalajara
Large-scale public viewing areas for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Features giant screens, food, and entertainment for fans without stadium tickets. The World Cup Fan Fest is geared towards sports and football enthusiasts.
Dates: June 11 – July 19, 2026.
Venue: Plaza de la Liberación (Historic Center).
Entry Cost: Free.
The World Cup Fan Fest in Guadalajara is organized during FIFA World Cup seasons, offering fans a communal space to watch live match screenings. The event includes giant screens broadcasting games, entertainment zones, food courts, interactive football activities, and fan competitions. By bringing football enthusiasts together in a city-wide celebration, the festival amplifies the excitement of the World Cup and fosters a strong sense of community.
10. Jalisco Jazz Festival
A sophisticated festival bringing together local jazz talent with international legends for concerts and workshops. This Festival attracts music lovers, especially fans of jazz and live performances.
Dates: July (TBA – usually mid-month).
Venue: Teatro Vivian Blumenthal & various jazz clubs.
Entry Cost: Free – $400 MXN.
It is organized by the Fundación de la Música en México and often features workshops, masterclasses, and open-air concerts. A mix of classic jazz, fusion, and contemporary styles. It’s not just for listening; the festival has a strong educational component, making it a hub for musicians across Latin America.
11. Romería de la Virgen de Zapopan
A UNESCO-recognized religious pilgrimage where over 2 million people escort the Virgin statue from the Cathedral to her Basilica. The Romería de la Virgen de Zapopan is best for religious and heritage tourists.
Dates: October 12, 2026 (Fixed date).
Venue: Guadalajara Cathedral to the Basilica of Zapopan.
Entry Cost: Free (Public pilgrimage).
It is a symbol of communal identity. The Virgin is believed to protect the city from natural disasters like floods and lightning, which is why she “tours” the city during the rainy season.The most striking feature is the thousands of traditional dancers (Danzantes) who escort the Virgin. They wear spectacular feathered headdresses and outfits influenced by Mexica (Aztec) and Chichimeca cultures, dancing to the rhythm of drums and wooden flutes.
12. Desfile de los Locos
A massive, satirical parade where thousands of locals dress in elaborate costumes – ranging from superheroes and monsters to political figures and traditional “scarecrows.” the Desfile de los Locos appeals to festival-goers and cultural explorers, particularly those who enjoy colorful parades, street performances, and quirky, fun experiences that showcase local creativity and community spirit.
Date: June 14, 2026
Venue: San Miguel de Allende
Entry Cost: Free.
It evolved from a traditional dance of gardeners. To keep curious onlookers away from their ritual dance, some participants dressed in frightening or bizarre costumes to “scare” the crowds. Eventually, it turned into a massive, city-wide costume party.
Closure
Guadalajara’s events change the city week by week. Film screenings, mariachi concerts, wine tastings, and parades fill theaters, plazas, and streets with energy. Some draw large crowds spilling into hotels and restaurants, while others take place in smaller, quieter spaces.
The best way to experience the city is to be where the action is. From a full film hall to families enjoying Calaverandia, the city shows itself through its people and traditions. These festivals exist for locals first, with visitors invited to join in.
FAQs
The top festivals in Guadalajara in 2026 include the Festival Internacional de Cine (FICG), Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y la Charrería, Feria Internacional del Libro (FIL), Fiestas de Octubre, Calaverandia, and the World Cup Fan Fest. These events cover film, music, literature, sports, and traditional celebrations.
The best time to visit Guadalajara for festivals is from April to November. Spring hosts film, wine, and cultural festivals, summer features music and sports events, and fall brings major celebrations like Fiestas de Octubre, Calaverandia, and the FIL Book Fair.
Several major events are free, including the World Cup Fan Fest, Romería de la Virgen de Zapopan, Desfile de los Locos, public mariachi parades, and many activities during the Festival Cultural de Mayo. Some festivals offer free areas alongside ticketed events.
The Feria Internacional del Libro (FIL) is considered the most important cultural event in Guadalajara. It is the largest Spanish-language book fair in the world and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, authors, and publishers each year.
Music lovers should plan around the Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y la Charrería, Jalisco Jazz Festival, Fiestas de Octubre concerts, and live performances during the Festival Cultural de Mayo. These events feature everything from traditional mariachi to international jazz and classical music.
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