Cultural Lineup & Shows

Events & Cultural Festivals in Playa del Carmen

Official annual calendar of music festivals, culinary fairs, art shows and cultural live events in Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya.

Major Annual Festivals

Iconic Annual Events in Playa del Carmen & Riviera Maya

Música & PlayaLate November

Riviera Maya Jazz Festival

Playa Mamitas, Playa del Carmen

One of the most prestigious free jazz festivals globally, featuring world-class artists on the beach.

Cultura & TradiciónOct 30 - Nov 3

Festival of Life and Death Traditions (Day of the Dead)

Parque Xcaret & Playa del Carmen

The most iconic Day of the Dead celebration in the Mexican Caribbean with altars, Maya cuisine and parades.

Fiesta PopularFebruary (Carnival Week)

Playa del Carmen Carnival

Plaza 28 de Julio & 5ta Avenida

Vibrant street parades, floats, live salsa concerts and celebration in downtown Playa del Carmen.

Historia MayaMay

Sacred Mayan Journey

Xcaret & Cozumel (Chankanaab)

Historical recreation of ancient Maya canoers rowing traditional vessels across the open Caribbean sea to Cozumel.

Upcoming Events & Culture

Cultural and artistic events happening soon in Playa del Carmen and across the Riviera Maya.

Annual Festivals & Highlights

Playa del Carmen vibrates with life all year round. Plan your itinerary around these incredible events celebrating music, tradition, and Caribbean heritage.

Riviera Maya Jazz Festival
November

Riviera Maya Jazz Festival

One of the top beachside jazz festivals globally, held directly on the sand with legendary international artists under the Caribbean stars.

Festival of Life and Death Traditions
October - November

Festival of Life and Death Traditions

Day of the Dead celebration at Xcaret featuring theatrical performances, dance, pre-Hispanic rituals, and authentic regional Mexican cuisine.

Playa del Carmen Carnival
February - March

Playa del Carmen Carnival

Vibrant Caribbean street parades, colorful floats, dancer troupes, and open-air concerts along 5th Avenue and the main plaza.

Sacred Mayan Journey
May

Sacred Mayan Journey

Epic historical recreation where hundreds of traditional canoeists row across the open Caribbean from Xcaret to Cozumel honoring Ixchel.

Virgen del Carmen Fair
July

Virgen del Carmen Fair

The town’s signature patron saint festival celebrating Playa’s founding with carnival rides, authentic street food, and folk dances.

Official Verified Sources

Official Quintana Roo Government & Heritage Portals

Check official government sites for archeological tickets, weather advisories and protected natural areas guidelines.