The 2026 Oaxaca Event Calendar: New Workshops, Festivals, and Cultural Immersion

Introduction to planning your 2026 Oaxaca experience

Oaxaca continues to captivate international visitors with its authentic cultural engagements, renowned culinary scenes, and lively traditions. The state’s 2026 calendar blends its iconic annual festivals with an expanding array of new, specialized events in the arts, gastronomy, and academia. Whether you seek a profound exploration of the valley’s indigenous roots or a relaxing coastal getaway, timing your visit around these dates promises a memorable journey.

This guide offers a detailed overview of key confirmed events, starting with innovative gatherings and followed by the cornerstone recurring celebrations that define local life. Many major events, like Guelaguetza and Día de Muertos, extend over weeks, with smaller convites (community parades) in nearby towns enhancing the experience. Engaging in these local happenings fosters a genuine connection to Oaxacan communities.

As you plan, consider the diverse landscapes from the Central Valleys to the Pacific coast, each offering unique cultural insights. These events not only highlight Oaxaca’s heritage but also invite participation, making your visit interactive and enriching.

New and specialized events for 2026 in the state of Oaxaca

This selection spotlights specialized workshops, cultural immersions, and academic conferences set across Oaxaca in 2026. These represent fresh or non-traditional opportunities in culture and intellect, distinct from the state’s standard festival lineup.

• Art Journaling Workshop: January 9–19, 2026. Participants explore watercolor, mixed media, and natural pigments, starting in Oaxaca City and extending toward Puebla. This hands-on experience encourages creative expression amid Oaxaca’s inspiring surroundings.
• 10-Day Cultural Journey: January 26–February 4, 2026. Based in Oaxaca City’s historic center, this immersion tour delves into local food, art, and history, offering a comprehensive taste of the region’s essence.
• International Conference on Sociology of Education and Society (ICSES): February 10, 2026. This event convenes international scholars in Oaxaca City to discuss advancements in sociology and education. This event provides a platform for intellectual exchange in a culturally rich setting.
• Carnaval Art + Culture Workshop: February 13–22, 2026. Aligned with traditional village Carnaval festivities in San Martín Tilcajete, it focuses on watercolor, collage, and mask-making, blending artistic creation with local celebrations.
• Made with Paper Workshop: March 20–29, 2026. This retreat emphasizes traditional paper and clay techniques, particularly mask-making using barro papel (clay paper) and mixed media, drawing from Oaxaca’s artisanal traditions in Santa Cruz Amilpas.
• International Congress on Physical Activity and Public Health (ICPAPH): March 27, 2026, in Oaxaca City. This congress addresses topics in physical activity and public health, promoting discussions on health initiatives relevant to diverse communities.
• Cine Pobre Film Festival: May 8–10, 2026, in the mountain community of San Mateo Rio Hondo. It showcases short and feature films, highlighting self-funded cinema in a remote, scenic location.

Essential annual celebrations: Recurring events

These foundational festivals and holiday periods recur yearly, marking the most dynamic times to visit. They span Oaxaca City, the Central Valleys, and the coast, drawing crowds with their vibrancy.

• Carnaval Celebrations: Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in the week before Ash Wednesday on February 18. Villages like Zaachila, with its Zapotec heritage, host tradition-rich events including parades and dances.
• Oaxaca Food & Wine Festival: February 25–March 1, 2026. This culinary highlight features local mezcals, Oaxacan dishes, and Mexican wines, offering high-end tasting experiences.
• Semana Santa, or Holy Week: March 29–April 5, 2026, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. Religious processions like the Procession of Silence and pastorelas (religious plays) fill the streets with solemnity and devotion.
• Guelaguetza Festival, known as Los Lunes del Cerro: Mid-to-late July 2026, with main performances on the last two Mondays. The month buzzes with street dances, convites, and cultural displays; consider visiting around July 11-18, 17-24, or 24-31 for peak activity.
• International Mezcal Fair: Late July 2026 (typically spans 10-12 days around the Guelaguetza festival). This event features more than 70 mezcal brands, with tastings, music, traditional dances, and social activities, at the Oaxaca Cultural and Convention Center. Entry costs around 100 to 150 pesos (free for seniors and children under 12).
• Oaxaca FilmFest: Early October 2026, utilizing city venues for international and Mexican independent films, though note that past editions have faced cancellations.
• Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead: October 28–November 4, 2026. Families build ofrendas (altars), hold vigils, and join comparsas (parades) in towns like Xoxocotlán, Etla, and Teotitlán del Valle.
• Fiestas de Noviembre in Puerto Escondido: November 2026 with coastal festivities, including the International Zicatela Mexican Pro Surf competition, motocross, and fishing tournaments.
• Noche de Rábanos, the Night of the Radishes: Wednesday, December 23, 2026. This unique tradition features radish sculptures in the main square, showcasing artistic ingenuity.

Embracing Oaxaca’s timeless spirit

As you consider these events, imagine weaving yourself into Oaxaca’s living tapestry of traditions and innovations. Each gathering offers a chance to connect with locals, savor flavors, and create lasting memories. Whether wandering ancient ruins by day or dancing under starry skies at night, Oaxaca invites you to discover its soul.

Plan your journey with flexibility, allowing room for spontaneous discoveries in this enchanting state. We look forward to welcoming you to experience the warmth and wonder of Oaxaca in 2026.