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

Arion Díaz · February 11, 2026

Dancers performing out in the streets of Oaxaca's historic center.

Introduction to planning your 2026 Oaxaca experience

Oaxaca draws visitors with its rich cultural traditions, renowned cuisine, and vibrant community life. The 2026 calendar combines longstanding festivals with fresh workshops and events, offering opportunities for meaningful engagement across the state's diverse regions. Aligning your trip with these dates can create lasting connections to Oaxacan heritage.

This updated guide incorporates recent confirmations on dates, venues, addresses, costs, and descriptions, while noting key changes from previous years. Major festivals often span multiple days, with related activities in surrounding towns adding depth. The state's landscapes provide varied settings for these gatherings. Note: Costs and details may vary; check official sources closer to dates.

New events recently added for 2026

The 2026 calendar features several fresh additions, emphasizing intercultural exchange, specialized crafts, and contemporary performances. These reflect Oaxaca's growing role as a hub for global collaboration while honoring local traditions.

Rumbo Oaxaca Intercultural Music Festival: January 15–18 in Oaxaca City. Description: Artistic residency with musicians from Australia, Europe, and Latin America collaborating with local Canto Serrano groups to compose original pieces. Schedule: Jan 15 at Centro Cultural San Pablo (Av. de la Independencia 904); Jan 16 at Humito Cocina and Foro 8 Temblor (locations in historic center); Jan 17 gala at Teatro Macedonio Alcalá (Av. de la Independencia 900); Jan 18 closing at Boulenc restaurant (Porfirio Díaz 207). Costs: Not specified. Practical: Many sessions free; arrive early for seating.
Taos Wools: Following the Thread: January 8–15 in Teotitlán del Valle (about 30km from Oaxaca City, accessible by bus or taxi). Description: Partnership workshop on technical carding of Churro sheep wool and chemistry of indigo and cochineal dyeing. Costs: Not specified. Practical: For experienced practitioners; book in advance.
Ace Camps Craft Tour: January 30–February 5 in San Bartolo Coyotepec (15km south of Oaxaca City). Description: 7-day program with access to private kilns for black clay (barro negro) firing in reduction oxygen environments. Costs: Not specified. Practical: Small group; transportation from city center included.
Woven Lives August Intensive: August 19–27, likely in Teotitlán del Valle or similar weaving areas (30km from city). Description: Summer session tracking socio-economic evolution of weaving cooperatives over two decades. Costs: Not specified. Practical: Designed for makers; includes hands-on sessions.
Oaxacan Embroidery Deep-Dive: October (10 days) in San Antonino Castillo Velasco (35km south of Oaxaca City). Description: Residency led by Miriam Campos on complex floral needlework, recognized in luxury fashion. Costs: Not specified. Practical: For experienced participants; transportation needed.
Contemporary Concerts: Various in Oaxaca City. Description: Series broadening entertainment; Panteón Rococó Feb 28 at Auditorio Guelaguetza (Cerro del Fortín); Ed Maverick Mar 13 at Teatro Macedonio Alcalá (Av. de la Independencia 900); Roberto Carlos Mar 19 at Auditorio Guelaguetza; Cuarteto de Nos Apr 14-15 at Auditorio URSE (Universidad Regional del Sureste); Ricardo Montaner May 14 at Auditorio Guelaguetza; Chayanne May 16 at Estadio Tecnológico (Calz. Héroes de Chapultepec); Humbe Aug 29 at Auditorio Guelaguetza. Costs: Not specified. Practical: Expected attendance 11,000+ for some; book via TusBoletos.mx.

Updated specialized workshops and conferences

Art Journaling Workshop: January 9–19, starting in Oaxaca City historic center, traversing to Puebla. Description: Led by Pedro Cruz Pacheco and Corrie McCluskey; mobile residency using cochineal, indigo, natural pigments for watercolor and mixed media. Costs: Not specified. Practical: Hands-on; transportation included.
10-Day Cultural Journey: January 26–February 4 in Oaxaca City historic center. Description: Deep exploration of private kitchens, studios, food, art, history. Costs: Not specified. Practical: Comprehensive immersion; small group.
International Conference on Sociology of Education and Society (ICSES): February 10 in Oaxaca City (colonial theaters/convention centers). Description: Convenes scholars on sociology and education advancements. Costs: Not specified. Practical: Intellectual exchange; open to public with fee.
Carnaval Art + Culture Workshop: February 13–22 in San Martín Tilcajete (20km south of city). Description: Observe mask construction, create watercolor/mixed-media; blends art with local celebrations. Costs: Not specified. Practical: Timed with Carnaval; book ahead.
Made with Paper Workshop: March 20–29 in Santa Cruz Amilpas (near Tlacolula, 30km east). Description: Traditional paper/clay techniques, mask-making with barro papel. Costs: Not specified. Practical: Hands-on retreat.
International Congress on Physical Activity and Public Health (ICPAPH): March 27 in Oaxaca City (convention centers). Description: Discussions on health initiatives. Costs: Not specified. Practical: Professional event; networking focused.
Cine Pobre Film Festival: May 8–10 in San Mateo Rio Hondo (Sierra Norte, remote mountain area). Description: Showcases self-funded short/feature films in scenic location. Costs: Not specified. Practical: Travel by bus; limited accommodations.

Essential annual celebrations with updates

Carnaval Celebrations: Peak February 17; capital parade February 14 in Oaxaca City historic center. Description: Tradition-rich parades, dances; "oiled devils" in San Martín Tilcajete (20km south), Tiliches in Putla Villa de Guerrero (Mixteca region, 2hrs west). Costs: Free public events. Practical: Respectful participation; crowds expected.
Oaxaca Food & Wine Festival: February 25–March 1 in Oaxaca City. Description: Synthesis of ancestral flavors, Mexican wines, seven moles; Feb 25 gala in historic courtyards; Feb 26-27 tastings in Jalatlaco/Xochimilco neighborhoods; Feb 28 ancestral lunch in rural palenques; Mar 1 brunch in 16th-century convents (e.g., Ethnobotanical Garden, Jardín Etnobotánico, Alcalá 501). Costs: Not specified. Practical: Book sessions; high-end tastings.
Día de la Samaritana: March 13 in Oaxaca City churches/schools/businesses. Description: Decoration with palm fronds/bougainvillea; free aguas frescas (horchata, tuna, jamaica) distributed. Costs: Free. Practical: Public participation; bridges communities.
Martes de Brujas: Tuesdays February 24–March 31 in Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán main square (10km south). Description: Night events with tamales, atole by oil lamps, classical/marimba music. Costs: Free entry; food low cost. Practical: Evening start; family-friendly.
Semana Santa: March 29–April 5 in Oaxaca City and surrounds. Description: Solemn observances; Viernes de Dolores altars Mar 27 (domestic, sprouted wheat); Domingo de Ramos Feria del Tejate Mar 29 in San Andrés Huayápam (15km north, "Drink of the Gods" with rosita de cacao); Jueves Santo Visit of the Seven Houses Apr 2 (pilgrimage through colonial churches like Cathedral, Alcalá 809); Viernes Santo Procesión del Silencio Apr 3 (nocturnal hooded parade, starts Preciosa Sangre de Cristo, Hidalgo 913). Costs: Free public events. Practical: High density; modest dress; road closures.

Guelaguetza and related fairs

Guelaguetza: Main performances July 20/27 at Auditorio Guelaguetza (Cerro del Fortín); sessions 10:00 AM/5:00 PM. Description: Festival of regional dances/customs. Updated ticket prices: Palco A presale 1,423 MXN (regular 1,574 MXN); Palco B presale 1,125 MXN (regular 1,274 MXN); C/D free (first-come). Vendor: Superboletos. Practical: Resale warning (up to 47,000 MXN); arrive pre-dawn for free seats.

Feria del Mezcal: July 17–August 7 at Oaxaca Cultural and Convention Center (C. de los Libres s/n). Description: 125 companies, 70 brands; tastings of tepeztate, tobalá, espadín. Costs: Entry 100-150 MXN. Practical: Music, dances; free for seniors/children under 12.
Feria de los Hongos Silvestres: July 27–28 in San Antonio Cuajimoloyas (Sierra Norte, 1hr north). Description: Mycological walks, identify edible species; culinary competition with mushroom moles. Costs: Not specified. Practical: Ecotourism focus; guided hikes.
Expo Feria del Barro Negro: July/August in San Bartolo Coyotepec (15km south). Description: Direct artist sales of black clay crafts. Costs: Free entry. Practical: Avoid gallery markups; coincides with Guelaguetza.

Autumn and year-end highlights

Oaxaca FilmFest: Early October in city venues (e.g., theaters). Description: International/Mexican independent films. Costs: Not specified. Practical: Check for cancellations; diverse programming.
La Carrera Panamericana: October 16–22 through Sierra Madre highways. Description: Legendary road rally with vintage/modern cars. Costs: Free spectator viewing. Practical: Stages in Oaxaca; safety first.
Festival del Mole de Caderas: Mid-October in Mixteca region (e.g., Huajuapan de León, 2hrs northwest). Description: Celebrates seasonal goat slaughter; rich broth with hips/wild chiles. Costs: Not specified. Practical: Culinary ritual; limited season.
Día de Muertos: October 28–November 4 in towns like Etla, San Agustín. Description: Ofrendas, vigils, comparsas; altar building workshops in Teotitlán del Valle (30km east); vigils Xoxocotlán Oct 31 (10km south), San Felipe del Agua Nov 1 (north suburb). Costs: Free public; workshops not specified. Practical: Respectful; crowds at cemeteries.
Fiestas de Noviembre: November in Puerto Escondido (Pacific coast, 6hrs south). Description: Coastal festivities with surf competition, motocross, fishing tournaments. Costs: Free events; activities vary. Practical: Beach setting; book lodging.
Noche de Rábanos: December 23 in Zócalo main square (Oaxaca City). Description: Unique radish sculptures showcasing artistry. Costs: Free. Practical: Evening event; festive atmosphere.

Institutional updates and FIFA World Cup influence

INAH entrance fees updated January 1: Open 08:00–17:00; out-of-hours 730 MXN. Discounts: 50% for Mexicans on Category I; free for under 13, over 60, students/teachers.

Monte Albán (Category I, 210 MXN): 10km west of city; includes museum, panoramic views.
Mitla (Category I, 210 MXN): 45km east; intricate mosaics.
Yagul (Category I, 210 MXN): 35km east; caves, ruins.
Lambityeco (Category III, 145 MXN): Near Tlacolula; salt production.
Dainzú (Category III, 145 MXN): Preclassic ruins, ballcourt.
Zaachila Tombs (Category III, 145 MXN): 20km south; funerary architecture.
Atzompa (Free): Ceramic site near Monte Albán.

Museo Textil de Oaxaca: Exhibition Escribir con una aguja until February 10 (Hidalgo 917). Description: Explores embroidery as literature. Costs: 60-75 MXN.
MUFI: Augmented reality postal history (Reforma 504). Description: Over 200,000 pieces; unique Latin American museum. Costs: 60-75 MXN.

FIFA World Cup (June/July): Public viewings in Zócalo (free); pop-up exhibitions of alebrijes/textiles. Description: Cultural extension for tournament visitors; 70% travel surge expected. Practical: Pair with mezcal/ancestral cuisine immersions; book boutique hotels early.

Embracing Oaxaca’s timeless spirit

These events invite engagement with Oaxaca's heritage. Plan with flexibility for discoveries, consider sustainable practices, and experience the state's warmth in 2026.