Fiestas de Octubre Guadalajara 2026: What to do, eat and experience

Photo: Shutterstock

The Fiestas de Octubre is one of the largest and most eagerly awaited events across Guadalajara and the entire region, blending music, culture, entertainment, and tradition. Every year, the festival draws thousands of locals and travelers from Mexico and beyond who come to experience its vibrant atmosphere. Here’s everything you need to know—and why you should add it to your travel list.

The celebration was launched in 1965 at Parque Agua Azul as a cultural and tourism initiative to showcase the city’s identity. Over time, it evolved into a signature Guadalajara tradition, amplifying its lineup of attractions and performances to cater to audiences of all ages.

As the festival continued to grow, the Fiestas de Octubre have been held at Auditorio Benito Juárez since 1984. For this year’s edition, the venue will be renamed Auditorio Jalisco following its recent renovation. Here, visitors can enjoy live performances by the festival’s lineup of invited artists, savor the region’s traditional cuisine and experience much more. Here’s everything you can look forward to at this highly anticipated event.

What to do at Fiestas de Octubre Guadalajara

For its 61st edition, the Fiestas de Octubre 2026 will take place from October 2 to November 2 at Auditorio Jalisco.

1. Enjoy Live Concerts  

One of the festival’s main attractions is its impressive lineup of artists spanning a wide range of genres, with nationally and internationally renowned acts taking the stage at the Main Forum. This year, the general admission area is included with the festival ticket, while access to the preferred section will be available at additional prices, depending on the performance.

The 2026 Lineup

October 2: Lucha Libre AAA
October 3: Ha*Ash
October 4: Picus
October 5: Horóscopos de Durango
October 6: La Arrolladora Banda El Limón
October 7: La Fiebre Grupera de La KeBuena
October 8: Gloria Trevi
October 9: Río Roma
October 10: Final of Canta Jalisco Canta
October 11: Mariano Barba
October 12: Fiesta Cumbiera featuring the sons of Mike Laure and Sonora Kaliente
October 13: Cabaret VIP with a special guest
October 14: Kenia Os
October 15: Surprise artist
October 16: Beto Cuevas and Caloncho
October 17: Banda Pequeños Musical
October 18: Adrián Uribe presents 100 Jaliscienses Dijieron / Generación R
October 19: Leonardo Aguilar
October 20: Surprise artist
October 21: El Evento Retro by La Mejor F.M.
October 22: Reik
October 23: Revisiting Creedence
October 24: Water Castle and Don Diablo
October 25: Lara Campos
October 26: Los Hermanos Barba
October 27: Farruko
October 28: Surprise artist
October 29: Manuel Turizo
October 30: Banda Cuisillos
October 31: Mariachi Internacional CHG
November 1: El Tri
November 2: Carlos Rivera

2. Stroll Through the Carnival

The festival’s signature fairground is a wonderland of rides and family fun, offering attractions ranging from gentle classics to high-adrenaline favorites. From the timeless Ferris wheel to spinning chairs and skill-based game booths, there’s something for everyone.

3. Taste the Local Cuisine

Guadalajara’s food stalls deliver cravings you didn’t even know you had. Bite into Jalisco’s most iconic dishes, like tortas ahogadas, birria, and traditional Jalisco-style pozole, along with beloved Mexican snacks including tacos, elotes (street corn), churros, and more.

4. Visit La Canica Azul

The family-focused interactive attraction, La Canica Azul, offers themed exhibits that shift yearly, blending education with play. In 2023, the journey celebrated Jalisco’s bicentennial, highlighting the state’s extraordinary natural, artistic, and cultural richness and its global contributions.

5. Experience the Parades and Cultural Programming

Fiestas de Octubre isn’t just a fair—it’s also an arts and culture celebration. Throughout the month, you’ll find art, photography, and handcrafted goods exhibitions, plus cultural events that fill the city with creative energy.

The parades are a time-honored staple. Expect dazzling floats, marching bands, folkloric dancers, and performers lighting up Guadalajara’s main avenues with color and rhythm.

Foto: Shutterstock

Where to stay for Fiestas de Octubre
Choosing the right home base makes all the difference. Here are our top picks for comfort, location, and standout dining:

Camino Real Guadalajara. Is known for its upscale facilities and prime western-city location, this hotel places you close to the city’s top attractions. It’s a convenient 30-minute drive to the Auditorio Benito Juárez.

Before or after heading out, savor incredible dining options:

La Huerta: Open daily from 7:00 AM, offering both buffet and à la carte breakfast.
Maria Bonita: A bold concept inspired by classic Mexican cantinas, featuring a curated authentic Mexican menu.
Lobby Bar: A relaxed setting with expertly crafted cocktails and signature drinks.

Quinta Real Guadalajara. Distinguished by its enchanting colonial architecture and lush, tranquil gardens, this hotel feels like a hidden oasis within the city. It sits just 20 minutes from downtown and 25 minutes from the Auditorio Benito.

Food + drinks you’ll want to write home about:

Tierra Mia: A gourmet restaurant spotlighting Mexican cuisine with modern finesse.

Agave Bar: Creative cocktails and elevated bites showcasing local inspiration.