May Days: Upcoming Festivals and Events in Los Cabos
May is traditionally one of busiest event months in Los Cabos, and May 2014 will be no exception. You can expect a host of high-profile fiestas and festivals on tap in Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and Todos Santos. And fortunately for both locals and visitors, our May days this year promise plenty of range, with special events that celebrate everything from culture, cuisine, and country music to oenophilia and off-road racing.
In other words, prepare to party…
Country in Cabo
When: May 2–3
Where: Bahia Hotel and Beach Club, Cabo San Lucas
Get ready to break out your best two-steppin’ boots for the inaugural Country in Cabo, a live music event hosted by Bar Esquina at the Bahia Hotel & Beach Club. Live shows are scheduled for 9 p.m. on Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3, and they will feature chart-topping singer and songwriter Patrick Davis, as well as other contemporary country music talent. Would-be Waylon and Willie types are also invited to the songwriting seminar, which will take place on Saturday from 5–7 p.m. To reserve a seat for any of the weekend festivities, call (624) 143-1889, or e-mail reservations@bahiacabo.com.
Cost: $150 U.S. minimum food and beverage tab at Bar Esquina for live shows. There is no admission fee for the songwriting seminar.
Info: www.eventsloscabos.com/2014/04/country-in-cabo-at-bahia-hotel-and-beach-club
5th Annual General Tire NORRA (National Off-Road Racing Association) Mexican 1000
When: May 10–14
Where: Ensenada to San José del Cabo
Dubbed the “Happiest Race on Earth,” this event harkens back to the original off-road NORRA Mexican 1000 races of the late 1960s, which subsequently became famous at the “Baja 1000.” Although that legendary race is now held under the SCORE banner, NORRA revived the competition in 2010 as a fun, vintage rally race open to motorcycles, cars, trucks, and buggies. The race starts in Ensenada on Saturday, May 10, and winds its way down the peninsula through El Rosario, Bahía de Los Angeles, San Ignacio, Loreto, and La Paz, before finally finishing in San José del Cabo, site of the post-race party and awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 14.
Cost: Race registration fees for drivers of record are $2,367 U.S., with additional fees for co-drivers. Tickets to the party in San José del Cabo are $75.
Info: www.norra.com
5th Annual Cabo Marine Show
When: May 15–17
Where: Cabo San Lucas Marina
Looking for a new or used yacht, or the latest nautical toys and gadgetry? Mexico’s premier maritime exposition returns for the fifth consecutive year, with some of the industry’s biggest names setting up shop along the boardwalk ringing the Cabo San Lucas Marina to showcase water-based products and services. The annual three-day expo also features art exhibits, fine jewelry, and entertainment, with the traditional VIP cocktail receptions scheduled to take place at L–Dock behind the Wyndham Cabo San Lucas Resort.
Cost: Admission is free.
Info: cabomarineshow.com
9th Anniversary White Party at Nikki Beach
When: May 23
Where: Nikki Beach at ME Cabo, Cabo San Lucas
Where else would you hold the year’s premier social event but Nikki Beach, home to the hippest poolside scene in Los Cabos? This highly anticipated event draws huge crowds every year, with visitors and locals donning their most elegant white on white ensembles for a late night of drinking, and dancing to high-energy club music from an international cast of turntable talent. This party goes late, typically winding down between 4 a.m. and breakfast.
Cost: General admission tickets are $70 U.S. Tiered seating and bottle service tickets range from $200–$7,906 U.S.
Info: www.nikkibeachcabo.com/event/white-party-ix-anniversary-friday-23rd
3rd Annual Gastrovino Food and Wine Festival
When: May 23–25
Where: Plaza Pública, Todos Santos
In just three short years, Gastrovino has become one of top annual events in Todos Santos. drawing gourmands and oenophiles for a three-day festival celebrating local culture and cuisine, as well as Baja wines from Valle de Guadalupe. Dates for dinners and ancillary events have yet to be announced, but this year’s main event will be held Saturday, May 24, in the town square and will feature dozens of booths showcasing top regional restaurants and some of the peninsula’s best winemakers. Live music will also be on tap, as will a silent auction with proceeds to benefit local programs for children.
Cost: $350 pesos for advance tickets, $450 pesos on the day of the event. Tickets include a commemorative wine glass and discount prices on wine.
Info: www.gastrovino.mx