An excellent season to get ready for the best festivities of the year, do you already know what to do in October? Celebrate Janal Pixan in the most original and authentic ways, rediscover your roots, and take the time to observe all that there is to to enjoy. Would you like to see the events and promotions of the month?
Looking for a different month?
Weather in Yucatán in October
October is the month where you can really feel the stations change in Yucatán. Between the beginning and the end of the month there’s a noticeable shift in the daily average temperatures: the highs go from 34ºC to 32ºC (94ºF to 89ºF), and the lows, from 24º to 21º (75ºF to 70ºF).
Keep in mind October is the second rainiest month of the year (just after September). This means not only is it a good idea to always bring an umbrella or rainjacket, but your perception of temperature can change. The days feel hotter, and the nights, cooler. Always carry water for hydration, use ample sunscreen, and wear protective clothing (including hats).
Finally, remember that hurricane season in Yucatán runs from June to November. September and October have historically been the busiest months for bigger storms in the region; should a tropical system—whether a depression or a full-blown hurricane—head our way, expect changes to normal life in Yucatán, including port closures and shifts in business hours. Stay updated on official announcements throughout your visit—you’ll always find the latest updates on our social media.
Events in Yucatán in October
UNTIL OCTOBER 4: RESTAURANT WEEK 2026
What is it? For one week, hundreds of restaurants across Merida and throughout the state offer a special menu featuring their signature dishes at a lower price than usual.
When is it? September 28 – October 4, 2026.
Where is it? At every location of the participating restaurants.
How much does it cost? Participating restaurants offer special full-course menus (main dish + drink + appetizer or dessert) for Merida Restaurant Week at $199, $299, and $499 MXN. Each restaurant chooses to offer one, two, or all three price tiers depending on their dishes. The main advantage for customers during Merida Restaurant Week is knowing exactly what they will pay upfront.
What are the hours? Each restaurant operates during its standard business hours. The special promotional menus are available throughout these regular operating hours, so you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner deals depending on the spot.
Why is it organized? To give local residents the chance to discover new restaurants while knowing the cost beforehand.
THROUGHOUT OCTOBER: TOH BIRD FESTIVAL
Do you enjoy birdwatching? Then you’ll be happy to know October brings plenty of reasons to get out and explore Yucatán with the Toh Bird Festival. As it does every month, the festival’s program brings together activities that offer different ways to learn about birds and discover the state’s natural spaces. This month’s activities include a children’s workshop on October 3 at the “Roger Orellana” Regional Botanical Garden at CICY, followed by a birdwatching outing on October 4 along the Mérida–Chuburná Puerto–Vía Sierra Papakal road. On October 9, Parque Zoológico del Centenario will host the Alas Silvestres Festival as part of the Migratory Bird Festival, while on October 17, you can learn more about the birds of the Cuxtal Reserve at Casa Cuxtal. And these are just a few of the events scheduled for October. Check out the full program on the festival’s Facebook page: Festival de las Aves TOH.
THROUGH OCTOBER 23: BORDERS, JOURNEYS, AND MOVES
This month, stop by the Centro Contemporáneo del Mayab to see Borders, Journeys, and Moves, a photographic project by Mina Bárcenas. Through photographs, audiovisual pieces, and notes, the artist explores her own affective cartography and the ways our memories become intertwined with the places we inhabit, pass through, and leave behind. You have until October 23 to visit the exhibition and discover the different paths, boundaries, and changes of place that shape her perspective.
THROUGH OCTOBER 28: T'EEP'. SHEETS FROM THE CENTER OF THE MAYA WORLD
This month, stop by the Museo de la Ciudad de Mérida to see T'eep'. Sheets From the Center of the Maya World / The Expanded Room, a textile and scenic installation by Elena Martínez Bolio. The work brings together embroidered sheets made by women from different generations, transforming them into a living clothesline of stories, memories, and resilience. The exhibition is on view through October 28. Admission to the museum and the exhibition is free.
OCTOBER 2 - 29: CONCERTS IN MÉRIDA
This October, Mérida will have a packed music calendar, with artists from different genres coming to town.
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The month kicks off on October 2 with Enjambre, performing at 9 pm at Foro GNP.
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The following day, Mijares will take the same stage to perform some of his biggest hits.
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The music continues on October 17 with Natanael Cano, also at 9 pm at Foro GNP.
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On October 25, Alan Parsons will take the stage at the venue.
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Pandora will close out the month with a 9 pm concert at Auditorio Coca-Cola La Isla Mérida on October 29.
If you’re already making plans for October, these concerts are great options for a night of live music in the city. Get your tickets for all of these events through www.eticket.mx
OCTOBER 3: PEATONES - MÉRIDA
Peatones - Mérida is an initiative aimed at building community, where homes and bars—intervened by various architecture firms and studios—open their doors for a cultural tour through our city.
Hosted by:
Limited capacity .
Ticket sales start Saturday, September 26, at 11:30 AM until sold out. (Cash payment only, maximum 3 tickets per person. No reservations or advance purchases allowed.)
Location: Calle 11 corner with 14, #64, Col. México Norte, Mérida, Yucatán.
Charity event benefiting: @yucatan.kids @iniciativahaz
OCTOBER 9 - 11: OKTOBERFEST YUCATÁN 2026
From October 9 to 11, one of Mérida’s favorite celebrations returns: Oktoberfest Yucatán 2026. This German-inspired festival, designed for the whole family, brings together the best of its gastronomy, live music, and of course, the classic German beer that you cannot miss. The event will take place at Deportivo Rogers Hall, with tickets available at www.tusboletos.mx. Daily admission is $270 pesos for adults and $170 pesos for children.
STARTING OCTOBER 15: CODES OF URBAN SPACE
On October 15 at 6 pm, stop by the University Gallery at UADY’s Campus of Architecture, Habitat, Art, and Design to see Codes of Urban Space, an audiovisual installation by Isaac Zambra and José Luis Gil Bolio. Through projections, layered plans, and a multichannel electroacoustic composition, the work invites you to look at the city in a different way: as a language in constant motion and as a living cultural territory shaped by the people who inhabit it. The exhibition will be on view through November 15. Admission is free.
OCTOBER 17: INDIE FEST YUCATÁN 2026
Indie Fest Yucatán returns this October 17 with another edition packed with music and independent talent. Starting at 5 pm, the stage at Club de Leones de Mérida will bring together acts including Austin TV, BLNKO, Moon Jungle, Viajeros Ácidos, Carrera al Fin del Mundo, and several more guests who will keep the energy going all night. And there’s more than music to look forward to: your general admission ticket also includes access to the food truck area, indie bazaar, and activities happening throughout the festival. Tickets are $650 pesos and are available now at www.indiefestyucatan.mx
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OCTOBER 24 – NOVEMBER 2: THE 2026 FESTIVAL OF THE SOULS
The most anticipated season for many Yucatecos has arrived, bringing with it one of the most iconic festivals of the year: the Festival of the Souls. Over several days, Yucatecan traditions intertwine with expressions from other regions of México in a full program of activities you won’t want to miss. The highlight will be Paseo de las Ánimas (The Souls’ Parade) on October 30, an experience that draws locals and visitors alike year after year. But that’s not all, many more towns await to surprise you and invite you to celebrate the memory of our dearly departed.
How to Enjoy Mérida's Festival of Souls 2026… and Live to Tell
OCTOBER 31: THE TRAIL OF THE SOULS RACE
If you want to celebrate Halloween in a different way and put your legs to the test, El Sendero de las Ánimas is the perfect plan for October 31. This nighttime race features 4K and 8K courses, with the starting line at Hacienda San Ignacio in Progreso at 6:30 pm. Get ready to run as night falls. There will be prizes for the top three finishers in each category. Registration costs $420 pesos, and tickets are available at www.vivedeporte.mx/evento_1399
Lace up your running shoes, get your team together, and get ready to run into the Halloween night.
Traditional Fairs in October
In Yucatán, traditional fiestas are a showcase of religious syncretism, blending elements from Catholicism with pre-Hispanic beliefs.
These festivities usually begin with the "bajada" of the saint—that is, moving its image from its usual place in the church to make it accessible for the faithful to view. Days later, the fiesta officially kicks off with the vaquería, a traditional celebration where people dance jarana to the live music of an orchestra.
Dancers from all over the Península attend the vaquerías to show off their moves, elegantly dressed in their traditional attire. On the days that follow the vaquería, there are often popular dances.
Throughout the celebration, you'll also find carnival rides for children, food stalls, and various attractions, along with processions, bullfighting activities, fireworks, and lots of noise. The following list includes the period in which celebrations take place when it has been confirmed as we go to print; otherwise, the patron saint’s festivity is listed. Check our website for the dates of vaquerías and popular dances.
Subincancab (Timucuy)
October 16–20 and 25–26
(Our Lady of Fátima)
Hocabá
October 4
(Saint Francis of Assisi)
Kantunil
Through October 5
(Saint Francis of Assisi)
Teabo
October 2–6
(Saint Francis of Assisi)
To learn more check out Everything you need to know about the Gremios in Yucatán or the Calendar of Fiestas and Fairs in Yucatán with the list for the whole year.
Check out what some local businesses (advertisers in Yucatán Today) are offering this month
OCTOBER AT MEL: ART, CULTURE, AND TRADITION
This October, MEL is hosting two events that celebrate creativity, tradition, and Yucatán’s handmade arts. First up is the MEL Spooky Bazaar 2026, a market bringing together local entrepreneurs and creators offering handmade crafts, jewelry, home décor, clothing, accessories, visual art, and more. With a Halloween-inspired setting and a bilingual atmosphere, it’s a chance to discover local creations and enjoy a fun afternoon. The event takes place on October 18 from 10 am to 2 pm, with free admission.
Then, on October 24 from 10 am to 1 pm, Threads of Identity: A Celebration of Janal Pixan at MEL will bring together master artisans from the Yucatán State Council of Embroiderers and craftspeople from the region. The program will include a Janal Pixan altar and Maya ritual demonstration, an exhibition of traditional clothing, a fashion show, seasonal crafts for sale, and local food. The bilingual event offers an opportunity to learn more about these traditions in a welcoming setting.
https://meridaenglishlibrary.com/social-events
https://meridaenglishlibrary.com/
ESSENCE OF YUCATÁN AT SOHO GALLERIES
On October 10 at 7 pm, SoHo Galleries will present Esencia de Yucatán, a limited-edition collection of bowls created by Canadian artists Dan and Nisha, who currently live and work in San Miguel de Allende. Through each piece, the couple reinterprets some of Yucatán’s most recognizable elements, from the region’s flora and fauna and its cenotes to the iconic Toh bird, Chichén Itzá, and different landmarks around Mérida. Monumento a la Patria, the city’s former gateways, and Casas Gemelas are among the details featured in these pieces, each designed as a small story about the diversity and beauty of the state. The collection offers a different way to connect with Yucatán and, for those looking for a special keepsake, to take a little piece of its essence home. sohogalleriesmx.com/
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 466, in October 2026.
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