Festivals, holidays & local traditions
Rocky Point events calendar.
Plan for the weekends that bring live music, markets, motorcycles, fishing, fireworks, and some of the biggest crowds of the year.
Confirmed highlights
Major published dates for 2026.
These dates were published by event organizers or local sources. Always check the linked organizer again before booking travel because schedules can still change.
October Country Fest
October 23–25, 2026Three days of country music at Esmeralda Beach Resort, with general-admission and VIP tickets sold by the organizer.
Read the complete visitor guide →Check official Country Fest tickets ↗Puerto Peñasco Centennial Video Contest
September 1–15, 2026Adults can publish a 60–90 second vertical Instagram video showing at least three Puerto Peñasco tourism qualities. The OCV will combine organic engagement with jury review.
Read the complete visitor guide →Check the official OCV announcement ↗La Concentración Dance
September 5, 2026The Puerto Peñasco Convention Center hosts the dance concert with La Concentración as part of its newly announced late-summer and fall program.
Check the Convention Center announcement ↗Batalla de Bacanora
September 17, 2026Local and visiting bartenders compete at Tekila Bar on the Malecón, creating original cocktails that feature Sonora’s traditional bacanora spirit.
Read the event announcement ↗Expo Elegancia: Weddings & XV
September 19–20, 2026More than 100 local exhibitors and participating businesses from Caborca are scheduled for this wedding and quinceañera expo at the Convention Center.
Check the Convention Center announcement ↗Car Fest 2K26
September 26–27, 2026A weekend of vehicle displays, drifting demonstrations, automotive activities, music, and food at the Puerto Peñasco Convention Center.
Check the Car Fest announcement ↗The Vagina Monologues
October 27, 2026The newly announced Convention Center schedule includes a performance featuring Daniela Luján, Lorena de la Garza, and Mariana Garza.
Check the Convention Center announcement ↗Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute
October 29, 2026 · 8:00 PMThe Fortunate Sons México performs a Creedence tribute at the Puerto Peñasco Convention Center at 8:00 PM.
Read the complete visitor guide →Check the Convention Center announcement ↗Rocky Point Roundup
October 16–18, 2026The 32nd annual recovery fellowship weekend includes AA meetings, Al-Anon participation, speakers, social activities, and lodging at the Sonoran Sea host hotel.
Read the complete visitor guide →Check the official Roundup site ↗Gran Carrera del Desierto
October 24, 2026The fifth edition brings 5K, 10K, 25K and 50K desert-running distances to Puerto Peñasco, with registration open through the official organizer.
Read the complete visitor guide →Check the official race site ↗Rocky Point Charanga Derby
October 24, 2026Puerto Peñasco’s creative soapbox-car race celebrates its 10th anniversary with imaginative gravity-powered vehicles and community fun.
Read the complete visitor guide →Check the official Charanga page ↗Mermaid’s Market
October 10 & 24, 2026Season 15 opens October 10, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Shrimp Park. October 24 is also announced; reconfirm its time and venue.
Check Mermaid’s Market ↗Circus Mexicus
May 28–31, 2026A four-day live-music weekend featuring Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers and visiting bands at venues around Rocky Point and Cholla Bay.
Check the festival ↗Rocky Point Rally
November 12–15, 2026The city’s major motorcycle weekend brings charity rides, a bike parade, live music, beach parties, boat cruises, and celebrations in Old Port.
Read the complete visitor guide →Check the official Rally schedule ↗January through December
What happens throughout the year.
Exact dates are added by organizers throughout the year. This month-by-month guide shows the usual seasons and celebrations visitors should plan around.
January
Cool-weather season- New Year’s celebrations
- Whale-watching season begins
- January Jam and winter live music
- Mermaid’s Market on selected Saturdays
Excellent weather for outdoor events, desert trips, golf, and boat tours.
February
Whales & winter events- Whale-watching
- Valentine’s dinners and cruises
- Carnival activities when announced
- Mermaid’s Market
Confirm Carnival dates with the city because the schedule and route can change.
March
Spring Break- College and family Spring Break
- Live music and beach parties
- Mermaid’s Market
- Grill and food festivals when scheduled
Different schools travel on different weeks, so the busy period can last most of March.
April
Semana Santa- Semana Santa and Easter
- Beach gatherings
- Special church services
- Mermaid’s Market
Usually one of the busiest Mexican holiday periods. Reserve lodging early and expect traffic.
May
Music & Memorial Day- Circus Mexicus
- Memorial Day weekend
- Mermaid’s Market season finale
- Fishing and boating events
Festival and holiday weekends can sell out well in advance.
June
Early summer- Fishing tournaments when announced
- Father’s Day events
- Live music weekends
- Night cruises and beach activities
Daytime heat increases; evening and water-based events become more comfortable.
July
Fourth of July- Fourth of July parties
- Fireworks and resort celebrations
- Sunset cruises
- Family summer activities
Fireworks and entertainment vary by resort and venue. Confirm before traveling for a specific show.
August
Summer heat- Indoor and evening entertainment
- Night cruises
- Fishing trips
- Resort pool events
Plan around extreme afternoon heat and check weather or port conditions before boat activities.
September
Mexican Independence- Centennial Video Contest, September 1–15
- La Concentración, September 5
- El Grito on September 15
- Batalla de Bacanora, September 17
- National earthquake and tsunami alert drill, September 19
- Expo Elegancia, September 19–20
- Car Fest 2K26, September 26–27
Visitor advisory: Mexico’s national earthquake and tsunami alert drill is scheduled for September 19. Phones, speakers, and public-safety systems may issue test alerts; follow official instructions and do not panic.
October
Fall events return- Rocky Point Roundup, October 16–18
- Gran Carrera del Desierto, October 24
- Rocky Point Charanga Derby, October 24
- The Vagina Monologues, October 27
- Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute, October 29
- Halloween parties and costume contests
A popular month for warm water, cooler evenings, fishing, and outdoor gatherings.
November
Rocky Point Rally- Rocky Point Rally
- Día de los Muertos activities
- Thanksgiving weekend
- Mermaid’s Market
Rally weekend heavily affects lodging, Old Port traffic, Calle 13, and restaurant availability.
December
Christmas & New Year- Christmas parade and community events
- Holiday dinners
- Mermaid’s Market
- New Year’s Eve parties and fireworks
Restaurants and resorts often require reservations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve packages.
Seasonal planning
Know the busiest periods before you go.
Día de los Muertos 2026
Dates, location, traditions, respectful visitor tips, and planning information.
Read the event guide →02Border & driving guide
Crossing hours, busy periods, insurance, fuel stops, and road information.
Plan the drive →03Places to stay
Compare resort areas, condos, hotels, vacation rentals, and RV parks.
Find a place to stay →Before reserving
Four ways to avoid event-weekend surprises.
Book the big weekends early
Reserve three to six months ahead for Spring Break, Semana Santa, Circus Mexicus, Rally weekend, and New Year’s Eve.
Confirm before paying
Schedules, venues, ticket prices, and event names can change. Verify with the organizer before purchasing nonrefundable travel.
Expect slower travel
Holiday and festival weekends can create longer border waits, highway traffic, crowded beaches, and limited parking.
Check weekly entertainment
For bingo, trivia, Singo, daily live music, and recurring restaurant entertainment, use the separate weekly calendar.
Important: This is a planning guide, not the official schedule for every organizer. Events may be moved, canceled, renamed, or announced only on social media. Confirm dates, tickets, age restrictions, and venues before traveling.