Iconic Celebrations of Art and Culture Return in Los Cabos

Downtown San Jose del Cabo is never livelier nor more beautiful than during Art Walk, the weekly celebration of local art and culture that takes place every Thursday evening between 5 and 9 p.m. during high tourist season (November through June).

Perhaps this is because Art Walk is, at heart, a celebration of San Jose del Cabo itself. The city comes alive in a new way on Thursdays during Art Walk season, with wandering musicians and mariachi bands among those walking the cobblestone streets of the historic Distrito del Arte, and the downtown area decorated in a festive whirl of lights.

So it’s good news that both Art Walk and Viva La Plaza, an art and cultural celebration held every Friday at Plaza Amelia Wilkes in Cabo San Lucas, are both returning this month. There will be some changes, of course. This is 2020, the year of Coronavirus, so anticipate street artists, food vendors and musicians operating at safe distances from one another, with plenty of hand sanitizer and masks on hand.

But return they will. Art Walk makes its return on Thursday (naturally), October 29 in San Jose del Cabo; Viva La Plaza the following Friday evening in Cabo San Lucas, from 6 to 10 p.m.

The two events are similar in that both showcase regional art, culture and music. The difference is largely in scope. In Cabo San Lucas, Viva La Plaza takes place in Plaza Amelia Wilkes. This is not a bad thing, by any means. This is the town’s main plaza and renovations in recent years have ensured that it has never looked better. Fresh gardens have been planted, the central gazebo painted, views of the sun setting over the cliff-hugging villas of Pedregal as magical as always.

In San Jose del Cabo, however, one plaza is not enough. Even one district is not enough. The Distrito del Arte, home to dozens of art galleries, is the traditional home of Art Walk, and remains the central focus, as gallery owners and artists stay open late to interact with visitors.

But the entire downtown area of the city comes alive. Plaza Mijares becomes an outdoor gallery for street artists and crafts people, with their wares laid out for all to see. The magnificent old Catholic church, Parroquia San Jose, is open for those who want to visit a more traditional altar than the Day of the Dead ofrendas that begin appearing towards the end of October. City Hall, with its colorful courtyard murals depicting great moments in local and national history, also beckons those on an informal walking tour of the heart of the city.

For this reason and others, Art Walk is among the most popular romantic activities for visiting couples, blending art and music, fine food and wine. This is an evening for walking and holding hands, for sharing new sights and sounds, each unique and each singularly emblematic of the magic of San Jose del Cabo.

Naturally, the Art District and city center are also home to some of the finest bars and restaurants in Los Cabos. The region’s first microbrewery, Baja Brewing Company, maintains its original location in the heart of the Art District. It’s next door to La Lupita, the city’s most famous taquería and mezcal tasting destination. Both are busy on Thursday nights as visitors take a break from gallery visits to refresh themselves and relive their most interesting experiences.

These are only two of the most popular stops, of course. There are many more, just as there are a wide array of galleries, arts and crafts boutiques and jewelry stores; from those showcasing traditional Mata Ortiz pottery and Huichol animal figures to paintings and sculptures from some of the best contemporary artists.

There is a lot of great art here, as well as arts and crafts, and custom jewelry. But mostly, there’s just a lot of life; which is why it’s always exciting to see these cultural celebrations return.

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit                                                                                                                 www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Los Cabos Tourism Board

Upcoming Events Calendar

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Top Chef Los Cabos 2020 – Oct. 17

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

Restaurant Week San Jose del Cabo – Oct. 23 – 30

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Oct. 29

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Oct. 30

Day of the Dead Festival (“Secrets of La Catrina”) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27

Los Cabos Film Festival (online only) – Nov. 11 – 19

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Los Cabos Big Game Charter Boat Classic – Nov. 17 – 20

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31