October is the traditional kick-off for high tourist season in Los Cabos, and thus not surprisingly, one of the best months for special events. Big-money marlin fishing tournaments are the stars in this regard, as October sees the return of three highly anticipated tournaments, two of which annually top the million-dollar mark in prize money. The third, Los Cabos Billfish Tournament, is popular and well-respected as well, and certainly no slouch in terms of prize pools, as last year’s payouts totaled nearly three-quarters of a million-dollars. The spotlight shines brightest, however, on Bisbee’s two October fishing tournaments: the Los Cabos Offshore and the Black & Blue, which together offered over six million dollars in prize money in 2020. Even bigger things are expected in 2021.
Here’s a look at these and other event highlights in Los Cabos this October.
Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Art Walk may be the premier weekly cultural event in San Jose del Cabo, but Viva La Plaza holds that distinction in Cabo San Lucas. Held each Friday evening from 6 to 10 p.m. in the Land’s End city’s principal plaza – Plaza Amelia Wilkes – this weekly showcase lures visitors with regional paintings and handicrafts, artfully arrayed around the recently renovated square’s charming central gazebo. Live music and traditional Mexican dance are also big draws, as are food stalls featuring tasty Mexican favorites.
Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – October 10th to 14th
Just as September is El Mes de la Patria, the “the country’s month,” in Mexico, October is the month of the fishing tournament in Cabo San Lucas. Bisbee’s two cash-rich tournaments–the Los Cabos Offshore and Black & Blue–get most of the publicity, but the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament also sends out a siren call to big-game fishermen eager for big-money prizes and jackpots. The biggest moment of last year’s tournament, literally, was when angler Hugo Pino aboard the Stella June bagged a whopping 593 lb. black marlin. That catch still wasn’t good enough to win the title on total points, an honor that went to team El Suertudo, who caught both qualifying blue and black marlin (over 300 lbs. minimum) to help the team take a home a check for a cool $344,700 dollars, their second consecutive win in the tournament. Total payouts in 2020 at the LCBT hit $742,500, and a cool million is not out of the question in 2021. Base entry is $5000 per team, or 25,000 all-in, across-the-board for all jackpots and prizes.
Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – October 14th to 17th
Commonly known as “Little Bisbee’s,” to differentiate it from the “Big Bisbee’s” Black & Blue marlin fishing tournament that also takes place each October in Los Cabos, the Los Cabos Offshore dates back to 2002, and is considered a more laid-back, charity focused endeavor than the Black & Blue. Cash prizes are awarded to the teams with the three biggest qualifying fish in the game and billfish categories at the LCO, and large amounts of fish/meals are always donated to local families in need.
Base entry for teams is $1,500 U.S., with $22,500 necessary for “across the board” entry in all jackpots and challenges. In 2020, the Los Cabos Offshore topped the million-dollar mark for the second year in a row, with prize pools and jackpots totaling $1,457,000 for the 128 participating teams.
Top Chef Taco Series at Paradero – October 15th to 16th
The Taco Series of monthly events is a collaboration between Chef Eduardo Rios of Paradero Todos Santos and four visiting chefs from acclaimed restaurants in Mexico City, Tulum, Veracruz, and Culiacan. The chefs will draw on their own culinary backgrounds to create tacos that reflect the authentic flavors of Todos Santos.
During events, a total of six inventive tacos will be served, half of which will be the creation of the visiting chef. Chef Rios will create the remaining three tacos, plus dessert. The visiting chefs will put their own distinctive spin on the tacos using fresh, seasonal produce from Paradero’s own organic garden. As Todos Santos is renowned for its seafood, guests can expect creative takes on classic Baja fish tacos, ceviche tostadas, and other regional specialties.
Tacos are made from scratch and cooked in a traditional Oaxacan clay oven, while meat and fish are sizzled in a wood fired Josper oven and in a hibachi grill over binchotan charcoal. The October guest chef is Ezequiel Hernandez of Campobaja, a Mexico City based restaurant inspired by the fishing culture of Baja. Event prices start at $85 (beverages excluded).
Bisbee’s Black and Blue Fishing Tournament – October 19th to 23rd
Oft billed as “The World’s Richest Fishing Tournament,” thanks to its million dollar payouts, this marlin fishing tournament originally premiered in 1981, and remains to this day the highest profile annual event in Los Cabos. Base entry for this millionaire maker is $5,000 U.S. per team, and requires a $71,500 U.S. outlay across all categories, jackpots and challenges. Prizes are awarded for the top five catches of black and blue marlin, assuming they meet the minimum standards (300 lbs.).
A robust 127 teams comprising 883 fishermen and women competed in the Black and Blue in 2020, as the B&B smashed its own record with $4,649,350 in total prize money. That bested the former mark, set in 2006, of $4,165,960; which for well over a decade had been the largest payout in sport fishing history.
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: Bisbee’s Offshore Fishing Tournaments
Upcoming Events Calendar
October
Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 10 – 14
Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 14 – 17
Top Chef Taco Series at Paradero – Oct. 15 – 16
Bisbee’s Black and Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 19 – 23
November
Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Nov. 1 – 13
Day of the Dead – Nov. 1, 2
WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 3 – 6
Life Luxe Los Cabos Jazz Festival – Nov. 4 – 8
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25
Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26
Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 10 – 17
SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20
Revolution Day – Nov. 20
Top Chef Taco Series at Paradero – Nov. 26 – 27
December
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Top Chef Taco Series at Paradero – Dec. 9 – 10
El Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe – Dec. 12
Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24
Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24
Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25
Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31
Studio 54 New Year’s Eve Party at Casa Dorada – Dec. 31
January 2022
Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Twin Dolphin and Cabo del Sol – Jan. 9 – 13
May 2022
Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – May 15 – 18