Making a Splash: Diving into the Summer Pool Party Scene in Los Cabos

Los Cabos is blessed with a sunny tropical climate and temperate year-round temperatures, so there is never a bad time to go to the beach. Winter, for instance, sees flocks of snowbirds escaping frigid conditions up north, spring sees college students on holiday, and summer too sees crowds of visitors converging on the area’s many beautiful playas.

The summer spike is partly a result of perfect conditions for surfing (summer is the surf season on the Sea of Cortez side) and warm temperatures and superb visibility for snorkeling and diving; and partly too because kids are out of school and families can travel together to a resort destination like Los Cabos for some well-earned rest and recreation.

For those who are single, on the other hand, or for younger couples without children, the place to be is not exactly on the beach, but nearby at one of the cape cities’ rollicking pool parties. No, we’re not talking about a volleyball game in the pool at your average all-inclusive, or some classic rock blaring from the speakers at the swim-up pool bar. We’re talking about world-class DJs playing trance-inducing dance music – not all night, but all day – and a poolside scene as likely to feature fashionable resort clothing as bikinis, and as likely to see guests reclining in luxurious daybeds with Champagne as splashing about in the pool itself.

This sort of upscale party atmosphere does not exist at every resort. In fact, it is only a few trendy properties have reimagined the pool party concept, transforming it into an entertainment showcase and must-see social event.

The first place in the area to really explore the possibilities of the pool party as social event was Nikki Beach Club, a glorious mecca of conspicuous poolside consumption and effervescent atmosphere set poolside at the ME Cabo resort on Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas. Once upon a time, bon vivants and style conscious scene makers would fly in from Los Angeles and Los Vegas solely for the chance to attend the Nikki Beach White Party, a harbinger of the summer season held annually over the Memorial Day weekend. Sadly, Nikki Beach never reopened after Hurricane Odile in 2014, but in its wake a whole new generation of poolside party meccas have appeared, ready to take the region’s splashiest party scene to an entirely new level.

Here are three places to experience Los Cabos’ new look poolside party scene this summer.

OMNIA Dayclub – The Grand Mayan at Vidanta Los Cabos

In April 2016, Vidanta signed a partnership with worldwide hospitality brand Hakkasan, who agreed to invest $150 million dollars into Vidanta’s collection of Mexican resort properties. The goal: to create new concept beach clubs, restaurants and nightlife venues. The first showplace for this partnership was the new entertainment district that opened at Grand Mayan in San Jose del Cabo in February, where three of the world’s most famous DJs – Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki and Zedd – performed to christen the beachfront OMNIA Dayclub. OMNIA is one of four new bars and restaurants in the entertainment district, but it’s unquestionably the headliner, with a magnificent poolside atmosphere featuring everything from private cabanas to two-story VIP bungalows with their own plunge pools. Spring Break crowds set the standard for the newly minted poolside scene, turning it in to Los Cabos’ most talked about dance venue. The regularly featured DJ talent is off-the-charts, despite the fact that it really is a “dayclub, closing by 8 p.m.

Blue Marlin Ibiza – ME Cabo

Blue Marlin Ibiza took over the poolside spot at ME Cabo formerly occupied by Nikki Beach Club and has carried it forward, even continuing the summer starting White Party tradition started by its predecessor. Legendary English trance DJ Paul Oakenfold will perform during the May 26th festivities, which as always include all-white attire, VIP bottle service and a spectacular fireworks show over Medano Beach. Special events like the White Party are generally scheduled only on weekends, but the party atmosphere prevails on a daily and nightly basis. Large format bottles of Champagne are always a popular choice at Blue Marlin Ibiza, but guests may also order things like top-shelf bottles of vodka, 24 piece platters of sushi, Wagyu beef burgers and sorbet.

Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa

Breathless doesn’t make a habit of bringing in famous DJs like OMNIA and Blue Marlin Ibiza, but its poolside scene is special nonetheless. The property opened in December 2015 in one of the most spectacular locations in Cabo San Lucas, at the juncture of the marina and Medano Beach. The hip all-inclusive made the most of its picturesque setting, installing huge infinity pools that look out in both directions. The marina view pool is a quiet meditative place for resort guests to relax. The beach view pool, on the other hand, is a party hearty haven with music, dancing and tropical cocktails that not only draws resort guests, but locals and guests fom competing resorts in on a “day pass.” Prices can vary for day passes, but they’re generally good from 9 to 5 p.m. daily. Night passes, meanwhile, will gain visitors access to the rooftop nightclub Purple, home to themed bashes like toga parties and other costumed soirees.

 

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 courtesy of Omnia Dayclub Los Cabos.

Upcoming Event Calendar

May

483rd La Paz Foundation Festival – May 3 – 5

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

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Día de la Madre (Mother’s Day) – May 10

3rd Annual Paella Contest at Sheraton Grand – May 19

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – May 19 – 20

White Party at ME Cabo and Blue Marlin Ibiza – May 26

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – May 30 – June 2

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – June 7, 14, 21, 28

Pelagic Triple Crown: 5th Annual Cabo Summer Slam – June 7 – 9

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 17

Fiesta de la Musica – June 23

Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1

July

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

August

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 25

September

Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) – Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

November

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 22

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

 

 

The Fiesta de la Musica Celebrates its 10th Anniversary in June with Performances from Over 100 Bands

In 1981 a French director of music and culture, inspired by a statistic that claimed half the country’s children played a musical instrument, began dreaming of a way to engage this musical spirit en masse. Soon after, in 1982, the first Fete de la Musique was held in Paris, where it was scheduled to coincide with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

Flash forward 36 years, and the Fete de la Musique is no longer solely a French celebration, but a worldwide phenomenon that takes place annually in over 450 cities in 12o countries around the globe. For the past 10 years, that list of cities has included San Jose del Cabo, the oldest and most populous of the two cape cities (Cabo San Lucas is the other) that comprise the modern-day municipality of Los Cabos. In San Jose, however, the celebration is known by its Spanish name, La Fiesta de la Musica.

This summer symphony is free and open to all musicians who’d like to participate, from amateurs to professionals, across all musical genres. The only prerequisite for participants and spectators – for whom admission is also free – is a love for music, a passion that’s so pervasive internationally that music is often referred to as the universal language. The art form’s universality, in fact, provides the context for the event’s local motto: “la fiesta de todos y para todos” (“the party from all and for all).

Over the past decade, the Fiesta de la Musica has become so important and so beloved by the local community that it’s now considered the premier music festival in Los Cabos. Certainly, it’s the most robustly attended, drawing over 25,000 people annually. The 2018 edition is slated for Saturday, June 23 – 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. – with some 100 or more bands and musical acts expected to perform throughout the city’s historic downtown area.

For those who won’t be in the area for the Fiesta de la Musica in June, Los Cabos and its surrounding environs offer plenty of other opportunities to hear great music from acclaimed performers. San Jose del Cabo is also famed for its Jazz Festival, which draws huge crowds to the Plaza del Pescador each February; and its Patron Saint festival every March features five days of live music, as well as a parade and regional food and drink.

Cape sister Cabo San Lucas hosts its own kind of musical celebration in October, when rock star Sammy Hagar throws a series of birthday bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina, the nightclub he founded with his former Van Halen bandmates back in 1990. The Land’s End city’s biggest food festival, Sabor a Cabo, also brings in big-name headliners each December, from Mexican rock gods Mana to funk-soul legends like Earth Wind & Fire.

Todos Santos, a one-hour drive north of Cabo San Lucas, boasts its own rock star pedigree. The town’s Tropic of Cancer Concert Series, which draws alt-rock bands from across the U.S. and Mexico each January, grew out of the Todos Santos Music Festival that was originally founded by former R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck.

To find out more about the performers at the 10th annual Fiesta de la Musica, or 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 courtesy of the Fiesta de la Musica.

Upcoming Event Calendar

April

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

Chocolate & Cocktails Festival at Café des Artistes – April 5 – 15

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament and Dinner – April 8

Sabores de Baja Festival in Miraflores – April 15

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 20 – 26

Los Cabos Culinary Awards at Sheraton Grand Hacienda del Mar – April 25

2018 Taco Fest Los Cabos at Casa Dorada – April 28

May

483rd La Paz Foundation Festival – May 3 – 5

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

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Día de la Madre (Mother’s Day) – May 10

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – May 19 – 20

White Party at ME Cabo and Blue Marlin Ibiza – May 26

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – May 30 – June 2

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – June 7, 14, 21, 28

Pelagic Triple Crown: 5th Annual Cabo Summer Slam – June 7 – 9

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 17

Fiesta de la Musica – June 23

Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1

July

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

 August

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 25

 September

Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) – Sep. 16

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

 November

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 22

 December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

Racing, Tasting and Fundraising: April Events in Los Cabos

April in Los Cabos means the end of Spring Break and seasonal whale watching adventures, but the local event calendar doesn’t suffer in the slightest. On the contrary, the glorious springtime temperatures usher in a fresh set of outdoor cultural festivals and sporting competitions.

Off-road racing enthusiasts, particularly of the vintage rally sport variety, will love NORRA’s Mexican 1000, which offers challenging competitive conditions as well as a chance to revel in the nostalgia of what Baja racing looked like in the 1960s and 70s.

That race’s finish line fiesta takes place in San Jose del Cabo, and indeed what Los Cabos does best in April are celebrations centered around food and drink. The farming community of Miraflores, for example, is hosting an organic food festival; luxury beachfront resort Casa Dorada is bringing in top chefs for a taco fiesta; and charity focused golf tournament Paws ‘n Claws concludes its day of fun in the sun with a large outdoor BBQ party.

San José del Cabo Art Walk  (April 5, 12, 19, 26)

The historic Distrito del Arte in San Jose del Cabo takes center stage each Thursday evening during high tourist season – November through June – when residents and visitors alike are invited to stroll its cobblestone streets and peruse the many eclectic fine arts galleries. Art Walk hours are 5 to 9 p.m, when the neighborhood comes alive with wine, cheese and guided tours, as well as colorful street artists and strolling mariachis. A chance to check out San Jose’s recent downtown makeover is another reason to make the Thursday night pilgrimage.

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament and BBQ  (April 8)

The biggest annual fundraiser for the Los Cabos Humane Society traditionally starts with a golf competition at one of Los Cabos’ many world-class courses and concludes with a gala fundraising dinner at a premier local fine dining establishment. The gorgeous Jack Nicklaus’ designed Palmilla will once again host this year’s tournament, with nine holes each on both the Mountain and Ocean layouts. This year, as last, a BBQ replaces the typical upscale dinner. Acre Restaurant, one of the leaders of the local farm-to-table movement, will provide tasty BBQ fixings to accompany the fundraising silent auction.

Sabores de Baja Festival in Miraflores  (April 15)

The small town of Miraflores is notable for several reasons, including the unusual longevity of its residents and its annual summer harvest festival celebrating pitahayas, the favorite fruit of the area’s indigenous inhabitants. Mainly, though, it is known as the foremost organic farming community in the Los Cabos municipality, the place the region’s best restaurants go to source their produce. It’s the perfect place, in other words, to host an organic food festival that focuses on the traditional cuisine and culture of Los Cabos. The 2nd annual Sabores de Baja (sabores translates as tastes or flavors) will be hosted by Doña Pame Restaurante from noon to 5 p.m. on April 15, and will feature live music from local idol Luna Itzel.

NORRA Mexican 1000  (April 20 – 27)

The world’s most rugged off-road race, the legendary Baja 1000, has for better than four decades been run under the SCORE (Southern California Off-Road Enthusiasts) banner. But that wasn’t always the case. Back when the Baja 1000 was inaugurated, in 1967, it was organized by NORRA (the National Off-Road Racing Association). NORRA returned to the peninsula’s off-road racing scene in a big way in 2010, when it kicked off the first Mexican 1000, a fun, vintage-style rally race meant to evoke the flavor of the early Baja 1000s. The new version revs up in Ensenada, then courses down the peninsula before concluding in Los Cabos, where it is celebrated with a huge after-party and awards ceremony.

2018 Taco Fest Los Cabos at Casa Dorada  (April 28)

On the final Saturday in April, many of the area’s best chefs will converge on the luxurious beachfront Casa Dorada, where they will compete to produce the most delicious version of Mexico’s most famous comfort food, the taco. An all-star cast of judges will crown a champ, but the true winners are guaranteed to be the guests, who get to sample both traditional and contemporary/creative taco entries from these very talented culinary craftsmen. Live music will also be featured.

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 courtesy of the NORRA Mexican 1000.

Upcoming Event Calendar

April

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

Chocolate & Cocktails Festival at Café des Artistes – April 5 – 15

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament and Dinner – April 8

Sabores de Baja Festival in Miraflores – April 15

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 20 – 26

Los Cabos Culinary Awards – April 25

2018 Taco Fest Los Cabos at Casa Dorada – April 28

May

483rd La Paz Foundation Festival – May 3 – 5

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

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Día de la Madre (Mother’s Day) – May 10

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – May 19 – 20

White Party at ME Cabo and Blue Marlin Ibiza – May 26

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – May 30 – June 2

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – June 7, 14, 21, 28

Pelagic Triple Crown: 5th Annual Cabo Summer Slam – June 7 – 9

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 17

Fiesta de la Musica – June 23

Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1

July

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

August

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 25

September

Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) – Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

November

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 22

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

 

The Complete Cabo Lifestyle Experience: Stars & Stripes Tournament Offers Golf, Fishing, Music, Beach Life and More

There are many reasons people choose to vacation in Los Cabos. There’s the gorgeous year-round weather, the beautiful beaches, the luxurious resorts and cliffside villas, the world-class golf courses and spectacular sportfishing.

Or one could simply want to attend the Stars & Stripes Tournament, which offers all of the above plus much, much more. Golf and fishing provide the competitive tournament aspect, but there are also beach days, spa visits, nightly dinners, and music from some of the world’s most recognizable performers.

The 22nd edition of what amounts to the complete Cabo lifestyle experience is scheduled to return June 28 – July 1, 2018.

Of all its attractions, fishing has proved to be most enduringly popular part of Stars & Stripes. No surprise, really, given that the tourism industries for cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo were built on big-game sportfishing. The tournament launches from beautiful Chileno Bay, with participating anglers vying to bag the biggest tuna, dorado, wahoo, sailfish, and blue, black and striped marlin. This year, start times have been pushed back to allow a more vacation-like approach.

Golf, too, is a major draw. Participants this year have the choice of nine or 18-hole tournament outings at Puerto Los Cabos, which currently boasts 27 spectacular holes from champion golfers Jack “The Golden Bear” Nicklaus and Greg “The Great White Shark” Norman. Nine of the holes at Puerto Los Cabos are brand new, so tournament entrants will be among the first to play them. The traditional holes also have their highlights. Norman designed one of the best holes in Baja California for the original Mission Course, a 213 yard par-3 that demands precise placement from a tee shot off the equivalent of a 10-story building. Although the green looks like a peculiarly shaped postage stamp from the elevated tee box, players are generally not as concerned with the difficult iron shot as they are awed by the incredible view: 10 miles of gorgeous coastline bordered by the Sea of Cortez and the mountains of the Sierra de la Laguna.

 Although sporting competitions provide the tournament’s primary raison d’etre, many other pleasures (of the non-sporting type) are in store for attendees. “Play at La Playa” promises a sun-soaked day at a private beachfront estate, complete with lunch, cocktails and sandy fun. Host resort Hilton’s Eforea Spa is likewise on hand for soothing relaxation. All Stars & Stripes guests are eligible for one of the spa’s many pampering treatments and therapies.

Nightly musical entertainment is also a distinguishing feature of Stars & Stripes. In past years, rock stars like Sammy Hagar, The Doobie Brothers, Three Dog Night, and Kenny Loggins have played their biggest hits. This year the headliner is Don Felder, former lead guitarist for the Eagles, and a co-writer of the iconic song Hotel California. Plenty of other acts are also on tap, including The Downtown Band, and the festivities will once again be hosted by Shawn Parr, AKA “The Ambassador of Country Music” and “The Voice of the Golden Globes.”

For all its features and attractions, the Stars & Stripes ultimate purpose is to raise money for worthy causes. Since 1997, the tournament has raised over $26 million dollars for youth-oriented charities, hosting live and silent auctions.

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 courtesy of the Stars & Stripes Tournament.

Upcoming Event Calendar

March

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Todos Santos Film Festival – March 7 – 11

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 9 – 11, 14 – 17

Wine & Cheese Festival at Sheraton Grand Hacienda del Mar – March 10

El Triunfo Festival Artesanal – March 11

East Cape Arts Festival – March 18

Traditional Fiestas in San Jose del Cabo – March 14 – 19

El Ganzo Music Presents: Jenny & The Mexicats – March 24

Semana Santa (Holy Week) – March 25 – 31

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – March 28 – April 1

April

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

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament and Dinner – April 8

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 20 – 26

Los Cabos Culinary Awards – April 25

2018 Taco Fest Los Cabos at Casa Dorada – April 28

 May

483rd La Paz Foundation Festival – May 3 – 5

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

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Día de la Madre (Mother’s Day) – May 10

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – May 19 – 20

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – May 30 – June 2

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – June 7, 14, 21, 28

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 17

Fiesta de la Musica – June 21

Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1

July

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

 August

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 25

 September

Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) – Sep. 16

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

 November

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 22

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

Big-Name DJs Coming to Los Cabos for Grand Opening of New Entertainment Complex

Three of the world’s most famous DJs are coming to Los Cabos, an unprecedented display of imported talent that points out one of the most underrated aspects of the region’s recent building boom. It’s not just about big-name brands moving in, or an increase in available hotel rooms. It’s also a paradigm shifter in terms of the drinking, dining and entertainment options that are now going to be available to both visitors and local residents.

Yes, new resorts are changing the complexion of the region’s coastline, from the Pacific Coast of Cabo San Lucas to the East Cape area that extends northeast from San Jose del Cabo. But new rooms and suites, no matter how posh, are nothing new to a region with an established track record of luxury accommodations. What’s really changing is the increasingly easy access to world-class talent, from celebrity chefs to high-profile artists.

Savvy travelers may still opt for ocean view luxury villa rentals – often at competitive rates with upscale resorts – but they also have a wealth of new resort centered activities and attractions to enjoy during idle hours. Golf and fishing may still be the big draws, but a whole new menu of choices has suddenly become available.

Nightclub habitués and hip scene makers need no introduction to Steve Aoki, Calvin Harris, and Zedd. The three have become famous and fabulously rich spinning records in the world’s most fashionable clubs. As of next month, that roster will include Omnia Dayclub, part of the brand spanking new entertainment complex at Vidanta Los Cabos, which will celebrate its grand opening on Feb. 23 – 25.

In April 2016, Vidanta signed a partnership with worldwide hospitality brand Hakkasan, who agreed to invest $150 million dollars into Vidanta’s collection of Mexican resort properties. The goal was to create new concept beach clubs, restaurants and nightlife venues. Next month’s grand opening at Vidanta Los Cabos – a resort in San Jose’s beachfront Hotel Zone located across from the Vidanta managed golf course at Punta Sur – will thus represent the first major return on this investment: an ambitious new beachfront entertainment complex that includes no less than four signature venues.

The beachfront Omnia Dayclub is arranged around a central pool with an array of VIP areas including private cabanas and a pair of two-story VIP bungalows with private plunge pools. With a talent line-up of world-class DJs – including the three slated to spin at next month’s grand opening – OMNIA Dayclub will set a new standard of service and entertainment within Mexico.

This is the first international opening for the “Fish Meats Field” culinary concept of Herringbone, which has been reimagined as an airy Mexican beach house with views over the resort’s pools to the ocean. The restaurant offers coastal cuisine with an emphasis on line-caught seafood and high-quality meats, and features some of Herringbone’s signature design elements such as living trees, lush vegetation and maritime artwork and fixtures.

Casa Calavera is a new culinary concept developed by Hakkasan Group with an authentic Dia de los Muertos theme at its core. Adjoining OMNIA Dayclub, Casa Calavera will share the ambiance, sounds and energy of the dayclub while offering a menu of popular Mexican dishes and drinks in a beachside setting.

Sitting under a striking, curved thatch roof and overlooking one of the resort’s main pools, SHOREbar is a casual, open-air venue offering hand-crafted cocktails with pool and ocean views. A vintage VW bus parked within the place will offer a small menu of light bites and dishes to share.

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 courtesy of Vidanta Los Cabos.

Upcoming Event Calendar

January

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 11 – 21

Wellness Retreat w/ Cait Fraser at One&Only Palmilla – Jan. 12 – 14; 26 – 28

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament – Jan. 15 – 19

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 17 – 21

Los Cabos Mountain Marathon – Jan. 20

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Jan. 27 – Feb. 3

February

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22

Todos Santos Open Artists’ Studio Tour –  Feb. 10 – 11

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 8 – 13

Valentine’s Day – Feb. 14

San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend – Feb. 16 – 17

Baja Hog Motorcycle Rally – Feb. 21 – 25

Vidanta Los Cabos Grand Opening Featuring Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki and Zedd – Feb. 23 – 25

March

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Todos Santos Film Festival – March 7 – 11

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 9 – 11, 14 – 17

El Triunfo Festival Artesanal – March 11

East Cape Arts Festival – March 18

Fiestas Patronales in San José del Cabo – March 14 – 19

Semana Santa – March 25 – 31

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – March 28 – April 1

April

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

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament and Dinner – April 8

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 20 – 26

May

483rd La Paz Foundation Festival – May 3

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

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

El Día de la Madre (Mother’s Day) – May 10

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – May 19 – 20

White Party at Blue Marlin Ibiza – Date Not Yet Announced

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – May 30 – June 2

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – June 7, 14, 21, 28

Cabo Comedy Festival – Dates Note Yet Announced

Los Cabos Open of Surf – Dates Not Yet Announced

Cabo Summer Slam/Pelagic Triple Crown of Sport Fishing – Dates Not Yet Announced

Grand Velas Los Cabos Grand Chefs Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

Fiesta de la Musica – June 21

Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1

July – August

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

October

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

November

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

 

New Year, Familiar Cheer: A Guide to January Events in Los Cabos

The year may be brand new, but visitors to Los Cabos this month will find many of the upcoming regional events seem comfortingly familiar.

Two of the premier annual sporting events return this January, including the signature local golf tournament (the Los Cabos Pro-Am at Cabo del Sol), and what is now the area’s most anticipated windsports competition (the La Ventana Classic).

Top cultural festivals and gatherings this month, too, have well-established roots: the yearly music concert series in Todos Santos dates back, in one form or another, to 2012, making it two years older than the town’s Writer’s Workshop; and the Thursday night Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo is, of course, a staple of the winter (and spring) event calendar.

All are back, and expected to be better than ever in 2018.

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo (Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25)

The historic Distrito del Arte in San Jose del Cabo takes center stage each Thursday evening during high tourist season – November through June – when residents and visitors alike are invited to stroll its cobblestone streets and peruse the many eclectic fine arts galleries. Art Walk hours are 5 to 9 p.m, when the neighborhood comes alive with wine, cheese and guided tours, as well as colorful street artists and strolling mariachis. A chance to check out San Jose’s recent downtown makeover is another reason to make the Thursday night pilgrimage.

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos (Jan. 11 – 21)

Former R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck pioneered jam culture in Todos Santos with this annual music festival, which brought in high-profile musicians for performances at the landmark Hotel California, as well as the town’s picturesque main plaza. Buck’s festival went on hiatus after he made some controversial comments about local politics at the 2016 event, but the music lives on. The freshly minted Tropic of Cancer Concert Series premiered in 2017, and returns in 2018 with an all-star lineup headlined by Joan Osborne, The Autumn Defense, The Jag, Cordovas, La Santa Cecilia, Bostich and Fussible from Nortec Collective, Julie Roberts, and La Victoria.

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament (Jan. 15 – 19)

The most notable golf tournament in a region famed for its spectacular courses returns this January, as Cabo del Sol’s Ocean and Desert Courses play host to the 10th annual Los Cabos Pro-Am. Stay and play packages for the tournament include five days and four nights of accommodation at the Sheraton Grand Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, as well as three rounds at the participating courses, plus an invitation to the opening and closing cocktail parties, and daily breakfast at one of Hacienda del Mar’s excellent onsite restaurants. Overall team prizes are another lure for amateurs.

La Ventana Classic (Jan. 17 – 21)

Baja California Sur boasts world-class conditions for many water-based activities: fishing, of course, but also surfing, sailing, diving, kayaking and, seasonally at least, windsports. Each winter, when strong El Norte winds blow down the Sea of Cortez, picturesque East Cape communities like Los Barriles and La Ventana become meccas for windsurfing and kiteboarding enthusiasts. Now that Los Barriles has ended its annual Lord of the Wind Showdown, La Ventana’s “Classic” has become the premier regional competition, with windsurfers, kiteboarders and SUP (stand up paddleboarding) enthusiasts battling the breezes to earn cash and glory in various categories. Proceeds this year are earmarked to benefit local schools.

Todos Santos Writers Workshop (Jan. 27 – Feb. 3)

Best known for its painters, the pueblo magico of Todos Santos is also known as a congenial community for writers…as evidenced by the 5th annual writers’ workshop, which returns to the atmospheric Casa Dracula on January 27th. In addition to its usual collection of seminars and speakers, publishing roundtables and other literary pursuits, the 2018 event marks the premiere of the first-ever poetry workshop. The instructor for this newly minted feature is award-winning poet, translator and journalist Christopher Merrill, who also serves as the director of the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa.

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 courtesy of the La Ventana Classic.

 Upcoming Event Calendar

January

Art Walk In San Jose del Cabo – Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25

Special Dinner ft. Napa Valley Chef Christopher Kostow at One&Only Palmilla – Jan. 5

International Festival of Yoga in Todos Santos – Jan. 5 – 7

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) – Jan. 6

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 11 – 21

Wellness Retreat w/ Cait Fraser at One&Only Palmilla – Jan. 12 – 14; 26 – 28

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament – Jan. 15 – 19

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 17 – 21

Los Cabos Mountain Marathon – Jan. 20

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Jan. 27 – Feb. 3

 February

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22

Todos Santos Open Artists’ Studio Tour –  Feb. 10 – 11

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 8 – 13

Valentine’s Day Dinner at Sunset da Mona Lisa – Feb. 14

Baja Hog Motorcycle Rally – Feb. 21 – 25

 March

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Todos Santos Film Festival – March 7 – 11

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 9 – 11, 14 – 17

El Triunfo Arts & Crafts Festival – Date Not Yet Announced

East Cape Arts Festival – March 18

Fiestas Patronales in San José del Cabo – March 14 – 19

Semana Santa – March 25 – 31

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – March 28 – April 1

Annual Cheese & Wine Festival at Sheraton Hacienda del Mar – Date Not Yet Announced

April

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

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament and Dinner – April 8

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 20 – 26

Koral Pets Race – Date Not Yet Announced

 May

482nd La Paz Foundation Festival – May 3

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

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

El Día de la Madre (Mother’s Day) – May 10

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – May 19 – 20

White Party at Blue Marlin Ibiza – Date Not Yet Announced

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – May 30 – June 2

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – June 7, 14, 21, 28

Cabo Comedy Festival – Dates Note Yet Announced

Los Cabos Open of Surf – Dates Not Yet Announced

Cabo Summer Slam/Pelagic Triple Crown of Sport Fishing – Dates Not Yet Announced

Grand Velas Los Cabos Grand Chefs Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

Fiesta de la Musica – June 21

Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1

 

 

Happy Holidays from Los Cabos, Mexico

New Year Heralds Return of Annual Cultural Festivals in Todos Santos

The lion’s share of the notable annual events in Todos Santos – a charming pueblo magico about 45-miles north of Cabo San Lucas – occur during the first three months of each New Year, when in rapid succession the Pacific Coast community hosts highly-anticipated cultural festivals celebrating music, literature, art and film.

Here’s a look at what’s on tap in 2018 for these signature regional events.

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series – January 11 – 21, 2018

Former R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck pioneered jam culture in Todos Santos with this annual music festival, which brought in high-profile musicians for performances at the landmark Hotel California, as well as the town’s picturesque main plaza. Buck’s festival went on hiatus after he made some controversial comments about local politics at the 2016 event, but the music lives on. The freshly minted Tropic of Cancer Concert Series premiered in 2017, and returns again in 2018 with an all-star lineup headlined by Joan Osborne, The Autumn Defense, The Jag, Cordovas, La Santa Cecilia, Bostich and Fussible from Nortec Collective, Julie Roberts, and La Victoria.

Todos Santos Writers’ Workshop – Jan. 27 – Feb. 3, 2018

Best known for its painters, Todos Santos has also been a congenial community for writers. The 5th annual writers’ workshop returns to the atmospheric Casa Dracula, and in addition to its usual seminars and speakers, publishing roundtables and other literary pursuits, will for the first time in 2018 feature a poetry workshop. The instructor for the first-ever poetry workshop is award-winning poet, translator and journalist Christopher Merrill, who also serves as the director of the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa.

Todos Santos Art Festival/Open Studios Tour – Feb 10 – 11, 2018

Ever since painter Charles Stewart and his wife Mary Lou moved to Todos Santos in 1985, the town has been famed for its thriving artists’ colony. The best introduction to the region’s abundance of talented artists is the yearly Open Studios Tour, the 9th edition of which is scheduled for Feb. 10 – 11, 2018. Approximately 40 local artists will participate this year, including painters, sculptors, photographers, muralists, plein air painters, encaustic artists, jewelers, printmakers, collage artists, potters, and wood turners. The Palapa Learning Center will offer a special stop on the tour, and will showcase a sampling of 20 selected tour artists’ work for sale. Additionally, the Palapa Society’s child artists will also be working in their “studio” with work on display.

Todos Santos Film Festival – March 7 – 11, 2018

This annual showcase for Mexican and Latin American films was founded in 1994, and is based each year at the historic Teatro-Cine Manuel Marquez de Leon, a landmark 70+ year old movie theater that overlooks the town square in Todos Santos. The 15th edition of the coastal pueblo magico‘s acclaimed festival de cine is set for March 7 – 11, 2018, and will include full-length films, as well as shorts, documentaries, and projects from the local Youth in Video program. Additional screenings will take place in nearby Pescadero, and Baja California Sur’s capital city, La Paz.

 For more information about local events, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo courtesy of the Tropic of Cancer Concert Series.

 Upcoming Event Calendar

December

San José del Cabo Art Walk – Thursday evenings, 5 – 9 p.m., November through June

LigaMAC Christmas Party – Dec. 5

Dressed to the K-9s Charity Gala – Dec. 8

Sabor a Cabo International Food and Wine Festival –  Dec. 9

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Whale Watching Season – Mid-December to Mid-March

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Día de los Inocentes – Dec. 28

5k Run or Walk in Todos Santos – Dec. 30

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve with DJ Paul Oakenfold at Blue Marlin Ibiza/ME Cabo Hotel – Dec. 31

Gatsby Theme New Year’s Eve Party at Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa – Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve Party with Major Lazer at The Cape: A Thompson Hotel – Dec. 31

January

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) – Jan. 6

International Festival of Yoga in Todos Santos – Jan. 5 – 7

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 11 – 21

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament – Jan. 15 – 19

Los Cabos Mountain Marathon – Jan. 20

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 17 – 21

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Jan. 27 – Feb. 3

 February

Todos Santos Open Artists’ Studio Tour –  Feb. 10 – 11

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 8 – 13

Valentine’s Day Dinner at Sunset da Mona Lisa – February 14

Los Barriles Dog Show – Dates Not Yet Announced

 March

Todos Santos Film Festival – March 7 – 11

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 9 – 11, 14 – 17

El Triunfo Arts & Crafts Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

East Cape Arts Festival – March 18

Fiestas Patronales in San José del Cabo – March 14 – 19

Semana Santa – March 25 – 31

Annual Cheese & Wine Festival at Sheraton Hacienda del Mar – Dates Not Yet Announced

April

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament and Dinner – Dates Not Yet Announced

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 20 – 26

Koral Pets Race – Dates Not Yet Announced

 May

482nd La Paz Foundation Festival – May 3

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

El Día de la Madre (Mother’s Day) – May 10

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – May 19 – 20

White Party at Blue Marlin Ibiza – Dates Not Yet Announced

 

Desert Gold: Baja 1000 Celebrates 50 Years of Epic Off-Road Racing

October 18, 2017

The most famous sporting event in Baja is also the most famous off-road racing event in the world: the legendarily rugged Baja 1000.

So devilish and dangerous did this annual off-road journey through the untamed heart of the peninsula prove that by the late 1960s and early 1970s it became a badge of honor, one that attracted Hollywood stars of the era like Paul Newman, Steve McQueen and James Garner. Even traditional motorsports stars like Indy 500 winner Parnelli Jones and 7-time NASCAR Cup champion Jimmie Johnson later felt the need to try it, as if driving fast over paved roads wasn’t enough of a challenge.

This year, the iconic race celebrates its 50th running – its golden anniversary – with a suitably epic 1200-mile point-to-point course from Ensenada to La Paz, scheduled from Nov. 14-18, 2017.

Over 350 entrants, from approximately 40 U.S. states and 30 countries, are expected to compete in the BF Goodrich Tires SCORE Baja 1000; and will do so across multiple classes – in motorcycles, cars and trucks, ATVs and UTVs. The race will be televised on the El Rey Network, available in over 45 million homes in the U.S.

When the Baja 1000 originally premiered back in 1967 – as a race from Tijuana to La Paz – it was under the auspices of off-road pioneers Ed Pearlman, Don Francisco, and their newly formed organization NORRA (National Off-Road Racing Association). Following the OPEC Oil Crisis in 1973, however, there was a change in organizers, and since 1975 the Baja 1000 has been run under the SCORE (Southern California Off-Road Enterprises) banner.

This year’s start and finish points are considered a bow to tradition:  Ensenada has served as the starting line a record 43 times; La Paz, meanwhile, has been the site of the finish line on 21 occasions.

The Baja 1000 has finished in Los Cabos only twice:  in 2000 and 2007, when the race was run from Ensenada to Cabo San Lucas. The cape cities, though, are home to a vibrant off-road racing culture. Numerous local companies offer dune buggy adventures across rugged beach, desert and mountain terrains, and one even offers excursions in actual Baja 1000 style race cars.

As a matter of fact, they’ll even let you enter one of the regional SCORE sponsored races (there are four each year, culminating with the Baja 1000), and provide in-race communications and other technical support. All prospective drivers need is plenty of nerve and a valid credit card number.

For more information about the SCORE Baja 1000 and other local events, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo courtesy of SCORE International.

 Upcoming Event Calendar

October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Concerts – Oct. 9, 11, 13 – 14

Fiestas Patronales (Patron Saint Festival) in Cabo San Lucas – Oct. 17 – 22

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 15 – 19

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore – Oct. 19 – 22

Bisbee’s Black & Blue – Oct. 24 – 28

David Pack’s Legends Live at Bisbee’s Black & Blue – Oct. 28

IAGTO Golf Tourism Convention – Oct. 29 – Nov. 4

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

 November

San José del Cabo Art Walk – Thursday evenings, 5 – 9 p.m., November through June

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament – Nov. 1 – 4

Jim Flick Invitational Golf Tournament at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 7 – 12

Los Cabos International Film Festival – Nov. 8 – 12

Ironman Los Cabos Triathlon – Nov. 12

50th SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

Día de la Revolucion (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 23

Extreme Sailing Series – Nov. 30 – Dec. 3

December

LigaMAC Christmas Party – Dec. 5

Dressed to the K-9s Charity Gala – Dec. 8

Sabor a Cabo Food and Wine Festival –  Dec. 9

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Whale Watching Season – Mid-December to Mid-March

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Día de los Inocentes – Dec. 28

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) – Jan. 6

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 11 – 21

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament – Jan. 15 – 19

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 17 – 21

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Jan. 27 – Feb. 3

 February

Todos Santos Open Artists’ Studio Tour –  Feb. 10 – 11

Valentine’s Day Dinner at Sunset da Mona Lisa – February 14

Carnaval La Paz – Dates Not Yet Announced

Los Barriles Dog Show – Dates Not Yet Announced

 March

Todos Santos Film Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 9 – 11, 14 – 17

El Triunfo Arts & Crafts Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

East Cape Arts Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

Fiestas Patronales in San José del Cabo – March 19

Annual Cheese & Wine Festival at Sheraton Hacienda del Mar – Dates Not Yet Announced

 

 

 

Los Cabos Looks Forward to Red Carpet Glamor at 6th Annual International Film Festival

Last week’s tropical storm Lidia hit Los Cabos hard, but cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are quickly getting back to their beautiful selves, and readying for what is expected to be a banner autumn season for high-profile events.

Sammy Hagar will welcome a host of rock star friends for his annual birthday bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina in early October, and the guest list will be even more star-studded than usual, since believe it or not, this is the 70th birthday celebration for the former Van Halen frontman. And of course Bisbee’s Black & Blue and Los Cabos Offshore tournaments, the former affectionately referred to as “the Super Bowl of Sport Fishing, return later in October to continue their tradition of turning fishermen into millionaires.

But when it comes to big names, star appeal and glamor, nothing tops the annual Los Cabos International Film Festival. The 6th edition is slated for November 8 – 12, and as always will provide a glitzy showcase for the area, featuring everything from red carpet premieres and VIP soirees to screenings of dozens of high-quality films competing for prizes and awards.

High quality films are well and good, but the first question most people ask is who are the movie stars attending this year? In past years, cinematic luminaries like Edward Norton, Reese Witherspoon, Matt Dillon, Monica Bellucci, Virginia Madsen, Oliver Stone, Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor have attended, and the latter two actually engaged in a playful “light saber” battle at El Pabellon Cultural de la Republica (the Cabo San Lucas cultural center that hosts red carpet premieres), reprising their roles from the legendary Star Wars saga.

And those are only the stars most familiar to English speaking audience. Stars of stage, screen and small screen in Mexico have also showed out in droves, and are in fact the biggest hit with the locals who line the red carpet railing with paparazzi and national and international media. Eiza Gonzalez is the biggest name to confirm so far. The Mexican born actress won raves for her work on From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series, and is now working with legendary filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, the director of classics like Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Forrest Gump and Polar Express.

But bigger names are sure to confirm in coming weeks.

This edition is also expected to have a slightly different feel, since former festival director Alonso Aguilar Castillo has handed over the reins to Hugo Villa Smythe. Smythe is the current General Director of Mexico City’s Film Commission – an important national position – and thus his commitment to the LCIFF confirms its status as the premiere festival in Mexico, and one of the most important and influential in the hemisphere.

Under Smythe’s guidance, three new prizes will be awarded this year, adding to a list that already includes more honors than any festival in Latin America. Winners for contemporary films and those honored for career achievements will receive La Ballena de Los Cabos, a whale-shaped, gold or silver gilded award that was unveiled last year.

For more information on tickets, screenings, events and attendees, visit www.cabosfilmfestival.com.
For information about vacation rentals, including luxury villas, in Los Cabos during the film festival,
Call Us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo courtesy of Los Cabos International Film Festival.