As we reported last week, Los Cabos as a tourist destination has weathered the ongoing Covid-19 crisis quite well, recovering 80% of expected travel activity by the end of 2020, with an even rosier outlook for 2021. The outlook is also brighter this year for events.
Yes, fishing tournaments saw record turnouts and payouts last year, but for the most part the event calendar in 2020 was characterized by cancellations. That trend will continue to some extent in 2021, especially for events that have traditionally seen large crowds gathered in close proximity. But for the most part area event organizers have learned from the destination’s strict approach to temperature testing, sanitization and distancing protocols, and are now working diligently to factor in those protocols so that events can proceed safely and on schedule.
Some big events, alas, will still be cancelled this year. Carnaval, a huge annual event in La Paz, has been postponed until 2o22; as has San Jose del Cabo’s Jazz Weekend, a great downtown music fest that has been a Valentine’s Day weekend favorite for years. But romantic Valentine’s Day dinners will remain a Los Cabos specialty this year, as will memorable cultural festivals, and plenty of outdoor sporting competitions, led by high-profile fishing and golf tournaments.
With that in mind, here are the February event highlights in cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 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. This being 2020, social distancing and other safety protocols are in effect.
Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26
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.
Valentine’s Day Dinners in Los Cabos – Feb. 14
Romance is ever present in Los Cabos, from pampering couples-focused spa treatments to Champagne amenities and sunset dinners for two. As the name suggests, the latter is a signature highlight at Sunset Monalisa. This year, as always, the fine dining favorite is going all out for Valentine’s Day, pairing a seven course tasting menu from Chef Jacob Ramos with live music, surprise amenities, and of course the restaurant’s trademark spectacular views of Land’s End as the sun goes down. Reservations are essential for the tasting menu, priced at $200 per person, but those who miss out on preferred seating needn’t worry. Romantic seaside restaurants abound in the cape cities; of special note, Waldorf Astoria Pedregal Los Cabos’ stunning El Farallon, with its dramatic setting of tables and Champagne Terrace perched above crashing Pacific Ocean waves.
Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. 28 – Mar. 2
Arizona State won the 2020 Cabo Collegiate by 8 strokes, besting Texas A&M on the spectacular Tom Fazio designed course at Querencia, one of the most exclusive private courses in Los Cabos. Oklahoma State won the previous three Cabo Collegiate Tournaments. Who’ll win this year? Too early to guess, but over 15 top teams from U.S. universities will compete in the three round event, including Cal and Stanford, Alabama and LSU, Ole Miss and Florida State, as well as former tournament champions Arizona State and Oklahoma State.
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: Sunset Monalisa
Upcoming Events Calendar
February
Todos Santos Writers Workshop (Virtual Session) – Jan. 31 – Feb. 6
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25
Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26
Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day) – Feb. 5
Valentine’s Day – Feb. 14
Día de la Bandera Mexicana (Flag Day) – Feb. 24
Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. 28 – Mar. 2
March
Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament – Feb. – Mar. 2
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25
Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26
Todos Santos Film Festival – Mar. 18 – 21
East Cape Arts Festival – Mar. 21
Semana Santa – Mar. 28. – Apr. 3
April
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22
Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23
Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race – Apr. 23 – 26
NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally Road Race – Apr. 23 – 30
May
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 6, 13, 20, 27
Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – May 7, 14, 21, 28
June
Los Cabos Open of Surf – Jun. 3 -7
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jun. 3, 10, 17, 24
Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jun. 4, 11, 18, 25
Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament– Jun. 10 – 12
Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament – Jun. 23 – 27
July
East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 17
Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Jul. 19 – 24
Ladies Only Fishing Tournament at Palmas de Cortez – Jul. 22 – 26
August
Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 3 – 7
Wahoo Gold Cup Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 21
September
Mexico Independence Day – Sep. 16
October
Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 10 – 14
Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 14 – 17
Bisbee’s Black and Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 19 – 23
November
WON Tuna Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Nov. 3 – 6
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25
Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26
SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20
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
Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15
Nochebuena – Dec. 24
Navidad – Dec. 25
Nochevieja – Dec. 31