Los Cabos is a year-round tourist destination now, but the old distinctions of 
“high” and “low” season are still a factor when it comes to signature events. The eight-month stretch from October through May–traditionally the high season in Los Cabos–still sees the vast majority of local events, and October, the kick-off month, hosts many of the high-profile events most associated with the region.
Obviously, things are somewhat different in 2020 due to the worldwide pandemic, and thus some events have had to be cancelled, while others have had to reconfigured, and all have been rethought in terms of safety concerns. For instance, Independence Day in Mexico, the country’s biggest civic holiday and the last major event (Sep. 16) in Los Cabos before October, has seen big changes this year. The official aspects of the holiday, like “grito” reenactments and parades, will be “virtual” this year in Los Cabos to prevent the gathering of large crowds.
But most of the big local to-dos in October and November are still on the calendar, and in recognizable form, albeit with some new safety procedures.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the most notable upcoming events.
Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15
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 three tournaments combined in 2018 to pay out over $5,500,925. The 22nd annual LCBT has three entry levels: a $5,000 base entry for each 6-person team; daily jackpots for the largest tuna, wahoo and dorado; and daily billfish release jackpots. Optional marlin only jackpots are available to teams that paid base entry (this year with two levels). Registration and the post-tournament gala awards ceremony will both be hosted by Playa Grande, a Solmar Group resort.
Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore – October 15 – 18
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. Team Predator took home the most money in 2019, pocketing a cool $445,825 for a few days of “work”.
Bisbee’s Black & Blue – October 20 – 24
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. The $4.165 million payout in 2006 was and still is the largest in sportfishing history. 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.). Three separate checks of over 1.3 million dollars were handed out in 2019.
Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – November 2
Mexico observes many holidays, but none quite so visually distinctive and emotionally resonant as El Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead). This holiday to honor deceased family and friends dates back to the time of the Aztecs–who dedicated a festival to Mictecacihuatl, queen of the underworld, each August–but now takes place contemporaneously with the Catholic observance of Allhallowtide. Traditionally, it is thought that the souls of children return on Nov. 1, and the souls of adults on Nov. 2. Families will often build ofrendas (altars) in their homes, welcoming back the spirits of the departed with some of their favorite food and drinks, as well as special holiday themed items like cempasuchil flowers (Aztec marigolds), calaveras de azucar (candy skulls), and a sweet bread called pan de muerto. The most famous calavera, an elegantly costumed skeleton named Catrina, was created in the early 20th century by illustrator José Guadalupe Posada. Catrina figures are commonly seen around Los Cabos during the Day of the Dead observances, as are a few public ofrendas.
Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – November 2 to 14
The funniest book every written about the Baja California peninsula and its idiosyncratic residents was the work of a Western Outdoor News columnist and all-around fine writer named Fred Hoctor. The book, called Baja Haha, was published in 1984 and has been something of a cult classic among gringo expats ever since. Sadly, Señor Hoctor is no longer with us, but his title and off-kilter humor lives on in the form of Baja Ha-Ha, a 750-mile cruisers rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas that began in the early 1990s and celebrates its 27th anniversary this year, from November 2nd to 14th. Cruising the Baja coast isn’t inherently funny in itself. Rather, it’s the safe but lighthearted approach of the participants, led by their “Grand Poobah,” that make the rally special. Since the inaugural event, over 3,000 boats and 10,000 sailors have participated. Seagoing vessels between 27’ and 100’ in length are eligible, and can look forward to two scheduled stops along the way, at Tortuga and Santa Maria Bays, before reaching Cabo San Lucas.
22nd Annual WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament – November 4 – 7
The Western Outdoor News has a long history with Los Cabos, dating back to the 1950s, when Baja columnist Ray Cannon’s rave fishing reviews helped put the area on the destination travel map. The WON Tuna Jackpot is one of the larger fishing tournaments in Cabo San Lucas, a fixture of the autumn sporting calendar that follows hard on the heels of the Los Cabos Billfish and Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore and Black & Blue Tournaments. Last year’s event, the 21st edition, saw a 345 lb. yellowfin tuna take first place, which translated to a $425,230 payout check to Team Sirena. Even bigger things are expected this year.
Los Cabos International Film Festival – November 11 to 19
The Los Cabos International Film Festival returns for its 9th edition on November 11th, with an inaugural red carpet gala and screening at the Pabellon Cultural de la Republica in Cabo San Lucas. The celebrity and paparazzi studded galas receive much of the attention, but the heart of the festival consists of curated screenings at Cinemex Theaters at Puerto Paraiso, and behind the scenes conferences and programs designed to promote mutually beneficial collaborations between the North American film industries. Thus, the LCIFF’s long-running tagline: “Come See What the Neighbors Are Doing.” Last year’s event saw plenty of star power thanks to the appearance of two-time Academy Award winner Robert De Niro, who attended the festival to support the Latin American premiere of director Martin Scorsese’s film, The Irishman. No news has been released, as yet, on celebrity appearances in 202o.
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: WON Tuna Jackpot
Upcoming Events Calendar
September
Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16
October
Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15
Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18
Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24
November
Day of the Dead – Nov. 2
WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7
Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 11 – 15
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
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
Please let me know what you think about this!