Music & Arts Festivals in the Riviera Maya 2026
Written by Mony Figueroa
Most people come to the Riviera Maya for the beaches, the turquoise waters, white sand, and landscapes. But the region offers something deeper: a cultural calendar shaped by music, art, and festivals that quietly attract an international crowd year after year.
From indie and folk gatherings by the Caribbean, to electronic music deep in the jungle, to jazz and performing arts by the sea, the Riviera Maya has become a destination where travel and culture intersect naturally. These events are not about massive crowds or rushed itineraries, but about thoughtfully curated experiences that set the rhythm of a trip.
Here’s a look at the music and arts events coming in 2026 so you can start planning your calendar around the moments worth traveling for.
January, the most intense season of the year
January marks the beginning of the Riviera Maya’s cultural calendar. With ideal weather and a packed lineup of boutique festivals, it’s the time of year when the region becomes a magnet for international artists and travelers who come specifically for the music.
Zamna Tulum
December 2025–January 2026 | Jungle venues in Tulum
More than a single festival, Zamna is a season-long series of events that combines electronic music, immersive visuals, and jungle-set stages.
Recent Zamna seasons have featured artists such as Black Coffee, Adriatique, Mayan Warrior, and Keinemusik, with each night curated as its own standalone experience. The full lineup is released per event rather than as a single festival bill.
Day Zero Tulum
January 10, 2026 | Tulum
Day Zero is one of the most iconic electronic music events in the Riviera Maya and a defining moment of Tulum’s winter season. Created by Damian Lazarus, the festival takes place deep in the jungle and blends music, ritual, and immersive art into a single-night experience.
Led by Damian Lazarus, with the full lineup announced on the official program closer to the event. More than just a party, Day Zero is about atmosphere, ceremonial elements, elaborate staging, and a crowd that travels specifically for this night.
Out of the Blue Festival
January 8–11, 2026 | Resort area near Cancún, Riviera Maya
Out of the Blue has become one of the most anticipated alternative and indie music festivals in the region. Over several days, artists perform on beachfront stages along the Caribbean, creating an atmosphere that feels relaxed yet vibrant.
The 2026 lineup includes Noah Kahan, Mumford & Sons, Caamp, ROLE MODEL, Sam Barber, and Leif Vollebekk, making it a strong draw for travelers who follow the international indie scene and enjoy seeing major names in a more intimate, destination setting.
Sky Blue Sky Festival
January 15–19, 2026 | Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, near Cancún
Curated by Wilco, Sky Blue Sky is one of the most respected boutique festivals for fans of indie rock and folk. The lineup consistently features artists with strong creative identities and thoughtful songwriting.
The 2026 lineup includes Wilco, Yo La Tengo, Waxahatchee, Dr. Dog, Valerie June, The Jayhawks, and additional artists announced as part of the full program. It’s a festival designed for true music lovers who see live music as an essential part of the travel experience.
Girls Just Wanna Weekend
January 15–19, 2026 | Riviera Maya, near Playa del Carmen
More than a music festival, Girls Just Wanna Weekend is a celebration of women and non-binary artists, blending concerts with community-driven experiences.
Led by Brandi Carlile, the festival brings together an international audience drawn by its inclusive, joyful, and intentional atmosphere. The full lineup is typically announced in phases closer to the event.
Dave and Tim Riviera Maya
January 21–24, 2026 | Cancún
With a relaxed, acoustic format, this multi-day event brings Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds together for intimate performances in a laid-back setting.
It’s ideal for travelers who prefer live music without crowds or chaos, and who enjoy balancing evening concerts with slow mornings and time to unwind by the sea.
Phish Riviera Maya
January 28–31, 2026 | Cancún
Phish’s Riviera Maya run has become a yearly tradition. Known for long sets, improvisation, and a fiercely loyal fan base, the band performs multiple nights in a row for fans who travel specifically for the experience.
It remains one of the most consistent and community-driven music events in the region.
Crash My Playa
January 15–18, 2026 | Riviera Cancún, Mexico
Crash My Playa is a four-night destination music festival curated by Luke Bryan, set right on the beach in Riviera Cancún. Rather than a traditional festival layout, the experience blends beachfront concerts, pool parties, and resort-style downtime into a long weekend built entirely around live music.
The 2026 edition features two nights of Luke Bryan, including multiple Luke Bryan performances and special collaborative sets throughout the weekend alongside a strong country lineup with Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Parker McCollum, and Shenandoah. Additional performances include Dustin Lynch’s Pool Party, plus sets from artists like Chase Matthew, Kameron Marlowe, Priscilla Block, Tucker Wetmore, George Birge, Josh Ross, Lauren Watkins, The Castellows, and DJ Rock.
Crash My Playa stands out for travelers who want music to be the centerpiece of their trip, without giving up the ease of a beach vacation. Days unfold by the pool or ocean, nights turn into high-energy shows just steps from the sand, and the overall vibe feels more like a shared getaway than a massive festival.
Spring 2026
Deep Dive with Umphrey’s McGee
April 30–May 3, 2026 | Cancún
This multi-day event centers on Umphrey’s McGee, one of the most respected bands in the jam and progressive rock scene. Known for technical musicianship and extended improvisation, the concerts attract a crowd that treats live music as an experience in itself.
Supporting acts in 2026 include Andy Frasco & The U.N. and The New Deal, making it a strong option for travelers seeking something outside the traditional festival mold.
Summer 2026
Festival PAAX GNP
July 23–August 2, 2026 | Xcaret area, Playa del Carmen
Held each summer, PAAX is one of the Riviera Maya’s most ambitious cultural projects. The festival brings together symphonic music, contemporary dance, opera, and multidisciplinary performances by international artists and ensembles.
For travelers interested in the arts beyond popular music, PAAX offers a sophisticated and thoughtfully curated experience.
Fall 2026
Festival of Life and Death Traditions
Typically held October 30–November 2 | Playa del Carmen area
Held around Día de Muertos, this festival honors one of Mexico’s most important traditions through music, dance, theater, and visual art.
Featuring traditional musicians, folkloric dance companies, and theatrical performances, it offers travelers a meaningful and visually powerful way to connect with Mexican culture beyond the usual tourist lens.
End of the Year
Riviera Maya Jazz Festival
Expected to return in 2026 | Playa del Carmen beachfront
Historically held in late November, this free beachfront festival brings internationally recognized jazz artists to the Caribbean coast.
With the ocean as its backdrop, it’s one of the region’s most iconic music events and a perfect way to close out the cultural year.
Editorial Note: Dates and lineups may shift slightly each year. We recommend confirming official schedules before finalizing travel plans.
Plan Your Stay Around the Music
If you’re planning your 2026 trip around one of these festivals, where you stay matters just as much as when you go. A private villa gives you the freedom to enjoy the events while keeping your days calm, flexible, and entirely your own.
Our villa curators are here to help you find the perfect home base for your dates, your group, and your travel style. Tell us which festival you’re traveling for, and we’ll take care of the rest.
