The best things to do in Riviera Maya: festivals and events in January 2026

January is the month when the Riviera Maya finds its rhythm. With sunny days, ideal weather, and an energy that invites celebration, Cancún and Playa del Carmen become the perfect stage for music festivals, beachfront concerts, and experiences that blend culture, celebration, and relaxation.

From internationally renowned music gatherings to nighttime celebrations that fully embrace the natural beauty of the Mexican Caribbean, January is one of the best times to visit the region. Whether you’re traveling in search of major stages, all-inclusive escapes, or barefoot plans by the sea, this month offers something for every type of traveler.

Below, we share a guide to the most notable events taking place in Cancún and the Riviera Maya throughout January, so you can plan your trip and make the most of your stay.

Music Festivals

For travelers seeking a transformative experience surrounded by the mystique of the Mayan jungle, the destination offers events filled with carefully curated music to celebrate new beginnings, connection, and culture.

• Out of the Blue: Taking place from January 8 to 11, this festival is an ideal way to kick off the year with acclaimed bands and unforgettable sounds.
  
• Mayan Warrior Tulum 2026: This iconic fundraising tour will make its stop in Tulum on January 9, 2026, at Zamna—one of the most emblematic venues in the global electronic music scene.

Hotels and gala dinners

If your idea of starting the year includes elegance, fine dining, and fireworks:

• Hotel Zone: Offers ideal options for those seeking grand celebrations, live music performances, and parties that last until dawn. Many resorts host gala dinners, live entertainment, and beachfront after-parties.
  
• Riviera Maya (Cancún–Playa del Carmen corridor): Luxury resorts focus on more sensorial experiences, featuring chef-driven menus, symbolic rituals to close the year, and thoughtfully curated celebrations in gardens or oceanfront terraces.

Intimate dinners by the sea

If you prefer a quieter, more emotional farewell to the year:

• Boutique restaurants and small hotels offer candlelit dinners, seaside toasts, and an atmosphere designed for reflection and a calm, meaningful start to the new year.

Other things to do in January

• Cenotes: Explore and swim in iconic cenotes such as Gran Cenote, Cenote Azul, or El Burródromo Cenote.
• Theme parks: Visit Xcaret for eco-archaeological experiences, Xplor for adventure and zip lines, or Xel-Há to enjoy underground rivers and immersive nature settings.
• Snorkeling and diving: Take advantage of crystal-clear waters to swim with sea turtles in Akumal or explore vibrant coral reefs along the coast.
• Cultural experiences: Discover Mayan rituals in Mayakoba, visit knowledge gardens, and explore meliponaries, where the sacred Melipona bees are preserved.
• Three Kings’ Day (January 6): Join this local tradition by sharing Rosca de Reyes accompanied by a cup of hot chocolate—a warm and meaningful way to experience Mexican culture.

In the end, it’s not just about where you are when the clock strikes midnight—it’s about how you choose to begin the year. Ready to start it with a different perspective?