By The Rio Times | Created at 2026-10-05 08:35:05 | Updated at 2026-10-05 09:11:28
1 hour ago
MÉRIDA · Culture
The Festival de las Ánimas runs from 24 October with the Paseo de las Ánimas on 30 October, while Oktoberfest Yucatán runs from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October and major concerts land at Foro GNP Seguros. The month, day by day.
MÉRIDA — This guide is for people who live here or are staying for weeks. It lists what is actually on in the city this month, day by day, with venues, prices where known and practical notes for things to do in mérida october 2026.
October is hot, humid and rainy. The month builds towards the Festival de las Ánimas at the end, while the second weekend brings Oktoberfest Yucatán and the first half is packed with trade fairs and concerts.
8 to 11 October: Fairs and the first big concerts
Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 October
Expo Decosureste
Centro de Convenciones Yucatán Siglo XXI · Price from the venue
A large home, decor and construction expo that fills the convention centre for four days. If you are furnishing a rental or renovating, this is where local suppliers and contractors show their work. Bring cash for smaller vendors and allow time for parking.
Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October
Oktoberfest Yucatán 2026
Unidad Deportiva Rogers Hall · Price from the venue
Yucatán’s take on the Bavarian beer festival, with German-style food, music and plenty of local and imported beer. It runs from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October at Unidad Deportiva Rogers Hall and draws a large, mixed crowd of locals and foreigners. Check the official page for session times and whether tickets are sold per day or per session.
Saturday 10 October, 20:00
Majo Aguilar free concert
Gran Parque de La Plancha · Free
The Mexican singer performs in the open air at La Plancha, the large park built on the old railway lands north of the centre. It is free and likely to be busy, so take the Metrobús or a taxi rather than trying to park nearby. Bring water and expect a long, warm evening.
Saturday 10 October, 20:00
El Último Show – Soy Luna Tour
Foro GNP Seguros · Price from the venue
15 to 18 October: Culture, dance and a second expo
Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 October
Expo Feria del Comercio
Centro de Convenciones Yucatán Siglo XXI · Price from the venue
Thursday 15 to Wednesday 21 October
Semana Cultural del Bicentenario de la Relación Francia–México
Various venues · Price from the venue
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October
Yucatán Style Festival de Danzas Urbanas
Centro Cultural del Sur · Price from the venue
Saturday 17 October, 21:00
Natanael Cano – Volumen 1
Foro GNP Seguros · Price from the venue
The corridos tumbados star brings his Volumen 1 tour to Mérida’s main concert ground. It will be loud, late and heavily attended. Buy tickets in advance through the official platform and arrange transport home before you go.
22 to 25 October: Performance and classic rock
Thursday 22 to Sunday 25 October
Habitación a través del exilio: cuerpos y memoria
Academia Goch, colonia Alemán · Price from the venue
Friday 23 October, 21:00
Kapo – Afro Rosa Tour 2026
Foro GNP Seguros · Price from the venue
Sunday 25 October, 21:00
The Alan Parsons Project
Foro GNP Seguros · Price from the venue
A rare classic rock and prog night in Mérida, with the Alan Parsons Project playing the big outdoor venue. It will appeal to an older crowd and anyone who wants a change from the usual Latin pop and regional Mexican line-ups. Book early if you want seated or covered areas.
24 October to 2 November: Festival de las Ánimas
Saturday 24 October to Monday 2 November
Festival de las Ánimas 2026
Various venues across Mérida · Many events free, some ticketed
Mérida’s Day of the Dead season begins in late October with altars, processions, music and food across the city. The two headline events are the Paseo de las Ánimas on Friday 30 October and the Desfile de Catrinas on Saturday 31 October. This is the month’s biggest cultural moment and worth planning your week around.
Friday 30 October
Paseo de las Ánimas
Historic centre route · Free to watch
The central procession of the Festival de las Ánimas, when thousands of people walk through the streets in silence, dressed in white with candles, honouring the dead. It is the most atmospheric night of the year in Mérida. Arrive early to find a good spot and be prepared for large crowds and road closures.
Saturday 31 October
Desfile de Catrinas
Historic centre route · Free to watch
A more colourful daytime or evening parade of Catrinas, the elegant skeleton figures of Mexican popular culture. Expect face paint, elaborate costumes and a festive rather than solemn mood. It is family-friendly and very photogenic.
Late October: Pop and nostalgia concerts
Thursday 29 October, 21:00
Pandora – 40 Años
Auditorio Coca-Cola La Isla · Price from the venue
The Mexican vocal trio marks four decades with a nostalgia-heavy show at the indoor arena in the north of the city. It is a comfortable, air-conditioned option if you prefer seated concerts. Tickets are usually sold through the auditorium’s official channels.
Friday 30 October, 20:00
Ídolos del Corazón
Auditorio Coca-Cola La Isla · Price from the venue
A romantic ballad package at the same indoor arena, with Los Terrícolas, Grupo Yndio and Los Bríos. It is a good alternative if you want a seated show on the same night as the Paseo de las Ánimas. Check the line-up before buying.
Planning your Mérida in October
October is one of the wettest months of the year in Mérida. Expect hot, humid days, sudden heavy downpours and the continuing possibility of tropical storms, since the Atlantic hurricane season runs until 30 November. Carry an umbrella and plan indoor alternatives for late afternoons.
Monday 12 October (Día de la Raza) is not a statutory paid day of rest under federal labour law, so most shops, banks and government offices stay open unless a local institution announces otherwise.
For night events, especially at Foro GNP Seguros and Auditorio La Isla, arrange transport in advance. Ride-hailing apps work in Mérida, but demand spikes after big concerts. Taxis from the venue can be expensive, so agree a price before getting in.
Ticket platforms vary by event. Many concerts use eTicket or the venue’s own system. For municipal and cultural events, check the Ayuntamiento de Mérida agenda and Diario de Yucatán’s Mérida section, which publish weekly listings. Most listings did not publish a price, so confirm costs with the venue or ticket platform before you go.
Mérida is generally safe, but large events like the Paseo de las Ánimas mean dense crowds. Keep phones and wallets in front pockets, stay hydrated and know where your group will meet if you get separated. The historic centre is walkable, but many venues in this guide are in the north or south and need a car or taxi.
More from The Rio Times: Mexico news and guides, Moving to Mexico, Mérida’s first Michelin stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest event in Mérida in October 2026?
The Festival de las Ánimas runs from 24 October to 2 November, with the Paseo de las Ánimas on Friday 30 October and the Desfile de Catrinas on Saturday 31 October.
Is Oktoberfest Yucatán 2026 free?
No, Oktoberfest Yucatán runs from 9 to 11 October at Unidad Deportiva Rogers Hall and prices are set by the venue, so check the official page for session tickets.
Are there free events in Mérida this month?
Yes, Majo Aguilar plays a free concert at Gran Parque de La Plancha on Saturday 10 October at 20:00, and the Paseo de las Ánimas and Desfile de Catrinas are free to watch.
What is the weather like in Mérida in October?
October is hot, humid and rainy, with a continuing risk of heavy tropical showers.
