Oaxaca has opened the calendar for one of Mexico’s most-watched cultural events. The 2026 Guelaguetza program brings together dance, music, food, mezcal, sports, and community traditions across July. For travelers and residents planning ahead, the key dates are now public, including the two Lunes del Cerro performances and the start of ticket sales. The schedule also points to a wider range of events beyond the main auditorium shows.

Oaxaca 2026 Guelaguetza program

Oaxaca’s government has presented the official program for the 94th edition of the Guelaguetza, confirming more than 140 cultural, artistic, gastronomic, and sports activities during July.

The main Lunes del Cerro events are scheduled for July 20 and July 27 at the Rotonda de las Azucenas in the Guelaguetza Auditorium. Each Monday will include two performances, one at 10 a.m. and another at 5 p.m.

Ticket presales are scheduled to begin May 15. General ticket sales are expected to begin on June 1.

A full July calendar in Oaxaca

The 2026 program is being promoted as “Julio, mes de la Guelaguetza,” with events planned in Oaxaca City and other communities.

The wider schedule includes Convites on July 1, 10, and 11. Calendas Culturales are scheduled for July 18 and July 25. These street processions are part of the build-up to the main Monday performances.

The program also includes fairs, exhibitions, concerts, gastronomy events, and community celebrations. The Feria del Mezcal is scheduled from July 17 to July 28, with mezcal producers, artisans, coffee producers, food vendors, and agroindustry participants.

What the main events include

The Guelaguetza is built around music, dance, clothing, food, and ceremonial traditions from Oaxaca’s communities. The Lunes del Cerro events bring delegations to the main stage in Oaxaca City.

This year’s edition will include the return of delegations from Santa María Huazolotitlán, Santo Domingo Chihuitán, and San José Tenango.

For visitors, the announcement gives enough lead time to plan lodging, transportation, and tickets. Oaxaca City often sees strong demand during July, especially around the two main Mondays.

Tickets and access

The state confirmed that presales will begin May 15, followed by general sales on June 1.

Local reports say the presale will cover a limited share of available tickets. General sale prices reported for paid sections are 1,632 pesos for Section A and 1,321 pesos for Section B, plus service charges.

Sections C and D are expected to remain free, with access handled in person. Travelers planning to use free seating should expect early lines and limited availability.

More than performances

The 2026 schedule also includes several sports events. These include the LXXVII Vuelta Clásica Ciclista Nacional Lunes del Cerro 2026, the Third International Pelota Mixteca Tournament, and the Guelaguetza International Marathon in 42, 21, and 10-kilometer categories.

The program also includes events organized through the state DIF system, including the Guelaguetza de Personas Mayores “Toz Nakchho” and the gastronomic market “Desde mis raíces con sus sabores.”