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Sayulita’s calendar runs on two rhythms: the surf and music festivals of winter, and the Day of the Dead celebrations of autumn. Most events are free and held around the main plaza and the beach. Here’s what’s on through the year, with dates and what to expect. Start with our Sayulita travel guide for the full overview. See our travel tips guide for practical details.
Sayulita Events and Festivals: Winter
- Festival Sayulita (late January to early February): A week-long film, music and surf festival with beach screenings, live bands, a rodeo, food stalls and an international surf competition. Film passes run 300 to 900 MXN depending on access, and the surf events are free to watch from the sand.
- Whale watching season (December to March): Humpbacks calve in Bahía de Banderas, and daily boat tours leave from the Sayulita beach and La Cruz marina. Tours cost 1,100 to 1,600 MXN (US$60 to 85) per person.
- Christmas and New Year (December 24 to January 1): The town fills to capacity, restaurants run set menus, and hotel rates peak. Book rooms and dinner reservations a month ahead. See the where to stay guide for where to stay.
Sayulita Events and Festivals: Spring and Summer
- Semana Santa (Holy Week, March or April): The week before Easter is one of the busiest of the year, as Mexican families arrive for the holiday. The beach is packed and prices rise, but the town runs processions and evening events around the church.
- Surf season (May to October): Summer brings south swells and bigger waves for experienced surfers, plus the annual youth surf meets held at the main break. The things to do page lists surf schools and board rentals.
Sayulita Events and Festivals: Autumn
- Día de los Muertos (October 31 to November 2): The town builds ofrendas (altars), lines the streets with marigolds, papel picado and candles, and paints faces as catrinas. The main procession runs the evening of November 1 from the plaza to the cemetery. It’s free and open to everyone; arrive early to get a spot along the route.
- Fiestas Patronales (town fair): Sayulita’s patron saint festival fills the plaza with a stage, rides and food stalls for about a week, usually in early December. Music runs late, so light sleepers should pick a hotel away from the plaza, which our neighborhoods article covers.
To line these dates up with the best weather, check the best time to visit and weather by month guides before you book.
