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La Paz keeps a compact festival calendar built around Carnaval in February, the grey whale season in winter and national holidays in September and November. Most major events are free and take place on or near the Malecon. Here are the La Paz events and festivals worth planning a trip around, with dates and what to expect, plus the La Paz travel guide for city context.
La Paz Events and Festivals: Winter (December to February)
Carnaval de La Paz
Carnaval de La Paz is the city’s biggest party, held each February on Álvaro Obregón Avenue and the Malecon. The 2026 edition ran February 12 to 17 under the theme Reinas del cambio, and the 2025 edition was February 13 to 18. Expect nightly parades with floats, live music stages, food stalls and fireworks, with the closing parade drawing tens of thousands of people. It is free to attend, but book hotels two to three months ahead, as rates spike during the six-day event. Pair the trip with the dry winter weather covered in our La Paz weather by month guide.
Grey Whale Season (Mid-January to Late March)
From mid-January through late March, grey whales arrive in Magdalena Bay, about 3.5 hours from La Paz, and the surrounding towns of Puerto San Carlos and López Mateos run boat trips to see mothers and calves up close. Several La Paz tour operators run full-day packages, and the season is often called the Festival de la Ballena Gris in Baja Sur. This overlaps with whale shark season, so February and March give you two marine experiences in one trip, detailed in our things to do in La Paz guide.
La Paz Events and Festivals: Spring (March to May)
Fiestas de la Fundación (Early May)
La Paz was founded on May 3, 1535, and the city marks the anniversary in early May with a week of civic events around the anniversary date, including a ceremony at the cathedral, cultural performances on the Malecon and a local food fair. It is a smaller, mostly local celebration, and a good reason to visit during May’s dry, warm shoulder season.
Semana Santa (Holy Week, March or April)
Easter week moves each year, and it is one of the busiest travel periods in Mexico, including La Paz, where families from the mainland and Baja arrive to fill the beaches. Balandra and El Tecolote reach capacity early, and hotel prices rise sharply. If you travel over Semana Santa, reserve accommodation well ahead and read our where to stay in La Paz guide before booking.
La Paz Events and Festivals: Fall (September to November)
Independence Day (September 15 to 16)
On the night of September 15, the governor delivers the Grito de Independencia from the government palace, and the Malecon fills with crowds, mariachi, food stalls and fireworks into September 16. It is a public holiday, so banks and many offices close. September is also the wettest month of the year, so check the forecast and expect a possible afternoon shower.
Día de Muertos (November 1 to 2)
La Paz observes Día de Muertos with ofrendas (altars) set up in the cathedral plaza, the Museo de Antropología and along the Malecon, plus face painting and candlelight gatherings at the city cemetery. It is a quieter, family-oriented celebration than in Oaxaca or Mexico City, but the Malecon altars and the November weather (29C, 84F by day, no rain) make it a pleasant time to visit. See our best time to visit La Paz guide for why November is a shoulder-season favorite.
Festival de Todos Santos (November)
About an hour south of La Paz, the Pueblo Mágico of Todos Santos holds its annual music festival, typically over several days in November, with concerts in the town’s historic venues. It draws visitors from across Baja and the US, so La Paz hotels fill up as a base for day trips. Combine it with the art galleries and surfing that make Todos Santos a popular neighborhoods in La Paz-style day trip.
La Paz Events and Festivals: Key Dates
- Mid-January to late March: grey whale season in Magdalena Bay.
- February 12 to 17 (2026): Carnaval de La Paz on the Malecon.
- March or April: Semana Santa, peak beach crowds.
- May 3: Fiestas de la Fundación.
- September 15 to 16: Independence Day (Grito).
- November 1 to 2: Día de Muertos.
- November: Festival de Todos Santos.
For packing advice and getting around during these events, see our La Paz travel tips and FAQ page.
