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The Todos Santos events calendar is anchored by a music festival in January and a patron-saint fiesta in October, with whale season and turtle releases filling the gaps. Most events cluster in the dry season from November through April, which matches the best time to visit Todos Santos. The Todos Santos overview confirms the climate.
Todos Santos Events: January to April
Todos Santos Music Festival (January)
The town’s flagship event runs two weeks in mid-January, founded in 2012 by R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck. Concerts spread across the town plaza, the cultural center, and Hotel California, mixing touring rock and Latin acts with local musicians. Tickets run 500 to 1,200 pesos (US$28 to US$68) per show, and lodging sells out weeks ahead, so book rooms before Christmas. January nights are cool, per the Todos Santos weather by month guide. See where to stay in Todos Santos for options.
Whale Watching Season (Mid-December to Mid-April)
Gray whales pass within sight of Punta Lobos and La Cachora from mid-December through mid-April. There is no entry fee to watch from shore, but the best viewing is from a panga tour out of La Paz or Los Cabos, at 900 to 1,400 pesos (US$50 to US$80) per person. Peak sightings fall in February. Whale watching is one of the things to do in Todos Santos.
Todos Santos Art Walk (Fridays, High Season)
From November through April, galleries coordinate a Friday evening art walk where openings run 17:00 to 20:00 with free wine and live music. It is free and self-guided; pick up a map at any gallery on the plaza.
Todos Santos Events: May to August
Festival del Mango (Late July or Early August)
Mangoes ripen across the surrounding orchards in summer, and the town holds a weekend festival with mango tastings, cooking stands, and a contest for the largest fruit. Dates shift each year, usually the first weekend of August, and events center on the plaza. Food stalls run 50 to 200 pesos (US$3 to US$11) per plate.
Festival del Cine (Spring, Some Years)
A small international film festival has run in late spring in recent years, screening Mexican and Latin American features at the cultural center and open-air venues. Check the cultural center’s board in April for that year’s dates and ticket prices, which are usually under 200 pesos (US$11).
Todos Santos Events: September to December
Fiesta de Nuestra Senora del Pilar (October 12)
The patron-saint festival builds up over about ten days to October 12 with processions, rodeo events, carnival rides, and a food fair around the plaza. Fireworks mark the final nights. It draws families from across Baja California Sur, so expect the plaza to be packed and book restaurants early. The plaza area is explained in the Todos Santos neighborhoods guide.
Dia de Muertos (November 1 to 2)
The town builds altars in the plaza and the cultural center, and families decorate graves at the local cemetery on November 2. Restaurants serve pan de muerto and hot chocolate. It is a respectful, local celebration rather than a tourist spectacle, so observe quietly and ask before photographing altars. Other etiquette is in the Todos Santos travel tips guide.
Sea Turtle Release Season (June to December)
Olive Ridley hatchlings emerge most nights from October through early December, and guided releases with Todos Santos Eco Adventures cost 500 to 700 pesos (US$28 to US$40) per person. Book two or three days ahead since groups are capped to limit disturbance to the nests.
