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León’s calendar is anchored by two huge events that each pull hundreds of thousands of visitors: the hot air balloon festival in November and the state fair in January. Around them sit a WRC rally, religious holidays, and a steady run of concerts at the Poliforum. Here are the dates, locations, and what to expect for each, with the León travel guide guide for the broader picture.
León Events and Festivals: Festival Internacional del Globo
The Festival Internacional del Globo (FIG) is Latin America’s largest hot air balloon event and one of the three biggest in the world. The 25th edition runs November 13 to 16, 2026, at Parque Metropolitano de León. More than 200 balloons from around 25 countries lift off in mass ascensions at dawn each day; gates open around 05:00 and the launch is near 06:30. General admission starts at about MX$290 through eticket.mx, and the opening Friday is free all day under the Viernes de la Gente program. At night, the Noches Mágicas shows tether the balloons for synchronized light-and-music displays from about 19:00. Balloon flights are weather-dependent and can be delayed by wind. Book your room early; see our where to stay in León guide for hotels near the park.
León Events and Festivals: Feria Estatal de León
The Feria Estatal de León is one of Mexico’s largest state fairs, running about three weeks from mid-January into early February at the Recinto Ferial fairgrounds near the Poliforum. It mixes carnival rides, livestock exhibitions, a huge food court, and nightly concerts by major Mexican and international acts. Entry is inexpensive, often under MX$100 on weekdays, with concert nights priced separately. Expect downtown and the fairground area to be busiest on weekends; midweek is calmer. January is also the coolest stretch of the year, with evening lows near 8°C (46°F), so bring a jacket; see best time to visit León for the month-by-month timing.
León Events and Festivals: Rally Guanajuato México
León shares hosting duties for the Rally Guanajuato México, a round of the World Rally Championship normally held in March. The service park and shakedown stage sit near the Poliforum, while the gravel and mountain stages run through Guanajuato and Silao. Spectator access to most stages is free from designated viewing points, with paid grandstands at the superspecial, and León travel tips covers transport to the stages. Check the WRC calendar for the exact dates, which shift year to year.
León Events and Festivals: Religious and Cultural Calendar
Semana Santa (Holy Week, late March or April) brings processions through the historic center and the largest domestic travel week of the spring; restaurants fill up and some shops close on Good Friday. The Fiesta de la Virgen de la Luz, León’s patron saint, is celebrated in May around the cathedral. Día de Muertos on November 1 and 2 fills the city with altars, catrina parades, and flower markets, a smaller and more local version of the celebrations you’d find elsewhere in Guanajuato. For weather context on any of these dates, check our León weather by month page.
Pair this calendar with our things to do in León list to plan each day around what’s on, and León neighborhoods guide to see where each venue sits.
