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Tequila‘s calendar is anchored by the National Tequila Fair each winter, plus religious feasts and national holidays that fill the main square with music, processions, and food stalls. Most events are free to watch, and the biggest ones send hotel prices up, so book early if you’re traveling around a festival date.
Tequila Events and Festivals: National Tequila Fair
The Feria Nacional del Tequila runs from late November through mid December, usually opening around the last week of November and running about two weeks. The fair fills the fairgrounds on the edge of town with concerts, charreadas (Mexican rodeo), tequila tastings from dozens of distilleries, carnival rides, and an opening parade through the historic center. Hotel rooms book out, so reserve at least a month ahead via our where to stay picks. Check the best time to visit Tequila guide to plan around the dates.
Tequila Events and Festivals: Patron Saint and Religious Feasts
The feast of Santiago Apóstol on July 25 is Tequila’s main religious celebration, honoring the town’s patron saint with processions, fireworks, and a fair around the Parroquia Santiago Apóstol. In early February, the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria brings a smaller candlelit procession and food stalls to the plaza. Both are friendly, family-run events rather than tourist spectacles, and you can join the processions as an onlooker. July is the wettest month, so glance at the weather by month data if you’re coming for the Santiago feast.
Tequila Events and Festivals: Day of the Dead
Día de los Muertos on November 1 and 2 turns Tequila’s plaza and cemetery into a display of marigold-covered altars honoring the town’s jimadores and distillery families. The municipal altar competition runs in the main square, and many bars serve seasonal agave cocktails. Unlike the massive celebrations in Guadalajara or Pátzcuaro, Tequila’s version stays small and walkable, which suits a relaxed evening visit.
Tequila Events and Festivals: Mexican Independence Day
On September 15, the town gathers in the main square for El Grito, the traditional cry of independence, followed by fireworks and mariachi on the night of the 15th and a parade on the 16th. September is still in the rainy season, so expect possible afternoon showers before the evening events. Bars and restaurants stay open late, and the plaza fills from around 8:00 pm. For transport into town that night, see our travel tips and FAQ guide.
Tequila Events and Festivals: Agave Harvest and Seasonal Tastings
Agave harvesting happens year-round, but the jimadores’ busiest stretch follows the rainy season, from late October through the winter, when the piñas have the most sugar. Some distilleries mark the season with open-house tastings and barrel-pull events in November and December that overlap with the fair. For a complete list of what to do between events, see our things to do in Tequila article, and use the neighborhoods guide to pick a base near the action.
