A hallmark of the annual International Mariachi Festival (Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y la Charrería) is its vibrant array of free events across Guadalajara and the wider Jalisco region. While high-end ticketed galas at venues like the Degollado Theater support the festival’s global outreach, the free public performances truly represent the festival’s heart and soul.
Here’s a rundown of the free events you can attend during this year’s festival, running from August 29 to September 7:
Public Gala
Grand festival opening concert with Mariachi Los Camperos, Nuevo Tecalitlán, Internacional CHG, De América, and Sol de América, joined by the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra.
Sunday, August 31, 6 p.m. Paseo Fray Antonio Alcalde
Sung Masses
A unique blend of sacred tradition and mariachi music for a moving spiritual experience.
• Sunday, August 31, noon. Guadalajara Cathedral
•Sunday, September 7, noon. Zapopan Basilica
Kerméses Mexicanas
Enjoy nonstop mariachi music every afternoon with national and international bands at a pavilion in the heart of downtown.
Paseo Fray Antonio Alcalde. Monday, September 1 to Friday, September 5, 4–8 p.m.
Verbenas Populares
These free concerts bring mariachi to different neighborhoods of metro Guadalajara. All begin at 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, August 29: Santa Lucía
• Saturday, August 30: Glorieta Chapalita
• Sunday, August 31: Atemajac del Valle
• Thursday, September 4: Explanada 18 de Marzo
• Friday, September 5: La Venta del Astillero
• Saturday, September 6: Nextipac
Shopping Malls
Catch free mariachi performances at popular Guadalajara shopping destinations:
• Plaza Andares: August 29, 30, 31 and September 4, 5, 6 at 6 p.m.
• Plaza Patria: Daily, August 29 to September 7 at 5:30 p.m.
Closing Concert
The festival concludes with a grand performance featuring top national and international mariachi groups, plus a special guest appearance by renowned ranchera singer Dina Buendía.
Sunday, September 7, 7 p.m. Plaza Juan Pablo II, Zapopan centro
Festival Outreach
The festival also takes its mariachi magic to Jalisco’s Pueblos Mágicos and key municipalities. Among these are:
• Puerto Vallarta: Friday, August 29, 7 p.m. Los Arcos Amphitheater
• Chapala: Sunday, August 31, 7:30 p.m. Malecón
Charrería
A vital part of the festival, Charrería is Mexico’s iconic equestrian sport, often described as the Mexican rodeo. Enjoy competitions — and delightful presentations by all-female teams of escaramuzas — that highlight skillful horse riding, livestock management and Mexican heritage:
Saturday, September 6. Three seatings: 11:30 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Lienzo Charro “Nito Aceves” (off the Guadalajara-Chapala highway, by the Cajititlán turnoff). This event will incur a small 100-peso entry fee.
For the full festival program, visit mariachi-jalisco.com.mx or follow Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y la Charrería on Facebook.