Toy Run
The Los Güeros motorcycle club is holding a Christmas Toy Run fundraiser, sponsored by American Legion Post 7 Chapala and Johnny’s Lounge, on Saturday, September 28, 2 to 8 p.m. at Johnny’s, González Gallo 86, San Antonio Tlayacapan.
The event will feature ‘70s and ‘80s music by a DJ (come dressed in theme!), Lakeside Laughs Improv group, a silent auction (donations accepted), a tequila door prize, and a 50/50 raffle. Entrance is 350 pesos and includes a taco bar. Tickets are available at Johnny’s, the Legion, or from Nancy Allan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 332-646-7568.
Open Circle
The theme of Open Circle at the Lake Chapala Society on Sunday, September 29, 10:30 a.m. is LCS Leadership: Tremendous Potential Ahead.
As the Lake Chapala Society approaches its 70th anniversary (first informally founded as the “Chapala Society” in 1955), this is your chance to meet and ask questions of the current leadership team and department directors responsible for a wide array of programs, classes, social events, and concerts.
Newly-elected President Yolanda Martinez, Executive Director Steve Balfour and Board Vice President Greg DiStefano will discuss how the LCS campus continues to deliver its mission seven days a week and what lies ahead.
The moderated Q&A session will explore how the board of directors and operational teams collaborate to build, review and improve member services and community collaborations. This is also an opportunity to meet Susana López, LCS’ new Finance Director.
Paella Fest
The 4th Paella Festival of Lake Chapala takes place on Saturday, October 19, noon to 7 p.m. at the Centro para la Cultura y las Artes de la Ribera (CCAR) in La Floresta.
The event is a culinary competition featuring traditional and alternative versions of the famous dish. Proceeds will benefit Poco a Poco San Pedro Itzicán, a non-profit that supports villages east of Mezcala by providing food and improving lives (see pocoapocosanpedro.com).
The afternoon will feature live jazz music by the Jazz Lakeside Trio and flamenco performances by Solea.
Tickets are 800 pesos per person, which includes a welcome glass of sangria, gazpacho, Spanish tortilla, Valenciana salad, raspberry liqueur, dessert, and more than 13 varieties of paella. A no-host bar with spirits and beer will also be available.
Tickets can be purchased at Home 4 Rent, Carretera 34E, Ajijic, or reserved through Paco Romero (333-139-4028), Luis Armaral (331-241-6822), or Francisco Nava (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
Following the success of last year’s event, the 2024 Paella Festival promises to be a delightful, casual afternoon of camaraderie, fragrant aromas and flavorful dishes, all shared in a joyful atmosphere.
U.S. Voter Assistance
For U.S. citizens, time is running out to request and return ballots. The Lake Chapala Society will host the Vote From Abroad team on Monday, September 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for extended hours to assist voters.
To ensure timely return of your ballot, it is recommended to send it back by October 4.
Still need a 2024 ballot? Visit VoteFromAbroad.org to request one. For questions, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the hotline at 332-969-1209.
Advanced Care Seminar
Prepare for peace of mind with the seminar Advanced Care Planning—Living Well and Dying Well at Lakeside, held on Fridays, October 11 and 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at the LCS Neill James Sala. Led by gerontologist and certified advanced care facilitator Loretta Downs, the cost is 780 pesos for both classes, with a 30-percent discount for LCS members.
To register or become an LCS member, visit LakeChapalaSociety.org.
Oktoberfest
American Legion Post 7 hosts an Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, October 12, 2 to 6 p.m. The event will include a beer garden, music, dancing and drawings, along with a meal of bratwurst, chicken or veggie schnitzel, plus traditional German side dishes and dessert.
Tickets are 250 pesos, with proceeds going to Love in Action Home for Children. They are available at the Legion.
Gourmet Meal
Teocintle Maíz and Casa Barragán host an exclusive event titled “A Culinary Journey of México & a Tequila Tasting” on Monday, October 14, 6 to 9 p.m., as a fundraiser for Centro Educativo Jaltepec.
This event features a four-course Mexican dinner prepared by Chef Gloria Rodríguez of Teocintle Maíz, accompanied by live music in the gardens of Ana Paula Medeles’ Casa Barragán.
Both Rodríguez and Medeles are alumnae of Jaltepec and are hosting this special event to give back to their alma mater.
Seating is limited, and reservations are required. The cost is 1,200 pesos per person. For more information or to reserve a seat, contact Linda Buckthorp at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by October 7.
This event presents a unique opportunity to support the education of future hospitality leaders while enjoying a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine and culture.
Canadian Thanksgiving
• The Canadian Veterans Support Association hosts a Thanksgiving dinner on Monday, October 14, 3 p.m. at Sunrise Restaurant in San Antonio. Tickets, 350 pesos, can be purchased at Sunrise, It’s Kinda Bazar, or via John Kelly at 331-758-0676.
• Panino Deli is also taking reservations for Canadian Thanksgiving on October 14. Reservations can be made through @paninodeli or at the restaurant.
• Go Bistro is celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving Monday, October 14 with turkey, giblet gravy, cranberry sauce, smashed potatoes, stuffing, beets, carrots, green beans almondine. Seatings at 3 and 6 p.m. for 350 pesos. Reservations: 333-502-6555.
• Manix II Restaurant will offer a dinner buffet October 14 with Waldorf salad, turkey, ham, all the trimmings, apple pie a la mode or pumpkin pie with whipped cream for 490 pesos. Reservations: 376-766-0061.
Hiking and Walks
Marissa McGregor leads free weekly walks in local parks and along the various malecónes in the area. LGBTQ+ and women-focused, the walks are posted in the Hiking Jalisco! Outdoor Collective group on Facebook, with a new schedule released every Monday.
Upcoming walks (all at 11 a.m.) include Parque Cristiania on October 3, the San Antonio Malecón on October 10, the Ajijic Malecón on October 24, and the Chapala Malecón on October 31.
Red Cross Bazaar
The Chapala Red Cross is collecting items for a bazaar to be held on Saturday, October 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Plazoleta de Hermandad, Encarnación Rosas at Lázaro Cárdenas, in front of Min Wah restaurant.
Proceeds from the event will help fund the completion of the new clinic, which is vital to improving health services at Lakeside.
Donations of items in good condition, including home goods, appliances, and clothing, are being accepted at the Chapala Red Cross (González Gallo 1, Chapala) or at the Vista Alegre Guardhouse (Libramiento 145, San Antonio Tlayacapan).
For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Pancho Project
Proyecto Pancho is preparing for a spay/neuter clinic in Mezcala on the weekend of October 26 and 27.
They are seeking donations of folding tables for surgery and recovery, rice and beans for dispensation to families bringing animals, plastic bags, and flea/tick medication.
Donations can be dropped off at Lakeside Vet, Carretera Poniente 242, Ajijic, or made online at therawleyproject.org/panchoproject.