The Fiestas de Octubre, Guadalajara’s annual month-long fair, kicks off on Friday, October 4 at the Benito Juarez Auditorium complex on the northern Periférico. The fair runs daily through Sunday, November 4.
If you’ve been to a U.S. state fair, you’ll have a rough sense of what to expect, but Guadalajara’s version adds a unique Mexican flavor. The fair offers a variety of entertainment, including nightly shows featuring popular Mexican artists, such as Julieta Venegas on October 29, in the Foro Principal. General seating is free and included with the fair’s entry ticket, but there’s an additional cost for seats closer to the stage. Concerts start at 7 p.m.
Other attractions include mechanical rides, children’s games, themed pavilions and food vendors. Notable exhibits include the Canica Azul science pavilion (40 pesos extra) and the Terror Mansion.
Entry to the fair is 50 pesos for adults and 20 pesos for children. Gates open daily at 10 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. Valet parking is available for an additional fee. For more information, see fiestasdeoctubre.com.
Traditionally, gruesome late-night cockfights are held nightly at the Palenque arena, which also hosts top musical acts around midnight. Ranchero favorite Alejandro Fernandez on October 18 will be especially popular. See palenquefiestasdeoctubre.mx.