Cancun Entertainment

After you’ve enjoyed a day on the beach or at the pool, you’ll be ready to sample some of Cancun’s exciting nightlife options. If you enjoy a party, you’ll be extremely happy. Cancun is renowned the world over for its non-stop parties and late night bars. If, on the other hand, you prefer to take things slower, you will also find plenty of suitable entertainment.

There are many lounges offering alternative music, hotels offering cabaret performances, theatres offering productions and numerous concerts being held across the city. If you are lucky enough to be in Cancun during one of the many annual festivals, be sure to put your party hat on and throw yourself into the thick of things.

Nightlife

The city of Cancun is alive and vibrant 24 hours. The endless parties have a worldwide reputation, attracting a mix of Europeans, Mexicans, South Americans, North Americans and others from further afield. The largest concentration of nightclubs can be found at Punta Cancun, which is also known as the party centre.

There are some excellent nightspots along the boulevard. These are generally quieter and attract an older crowd. The city centre has recently gained a reputation for a lively nightlife, with much of it concentrated on the main strip of bars and clubs.

The resort of Cancun is regarded as one of the best places in Latin America to visit during the spring break, which ensures there will be hordes of holidaymakers looking to let their hair down during the holiday season. If nightclubs and a lively bar scene are too much for you, many hotels offer excellent evening entertainment, and many of the quieter bars offer live music in all sorts of genres including jazz and blues.

Theatre and music

The Theatre of Cancun can be found in the heart of the city and plays host to a wide range of performances.  These include classical music concerts, ballet performances, theatrical plays and choral ensembles. Performances can be attended throughout the year.

Live music can be found at one of the many bars in the city. For a truly unique experience, the El Mexicano restaurant offers a live folklore show every night, which includes live mariachi music, folk ballet and live music for dancing.

The Folklore Ballet Company can be seen putting on performances every evening at the Cancun Convention Centre. Dinner is followed by music and dance from all across Mexico and is truly a sight not to be missed.

If you prefer to wander the streets of an evening, Mariachi bands can be seen performing on Yaxchilan Avenue in downtown Cancun. They are available to hire for a serenade or a party.

Festivals

There are a number of annual festivals that the city celebrates. Highlights include:

• Cancun Day commemorates the founding of Cancun. Residents celebrate the founding of the city by hosting all-night parties on the streets and in their homes (April).
• Cancun Jazz Festival is held at Quintana Roo and attracts some of the world’s most famed jazz musicians. Performances take place across three days and are held at various locations throughout the city (May).
• Cancun Banamex Triathlon attracts athletes from around the world. Swimming, cycling and running can be watched by spectators (October).
• Festival Internacional del Caribe Mexicano is an annual event, also known as Cancun’s food festival, and is spread over an entire month. It is possible for visitors to sample the delights from Mexico’s top chefs as well as voting in competitions such as ‘best chef’ and ‘best bartender’ (November).
• Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is a unique festival, always held on the 1 and 2 of November. Mexicans commemorate the dead by leaving offerings of their favourite foods and beverages as well as marigolds and candles (November).