There are months that seem made for traveling, and October is one of the best times to discover Guanajuato.
October transforms Guanajuato into a great stage of culture, flavors, and experiences. Experience the International Cervantino Festival, enjoy the last harvests of the season, and discover exhibitions, music, and activities to make this month an unforgettable getaway.
During these weeks, the state hosts some of its most important cultural and tourist events of the year. The streets and theaters of Guanajuato Capital welcome artists from different countries; the vineyards celebrate the last days of the harvest season, and museums, plazas, and cultural venues are filled with new offerings.
If you’re planning a getaway, here are some of the experiences worth keeping in mind this October.
Viva the 54th edition of the Cervantino International Festival
From October 3 to 18, 2026, Guanajuato Capital hosts the 54th edition of the Cervantino International Festival, one of Mexico's most emblematic cultural events.
For 16 days, 212 performances will be held, with the participation of 2,746 artists and representatives from 28 countries. Music, dance, theater, opera, performance, cinema, and visual arts are part of a program that takes theaters, museums, and public spaces in the city. This year, France is the guest country of honor.
Rather than just attending a show, visiting Guanajuato during Cervantino means encountering cultural activities practically at every turn: from major productions to exhibitions and proposals by Guanajuato artists. The state programming also includes 22 visual arts exhibitions and the participation of more than 1,400 artists from Guanajuato.
A stop for lovers of Don Quixote
The Quijote Iconographic Museum also joins the celebration with its MIQ program at the FIC, from October 5 to 26.
Its program brings together visual arts, cinema, literature, and music, with France and Miguel de Cervantes's work being some of its main focuses. Most of its activities are free, with the exception of some concerts.
It is a good option to complement a day spent exploring the historic center and experiencing a different side of Cervantes.
Travels through Guanajuato among vineyards
October also marks the final phase of the 2026 Guanajuato Vine-Picking Season, a season that began in August and ends on October 18.
The wine-making experiences combine wine, gastronomy, music, nature, and activities related to the harvesting of grapes. According to the Secretariat of Tourism and Identity, Guanajuato currently has more than 82 vineyards and more than 80 wine-gastronomic tourism experiences.
During October you can still find several celebrations:
- October 3 — Between Vides and the Clouds, Viña del Cielo
📍 Atotonilco, San Miguel de Allende
- October 3rd — Vine Harvest Casa Reyes
📍 Dolores Hidalgo, the Cradle of National Independence
- October 9 — UTSMA University Wine Festival
📍 San Miguel de Allende
- October 10 — The Holy Harvest, First Vintage The Holy Vine
📍 San Miguel de Allende
- October 10 — Guanajuato Land of Wine / Vine Harvest Festival, Wine Museum
📍 Dolores Hidalgo, the Cradle of National Independence
- October 17th and 18th — Meanwhile a Wine
📍 Guanajuato Bicentenario Park, Silao
The calendar is part of the official season of Vendimias Guanajuato 2026
Discover the dialogue between Mexico and France in León
The Cervantino also leaves its mark outside Guanajuato Capital.
Starting October 1st, the Guanajuato Museum of Art and History in León is presenting the exhibition In Search of the Impossible, a showcase dedicated to the two centuries of cultural dialogue between Mexico and France.
The exhibition is part of the Visual Arts Program of the Cervantino International Festival and will remain open until April 4, 2027.
If you are in León or plan to start a tour to Guanajuato Capital from here, it is a great way to start experiencing the cultural atmosphere of the month.
October is also an opportunity to discover León
In addition to its permanent cultural offerings, León continues during October with activities related to the celebration of its 450th anniversary.
On October 20 and 21, the León 450 Summit of Advanced Cities will be held, an event that will bring together national and international experts to discuss mobility, sustainability, social development, the economy, education, and the future of cities.
And for those who enjoy learning about local history, León's Municipal Historical Archive is holding exhibitions throughout October, such as La Alcaldía Mayor de León, available until October 23, and Paso en la Ciudad. Rememoración y Archivo, until October 16.
One of the advantages of visiting Guanajuato during this month is that you don't have to choose just one experience.
You can start with art and culture in León, continue among the vineyards in San Miguel de Allende or Dolores Hidalgo, and finish by walking through the streets of Guanajuato Capital during Cervantino.
In a few days you can go from an exhibition to a wine tasting, from a Magical Town to an international performance of theater or music.
October is all about culture, flavors, history, and paths to discover. Experience Guanajuato this October.