Carnival, Vendimia, Baja 1000, Dia de los Muertos, and year-round celebrations
Ensenada hosts world-class events throughout the year — from legendary off-road races and wine harvest festivals to massive carnival parades and Latin music festivals. Here are the can't-miss events at a glance.
Feb / Mar
300,000+ visitors, illuminated float parades, free concerts, fireworks
Free admission
Late April
200+ boats, 125 nautical miles, huge finish-line party downtown
Free spectating
May & September
50-mile coastal ride, 5,000–10,000+ riders, finish line fiesta
~$45 USD entry
August
2–3 weeks of wine tastings, pairing dinners, concerts, and chef events
Free to $$$
June
Legendary 500km desert race — Trophy Trucks, motorcycles, UTVs
Free spectating
November
The world's most famous off-road race — 1,000+ miles of brutal terrain
Free spectating
Gran Carnaval Ensenada
2026: March 12–17 | Playa Hermosa, downtown
One of Mexico's largest and oldest carnivals, drawing 300,000+ visitors over 6 days. Features illuminated float parades, neon-themed comparsas, live concerts (free), the "Quema del Mal Humor" (Burning of Bad Moods) ceremony, carnival royalty coronations, and fireworks. 2026 theme: Neon. Lineup includes Banda MS, Yuridia, Alicia Villarreal, and Paty Cantu.
Free general admission; VIP zones available
Regata Newport a Ensenada
2026: April 24–26 | Newport Beach, CA to Ensenada harbor
The 78th running of this iconic ocean race, held annually since 1948. One of the world's largest international yacht races, attracting 200+ boats sailing ~125 nautical miles down the Southern California coast to Ensenada. Huge finish-line party in downtown Ensenada. 2026 marks the return of events to downtown.
Free spectating; race entry fees vary
Paseo Ciclista Rosarito-Ensenada
Spring: 1st Sat of May | Fall: Last Sat of Sep | Rosarito to Ensenada waterfront
Award-winning 50-mile (80km) coastal bicycle ride since 1979. 5,000–10,000+ riders of all levels. Scenic Pacific coast highway route with a Finish Line Fiesta in Ensenada featuring food, drinks, and live music until sunset. Over 500,000 total participants across its history. Classified as "Moderate Difficulty." Elite start available (course record: 1:52:54).
Regular ~$45 USD; Elite ~$50 USD
Grape Harvest Festival
2026: August 7–23 | Valle de Guadalupe & Ensenada venues
Baja California's premier wine and food festival celebrating the grape harvest season. 2–3 weeks of events including wine tastings, appreciation workshops, pairing dinners with renowned guest chefs, concerts, family parties, wine tours, and the famous paella competition. The highlight of Ensenada's gastronomic calendar.
Individual events range from free to $$$; multi-event passes available
2026: June 3–7 | Start/finish in Ensenada
The 58th running of this legendary off-road desert race. Part of the SCORE World Desert Championship series. 500+ kilometers of brutal desert, mountain, and coastal terrain. Trophy Trucks, motorcycles, UTVs, and more. Massive pre-race contingency/tech inspection event in downtown Ensenada. Live streamed globally.
Free spectating; race entry fees for participants
2026: August 7–9 | Playas de Rosarito (45 min north)
Major 3-day reggaeton and Latin music festival on the beach. Year 8 in 2026. Past headliners include Rauw Alejandro, Kali Uchis, Peso Pluma, Fuerza Regida, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Ozuna. 18+ only. Shuttle service from San Diego and Tijuana available. One of the biggest Latin music festivals in the world.
Multi-day passes from ~$200+ USD; VIP available
Grito de Independencia
September 15–16 (every year) | Plaza Civica & citywide
Mexico's Independence Day celebrations. On the night of September 15, the mayor leads the "Grito de Independencia" (Cry of Independence) from the balcony of city hall, followed by massive fireworks. September 16 features parades, live music, traditional food, and patriotic celebrations citywide.
Free
Day of the Dead
November 1–2 (every year) | Cemeteries, plazas & public spaces
Mexico's iconic celebration honoring deceased loved ones. Elaborate altars (ofrendas) adorned with marigolds, candles, photos, and offerings. Face painting (calavera/skull makeup), parades, music, and traditional foods like pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and sugar skulls. Increasingly a major cultural event for visitors.
Free
November 2026 (exact dates TBA) | Los Cabos (2026 historic first)
The 59th edition of "The Granddaddy of All Off-Road Races." 1,000+ miles of the most punishing desert terrain on Earth. For 2026, the race makes history by starting and finishing in Los Cabos for the first time. Ensenada remains SCORE's headquarters and the spiritual home of the Baja 1000, and will likely host pre-race events.
Free spectating
2026: September 9–13 | Start/finish in Ensenada
7th edition of this off-road race, the newest addition to SCORE's calendar. Both start and finish in Ensenada. Challenging desert and mountain terrain. Part of the SCORE World Desert Championship series.
Free spectating; race entry fees for participants
Mesas Marinas
2026: April 18–19 | Valle de Guadalupe / Ensenada area
Seafood and new wine festival organized by Provino (Baja California's wine association). Celebrates the pairing of fresh shellfish with the region's newest wine releases. Tastings, chef collaborations, and wine education.
Ticketed event (varies)
Navidad y Ano Nuevo
Throughout December | Plaza Civica, malecon & citywide
Christmas celebrations include posadas (neighborhood processions re-enacting Mary and Joseph's journey), church services, holiday markets, and traditional food (tamales, ponche, bunuelos). New Year's Eve features fireworks over the bay, restaurant specials, and parties at venues like Papas & Beer and Hussong's.
Free (public events); restaurant/bar events vary
| Month | Key Events |
|---|---|
| January | New Year celebrations, whale watching season begins |
| February | Carnaval (some years), whale watching peak |
| March | Carnaval 2026 (Mar 12–17), SCORE San Felipe 250 (Mar 25–29), whale watching |
| April | Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race (Apr 24–26), Festival de las Conchas y Vino Nuevo (Apr 18–19), whale watching ends |
| May | Rosarito-Ensenada Bike Ride (Spring, 1st Saturday), Cinco de Mayo |
| June | SCORE Baja 500 (Jun 3–7) |
| July | Summer tourism season |
| August | Fiestas de la Vendimia (Aug 7–23), Baja Beach Fest (Aug 7–9) |
| September | SCORE Baja 400 (Sep 9–13), Fiestas Patrias (Sep 15–16), Rosarito-Ensenada Bike Ride (Fall, last Saturday), Vendimia may extend |
| October | NORRA 500 (Oct 8–11) |
| November | Dia de los Muertos (Nov 1–2), SCORE Baja 1000 (Los Cabos in 2026) |
| December | Christmas season, posadas, New Year's Eve fireworks |
Every Saturday & Sunday morning
Weekly open-air markets where locals sell produce, clothing, household goods, street food, and more. An authentic local experience. Locations rotate by neighborhood. Free entry.
2–4 ships/week peak season (Oct–Apr); fewer in summer
Ensenada is a popular port of call for cruises from Los Angeles and Long Beach. On ship days, Calle Primera and the malecon are bustling with day-trippers. Major lines include Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Disney.
Every Sunday, year-round
Sundays on the malecon feature families walking, joggers, cyclists, street food vendors, and occasional live music or performance art. Dancing fountains at Parque de la Bandera run nightly at 8pm.
2026: October 8–11 | Ensenada (two-day loop format)
Two back-to-back days of off-road racing around Ensenada. NORRA created sanctioned off-road racing in Baja in 1967. A more accessible entry point for new racers with loops through Pacific coast, mountains, desert, and pine forests. Also includes the Meyers Manx Safari Expedition for non-racers. Free spectating.
Major events like Carnaval, Vendimia, and the SCORE races fill hotels fast. Book accommodations 2–3 months in advance for peak events. During Carnaval week, downtown hotels can sell out entirely.
Major events bring traffic. For Carnaval and SCORE races, expect longer border wait times. Consider crossing early in the morning or using the SENTRI lane. Baja Beach Fest offers shuttle service from San Diego and Tijuana.
During Vendimia and Carnaval, top restaurants (Boules, Manzanilla, Ophelia's) book up quickly. Make dinner reservations well in advance, especially for pairing dinners and chef events during Vendimia.
January, June, and July are the quietest months — lower prices, less crowding, and still great weather. If you want an event-free relaxed visit with easy restaurant availability, these are ideal months.