Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival

Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival takes place in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. It is held every year, usually in March.

Location

Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Type

Festival

Event dates

6 March 2027 – 13 March 2027

Application deadline

FROM JUNE 1ST 2026 TO JULY 31ST 2026

Frequency

annual

Tickets

Night Shows Pass (includes the opening and closing shows, and the casa de la cultura night concerts); 4-day Pass (includes the Opening or Closing/2 Day Shows/2 Gala Dinners/3 Night Shows); all access Platinum Pass that gives entrance to all events all week. Passes can be purchased online or during presale. Cover does not include consumption. Day Shows and Gala Dinners require a Reservation due to limited seating. Reservations are valid until 30 minutes before each concert. Restaurants expect a minimum consumption (event menu).

Official website

https://www.zihuafest.com/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Zihuatanejo

On Mexico's Pacific Coast, Zihuatanejo hosts its annual International Guitar Festival, a gathering that brings classical guitar to a picturesque fishing village. Designated a Pueblo Mágico, Zihuatanejo retains a charming, traditional feel, offering a laid-back setting for a week of concerts and musical immersion by the sea.

Getting there

The most convenient gateway is Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH), located about 12.5 km southeast of the town. ZIH offers non-stop flights from Mexico City, Puebla, and Tijuana, with seasonal connections from Monterrey, Los Angeles, Houston, and various Canadian cities. Upon arrival, shared shuttles from ETASA provide transport into town for around M$160, or private taxis are available for about M$550 to the Zona Centro. For those traveling domestically, intercity bus services are reliable and comfortable, connecting Zihuatanejo to major cities like Acapulco, Mexico City, and Morelia. The main bus station is about 2 km northeast of the downtown core, easily reached by local bus or taxi.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Zihuatanejo on Omio →

Mexico uses Type A/B sockets, so pack a travel adapter for your tuner and chargers.

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Where to stay

Zihuatanejo's historic downtown, or centro, offers a small-town vibe perfect for a relaxed stay. Accommodations near the bay or in the heart of the Pueblo Mágico allow easy walking access to the festival venues and local attractions. The well-protected bay is a focal point, providing scenic views and a tranquil atmosphere. Staying in this area immerses you in the town's traditional charm, with fishing boats and local life unfolding around you.

What you'll hear

The Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival is an annual event showcasing a range of classical guitar performances. While specific competition details or featured artists are not provided, the festival consistently offers a week of concerts and musical events, drawing both local enthusiasts and international visitors to its picturesque setting. It provides an opportunity to hear various styles and interpretations within the classical guitar repertoire, set against the backdrop of the Pacific coast.

Beyond the festival, Zihuatanejo's soundscape is defined by its vibrant local culture rather than a classical music heritage. As a Pueblo Mágico, the town pulses with the everyday rhythms of a Mexican fishing village: the gentle lapping of waves in the bay, the calls of vendors in the markets, and the sounds of mariachi or local folk music that might drift from a restaurant. This rich aural tapestry provides an authentic and lively counterpoint to the more formal classical performances of the festival.

The local table

As a long-standing fishing village, Zihuatanejo's culinary scene revolves around incredibly fresh seafood. Expect a bounty of daily catches, from snapper and mahi-mahi to shrimp and octopus, prepared with local Mexican flavors. Dishes often feature simple grilling, vibrant ceviches, and seafood tacos, highlighting the natural taste of the ocean. Exploring the beachfront restaurants and local eateries in the centro offers the most authentic experience, where you can savor the Pacific coast's specialties.

Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Zihuatanejo →

While you're there

Zihuatanejo offers a blend of relaxed beach town charm and cultural exploration. Spend time exploring the historic downtown, or centro, which has earned the town its Pueblo Mágico designation, recognizing its cultural and historical importance. The bay is a popular spot for private boat owners, and sports fishing is a major draw. Just south of the airport, the large archaeological site at La Soledad De Maciel and the nearby town of La Chole offer a glimpse into the region's pre-Hispanic past, with ongoing excavations revealing its history as an important trading city. For a contrasting experience, the modern resort of Ixtapa is only 5 km away. And for a unique cultural note, Zihuatanejo gained wider recognition from its mention in the 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption, as the protagonist's ultimate destination.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Zihuatanejo →

More guitar events in Mexico: Concurso de Guitarra Clásica ISC · Festival Internacional de Guitarra de Taxco

Also in March: Appalachian GuitarFest and Competition · Concorso Emilio Pujol · Concorso Fernando Sor · Concours International de Guitare d'Antony · Concours International Roland Dyens · Guitar Art Festival Belgrade

Listing data is compiled from official sources and can change each edition. Always confirm dates, deadlines and requirements on the organizer's official website before applying or booking travel. Spotted an error? See our terms or let us know via the About page.

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