The 2026 Santa Lucía International Festival has announced its dates and program, and this year there will be plenty to see without spending a peso. From October 22 to November 4, Nuevo León will host free music, dance, theater, film, exhibitions, and other cultural events.
Now in its 19th edition, the festival features 182 artistic performances at 33 venues, with the participation of 48 companies and more than 900 artists from 15 countries, according to information from the Government of Nuevo León.
Furthermore, the program will not be limited to downtown Monterrey: there will be 32 activities in 14 municipalities, expanding the festival’s reach to different parts of the state.
Coco with an orchestra and a tribute to Juan Gabriel
One of the most anticipated events is the “Coco Live-to-Film Concert,” which will feature a giant-screen projection of the film while an orchestra performs its music live. The performance is scheduled for October 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the Explanada de los Héroes.
The opening ceremony will also have a Mexican flavor. On October 22, “Querido Juanga, homenaje al Divo” will be presented—a show dedicated to Juan Gabriel featuring artists such as Aída Cuevas, Majo Aguilar, and Paco de María.
The Day of the Dead celebration will also be part of this year’s festival, featuring special programming and a monumental altar.
Galantis will close out the 2026 Santa Lucía Festival
Electronic music will play a major role in the closing ceremony: Galantis will headline the closing show. The Swedish group joins a program that will include various musical genres, as well as dance, theater, and the visual arts.
Among the announced venues are the Macroplaza, Teatro de la Ciudad, Centro de las Artes, Museo La Milarca, and Café Iguana. The Nuevo Parque del Agua is also included and will host activities throughout the festival’s two weeks.
In total, there will also be 16 film screenings, 20 panel discussions, and 27 exhibitions, with the participation of 28 museums.
Date: October 22–November 4, 2026
Location: 33 venues throughout Nuevo León
Schedule: Varies by activity
Cost: Free admission
