April is packed with festivals.

Guadalajara is one of the most dynamic cultural cities in the country. Throughout the year, the city and its surroundings become a stage for festivals that combine art, gastronomy, music, and technology, attracting both travelers and locals alike.

From film screenings featuring international talent to light shows in the heart of the Historic Center or musical experiences in agave fields, these events offer a unique way to discover the city.

If you want to experience the city from a different perspective, these are some of the most anticipated festivals of the year.

GUADALAJARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL.

Every spring, our city transforms into the film capital of Latin America thanks to the Guadalajara International Film Festival, one of the most important cinematic gatherings in the region. For over a week, directors, producers, actors, and film lovers come together to celebrate the seventh art.

The 41st edition of the festival will be held from April 17 to 25, 2026 and will be primarily hosted at the Cineteca FICG, as well as various cultural spaces throughout the city.

It offers much more than just screenings, from premieres of Mexican and Ibero-American films and official competitions like the Mezcal Award, to talks with filmmakers and international talent, as well as exhibitions and cultural activities.

A true opportunity to see and appreciate films that rarely reach commercial theaters, discover new talent, and connect with the film industry.

GDLuz

One of the most spectacular and photogenic events in Guadalajara is GDLuz, a festival that illuminates the Historic Center every year with digital art installations, projection mapping, and light sculptures.

This festival is held to commemorate the city's founding anniversary and features a roughly 1.2-mile route filled with visual attractions and interactive experiences.

For several days, the Guadalajara Cathedral, Paseo Alcalde, the Plaza de Armas and the Hospicio Cabañas become stages for monumental projections, light tunnels, and digital sculptures.

Best of all, admission is free, making it one of the most accessible and popular cultural events. Families, tourists, and photographers roam the city center at night to capture one of the most impressive urban spectacles.

This year it will take place from April 23 to 26, 2026 to showcase the city's renovated spaces.

AKAMBA

In the magical town of Tequila, less than an hour from Guadalajara, hosts one of the most unique festivals in the country: Akamba.‍

This year's edition will be held on April 25th in the José Cuervo agave fields, a landscape declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Akamba is more than just an electronic music festival: it is a sensory experience that blends nature, art, and culture. What makes it truly special are the stages set amidst the agave plants, spectacular sunsets over the agave landscape, contemporary art installations, regional cuisine, and mixology, all paired with international DJs and emerging talent.

The 2026 lineup includes artists such as Ben Böhmer, Mochakk, and The Blessed Madonna, among many others.

Plus, you can enjoy the full experience by traveling on the Akamba Express, a train departing from Guadalajara that features music and cocktails during the ride to Tequila, serving as the perfect prelude to the festival.

FESTAVINO

There is something for everyone in this city, and if you are a lover of wine and fine dining, Festavino it has become one of the most attractive gastronomic events in the region.

The date for another edition is approaching, which will take place this Saturday April 25, 2026 at the Jardín Parque Ávila Camacho.

‍

‍This festival brings together national wineries, chefs, sommeliers, and lovers of Mexican wine culture for an experience where tasting and learning go hand in hand.

During the event, attendees can enjoy expert-led tastings, wine samplings, gastronomic experiences with guest chefs, live music, and a great atmosphere that will draw you in from the very first minute.‍

Festavino seeks to bring the public closer to wine culture in a relaxed and accessible way, making it the perfect excuse to spend an afternoon with friends while discovering new labels and pairings.

With cinema, music, light, and wine throughout the month of April, Guadalajara proves that culture is also something to be celebrated.

See you soon.