Chuchito Valdés headlines the 12th edition of the San José Jazz Weekend in Los Cabos

The 12th edition of the San José Jazz Weekend International Festival will bring together 11 artistic projects, more than 35 musicians on stage, gastronomy, art, and an extended program that strengthens the cultural offerings of Los Cabos. The San José Jazz Weekend International Festival presented the details of its 12th edition, which will be held on Friday, May 22, and Saturday, May 23, starting at 5:30 p.m., in the Hotel Zone of San José del Cabo, in front of Plaza del Pescador (free admission). For more than a decade, the San José Jazz Weekend has independently evolved into one of the most solid cultural platforms in Baja California Sur. Anchored in jazz, local roots, and community, the festival has demonstrated that it is possible to build a cultural ecosystem with its own identity, sustained artistic growth, and an audience that eagerly awaits it year after year. The 2026 edition strengthens this evolution with a program that will integrate live music, gastronomy, art, community, and cultural tourism. Each year, the festival draws thousands of attendees to the San José del Cabo hotel zone, becoming a meeting point for the local community, foreign residents, and national and international visitors. In a destination renowned for its luxury and natural beauty, the San José Jazz Weekend adds a cultural dimension that enhances the perceived value of Los Cabos and strengthens its narrative as a destination that integrates authentic, sophisticated, and community-oriented artistic experiences. Today, we see how the profile of tourists in Los Cabos is rapidly evolving: more and more visitors are seeking immersive experiences in culture, gastronomy, and events, with nearly 20% actively participating in these activities. This reflects a destination in full diversification, expanding its offerings beyond sun and sand to position itself as a benchmark for experiential tourism. 35 Musicians on the San José Jazz Weekend Lineup This year's program will feature 11 projects and more than 35 musicians on stage, with a curated lineup that brings together international figures, national acts, and top-tier local talent. The headliner will be Chuchito Valdés, Cuban pianist, heir to the Valdés dynasty—one of the most influential in the history of Afro-Cuban jazz—and an international icon with seven Grammy nominations. The lineup also includes Alex Mercado Trio, Larry Ruiz Velazco Trio, B-Soul with a James Brown tribute, Rita Donte, Baja Swing & Co Trio, Monique, The Diego Ramírez Trio, Gama Quartet, and Germán Nager. For the second year in a row, the artistic direction is in the hands of Hernán Hecht, drummer, producer, and Latin Grammy winner, whose vision has strengthened the festival's curation and broadened its dialogue with different generations and styles of jazz. As part of its extended program, the festival will continue beyond the main weekend, with special events in various venues throughout the destination. — Thursday, May 15 | Hotel El Ganzo The Art of Improvisation, a discussion and workshop with Hernán Hecht — 6:00 p.m. San José Jazz Weekend × El Ganzo Collective presenting Hernán Hecht — 8:00 p.m. — Saturday, May 16 | Clandestinna Special concert with the Hernán Hecht Quartet as part of the festival's extended program — 8:00 p.m. — Saturday, May 23 | Bistro by Sebastien Agnès Closing Jam to bid farewell to the 12th edition of the festival, following the final performance. The culinary experience will be an essential part of this edition. Participating in Plaza del Pescador will be Bistro, La Forchetta, La Mexicana, Latino 8, Spicy Tuna, and Penca. In addition, the festival will feature special guests such as Palmilla Social Club by One & Only Palmilla; Taba BBQ with chef Chris Kabush; Grupo Tres Gallos with Mary Juana and Agua y Miel; and Aarón Mizrahi, one of Mexico's most renowned grill masters. Partners such as Baja Wines and Baja Brewing, among others, will also be participating. Art will also have a significant presence at the festival. The 2026 edition will include the participation of Aurora Covarrubias, the donation of Alfredo Sosa's piece "Almas Gemelas" (Twin Souls), a live ceramic creation demonstration by Jaznum Fragoso Bishop, and an art garden showcasing the work of more than 20 artists. As part of its community outreach, the festival will feature art activities for children and the participation of Soñar Despierto, a youth-led organization that will be accepting donations during the festival to support transformative experiences for vulnerable children. The San José Jazz Weekend International Festival is supported by the Government of the State of Baja California Sur, the Los Cabos City Council, the Los Cabos Tourism Trust (FITURCA), the Los Cabos Hotel Association, and Plaza del Pescador as the main sponsor and venue, as well as strategic partners that strengthen the cultural and tourism profile of the destination. The festival also acknowledges the support of its media partners for their outstanding coverage and contribution to positioning the San José Jazz Weekend as a cultural platform for the destination.