🐎 Eat, Dance, Laugh & Ride: Riviera Maya Has It All This Weekend

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning!

First—ICYMI—here’s another chance to read the Tuesday newsletter:
⚖️ How Will Q. Roo’s New Tourism Law Affect Vacation Rental Owners?

There are some great events coming up this weekend. World class show jumping returns to the Riviera Maya, Playa hosts a hot dog festival, a tribute night promises fun for fans of Depeche Mode and Jose Maria Morelos extends an offer to explore the natural world of the Mayan Zone.

All this and more, plus, meet Frey, Playa Animal Rescue’s Adoptable Dog of the Week, find all your favorite bands in the Live Music Lineup and try your luck at this week’s Trivia Question!

Do you know anyone who would enjoy the Riviera Maya Insider? Please share it with them!

TRIVIA TIME

Trivia Time – Playa’s Iconic Arch

One of Playa del Carmen’s most recognizable landmarks is the ‘Portal Maya’ sculpture in Parque Fundadores—a massive bronze arch that has become the city’s iconic postcard image. But do you know when it was officially inaugurated?

You will find the answer at the end of this emai! Did you get it right? We will have another brain-teaser for you next Thursday. Share this newsletter with all your Trivia-loving friends!

Fact-based news without bias awaits. Make 1440 your choice today.

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FIVE FUN THINGS

Here are my picks for Five Fun Things you might want to check out! As always, links to ticketing information and the locations are included in each description.

🌴 Reggae Night at Roots Jamaican Kitchen

This Friday, Roots Jamaican Kitchen is turning up the island heat with Roots Rock Reggae Band live on stage! From 8 PM until close, immerse yourself in the sounds of classic and modern reggae while sipping on tropical cocktails and savoring authentic Jamaican flavors.

Expect a feast of island favorites—oxtail with butter beans, jerk chicken, curry chicken, fried chicken, beef patties, escovitch fish, rasta pasta, coconut rice & beans, mac & cheese, festival bread, and more. Add to that an irresistible drink lineup with Rum Punch, Margaritas, Mojitos, Passionfruit cocktails, and more, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect Caribbean night.

Gather your crew, tag your friends, and get ready for a Friday filled with rhythm, flavor, and soul.

📍 Roots Jamaican Kitchen | Playa del Carmen
📅 Friday, September 5 | 8:00 PM – Close
📞 Reservations: 984 204 1974

🐎 Equestrian Elegance Arrives in Puerto Aventuras

Get ready for a celebration of equestrian sport, culture, and community—right here in Puerto Aventuras. The Riviera Maya is about to host a world-class showcase of sport and style: the First International 3-Star Show Jumping Competition at Hípica Salazar. From September 5–7 and 10–14, over 130 riders and more than 200 horses—both national and international—will take to the arena for world class riding and intense competition.

Beyond the thrilling rounds, visitors can browse a fashion and lifestyle market, sample gourmet bites, sip premium beverages, and shop local artisan products—all in a pet-friendly, family-friendly atmosphere. Attire should be smart-casual: think hats, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and light clothing for a day outdoors.

The Grand Final on September 14 promises a spectacular close, capped with a live set with DJ Andrea to keep the celebration going into the evening.

📍 Hípica Salazar | Puerto Aventuras
📅 September 5–7 & 10–14, 2025
🎶 September 14 | Grand Final with DJ Andrea | $400 MXN
🎟️ General Admission FREE | VIP Balcony Table $20,000 MXN (8 people max. Food & drinks not included) Tickets & registration: Boletia.com

🌭 Playa Welcomes a Chetumal Favorite!

Playa del Carmen is about to get a taste of Chetumal’s favorite late-night snack. On September 6 & 7, Parque Fundadores will host the first-ever Festival del Jocho Chetumaleño—a two-day celebration dedicated to all the fantastic variations on the the much-loved hot dog with distinctly Chetumaleño flair.

Think street-corner bites meet culinary showdown: Chefs and home cooks alike will be competing for 150,000 pesos in prizes, judged on flavor, originality, and just how much Chetumal pride they can pack into a bun. Add in live music, local products, and a festival vibe with the view of Playa’s famous Portal Maya and the Caribbean Sea, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for a fun and tasty weekend out. If you’re in Playa, this one’s worth showing up for.

📍 Parque Fundadores | Playa del Carmen
📆 September 6 & 7
🎟️ Free Admission with food and beverages for purchase

🎶 Depeche Mode Tribute Night at SAYAB Hostel

Few bands have left as deep a mark on Mexico’s electronic scene as Depeche Mode. From their 80s anthems echoing through Mexico City’s underground clubs to their enduring influence on today’s synth and dark wave sounds, they’ve inspired a generation of musicians and fans alike.

On Saturday, September 6 at 9 PM, Concept Night brings that legacy to life in Playa del Carmen with a special tribute concert at SAYAB Hostel. The evening features Planet Pop, channeling the unmistakable energy of Depeche Mode, along with Kosmov, adding their own brand of fresh electro-pop to the mix. Expect the classics—“Enjoy the Silence,” “Personal Jesus,” and more—wrapped in an intimate, high-voltage atmosphere.

📍 SAYAB Hostel | Playa del Carmen
📆 Saturday, September 6 | 9 PM - 11PM
🎟️ No cover. 300 MXN minimum consumption
📲 Registration required via WhatsApp: click here to register

🌿 Tesoros Escondidos: A Jungle Trek Like No Other

Get ready for a truly immersive experience in the heart of the Maya jungle. Tesoros Escondidos is a two-day nature trek happening September 6 & 7 at Laguna Sayab Ku, near José María Morelos, Quintana Roo.

This adventure blends wilderness exploration, Mayan storytelling, and starry skies. Activities include:
• Night hikes for spotting local wildlife
• Kayak trips for fauna observation
• Campfire stories featuring Maya myths and legends
• Stargazing and sidereal night session
• Camping under the jungle canopy
• A surprise workshop

With limited space available, this is your chance to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with nature and culture in one of the Yucatán’s hidden gems.

📍 Location: Laguna Sayab Ku | José María Morelos
📅 Dates: September 6–7
📞 Info & Reservations: 997-118-1093 | 997-155-1129

Limited spots available—reserve soon!

🎣 Get Your FISH ON With Fishing Booker!

Are you looking for something fun and active to do while you are here on the Riviera Maya? Whether you are a seasoned fisherman or just starting out, FishingBooker will connect you with the best boats and the most experienced, licensed Captains in the region.

Spend a morning or afternoon trolling the blue waters of the Mexican Caribbean reeling in Marlin, Dorado, Wahoo, Bonito and other exciting species. Find the best reef spots and catch delicious Grouper and Red Snapper to bring home to your grill. Click here to see their entire inventory of locally owned and operated Fishing Charters.

*Riviera Maya Insider is an affiliate of Fishing Booker. By booking your next deap sea fishing charter through Fishing Booker you are helping to keep this newsletter free for readers! So, thank you!

RIVIERA MAYA INSIDER PROUDLY SUPPORTS

Riviera Maya Insider is working together with PAR - Playa Animal Rescue to help amazing dogs find forever homes. Each week, we will feature a pup who is ready for adoption and eager to join your family.

MEET FREY, OUR DOG OF THE WEEK

🐾 They don't come more loving and sweet than our Frey. She is 4 years old, spayed, up to date on vaccinations, parasite free and has had all her monthly preventatives. She loves to go for walks and gets along with other dogs, cats and people equally. She is playful, housetrained and confident. If you want to know more about Frey, send an email to [email protected].

💵 Want to help, but can’t adopt? There are plenty of opportunities to support Frey and other pets awaiting their forever home. PAR also needs sponsors and volunteers to help with dog walking and charm school. Find out how you can help!

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RMI LIVE MUSIC LINEUP

We do our best to get the most up to date information from the venues and bands. However, we are fully into low season and bookings may change at the last minute. We will do our best to keep the list up to date. Use the button below to see the updated list for September 4 - 10 , 2025.

If you are performing in Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Paamul, Puerto Aventuras or Akumal and would like to see your live music, karaoke or open mic night included in the RMI weekly newsletter, please submit your information for consideration.

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