🍽️ Get Ready for Restaurant Week in Playa del Carmen!

TOGETHER WITH

🍾 This week we raise a toast to Quintana Roo! Mexico’s youngest state is celebrating 51 years since officially joining the federation. From ancient Maya roots to the explosive rise of Cancún, it’s been quite a ride, and the party sure isn’t slowing down.

In Playa, Oktoberfest rolls on at Club de Cerveza and The Fives. The Jam Band gives Zeppelin fans their classic rock fix at Teatro de la Ciudad. Spain meets the Riviera Maya at Off the Vine and KKIS launches their first Restaurant Week. We’ve certainly got plenty of reasons to get out and celebrate.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY QUINTANA ROO

Quintana Roo, one of Mexico’s youngest states, has a past shaped by resistance, frontier life, and rapid transformation. For centuries, the region was home to the Maya, who built cities such as Tulum, Cobá, and Kohunlich and maintained strong cultural traditions even after the Spanish conquest. The remote jungles and coastline made colonization slow and incomplete, leaving Maya communities relatively autonomous.

In the 19th century, Quintana Roo became the epicenter of the Caste War (1847–1901), a long and bloody struggle in which Maya fighters resisted Mexican and European forces. The conflict devastated the Yucatán Peninsula but also reinforced Maya cultural resilience. To secure control, the federal government carved out the Territory of Quintana Roo in 1902, named after politician and independence hero Andrés Quintana Roo.

For much of the 20th century, Quintana Roo remained sparsely populated and economically marginal, dependent on forestry, gum extraction, and fishing. That changed in the 1970s when the Mexican government launched an ambitious tourism project—Cancún. What began as a planned resort quickly exploded into one of the country’s most important tourism engines.

On October 8, 1974, Quintana Roo was officially admitted as Mexico’s 31st state, alongside Baja California Sur. Since then, its population has grown dramatically, fueled by tourism, real estate investment, and migration from other parts of Mexico and abroad. Today, Quintana Roo balances global fame with ongoing challenges of environmental preservation, cultural heritage, and equitable development.

TRIVIA TIME

✨ Trivia Time – National Pueblo Mágico Day

Every year on October 5, Mexico celebrates Día Nacional de los Pueblos Mágicos, a day to honor towns recognized for their cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical importance. Quintana Roo is home to four of these special destinations: Bacalar, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, and Cozumel. But do you know which town was the first in the state to receive the Pueblo Mágico title?

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

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WEEKEND WEATHER

The weekend forecast is projected for Playa del Carmen. The Riviera Maya is notorious for its microclimates. If you are in another part of the region, your weather may vary.

🌤️ Weekend Weather Outlook

Friday: 89 🌡️ 73 | ⛈️ | 60% | 💨 SE 5 mph (4 knots)

Saturday: 88 🌡️ 73 | ⛈️ | 60% | 💨 SSW 5 mph (4 knots)

Sunday: 88 🌡️ 72 | ⛈️ | 60% | 💨 N 5 mph (4 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature ≈ 86 °F

Summary: Hot, humid, and unsettled — the Riviera Maya serving up daily clouds with a chance of hair-raising thunder. Expect showers to roll in right when the tacos hit the table.

FIVE FUN THINGS POWERED BY FISHING BOOKER

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

🍺 Oktoberfest at Club de la Cerveza

It’s that time of year again! Club de la Cerveza is bringing Bavarian vibes to Playa del Carmen with a full weekend of Oktoberfest fun. Raise a stein and enjoy authentic German brews, hearty traditional food, and a festive setting that will transport you straight to Bavaria.

📍 Club de la Cerveza | 5th Avenue | Playa del Carmen
📅 October 10–12 2025

From specialty German beers to pretzels, sausages, and more, this is your chance to celebrate Oktoberfest the way it’s meant to be—lively, tasty, and full of cheer. So, gather your friends, grab a table, and say Prost! to one of Playa’s most festive weekends of the year.

🎸Hammer of the Gods – Led Zeppelin Tribute

Get ready, Playa del Carmen—The Jam Band is bringing their powerhouse tribute Hammer of the Gods to the Teatro de la Ciudad on October 11. This three-hour rock marathon is dedicated to the music of Led Zeppelin, performed by musicians who proudly call themselves lifelong Zep fanatics.

From the opening riffs of Immigrant Song and Heartbreaker to the thunder of Moby Dick and the epic sweep of Kashmir and Stairway to Heaven, the setlist dives deep into Zeppelin’s catalog. Expect a night packed with classics like Whole Lotta Love, Black Dog, Trampled Underfoot, Ramble On, and Dazed and Confused.

This isn’t just a concert—it’s a celebration of rock’s greatest legends, performed with the energy, passion, and reverence they deserve.

📍 Teatro de la Ciudad ‘Xaman Ha’ | Playa del Carmen
📅 Saturday, October 11, 2025
🎟️ Tickets available online or at the Box Office

🍷 Spanish Wine & Gastronomy Festival

Off the Vine Playacar invites you to an unforgettable evening celebrating the flavors, aromas, and traditions of Spain. Enjoy a guided tasting through Spain’s most renowned wine regions, perfectly paired with authentic dishes and three distinctive paella creations prepared by guest chefs:

👨‍🍳 Antonio Ortega – Classic Valencian Paella
👩‍🍳 Iliana Castro – Mixed Seafood Paella
👨‍🍳 Juan Pablo Maldonado “Pavo” – Black Paella

The menu will also feature tapas, croquetas, jamón, tortilla española, patatas bravas, ensaladilla rusa, and more—served alongside live flamenco music that sets the perfect atmosphere. Ricardo’s events almost always sell out. Reserve early to secure your spot at this one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

📍 Off the Vine Playacar | Playa del Carmen
📅 Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 7 – 10 PM
💳 800 pesos per person - Limited seating – reserve early
👉 Reserve online at offthevine.mx or call 984 125 7774

🎶 51st Anniversary Concert: Quintana Roo, Heart of the Caribbean 

Join the celebration of Quintana Roo’s 51st anniversary with a grand musical tribute that honors the state’s history, identity, and cultural richness. Quintana Roo, Corazón del Caribe brings together the vibrant sounds of local and regional ensembles for an unforgettable evening of pride and unity.

Performances include the Playa del Carmen Children’s and Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Playa del Carmen Típica Orchestra, the City Children’s Choir, the Bacalar Dance Ensemble, the State Government Band of Quintana Roo, the Monumental Choir, and Ecos del Mayab.

📍 Teatro de la Ciudad ‘Xaman Ha’ | Playa del Carmen
📅 Sunday, October 12, 2025 | 7:00 PM
🎟️ Free Admission for all

Come be part of this special night and celebrate more than five decades of Quintana Roo’s cultural heartbeat.

🍴 KKIS Restaurant Week: October 13 - 18

Some of your favorite Playa del Carmen restaurants are coming together to support education! Each night between October 13–19, several local restaurants will offer special menus (dinner or lunch) as part of KKIS Restaurant Week. When you dine, a portion of proceeds helps fund education in our community. So, you get to try delicious food in good company and feel great doing it.

What is KKIS?
KKIS (Keeping Kids in School) is a local nonprofit dedicated to removing financial barriers to education, through scholarships, school supplies, mentorship, and English conversation programs. In the Riviera Maya, public high school still carries significant costs—uniforms, exams, books—and many promising students risk dropping out. KKIS helps ensure they stay in school and graduate.

How It Works
Visit the KKiS Restaurant Week webpage and click on the restaurant that interestes you. Here you will find their specific offer. Click on “Book a Table”, make your reservation and have a great time! Spots are limited, tables will fill fast and reservations are required.

So, tell your friends, invite your family and let’s all eat for a great cause next week.

🎣 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. Click here to see their entire inventory of locally owned and operated Fishing Charters.

ADOPTABLE DOG OF THE WEEK

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 Taylor, a sweet nine-month-old pup with a gentle spirit and a heart full of love. Rescued as a baby with the rest of her litter, Taylor has grown up surrounded by care and kindness, and now she’s ready to find a family of her own. She’s playful and curious, with the perfect mix of puppy energy and cuddly charm. Whether it’s chasing a toy, going for a walk, or curling up beside you, Taylor just wants to be part of your day.

Taylor is already spayed, fully vaccinated, parasite-free, and current on all her monthly preventatives—healthy, happy, and ready to go home. What she needs most now is someone to share her wagging tail and bright eyes with. If you’d like to meet Taylor or learn more about her, please email [email protected]. She could be the loyal companion you’ve been waiting for.

💵 Want to help, but can’t adopt? There are plenty of opportunities to support Taylor 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!

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.

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 the lineup.

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