🐝 Hive Vibes Only: Music, Mezcal & Melipona Honey

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Hola, Insiders!

First—ICYMI—here’s another chance to read the Tuesday newsletter:
What’s the Buzz About for World Honey Bee Day? 

We have some great events coming up that you won’t want to miss. Tulum is offering two family-friendly events—a music festival in the municipal plaza and a honey fair in Cobá. There is reggae on the rooftop in Puerto Morelos, a mezcal tasting on the beach in Playa and a special oyster and wine pairing event at Off the Vine! You get to meet Holly, Playa Animal Rescue’s Adoptable Dog of the Week and get the Live Music lineup for the upcoming week! Plus, try your luck at this week’s Trivia Question!

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Pro Tip: Before you read any further, scroll up a bit and select the option to READ ONLINE. The typeface is bigger. The images are crisper. It’s just a better reading experience.

TRIVIA TIME

Trivia Time – In Honor of World Honey Bee Day

Melipona bees have been sacred to the Maya for centuries—not just for their honey, but for their deep cultural and spiritual significance. But do you know what they called these special stingless bees?

TIP: The answer is found in an article we shared in the Tuesday edition.

Scroll to the end of this newsletter to see if you answered correctly! We will have another brain-teaser for you next Thursday. Share this newsletter with all your Trivia-loving friends and see who knows the most about the Riviera Maya and the Mexican Caribbean!

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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.

Celebrate World Honey Bee Day in Cobá

Head to Cobá for a sweet celebration of one of nature’s most important pollinators—bees! The Municipality of Tulum is hosting a full afternoon of hive-inspired fun in honor of World Honey Bee Day, with events that highlight the ecological and cultural value of bees in the region.

The festivities kick off at 2 PM with a honey-based recipe contest, followed by food tastings, artisan products, and cultural exhibitions. You can attend talks from experts, explore live hive displays, and even take guided visits to nearby Maya villages and meliponarios—traditional stingless bee sanctuaries. Kids will love the drawing contest, while adults can browse the artisan market or enjoy traditional food and dance performances throughout the day.

📍 Casa de la Cultura, Cobá
📆 Saturday, August 9 | Beginning at 2 PM
🎟️ Free Admission | Food and beverage for purchase

Reggae on the Rooftop — A Party with Purpose!

Reserve your spot today so you don’t miss the ultimate summer rooftop party in Puerto Morelos! Our friend Kim and her company, Run Away Realty, will present a summer night to remember as La Sirena transforms into a Caribbean paradise for Reggae on the Rooftop—a night of live music, island flavors, and community spirit.

Feel the rhythm with local reggae legend Nimrod & Tydal Wave as they bring their signature sounds to the open-air rooftop, setting the perfect vibe for a night under the stars. Sip signature rum cocktails, indulge in an all-you-can-eat Caribbean buffet, and dance the night away with friends old and new.

All proceeds support back-to-school supplies for children from local families in need, helping them start the school year right.

📍 La Sirena Rooftop | Calle Jose Maria Morelos, Puerto Morelos
📅 Thursday, August 14 | 6:30 - 11:30 PM
🎟️ 750 MXN or $40 USD

Please note: There will be no ticket sales at the door. Tickets must be paid for in advance:

• In person: Stop by the Run Away Realty office (Mon–Fri, 9:30 AM–2:30 PM)

• Online: Send via PayPal to [email protected] - Be sure to include your name and whether your payment is for tickets or a donation.

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Back-to-School Beats at Aura Music Fest in Tulum

Get ready for three days of music, art, and cultural flavor at the Aura Music Fest: Back to School—a free festival lighting up the Explanada Municipal in Tulum from August 14 to 16. This celebration brings together live concerts, local gastronomy, fashion, crafts, and photography under the Caribbean sky.

Catch Venezuelan pop-rock star Lasso and viral artist Juvan on Friday, August 15, and groove to the soulful pop stylings of Playa Limbo on Saturday, August 16. Throughout the event, the municipal plaza transforms into a vibrant market and creative space with artisan vendors, food stalls, and interactive art zones.

Whether you’re a Tulum local, weekend visitor, or music lover passing through, Aura Fest offers a high-energy, family-friendly vibe with a strong spotlight on Mexican culture and talent.

📍 Explanada Municipal, Tulum
📅 August 14–16 | Music begins at 6 PM
🎟️ Free Admission | All ages welcome

Mezcal Tasting by the Sea

This August 15, sip and savor the spirit of Mexico in a mezcal tasting experience that’s anything but ordinary. Led by the expert team at Maya Sense, this guided tasting pairs small-batch mezcales with ocean views, good company, and thoughtful pairings—all at the beachfront Pelícano Inn in Playa del Carmen.

It’s more than a tasting—it’s a ritual. One that honors the earth, the hands that craft each bottle, and the moment itself. Whether you're a mezcal aficionado or simply mez-curious, this sensory journey will leave you with a deeper appreciation for agave and its heritage.

📍 Pelícano Inn, Playa del Carmen
📅 Thursday, August 15 | 6:30 PM
🎟️ 550 MXN per person
📲 Reservations: +52 990 156 1522 | Limited Space—Book Early!

Sip, Savor & Shuck at the Oyster & Wine Festival

Join Ricardo and his team at Off The Vine Playacar for a night of elegance and indulgence at their Oyster & Wine Festival—an evening where fresh seafood meets world-class vintages. Set for Saturday, August 16, this exclusive tasting event runs from 6 PM to 11 PM and features live DJ music to keep the vibes flowing as smoothly as the wine.

Sample a curated selection of wines from renowned producers including Hacienda Guadalupe, Santo Tomás, Moët & Chandon, El Cielo, and more—perfectly paired with oysters served fresh and flavorful. As an added bonus, guests enjoy 15% off in the wine shop on featured labels during the event.

📍 Off The Vine, Playacar location
📅 Saturday, August 16 | 6 PM – 11 PM
🎟️ 800 MXN per person | This event will sell out so reserve early!

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 HOLLY, OUR DOG OF THE WEEK

🐾 We found Holly, along with her sister Jingle and Momma Carole, at a construction  site in Cancun at Christmas time. Hence the cute names! Holly is an adorable 7 month old pup, she is sterilized, vaccinated, parasite-free and has received all her appropriate monthly preventatives. Holly loves to play and has very sweet puppy energy. If you are interested to find out more about Holly, send an email to [email protected].

💵 Want to help, but can’t adopt? There are plenty of opportunities to support Holly 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 for August 7 - 13, 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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