🍹 Looking for Some Fun This Weekend? We've Got You Covered!

This week, meet Benita, Playa Animal Rescue's adoptable dog of the week, get my picks for Five Fun Things to do and test your knowledge with this week's Trivia question!

TOGETHER WITH

🎸 Hola, live music lovers of the Riviera Maya! This is the RMI Live Music Lineup for Thursday May 15 through Wednesday May 21 .

In this edition you will meet Benita, Playa Animal Rescue’s Adoptable Dog of the Week, find my picks for Five Fun Things to do this weekend and get the Live Music offerings for the upcoming week! Plus, we have a new Trivia Question for all you smarty pants out there!

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TRIVIA TIME

Marine turtle nesting season has returned to the Riviera Maya and other beaches throughout the Mexican Caribbean. Nests are already being recorded in Akumal, Canucn, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel!

Which of the following species of marine turtles do NOT nest on the shores of the Mexican Caribbean?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Did you get the answer right? We will share the correct answer and the results next Thursday. Share this newsletter with all your Trivia-loving friends and see who knows the most about the Riviera Maya!

✈️ Are you planning a trip to Mexico? Don’t forget to contact Auras for your travel insurance needs. They offer customizable plans that can cover everything from medical emergencies to lost luggage, trip delays, and even unexpected cancellations. Their policies are designed for travelers of all nationalities, ages 1 to 100, and are valid worldwide.

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**Riviera Maya Insider is an affiliate of Auras Insurance. That means if you purchase your travel insurance through Auras, you are helping to support this newsletter. So, thank you!

THE RMI LIVE MUSIC ROUNDUP 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 BENITA, OUR DOG OF THE WEEK

🐾 Benita is one of our senior dogs looking for a home of her own. She is 10 years old and weighs about 16kg. Benita has defied the street dog odds and lived a long life. She is a good girl and enjoys attention, she loves her pets and cuddles. Benita is lower energy, and just looking for love in a quiet spot. She is spayed, up to date on shots and parasite free. She has received her monthly preventatives each month. If you would like more information about Benita, shoot an email to [email protected].

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

Seeking impartial news? Meet 1440.

Every day, 3.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a brief 5-minute email. Enjoy an impartial news experience.

FIVE FUN THINGS

Looking for something to do this weekend (and beyond)?
Here are my picks for Five Fun Things you might want to check out! Contact details and links to ticketing information and the locations are included in each description. How easy is that?

 🎤 Bringing The Beatles to Life at Sayab Planetarium

🎼 Friday, May 16 at 7 PM, the SAYAB Planetarium in Playa del Carmen will present “Across the Universe”, a special event celebrating The Beatles. This multi-media experience in the immersion dome invites guests to enjoy The Beatles' timeless music performed by the band QUARZO and set against a backdrop of the planetarium's state-of-the-art visual displays. ​

The SAYAB Planetarium is renowned for its educational focus, offering interactive exhibits and workshops that delve into various scientific topics. Its facilities include an observatory with impressive telescopes, an immersion dome for captivating films, and a learning path through a jungle area showcasing the region's biodiversity.

Tickets are 350 pesos per person and can be purchased at the Box Office, in advance online through Eventbrite or via WhatsApp 984-745-7054.

🎶 Diego El Cigala Presents Flamenco y Son in Cancún

💃 Flamenco powerhouse Diego El Cigala returns to the Riviera Maya with Flamenco y Son—a concert blending the raw emotion of flamenco with the rhythmic soul of Cuban son.

In Flamenco y Son, Diego El Cigala invites us on an intimate, passionate journey through the roots of flamenco and the rich musical traditions of Cuban son. Accompanied by a virtuoso pianist, talented musicians, and the expressive power of a dancer on stage—all under the warm, evocative glow of candlelight—El Cigala masterfully blends the raw depth of flamenco with the melodic rhythms of Caribbean music.

Each performance becomes a dialogue between Diego’s soul-stirring voice, the piano’s lush harmonies, and the vibrant energy of dance, creating an atmosphere that’s immersive and full of emotion. It’s a show that crosses borders and reminds us that music, at its core, is pure feeling—unifying cultures through art.

The show will be presented on May 17 at 8 PM at the Teatro de Cancun. This is an 18+ show. Tickets are available online at ​TusBoletosMX.

 🎙️ Don’t Miss Sting This Weekend in Tulum!

👨‍🎤 This weekend, legendary artist Sting brings his 3.0 Tour to the stunning jungle setting of Zamna Tulum for the inaugural Mexican Caribbean Music Festival (MCMF). With a career spanning over four decades and 17 Grammy wins, Sting will perform his greatest hits in a once-in-a-lifetime, open-air experience under the stars.

Joined by guitarist Dominic Miller and drummer Chris Maas, this promises to be an unforgettable night of music, energy, and connection that you won’t want to miss!

This is the inaugural event for MCMF. Organizers aim to blend world-class music with the natural beauty and cultural spirit of the Riviera Maya, expanding the region’s global reputation beyond beaches to creativity and artistic exchange.

The best part? It’s free! Tickets must be reserved in advance (limit four per person). Gates open at 7 PM; Sting takes the stage at 9 PM. Reserve your spot now at fullpass-ticket.com before it’s too late!

❓ Let’s See How Smart You Really Tuesday at Buzo’s

🤓 Looking for a fun and social way to spend your Tuesday evening in Playa del Carmen? Join Laura’s Quiz Night at Buzo’s Restaurant-Bar where trivia enthusiasts and newcomers alike gather for an evening of laughter, friendly competition, and community spirit.

Hosted by the ever-charming Laura, this weekly quiz night features a diverse range of questions covering topics like food & drink, sports, geography, film, TV, books, art, music, science, and history. Whether you're a seasoned quizzer or just looking to meet new people, Laura's Quiz Night offers a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Teams of up to six are encouraged, but solo participants are always welcome and often paired with others to form new friendships. With an entry fee of just 50 pesos, which includes a raffle ticket, you have the chance to win fun prizes and participate in the exciting "Play Your Cards Right" jackpot game.​

Laura’s Quiz Night runs every Tuesday at Buzo’s Restaurant-Bar on Calle 26 Norte & Ave 25/30. The game starts at 6:30 PM sharp so come a bit early to grab a table and organize your team. The Entry Fee is just 50 pesos and includes you quiz entry and a raffle ticket.

🎭 Cirque du Soleil’s JOYÀ: A Jungle Dream of Acrobatics & Fine Dining

🤸‍♀️ Looking for a night that’s anything but ordinary? Step into the lush jungle of the Riviera Maya and discover JOYÀ—Cirque du Soleil’s first resident show in Latin America and the only one in the world to pair its signature spectacle with a gourmet dining experience.​

Set in a cstunning ustom-built theater perched above a lagoon at Vidanta Riviera Maya, JOYÀ invites you into a whimsical world where an alchemist and his curious but rebellious granddaughter embark on a quest to unlock the secrets of life. The story unfolds through breathtaking aerial acts, live music, and surreal visuals.

For the full experience, opt for the dinner & show package, which includes an incredible three-course meal and champagne served right at your seat. The menu is as imaginative as the performance itself, featuring dishes crafted to delight all your senses.​

📍 Cirque du Soleil Theater at Vidanta Riviera Maya
🗓️ Tuesday–Saturday
🕕 6 PM & 9:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $1,950 MXN (show only); dinner packages available. Discounts are available for residents. Be sure to inquire. cirquedusoleil.com/joya​

Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to treat yourself to a night of wonder, JOYÀ is a must-see.​ I have attended this show three times and I highly recommend it, whether you go for just the show or the whole dining experience.


RMI LIVE MUSIC LINEUP


Event listings in BOLD are (to the best of my knowledge) events repeating from week to week. However, we are moving into low season and bookings may change at the last minute. We will do our best to keep the list up to date HERE.

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.

Thursday May 15

PUERTO MORELOS

Aaron & Angelica | 4PM - 6PM | La Sirena 
Free Parking | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Lauro’s 
Laboreans | 8PM - 10PM | La Sirena

PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Black Velvet | 2PM - 5PM | Lido Beach Club
The Roomies | 4PM - 6PM | Freaky Tiki
Alex Hernandez | 4:30PM - 6PM | TierRa
Blackout | 5PM - 7PM | Alive
The Roomies | 7PM - 9AM | Bloody Mary
Black Velvet | 6:45PM - 8:30PM | Fah Bar 
Monkey Business | 7PM - 9PM | Caiman Tugurio
Live Norteño Band & Bazaar | 7PM - 10PM | Caché Hotel
Anahí Téllez | 8PM - 10PM | Wine O’Clock
Blackline | 8PM - 11PM | Zenzi
Voodoo Chile | 8PM - 10PM | La Vagabunda on 5
Natalie & Aqua Caribbean | 9PM - 12AM | TierRa
Mr. Rojo | 9PM - 11PM | San Lucho
Crossover | 9:30PM - 11PM | Caiman Tugurio
Luces Bien | 9:30PM - 12:30AM | Bloody Mary
Golliath | 9:30PM - 12:30AM | Fah Bar
Dirty 20s Secrets | 10:30PM - 12:30PM | McCarthy’s

PUERTO AVENTURAS

Crislex | 4:30PM - 6:30PM | Nauti Burro
Alex Hernandez | 7PM - 9PM | Munchy’s
Hound Dog | 7PM - 9PM | Nauti Burro
Lee Carpenter | 7PM - 9PM | The Divot
Blue Soul | 7PM - 9PM | Paparazzi
Rock Pek | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Pampa

The Family Band | 6PM - 8PM | Lol Ha | Akumal

Friday May 16

PUERTO MORELOS

John & Gary | 4PM - 6PM | La Sirena
Tren Latino Salsa Band  | 8PM - 11PM | La Sirena
The Shokers | 9:30PM - 12AM | Lauro’s

PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Duo Mint | 2PM - 5PM | Lido Beach Club
Blackout Band | 4PM - 6PM | Freaky Tiki
Crazy Train | 5PM - 7PM | Alive
Alex Hernandez | 4:30PM - 6PM | San Lucho
Maze | 6:45PM - 8:30PM | Fah Bar
Voltage | 7PM - 9PM | Bloody Mary
Karaoke & Cris Acoustic Set | 7PM - 10PM | Buzos
Cheap Tequila | 7PM - 9PM | La Vagabunda on 5th
Blue Soul | 7PM - 9PM | La Vagabunda 38
Bender | 7PM - 9PM | Caiman Tugurio
La Majo | 8PM - 10PM | Wine O’Clock
Blue Soul | 7PM - 9PM | La Vagabunda 38
D’Rabbits | 8PM - 10:30PM | The Lost Tiki
Salsa Night w. Raza Latina | 10PM - 1AM | Sushi 3:16
Bad Decisions | 8PM - 11PM | Zenzi
DJ Greco Dance Party | 9PM - 11PM | La Vagabunda 38
The Roomies | 9PM - 11PM | TierRa
Aqua Caribbean | 9PM - 12AM | San Lucho
Crossover | 9:30PM - 11:30PM | La Vagabunda on 5th
The Harrys | 9:30PM - 12:30AM | Fah Bar
Goliath | 9:30PM - 12:30AM | Bloody Mary
Kaay Vox | 9:30PM - 11PM | Caiman Tugurio
Andromeda | 10PM - 12:30PM | Dirty Martini Lounge
Los Dollar’$ | 8PM - 12AM | Las Miches 4.10
Balboa | 10:30PM - 12:30PM | McCarthy’s

PUERTO AVENTURAS

TBA | 6PM - 8PM | Paamul Restaurant | Paamul
Alex Hernandez | 7PM - 8:30PM | Papacitos
Flashback | 7PM - 9PM | Restaurant Latitude 20°
Jazz w. Viktoria & Kikepat | 7PM - 9PM | La Caleta
Shenaniganz Karaoke | 8PM - 11PM | Hoyo 19
Mr Rojo | 8PM - 10PM | Paparazzi
Cuban Nights | 8PM - 10PM | The Divot

Saturday May 17

PUERTO MORELOS

 Karaoke with Liz | 8PM - 10PM | Tulipan
Son de Caney | 9PM - 11PM | La Sirena
The Wanderers | 9:30PM - 12AM | Lauro’s

PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Voodoo Chile | 11AM - 3PM | La Vagabunda 38
Al Son de Padrino | 1PM - 3PM | La Vagabunda on 5th
Crist Project | 3PM - 6PM | Zenzi
Alex Hernandez | 4PM - 6PM | San Lucho
Crossover | 4PM - 6PM | Freaky Tiki
Kaay Vox | 6:45PM - 8:30PM | Fah Bar
The Roomies | 7PM - 9PM | TierRa
Cris Acoustic Set | 7PM - 10PM | Buzos
Karaoke & Despecho Maritzi Show | 8PM - 10PM | La Vagabunda 38
Black Velvet | 8PM - 9PM | Bloody Mary
Cafe con Leche | 8PM - 10PM | La Vagabunda on 5th
Elektrodealers | 8PM - 11PM | Zenzi
The Brown Mezcal Society | 8:30PM - 10:30PM | Zitla 12
The Roomies | 9PM - 11PM | TierRa
Open Mic Night | 9PM - 11PM | Buzos
Polly Rockets | 9:30PM - 11PM | Caiman Tugurio
The Phoenix | 9:30PM - 12:30AM | Bloody Mary
Crossover | 9:30PM - 12:30AM | Fah Bar
Mr Rojo | 10PM - 12AM | La Vagabunda on 5th
Los del Pazito | 8PM - 12AM | Las Miches 4.10
Karaoke | 10PM - 12AM | Dirty Martini Lounge
Rokareños | 10:30PM - 12:30PM | McCarthy’s

PUERTO AVENTURAS

Angelica & Aaron | 5PM - 7PM | Cafe Olé
Tommy Joe Wilson | 5PM - 7PM | Munchy’s
Los Beat Lips | 6PM - 9PM | Los Aguachiles
Alex Hernandez | 7PM - 8:30PM | Papacitos
Salsa Night | 7PM - 9PM | Paamul Restaurant | Paamul
Vicky & Uge | 7PM - 9PM | The Divot
Tequila Shot | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Cafe Olé
Steffania | 8PM - 10PM | Paparazzi

Natalie & Mauro | 6PM - 8PM | Lol Ha | Akumal

Sunday May 18

PUERTO MORELOS

Puerto Malix | 8PM - 10PM | La Sirena
Deja Vu | 8PM - 10PM | La Taberna del Puerto
Alex Hernandez | 9:30PM - 11PM | Lauro’s

PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Diego Mano Jazz | 12PM - 2PM | La Vagabunda 38
Mad Horse | 1PM - 2:30PM | La Vagabunda on 5th
Vic & Bubble Jazz | 2PM - 4PM | La Vagabunda 38
Crislex | 2PM - 5PM | Lido Beach Club
‘Mi Gran Vox’ Qroo | 2PM - 9PM | McCarthy’s
Gaslighting | 3PM - 5PM | Zenzi
Crazy Train | 4PM - 6PM | Freaky Tiki
Alex Hernandez | 4PM - 6PM | San Lucho
The Roomies | 6PM - 8PM | San Lucho
Jimmy & Friends | 7PM - 10PM | Caché Hotel
Alex Hernandez | 6:30PM - 8PM | Fah Bar
Monstar | 7PM - 9PM | Bloody Mary
Highlights Reggae | 7PM - 9PM | La Vagabunda on 5th
Luces Bien | 8:30PM - 10:30AM | Caiman Tugurio
Salsa w. Combo Criollo | 9PM - 11PM | Zenzi
Mr Rojo | 9PM - 11PM | San Lucho
Natalie & Aqua Caribbean | 9PM - 12AM | TierRa
Crossover | 9:30PM - 12:30AM | Bloody Mary
The Phoenix | 9:30PM - 12:30AM | Fah Bar
Sur Imperial | 10PM - 12AM | Las Miches 4.10
Los Nitos | 10PM - 1AM | Sushi 3:16
Voltage | 10:30PM - 12:30PM | McCarthy’s

PUERTO AVENTURAS

Blue Soul | 5PM - 7PM | Munchy’s
Los No Muy Guapos | 6PM - 9PM | Los Aguachiles
Gus & Company | 7PM - 9PM | La Caleta Resto-Bar

Mr Rojo | 1PM - 3PM | Kay Beach Club | Akumal
Natalie & RASH | 1PM - 3PM | Casa Cenote | Tankah

🌟 If you are looking for all the most up-to-date live music events click on the button below. As additions and changes are made throughout the week, the page linked below will be editted to give you the most up to date listings for the week.

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