Get ready—the Mariachi Extravaganza is just around the corner, and it promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, talent, and culture! With the largest gathering of world-class mariachi musicians and vocalists, this festival brings together a vibrant community and showcases the very best in mariachi. Here’s what you can expect and how to make the most of your three-day experience:

Top Events and Schedule:

• Thursday, December 5: Mariachi Extravaganza National Vocal Semifinals
• Friday, December 6: Mariachi Extravaganza National Group Semifinals – Middle School & High School
• Friday, December 6: Mariachi Extravaganza National Group Finals – College/University
• Saturday, December 7: Mariachi Extravaganza National Finals – Middle School & High School Group & Vocals
• Saturday, December 7: Mariachi Extravaganza Concert featuring Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán and National Competition Winners

This incredible lineup of events takes place at the Lila Cockrell Theatre, located along the scenic San Antonio Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio. The venue is just steps away from the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and nearby hotels, making it easy to dive right into the festivities!

Getting Around:

Staying downtown? Perfect! You’ll be within walking distance of the theatre, restaurants, parks, and popular landmarks like the Alamo and the San Antonio Riverwalk. Downtown San Antonio is compact, so if you’re coming by car, plan to park and explore on foot or hop into an Uber. Early December is a great time to enjoy San Antonio’s mild weather, so bring a jacket and umbrella just in case. And, of course, you are just in time to enjoy thousands of Christmas lights along the Riverwalk.

Tickets and Wristbands:

• Concert Tickets: Grab yours for the Mariachi Extravaganza Concert on Saturday, December 7 at ticketmaster.com or at the Lila Cockrell Theatre Box Office.
• Competition Wristbands: For access to all three days of competitions, you’ll need a wristband, available for $25 at the Box Office. Wristbands can only be purchased at the door on the day of the event.

New This Year – Expanded Finals:

For the first time, Middle School Group Competition Finals and Vocal Competition Finals are being added to Saturday’s agenda, making this year’s lineup bigger and better than ever! The top performers from the Vocal Competition Semifinals on Thursday, and the Middle School Group Competition Semifinals on Friday, will move on to the Finals on Saturday. This added layer will offer top artists another chance to prove themselves, and this time, in front of judges made up of none other than the world renowned, and Mexico City based, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán!

Event Times and Doors Open:

• Thursday, Dec. 5: Vocal Semifinals – Doors open at 4 PM, event begins at 5 PM
• Friday, Dec. 6: Group Semifinals – Doors open at 1 PM, event begins at 2 PM
• Saturday, Dec. 7: National Finals – Doors open at 9 AM, event begins at 10 AM
• Saturday, Dec. 7: Concert – Doors open at 6:30 PM, concert begins at 7:30 PM

Where to Stay:

We recommend the Kimpton Santo Hotel—a stylish, new hotel just a 10-minute walk from the theatre. This luxurious spot offers great rates for attendees, perfect for groups or solo travelers looking to be right in the heart of it all. Click here to book your hotel reservation today!

Dining and Local Eats:

San Antonio’s downtown offers fantastic restaurants, from Tex-Mex to high-end dining, so whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a sit-down meal, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.

Mark your calendars, make your travel plans, and prepare for an incredible mariachi experience unlike any other!

The Mariachi Extravaganza is the largest and most prestigious mariachi music festival in the U.S., known for its highly competitive group and vocal competitions. Often referred to as the “Mariachi Super Bowl,” the event brings together 1,200 of the most talented mariachi musicians and singers from across the country and several thousand spectators. It takes place annually in San Antonio and showcases top-tier performances, exhilarating competitions, and educational workshops, offering a dynamic platform for mariachi musicians to share their passion and talent in a grand concert showcasing competition winners alongside renowned mariachi artists. The festival, which began in 1995, celebrates mariachi music and culture, and continues to grow in national prominence. The Mariachi Extravaganza is funded in part with support from H-E-B and KHS America Academic Alliance. Thanks also to Raising Cane’s, Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert, The San Antonio Film Commission and UTSA for your support in keeping this traditional alive.