Get ready for the 32nd Annual Mariachi Extravaganza, returning to San Antonio December 3–5, 2026! Registration for participating groups and vocalists opens September 1, so now is the time to start planning for three unforgettable days of competitions, workshops, performances and the return of the world-renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán.
The Mariachi Extravaganza brings together some of the most talented student musicians and vocalists from across the country for the largest and longest-running National Mariachi Competition in the U.S.
The best way to make the most of your Mariachi Extravaganza experience is to plan early. Secure early registration rates, reserve your hotel rooms at the Grand Hyatt and lock down the best available prices on tickets to the Mariachi Vargas Grand Finale Concert. A limited number of tickets are available for registrants on a first come/first served basis at the $49 & $59 levels, so don’t wait, register early. P.O’s are accepted and will secure your spot.
Registration Opens September 1st
Groups are encouraged to register as early as possible to lock in the discounted early registration rate of $65 per student. Vocalists planning to compete in the National Vocal Competition will also be able to submit their registration beginning September 1. Here are important dates:
September 1: Registration Opens
October 1: Vocal registration deadline
October 15: Early bird group registration deadline (rate increase after this date)
November 5: Regular Group registration deadline (rate increase after this date)
November 13: Late registration deadline
Exhibitors and other Mariachi Extravaganza participants should also begin making plans for December.
New To This Years Group Competition!
Due to numerous requests, mariachi groups may compete with up to 18 student musicians in the group competitions. Two additional mics will be added. Please refer to the stage plot under competition rules to see the placement of the mics. Note: The updated stage plot will be posted by mid-September.
The judging of the competition has evolved along with the sophisticated level of musicianship among participants. Therefore, a harp judge sheet, dedicated solely to the harp, will be added to this year’s competition. In the past, the ammonia section was judged as a whole. The harp requires a unique level of skill, preparation and musicianship, and we want our judging process to properly recognize the talent and dedication it takes to perform this important instrument within a mariachi ensemble. Therefore, the Group Competition Finals will include a 4th judge specifically for harp. Please make note, this is only for the finals.
Many new schools with mariachi programs have reached out to us and we look forward to welcoming even more talented young musicians to the competition stage this December!
Mariachi Vargas Student Showcase Returns
We’re excited to announce we will be bringing back the Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán Student Showcase on Friday, December 4!
Students will have the opportunity to see and hear the world’s most celebrated mariachi ensemble up close during a special morning showcase featuring Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. Plan on arriving by 8AM to get yourselves settled in to what promises to be a phenomenal experience.
Following the showcase, registered students will have the opportunity to participate in student workshops as part of the Mariachi Extravaganza’s educational programming with UTRGV’s Mariachi Aztlán. This award-winning group has numerous accolades including their multi-year run U.S. tour with Aida Cuevas, their New Mexico Christmas Tour in December and their performances with the Houston Grand Opera. Students will have the opportunity to talk to Aztlán about their experience in college during the workshops.
The schedule continues with a full day of groups performing during the National Group Competition Semifinals.
32nd Annual Mariachi Extravaganza Schedule and Dates
Here’s a look at what’s planned for this year’s event:
Thursday, December 3
National Vocal Competition Semifinals
Friday, December 4
Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán Student Showcase
Student Workshops
National Group Competition Semifinals and College Group Finals
Saturday, December 5
National Vocal and Group Competition Finals
Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán Grand Finale Concert – 7:30 p.m.
Please refer to this link on the latest updates to the schedule!
BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE GRAND HYATT
If you’re traveling to San Antonio for the Mariachi Extravaganza, don’t wait to make your hotel arrangements!
The Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk, located next to the Lila Cockrell Theatre, is offering a special discounted rate for Mariachi Extravaganza participants. Staying at the Grand Hyatt puts students, directors and families within walking distance of the competition venue and in the heart of downtown San Antonio.
Hotel availability at the special rate of $199 is limited, so reserve rooms early. Also, keep in mind, there’s a lot happening in San Antonio that weekend including the San Antonio Marathon. Downtown streets will be closed off during the evening of the group competitions on Friday, December 4 making for another good reason to stay at the Grand Hyatt. Once you’re there, there’s no need for a vehicle as everything is within walking distance.
Click here to reserve your hotel room now.
COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY MARIACHI PROGRAMS
The Mariachi Extravaganza serves as a platform to promote higher education and cultural preservation among Hispanic youth. Participation from colleges/universities is an important part of the event. Please take a moment to visit mariachimusic.com to see a list of colleges and universities with mariachi programs.
The resource provides students and families with information on higher education institutions offering opportunities to continue participating in mariachi while pursuing a college degree.
Any additions or modifications to this list can be emailed to Padraig Salinas-McCoy at padraig.salinasmccoy@gmail.com.
START PLANNING NOW!
Thanks to everyone who has already called and started planning for this year’s Mariachi Extravaganza. The more you plan ahead, the better your opportunity to save time and money while securing everything you need for an unforgettable weekend in San Antonio.
Register early to lock in discounted early registration rates, reserve your rooms at the Grand Hyatt, and purchase discounted tickets to the Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán Grand Finale Concert while quantities are available.
IMPORTANT LINKS
Grand Hyatt Hotel Reservations
Mariachi Vargas Grand Finale Concert Tickets
Colleges & Universities with Mariachi Programs
We look forward to seeing everyone in San Antonio December 3–5, 2026, for the 32nd Annual Mariachi Extravaganza!
Sponsors
Thank you to our longtime supporters of the Mariachi Extravaganza KHS America Academic Alliance and H-E-B and to new partners this year which include GigSalad and Raul Rodriguez Law!
Thanks also to our fabulous group of 2026 interns and recent graduates who worked diligently throughout the summer in preparation for this Fall! Pictured from left to right, top row, is Bea Camacho, recent graduate, UT San Antonio Film School; Padraig Salinas-McCoy, incoming Freshman, Texas State University; Juarez Elizarraraz, Music Educator Major, Texas State University; Isabella Muñoz, Criminal Justice Major at Schreiner University and Nayelli Aleman, recent graduate, Trinity University. Also pictured is Jonathan Palomar, Mariachi Extravaganza Artistic Director and Cynthia Munoz, Producer, 32nd Annual Mariachi Extravaganza. Not pictured is Alex Garcia, UT San Antonio senior and longtime MPR associate Sandra Guevara.
