San José del Cabo Art Walk: a walk between galleries

Every Thursday, studios and galleries open until late allowing everyone to see their work, while street exhibitions and musical performances add a very special touch to the experience.

The result? A kind of open-air museum with a lively atmosphere. Flowers, streamers and pennants decorate the cobbled streets of the colorful city of San José del Cabo, while tourists and locals stroll around and chat with the artists, always ready to explain the creative process behind their works. 

First of all, it’s important that you know that you don't have to be an art expert to enjoy this pleasant experience. My advice is that you should not hurry and allow yourself to be carried away aimlessly, admiring colours, shapes and techniques.

The origins of this initiative date back to the early 2000s, when three local artists decided to come together and hand out brochures to attract visitors to their galleries. It was the seed for what is now the Gallery District Association, an organization that brings together the most important galleries in the district of San José del Cabo and that has organized the Art Walk, an event that has constantly grown in popularity and which aims to energize the area by promoting the work of local artists.

More than 20 galleries form part of the association. You can buy unique paintings, sculptures, prints, jewellery, photographs and handicrafts where you can also meet and talk with many of the artists who created the works, which greatly enriches the experience. Galleries often organize special events such as wine tastings, tequila tastings or presentations of new collections, so I recommend you keep an eye on their social media to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

Probably the most innovative gallery in the Art Walk, brought to life by an augmented reality which leaves everyone who visits speechless. Vibrant and colourful, her works include styles such as pop art and surreism. She uses brushes and spray paint, combining techniques and textures to convey messages of love, faith and hope.

Admire museum-quality works of art by internationally renowned Mexican artists and young talents. It is a favorite with art collectors and a delight for the senses of the general public. Discover contemporary art through paintings, sculptures and mixed-media works.

Visiting here is another way to discover the essence of Mexican culture. sculptures, paintings and handicrafts of every kind perfectly capture the nature of a country as rich as Mexico. The creations are the work of local artists who express their love for their culture through their art.

A pioneer of the artistic district of San José del Cabo, and one of the most prestigious in the country, located in a colonial building that attracts attention. Blue hotel with two floors and an unconventional interior layout. Its founder, Ida Victoria, personally selects the works on display from a wide variety of styles and techniques, including traditional and avant-garde works by more than 20 artists.

The New York Times includes its gallery as one of the must-see places in San José del Cabo, and that’s no surprise. He is one of the most outstanding abstract figurative painters and sculptors of our time. His work, consisting of stunning oil paintings and bronze sculptures, has been exhibited in galleries all over the world, consolidating an international career that also has a space in San José del Cabo.

If you have made it this far, you may be interested in doing this tour, so let’s go into the details: the Art Walk is held every Thursday from November to June, from 5pm to 9pm in the streets behind the church in Plaza Mijares, all closed to traffic. Most of the galleries are on Obregón Street, although there are also more galleries in Comonfort, Morelos, Guerrero and Hidalgo streets. If you come by car, I recommend you park on the Avenida Centenario, just a short distance away and with plenty of parking space.

In addition to visiting the art galleries, you can also enjoy live music, dances, performances, guided tours... Time will fly by and when you least expect it, it’s time for dinner. The area offers something for everyone, so don’t worry! You’ll have a great choice of attractions. These are some of the  most recommended restaurants

• Low Brewing: Mexican food accompanied by great music and craft beer.
• The Secret Garden: original fusion of Greek cuisine with a Mexican touch. 
• La Lupita Taco & Mezcal: delicious tacos and a wide range of mezcals.
• La Dolce: Northern Italian cuisine made with fresh ingredients.
• The Revolution: contemporary Mexican cuisine with local organic ingredients.
• Ruba's Bakery: a tribute to sourdough. Stone-baked pizzas, sandwiches and superior quality meat dishes. 
• Jazmin's Restaurant: Tacos, Pacific seafood, margaritas and Mexican shows.