Planning Ahead: 2026 Guide

Feria del Mezcal Oaxaca 2026: The Ultimate Guide

What is it? The Feria del Mezcal (Mezcal Fair) is the world's most important event dedicated to authentic Oaxacan mezcal. Held annually during the Guelaguetza celebrations, it gathers over 150 certified brands and traditional Maestros Mezcaleros in one place.

Written bySofia Mendez

Cultural Editor & Travel CuratorUpdated:February 1, 2025

📅 Dates & Location

🗓️

Projected Dates 2026

Subject to government confirmation

July 17 – 28, 2026

The fair typically runs for ~10 days, coinciding with the two Mondays of the Guelaguetza Festival (Lunes del Cerro).

*Official dates are usually announced in April/May 2026 by the Secretaría de Desarrollo Económico.

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The Venue (CCCO)

Note: No longer at Plaza de la Danza

Since 2017, the event has moved to the larger Centro Cultural y de Convenciones de Oaxaca (CCCO) near Park "Ciudad de las Canteras".

🚕 Taxi: 15-20 min ride from Centro (~$100-150 MXN).
🚌 Shuttle: Free "Metrobús" shuttles usually run from Park Llano.

🎫 Tickets & Entrance Fees

Unlike smaller festivals, the Feria del Mezcal requires an entrance ticket. Price for 2025 was $68 MXN, so expect a slight increase or similar price for 2026.

What's Included?

✅ Access to 150+ mezcal stands
✅ Access to the "Pabellón Cerveza Artesanal" (Craft Beer)
✅ Access to "Pabellón Café" (Coffee)
✅ Live concerts & cultural events

Not Included

❌ Tastings are NOT always free. Most brands charge small fees ($10-30 MXN) or offer complimentary sips only if they see serious interest.
❌ Tasting Glass (optional but recommended, ~$150 MXN).

Tip: Tickets are usually sold at the door (cash only lines can be long) or sometimes online via Superboletos closer to the date.

🥃 What to Expect: A Deep Dive

The Feria is overwhelming in the best way. To navigate it like a pro, you need to understand the entities and categories present. This isn't just a party; it's an exhibition of the Consejo Regulador del Mezcal (CRM) certified producers.

Agave Silvestre

While Espadín is king, looking for Wild Agaves is the main draw. Keep an eye out for Tepeztate, Tobalá, Jabalí, and Cuishe. These take up to 25 years to mature.

Maestros Mezcaleros

The Maestro Mezcalero is the artist behind the spirit. At many stands, you can meet the actual producer, not just a brand rep. Ask them: "¿Es usted el maestro?"

Artisanal vs Ancestral

Look for the labels on bottles. Ancestral implies clay pot distillation (Olla de Barro) and hand-mashing. Artesanal uses copper stills and horse-drawn tahonas.

💎 Insider Tips for 2026 Attendees

1. Arrive Early (Before 5 PM) ▼

The fair is empty-ish between 12 PM - 4 PM. This is the golden hour for serious buyers. You can have long conversations with producers. After 6 PM, it becomes a crowded fiesta with live music and long lines.

2. Bring Cash (Effectivo) ▼

While connectivity at CCCO has improved, card terminals often fail due to network congestion. Cash is king for buying bottles and tipping.

3. Focus on "Micro-Lotes" ▼

Many brands release special "Feria Editions" or experimental batches (e.g., Pechuga with fruits, Ensambles). Ask producers: "¿Trae algo especial o edición limitada?"

Beyond the Fair

Want to see where Mezcal is actually made?

The fair is great for tasting, but visiting a traditional Palenque in Matatlán or Santa Catarina Minas is a life-changing experience. Smell the roasting agave and taste warm mezcal straight from the still.

View Distillery Tours More Oaxaca Guides

AboutSofia Mendez

Cultural Editor & Travel Curator

Cultural writer and resident of Oaxaca City. Sofia covers travel logistics, safety, and the rich cultural context surrounding mezcal.

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