Event Dates
From: Thursday, January 29, 2026
To: Monday, February 2, 2026
Arena Festival Playa del Carmen 2026
Arena is Mexico’s biggest gay and lesbian dance music festival, and returns to Playa Del Carmen once again 4 days and nights of parties.
The hottest circuit party of the Winter Season!
Every year, at the end of Winter, Mexico hosts the biggest gay circuit event in the country on the Yucatan Peninsula. Arena Festival is 5 days of all-out fun, music and much more!
- Are you visiting for Arena? Check out our insider guide to Playa del Carmen. Go for a luxury all inclusive stay at the stunning Secrets Impression Moxché, located just steps from the beach and offering one of the finest range of amenities in all of Playa.
Arena Playa del Carmen in 2026
- Next Edition: Thursday 29th January 2026 – Monday 2nd February, 2026.
- Attracting thousands of attendees from across the globe, Arena Festival promises an unforgettable week, with amazing house music and parties, renowned DJs and lots of surprises.
- Held in the stunning Riviera Maya, Arena takes over some of Playa Del Carmen’s top beaches and clubs for an epic party to remember.
- Organisers bring the world’s leading circuit party brands to Mexico for a unique party experience, together with the sexiest dancers, surprise performances and international DJs.
- Stay close to the beach parties and the centre of Playa del Carmen at the Aloft Playa Del Carmen, a Travel Proud certified hotel, rated “Wonderful” by guests with a great location, stylish rooms, a modern gym and rooftop pool.
The Parties
- Awaiting full program. Expect Arena’s signature welcome party and pool events, plus partnership events with the world’s leading circuit brands and international guest DJs.
- Parties typically run from Thursday to Monday.
- Discover the best places to dine, stay and play with our insider gay guide to Playa Del Carmen.
Aloft Hotel
- Awaiting dates – Typically Saturday Afternoon – Get ready for an all day pool party at the rooftop of Aloft, with all the comfort and style you deserve. Massive rooftop area with Two infinity pools overlooking the Caribbean Sea, right at the heart of playa del carmen.
- Check out the Aloft hotel’s facilities and rates.
Encanto Beach
- Encanto Beach – Meaning “Charm” or “Enchantment” in English, Encanto in Playa del Carmen is a picturesque and popular destination known for its white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters.
- Located in an accessible area and close to the main hotels and resorts.
- Complete with beach bar, restaurant, lounge chairs and umbrellas.
- Upgrade your Playa Del Carmen stay at the stunning Mahekal Beach Resort, located just steps from the beach parties. The Travel Proud certified hotel offers stylish rooms and suites with a beach vibe. It has a great location and is famous for its warm welcome.
The Mansion
- The Mansion – Unique venue complete with a pool and a large dancefloor.
- Enjoy 14 hours of music non-stop, with bars, food trucks and wardrobes.
Santino Playa Del Carmen
- Santino Playa Del Carmen– Located in the Centro district, the live music bar and club has high ceilings, a large dancefloor with great light and sound, laser lights, led screens and multiple bars.
Gay Playa Del Carmen Guide
- Playa del Carmen, or just “Playa” as it is also commonly referred to by locals, is a coastal resort town in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Approximately 70 km south of Cancún (around 50 min driving) and 20 km west of Cozumel, it is at the center of the Mayan Riviera and offers a more relaxed atmosphere, a distinct European flavor.
- Playa del Carmen gathers the best restaurants, shops and night and bathed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea. Famous for its tolerant and welcoming atmosphere, the city hosts some of the largest gay circuit parties and festivals in Mexico.
Where to stay during Playa Del Carmen Pride?
The following Playa Del Carmen Hotels are close to the beach and gay bars:
Grand Hyatt, El Taj Oceanfront, Condohotel Fabiola, Acanto Hotel
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Playa Del Carmen Pride visit Facebook
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
Grand Hyatt is where we stay in Playa
del Carmen. 3 ocean-front pools & a spa
Gay Map of Playa Del Carmen
Life both day and night happens on the famous Fifth Avenue, an attractive market where you will find all kinds of shops and boutiques, street vendors, cafés and restaurants, and an international and bohemian atmosphere. The gay clubs in Playa del Carmen is the ‘Playa 69’, on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 12th Street, its fun and may get a little wild, but it’s only open on weekends and well past midnight. For a more diverse group in a classic place stop by the Blue Parrot on the beach and Calle 12 to dance the night away to the sea. In fact, most of the nightlife of Playa del Carmen is on 12th Street.
1a. Avenida esquina Calle 26, Colonia Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Offering 3 ocean-front outdoor pools and a spa and wellness centre with spectacular architecture resembling a Cenote,
The rooms will provide you with a TV, air conditioning, iPod dock and seating area. Complete with a coffee machine, the dining area also has a dining table. Featuring a bath or shower, private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer. Extras include free WiFi in all rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows featuring views.
1 Norte Esquina Calle 14 Norte, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Set in tropical gardens next to Beach, these luxury suites offer access to an infinity pool, outdoor and spa. Guests enjoy free access to the beach club.
Suites at El Taj Oceanfront Condo Hotel offer a large terrace. El Taj property is composed by two buildings. Oceanfront suites offer sea views and direct beach access, while Beachside suites overlook the pool, fish pond and gardens.
Calle 16 Norte Playa del Carmen, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
This stylish hotel is just 250 m from the beach in Playa del Carmen, on the Yucatán Peninsula. Built around a tropical courtyard with a pool, it offers a private beach club for an extra cost. Continental breakfast is included with your rate.
Both rooms and apartments have a private patio and a plasma TV. The apartments also come with a modern kitchenette with an oven, hob and microwave. Continental breakfast is served in the courtyard.
Avenida 15 esquina 10 norte bis - Colonia Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen,
Just a 5-minute walk from Playa del Carmen Beach, Fabiola Condo Hotel offers an outdoor pool and hot tub, surrounded by palm trees. Each air-conditioned apartment and studio has free Wi-Fi and a kitchenette.
Brightly decorated, Fabiola’s studios and apartments feature cable TV and a private bathroom. Kitchenettes include a microwave, hob, and coffee maker. Apartments also have a balcony overlooking the street.
calle 32 norte entre 10 y 5ta Centro, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Provenza PDC - The only LGBT+ bar in Playa del Carmen. Karaoke, Drag Show, Gogos, on 32nd Street between 5th Avenue and 10th Avenue.
Calle 26 Nte entre Av.10 y Av. 5, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen
Charming and very gay friendly Wine & Cocktail bar.
Open Tuesday to Sunday 17:00-23:00
With special happy hours and a fun vibe, just one block from the busy 5th Ave.
CALLE 38 ENTRE 1A, Calle Flamingo, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen
Chela de Playa - Gay Friendly - Large, spacoous open air bar, serving delicious, independently-brewed beer with a friendly vibe, located on one of Playa's prettiest streets, la 38.
1 Avenida Norte & Calle 28 Norte, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen
The Reef 28 Rooftop - A minute's walk from Fifth Avenue's shops, galleries and bars, located on the rooftop of an adults-only hotel with beach views and great cocktails.
Calle 10 Nte, Centro, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Each apartment here is air-conditioned and includes a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances and an outdoor dining area overlooking the water. They also include a seating area and spacious bathroom with free toiletries.
C. 24 Nte, Calica, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Margaritas offers an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and air-conditioning with a balcony and free WiFi. the apartments feature a fully equipped kitchen a dining area, a flat-screen TV and bathroom with shower and a hairdryer.
1 Avenida Norte Esquina 16 Norte Bis, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Featuring a serene tropical atmosphere, surrounded by waterfalls and lush gardens, feel at home with exceptional amenities, including fully equipped kitchens and separate living and dining areas. offers a fitness centre
Calle 1 Nte. & Calle 14 Nte, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen,
Each Air conditioned spacious apartment has elegant Bali-inspired décor and a typical Palapa thatched roof. A living room with a plasma-screen TV and modern fully equipped kitchen. A bathroom with shower & free toiletries
An amazing venue for breakfast, lunch or dinner! A unique location, dining on a terrace surrounding a cenote.
Calle 38 Norte entre 5ta Av. y el Mar Col. Zazil Ha 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Natural Mexican food restaurant in a unique semi-tropical setting and informal and relaxed atmosphere. Great for traditional Mexican dishes.
CALLE 14 BIS NORTE ENTRE 10a Y 15a AV. #147 77712 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
For years, Oh Lala has had the best food in Playa. The service is amazing, the food is delicious and beautifully presented.
reservations recommended. +52 1 984 127 4844
Calle 12 Nte, Entre 15 Avenida y 20 Avenida. Col. Centro 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
We would highly recommend this restaurant/bar to anyone visiting playa del Carmen, it is away from the hassle of 5th avenue. The food is amazing and has live music in the evening's.
The gay beach is located in the centre of town at Mamitas.
Recommended Hotels in Playa Del Carmen
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Playa Del Carmen that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Grand Hyatt
5 Star, Luxury
- Offering 3 ocean-front outdoor pools
- Spa and wellness centre
- Located in Mamita’s Beach
- Coffee machine, and a dining area
- Free WiFi & amazing views
El Taj Condo Hotel
5 Star, Readers Choice
- Next to Playa del Carmen Beach
- Infinity pool, outdoor hot tub and spa
- Free access to the beach club
- Oceanfront suites offer sea views
- Direct beach access
Fabiola Condo Hotel
4 Star, Great Value
- Outdoor pool and hot tub
- Free Wi-Fi and a kitchenette
- Microwave, hob, and coffee maker
- Balcony overlooking the street
- Just 2 blocks from lively Fifth Avenue
Acanto Hotel
4 Star, Location
- 250 m from the beach
- Tropical courtyard with a pool
- Private beach club for an extra cost
- Choose between rooms and apartments
- All come with a private patio
Video Arena Festival After Movie
Highlights from the last Arena Festval.
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