Arts & Culture Arts, Events and Culture

Downtown Phoenix hosts Spirits of Mexico Festival celebrating Sonoran culture

BOSW March 12, 2026

A group of folklórico dancers wearing brightly colored dresses and traditional attire pose together in front of a historic building at Heritage Square in Phoenix. — Traditional dance performances highlight the rich cultural traditions celebrated at the Spirits of Mexico Festival in Downtown Phoenix. (Photo courtesy of Downtown Phoenix Inc.)

The third annual Spirits of Mexico Festival returns to Downtown Phoenix for a vibrant two-day celebration of culture, cuisine and craft. Taking place March 21–22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Heritage Square, the festival brings together the flavors, traditions and artistry of Sonora while commemorating a special milestone between two neighboring cities.

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Celebrating 50 years of Phoenix and Hermosillo sister cities

Now in its third year, the festival is produced by Imex Live Events, LLC and presented in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in Phoenix, Downtown Phoenix Inc. and the City of Phoenix Economic Development Department.

This year’s theme honors the 50th anniversary of Phoenix and Hermosillo as Sister Cities, celebrating a half-century of friendship, cultural exchange and economic collaboration between Arizona and Sonora.

The Spirits of Mexico Festival serves as a dynamic platform to deepen cross-border connections while spotlighting the vibrant traditions, flavors and entrepreneurial spirit of the Mexican state of Sonora.

A group of cultural performers wearing bright feathered headdresses and traditional attire pose together on the lawn at Heritage Square during the Spirits of Mexico Festival. — Festival performers gather in colorful ceremonial dress during the Spirits of Mexico Festival at Heritage Square in Downtown Phoenix. (Photo courtesy of Downtown Phoenix)

Two days of Sonoran culture, cuisine and live entertainment

Festival guests can expect an immersive lineup of culinary, cultural and entertainment experiences throughout the weekend.

Highlights include:

Live music and traditional dance performances
Local food trucks
Desert Roots Pavilion – Indigenous Art & Handcraft Market of Sonora, presented by Manny’s Air
Tortilla sobaquera demonstrations, showcasing the traditional method behind Sonora’s iconic oversized tortillas

The festival invites visitors to experience the spirit of Sonora through food, art and music in the historic setting of Downtown Phoenix.

Two women prepare food during a live cooking demonstration featuring traditional Sonoran cuisine at the Spirits of Mexico Festival. — Cooking demonstrations showcase Sonoran culinary traditions during the Spirits of Mexico Festival in Downtown Phoenix. (Photo courtesy of Downtown Phoenix)

VIP experiences include tastings, mixology and culinary master classes

Guests looking for a deeper dive into Sonoran culinary traditions can upgrade to VIP access, which includes exclusive workshops, tastings and demonstrations.

VIP programming includes:

Colors of Sonora – arts and crafts workshops
Desert Spirits – Sonoran mixology lab and mixology classes
¡Salud, Sonora! Tasting Area featuring bacanora, tequila, sotol, raicilla, mezcal and craft beer
Legacy in a Glass – guided tasting sessions presented by Sonoran Star Resorts in Rocky Point
Sonora on Fire – grilling master class presented by Eipi Delivery and Cedasa Meats
Sonora in the Kitchen – cooking demonstrations with Sonoran chefs

VIP sessions run every hour throughout both festival days and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Spaces are limited and expected to sell out.

Two cultural performers wearing elaborate feathered headdresses, ceremonial face paint and traditional attire pose during the Spirits of Mexico Festival at Heritage Square in Phoenix. — Traditional performers bring the vibrant culture and heritage of Sonora to life during the Spirits of Mexico Festival in Downtown Phoenix. (Photo courtesy of Downtown Phoenix)

Family-friendly activities blend culture and science

Families can also participate in hands-on educational activities in partnership with the Arizona Science Center, offering interactive experiences that blend culture, science and creativity.

“The Spirits of Mexico Festival is a bridge connecting Arizona with Mexico,” says Yazmin Quezada, festival producer for Spirits of Mexico Festival. “This year, we are proud to highlight Sonora, showcasing its rich traditions, flavors and entrepreneurial spirit to Phoenix audiences while commemorating the milestone of 50 years of friendship between Phoenix and Hermosillo.”

Ticket information for Spirits of Mexico Festival

General admission tickets are $15 and include access to live music, food trucks, the Sonoran Indigenous Art & Handcraft Market, tortilla-making demonstrations and family activities.