Summary: Zihuatanejo Sailfest 2026 returns to Ixtapa from February 15–28. The two-week festival blends sailing competitions, boat parades, concerts and charity events while supporting local education and giving a notable boost to regional tourism.

Zihuatanejo Sailfest 2026 is set to take place in the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo area from February 15 to 28, 2026. The annual February event celebrates nautical sport and community activities and has previously attracted visitors and competitors from multiple countries.

More than Racing: A Two-Week Celebration

While sailing competitions form the backbone of the festival, Sailfest extends well beyond regattas. Over two weeks, attendees will find boat parades, social gatherings, live concerts and charity dinners alongside on-water racing.

International Participation and Community Focus

The festival has drawn entries from distant locations in past years, with boats arriving from as far away as Alaska and the Caribbean. Beyond sport, Sailfest allocates resources to local educational projects, making the event a platform for philanthropy as well as competition.

What Happens on Water and on Land

  • On-water events: sailboat races and boat parades filling Ixtapa Bay
  • Shoreline activities: concerts, social events, charity dinners and local markets
  • Audience experience: spectators can watch racing from the shore while enjoying nearby restaurants and nightlife
Sailboats in Ixtapa Bay during Sailfest with spectators along the shoreline
Sailfest turns Ixtapa Bay into a showcase of sailboats and festival activity

Ixtapa: The Convenient Base for Sailfest

Ixtapa, located a short distance from Zihuatanejo, provides the hotel infrastructure that supports the festival. Modern resorts — including all-inclusive properties such as the Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa — offer visitors easy access to the event and the region’s beaches.

Tourism Impact and Local Economy

Sailfest contributes noticeably to the local tourism cycle. In the previous year, the region recorded over 733,000 air passengers, and February hotel occupancy typically runs high during festival periods. Winter-season activity has generated nearly 2 billion pesos for the area.

All-inclusive hotels remain popular for Sailfest visitors who prefer a streamlined stay with meals, drinks and entertainment included, allowing guests to focus on festival events without separate arrangements for dining and activities.

Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo: Choosing Your Experience

Visitors can base themselves in Ixtapa for convenient access to resort amenities and festival venues, while Zihuatanejo offers a quieter, more traditional town atmosphere for those seeking a more relaxed stay.

Plan Ahead: Bookings and Practical Considerations

Given Sailfest’s popularity and the region’s high occupancy in February, travelers are advised to reserve accommodation early to secure their preferred hotels and avoid last-minute shortages.

Why this matters: For travelers, Sailfest offers a mix of sporting spectacle and cultural events within a resort-ready destination; for the local tourism industry, the festival drives visitor numbers, hotel occupancy and economic activity while supporting community projects.

So what? If you plan to attend Zihuatanejo Sailfest 2026, book accommodation in Ixtapa early, consider all-inclusive resorts for convenience, and expect vibrant on-water action plus evening cultural programming.