Los Cabos International Film Festival: What It Is & How You Can Attend As A Tourist

Share The Article

If you’ve ever dreamed of trading snow for red carpets, the Los Cabos International Film Festival is your moment.

Here at The Cabo Sun, we’ve had this event circled on the calendar for months—and with the 13th edition coming up December 10–14, 2025, it’s shaping up to be one of the most unique weeks of the year in Baja.

While many travelers flock here just for the beaches, we know the real magic happens when you mix that ocean breeze with world-class culture. This guide breaks down what the festival actually is, what’s new for 2025, and exactly how you can attend as a regular tourist (no industry badge required).

What Is The Los Cabos International Film Festival?

The Los Cabos International Film Festival (often branded FICLosCabos) launched in 2012 as a bridge between Mexico and the global film industry, with a special focus on movies from Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. Over the years, it’s grown into a serious player on the festival circuit, especially for independent films and award-season hopefuls.

We’ve highlighted it before in our roundup of annual Los Cabos events because it’s not just for industry insiders—screenings, talks, and red-carpet moments are open to curious travelers too.

Expect:

• Premiere screenings and North American debuts
• Q&As with directors and cast
• Outdoor and “site-specific” projections in scenic spots
• A mix of glamorous red-carpet nights and very relaxed, beach-adjacent vibes

Past editions have welcomed big-name guests like Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, and Diego Luna. Celebrities are expected in Los Cabos again this year, so don’t be surprised if you spot a familiar face in the crowd.

What’s New For 2025: #BeyondTheScreen

The 2025 edition runs December 10–14 under the theme #BeyondTheScreen, and organizers are very intentionally leaning into the idea that cinema is an immersive experience, not just something you watch in a dark room.

According to the official program, this year the festival blends film with music, digital art, and gastronomy, turning Cabo into a multi-sensory playground. It also adds a new Animation section with shorts from international schools and masterclasses for up-and-coming creators.

We are particularly excited about the expansion of La Baja Inspira, a competitive section focused on stories rooted in Baja California Sur’s landscapes and communities. One of the headline moments will be a tribute to Oscar-winning production designer Eugenio Caballero (known for collaborations with Guillermo del Toro and Alfonso Cuarón), including an in-depth masterclass about his creative process.

Where It Happens: Puerto Los Cabos, San José & Cabo San Lucas

The festival is truly a “Los Cabos” event, with activities spread between:

• Puerto Los Cabos, one of the key hosts in 2025 and the site of the Eugenio Caballero tribute.
• San José del Cabo, especially the historic center and artsy Gallery District.
• Cabo San Lucas, where venues like the Pabellón Cultural often host screenings and panels.

If you want a more cultural, walkable base close to art galleries and Plaza Mijares (where many local events happen), we’d nudge you toward San José del Cabo. We’ve already broken down why San José is the quieter, more traditional side of Los Cabos.

How To Attend As A Tourist (Step-By-Step)

You absolutely can go to the festival as a visitor staying at a resort or vacation rental—here’s how to do it without getting overwhelmed:

1. Start With The Official Site

Head to the festival’s website (ficloscabos.org) to see the latest program, venues, and schedules. This is where you’ll find the full #BeyondTheScreen lineup, sections like Animation and La Baja Inspira, and day-by-day schedules once they’re live.

2. Secure Tickets Through The Official Ticketing Platform

From the main site, you’ll see the “Comprar Boletos” (Buy Tickets) button, which directs you to the official ticketing partner on Boletia. That’s where you can actually secure your access—think festival passes, special events, and individual screenings as they’re released. You can find the hub here.

3. Plan Around Crowds & Prices

December is already high season, and local tourism leaders are expecting record-breaking crowds this year as events like the PGA tournament and the film festival stack back-to-back.

Our advice from recent coverage still applies:

• Book flights and hotels early if you’re coming any time from late November through New Year’s.
• Consider midweek arrivals to dodge the busiest airport day.
• Lock in restaurant reservations in San José and Cabo San Lucas for festival nights—especially anywhere near the main venues.

If you’d rather enjoy a slightly calmer vibe and then roll into festival week, note that we at The Cabo Sun consider visiting Cabo in November the “Goldilocks” timing: warm days, breezy nights, and fewer crowds before December ramps up.

Where To Stay & How To Make It A Perfect Trip

To get the most out of FICLosCabos, think of your trip in two layers: cinema by night, Cabo exploring by day.

• Best base for festival energy: San José del Cabo. The Art Walk, galleries, historic mission, and Plaza Mijares all pair perfectly with festival screenings and talks.
• Best base if you want nightlife + film: Cabo San Lucas. Easy access to the marina, late-night dining, and beach clubs if you want to keep the evening going after a premiere.

To see how the festival fits into the bigger events calendar—and maybe stack it with other cultural or culinary festivals—check out our guide to Cabo’s top events in the second half of 2025.

Bottom Line: A Red-Carpet Reason To Finally Book That Cabo Trip

The Los Cabos International Film Festival is one of those rare trips where you can watch world-class cinema, walk out of a screening, and be on the beach in minutes.

If you’re a movie lover—or just want a smarter, more cultural twist on your winter sun escape—start watching the program announcements, grab your tickets through the official channels, and think about basing yourself in San José del Cabo for the full #BeyondTheScreen experience.

And when you’re in town sharing your festival photos, tag The Cabo Sun—we’ll see you under the Baja stars.