Feel Young at MXLAN 2025

Everything feels different when you’re young: the thrill of seeing something for the first time, the fascination of discovering new music, and the joy of trying new foods with friends. It’s a feeling that can’t be recreated or chased, only inspired.

That feeling is why leaders in McAllen created the first MXLAN Festival in 2019 and why we’re so proud to be a part of MXLAN 2025. MXLAN 2025 is the only festival that celebrates young Latino arte, música, y cultura, and the only time when the Valley’s next generation gets to take center stage at the McAllen Convention Center, May 9th through the 11th. 

The beauty of MXLAN is that you don’t have to be young to feel young when you’re at the festival. MXLAN guests see young artists create, discover new music, see the newest styles and fashions, taste new foods and drinks, and feel free to live in the moment among people with a positive perspective of their culture and future.

The spirit of the festival is easy to understand and even easier to catch, whether you’re a young adult looking for new experiences or a young family hoping to share the beauty of your culture with the next generation. For some young people, the MXLAN Festival is the first time they’ll see their cultural roots presented as a source of inspiration to better themselves and their communities. 

The heart of MXLAN is music. This year, 5-time Latin Grammy and Grammy-winning vocalist Lila Downs headlines the MXLAN Breakthrough Stage along with Ozomatli, Clubz, Girl Ultra, and other rising Latino artists that will play nightly on the MXLAN Breakthrough Stage. Since all concerts are included with the price of admission, be sure to arrive early to get the best view.

2025 is a breakthrough year for the MXLAN Festival, with a fresh slate of events and representatives from international, national, and local Latino communities sharing their talents and traditions with the world, like watching Oaxacan muralist Irving Cano’s Creator in Motion project.

Guests can watch young local artists create, contribute to community art projects, or craft and paint masks. Craftspeople from across Mexico will open a New Pueblo Magico Artisan Mercado under the stars each night of MXLAN 2025, while everyone is welcome to walk in the Oaxacan-style calenda.

MXLAN 2025 is also the debut of MXLAN’s new laser and fire show on the water. Fireworks, flames, and light will dance across the McAllen Convention Center’s oval pool each night of MXLAN 2025. This Vegas-style show is a first for the festival and South Texas.

Another MXLAN 2025 first is being pet-inclusive: leashed dogs will now be welcomed in outdoor areas when accompanied by responsible owners. Guests are reminded to control and clean up after their pets to keep the festival friendly for everyone.

The MXLAN Opening Gala is now the home of the Border Texan of the Year Banquet, an event that honors outstanding individuals in the Rio Grande Valley for their contributions to the public good. The private event will feature live performances, food, and the company of people working together to uplift the Valley.

Active guests can start MXLAN weekend by competing in the MXLAN Neon Nights 5K, a race that’s as fun or competitive as you choose. Entrants will run a course at the McAllen Convention Center on a cool spring evening illuminated by the stars, neon lights, and glow gear. MXLAN’s Neon Nights 5K runs Friday, May 9, at 8:30 pm.

MXLAN Sabor & Spirits: Food, Tequila + Mezcal Festival is a new food, tequila, and mezcal tasting event that serves the finest foods and spirits South Texas has to offer in a private setting. L&F Distributors will present the Valley’s boldest chefs, who will serve dishes from their personal repertoire that showcase the allure of Mexican and border cuisine, on Saturday, May 10, at 7:30 pm.

MXLAN Lucha Libre is the ultimate rush for guests looking for high-flying action. Guests will watch legendary luchadores Dr. Wagner Jr., Mascarita Sagrada, and the Laredo Kid take on dangerous challengers ringside at the McAllen Convention Center. The action sets off on Sunday, May 11, at 7 pm.

Sunday is also Mother’s Day and a special night at MXLAN 2025. For the first time, guests will celebrate Mother’s Day with a special mariachi serenade at the festival. The night’s live mariachi, good food, and closing fireworks, flames, and laser show on the water will be a Mother’s Day gift to remember.

MXLAN 2025 is possible through the combined energy of community leaders, young creatives, and the people of McAllen. MXLAN is also made possible through the support of the City of McAllen, McAllen International Airport, The McAllen Visitor’s Bureau, H-E-B, Ruby Red Hospitality, Reliant Energy, L&F Distributors, Raising Cane’s, and Whataburger.

As one of the partners working to make MXLAN 2025 an unforgettable weekend, the McAllen Convention Center is committed to embracing everyone who is part of this project and has a deep love for our region’s culture and community. At MXLAN, people are free to contribute their ideas, their experiences, and their skills to give a new generation a vision of positivity and shared history. Everyone is welcome to see the vibrant creations at MXLAN 2025 and hopefully feel a little bit of that special feeling young people experience when they discover something incredible.

MXLAN 2025 is the weekend of May 9th through the 11th at the McAllen Convention Center. Tickets to premium events like the MXLAN Sabor & Spirits: Food, Tequila + Mezcal Festival, MXLAN Lucha Libre, and the MXLAN Neon Nights 5K run are on sale now at mxlan.com