Where to find Mariachi or Mexican music this weekend?

Question

I'll be in LA this weekend and would love to find Mexican music (Mariachi is my favorite but I like other Mexican music too). I'd be fine with a restaurant, bar, festival, you name it. I've found a few leads online so far but a lot of the sites are confusing, outdated, only have music once a year, ect.

Answer

Great question! Finding live mariachi or Mexican music in L.A. on a weekend can be a fun experience, though availability changes depending on the spot and day. Here are some solid leads plus things to watch out for:

La Fonda de Los Camperos (Westlake): This is one of the most iconic mariachi dinner-theater restaurants in L.A. Their mariachi shows run on weekends (Thursday–Sunday). Los Camperos de Nati Cano perform there.
- Friday: Mariachi Ángeles at ~7pm and ~9pm
- Saturday: earlier and later shows; check with them for exact times.
- Sunday: they even have brunch shows.
Olvera Street / Plaza Historic Area: This historic area is well-known for mariachi bands sometimes playing in the plaza or inside nearby restaurants. According to traveler discussions, you can often catch musicians strolling or performing in the vicinity.
El Mercado de Los Ángeles (aka El Mercadito): In Boyle Heights, this indoor market has shops and eateries, and live mariachi performances are part of the experience there.
El Compadre or La Cabana: Based on traveler forums, both of these are recommended for mariachi on weekends—though it’s wise to call ahead to confirm performance times.
Casa La Golondrina (Olvera Street): A historic Mexican eatery in downtown L.A. (Olvera Street) with a traditional feel—locals cite it as a place to catch Mexican music.

Tips for Going:

Call the venue ahead of time—Mariachi performance times can change, and not every restaurant has live music every night or weekend.
Arrive early for better seating, especially for dinner shows like at La Fonda.
If you're just looking to experience mariachi casually, visiting Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights is a cultural experience, though live full-band performances aren’t guaranteed—it’s more a gathering place.

Enjoy your weekend in L.A. and the mariachi—there’s nothing quite like it! 🎻