Events at Cactus beach club, Brisas De Zicatela

About Cactus Beach Club

Cactus Beach Club sits right on Playa Zicatela’s sand in the Brisas de Zicatela neighborhood of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. It began in the late 2010s as a small family-run seafood and pizza spot, but has since transformed into a mainstay of the local nightlife. Housed under a large thatched palapa at Avenida del Morro, it offers an authentic surf-side atmosphere. Patrons often praise its panoramic sunset views over the Pacific, a signature feature that blends perfectly with margaritas and live music. With its open-air design and palm trees, the venue feels like a permanent beach party. By day it serves wood-fired pizzas, grilled seafood and cold local beers; by night the dining area becomes a dance floor.

Despite its modest size (the club holds only a few hundred guests at full capacity), Cactus Beach Club’s impact on Puerto Escondido’s scene has been outsized. It’s known for its laid-back, “hippie and relaxed” vibe — many reviews note the cozy garden ambience and friendly staff (owners Eduardo and Francisco, who speak English and Spanish, like to treat guests like friends). The menu is a draw even before sunset; visitors rave about tequila cocktails, spicy fish tacos and charcoal-grilled pizzas, calling them among the best in Zicatela. This mouthwatering mix of food, ocean breeze and music helped Cactus become a popular hangout for both surfers and travelers.

Tune-ups over the years have upgraded the sound and lighting, but Cactus maintains its open-roof feel. Today it’s a cornerstone of Puerto Escondido’s nightlife: a place where locals and tourists gather to dance to electronic beats and live DJ sets on nights like Monday’s famous “Blue Monday” party. Its reputation extends beyond Mexico’s coast; international DJs and regional collectives frequently spin here in season. All told, Cactus Beach Club is notable for being an energetic yet down-to-earth venue where the surf culture of Puerto Escondido meets world-class party energy. It is a cultural landmark in the area, hosting events that blend Mexican traditions and surf-community spirit in a way that continues to define the local scene.

Events and Programming

Cactus Beach Club hosts a mix of live music shows and DJ-driven dance parties, focusing on electronic and Latin-infused rhythms. Its signature weekly event is Blue Monday by Cencalli Music — a high-energy Monday-night party featuring local and international house/tech DJs. Busy holiday weekends often bring additional special nights (for example, Mexican Independence Day or Día de Muertos celebrations) with themed décor, costume contests and extended hours. In general, many nights showcase DJs spinning house, techno, reggaetón or Latin beats, and the outdoor dance floor stays active late into the night. Occasionally the venue will feature a live band (rare for a beach club) – for instance, a recent Roswell Brothers performance drew a crowd to dance under the stars.

Events at Cactus range from informal drop-in nights with no cover to ticketed headliners in peak season. Basic party nights often have cover charges in the range of 200–300 MXN (about $10–$15 USD), while major concerts or holiday parties can cost more. The club’s schedule is typically announced on its own social media and local event listings; tickets go on sale when acts are booked. Out-of-town visitors stay tuned online or through local promoters: popular shows frequently sell out, so it’s wise to get tickets early for big-name DJs. Recurring events also include occasional reggae or salsa nights, keeping the calendar diverse. Most shows start around 10 or 11 PM (though holiday parties may begin earlier), so plan to arrive late evening to join the fun.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for Cactus Beach Club events can be purchased in advance or sometimes at the door (if not sold out). The club does not have a traditional box office window open daily, so most tickets go on sale through event promoters or on listings a few weeks before each show. To plan ahead, the best strategy is to follow Cactus Beach Club on social media or join local event pages online. Organizers typically announce ticket links and presale information there. For major concerts or festivals at the club, buying early is important: these sell out quickly. If you prefer walk-up, arrive well before showtime and ask the door staff; sometimes a limited number of tickets are kept for last-minute sale.

Cover charges vary by event. Smaller local DJ nights may be very cheap or even free early on, while big-name nights can cost more. Generally, commercial events range from about 200 to 300 Mexican pesos at the door (roughly $10–$15 USD), with higher pricing on holidays or when international artists perform. Often a tiered pricing structure is used: an early-bird rate or presale might be a bit lower, followed by a higher general admission price at the club. There is usually no assigned seating; tickets are for general admission only. Remember to bring a valid ID when booking or picking up tickets, as the club strictly enforces its 18+ entry policy. In summary, check for ticket releases on social channels, buy early if possible, and arrive before doors open to avoid missing limited-capacity shows.

Seating and Layout

Cactus Beach Club has an open, casual floor plan rather than fixed seats. The bar and kitchen sit under a palapa roof on one end, with the DJ booth near the back wall facing the sea. In front of the stage is a general-admission dance floor across the sand – guests mingle and move freely, with only a few scattered tables and stools along the edges. In short, it’s mostly standing room. A small shaded lounge area (simple tables and couches) sits to one side for those who want to sit, but dancers draw near the DJ and speakers. There is no assigned seating; everyone finds space on the beach or under the palapa.

Best views are usually near the front of the stage or just behind the dance area, where you can see the DJ and a large part of the crowd. If you prefer a more relaxed view, you can sit on perimeter benches or on the sand under the palm trees, though those spots are farther from the speakers. The sound system is high-powered (recently upgraded) and calibrated for the open-air layout, so it projects well over the crowd – but it will be loud on the dance floor. Acoustically, the sand and open sky keep the sound clear (no echo as in a closed room), though it can be breezy at times. Either way, it’s easiest to really feel the music by staying near the center of the action; standing at the far edges can make the music fainter. In practical terms, most guests simply pick a spot where they can see the DJ booth and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. (There’s no “bad” vantage in an open-air club, but the most intense sound and energy is near the stage.)

Getting There and Parking

Cactus Beach Club is located at Avenida del Morro in the Brisas de Zicatela section of Puerto Escondido, just behind Playa Zicatela. It’s the street parallel to the surf break, south of the main seaside road. Street parking is very limited on Av. del Morro. Since it’s a small road, any available spaces are informal: visitors often drop their car on a side street or in a nearby dirt lot (sometimes an attendant will watch your car for a small fee of 20–50 MXN). If you arrive by taxi or rideshare late at night, the club is easy to spot by its palapa roof and palm trees. Simply tell a driver “Cactus Beach Club on Zicatela” and they will know the plaza. Taxis and motorbike taxis are actually more common here than self-driving – if you can take a cab from town, it avoids the parking hassle altogether.

Public transit stops farther away. The nearest local buses (colectivos) run along the main highway and the top of Zicatela, not down the small Brisas lanes. To use public transit, you would typically take a bus toward Zicatela and get off at a known point (like the “Playas” stop or a major corner), then either walk or switch to a taxi for the final stretch to Av. del Morro. Walking along the beachfront road is an option in daylight (it’s about a 10–15 minute stroll), but keep in mind that after dark taxis are safer. In short, if you’re coming straight from the airport or central Puerto Escondido, the usual approach is to grab a taxi headed for the Zicatela beaches and specify Cactus Beach Club. If using rideshare apps (where available), just search the address. And if you plan to enjoy the late-night music, arrange your return trip in advance – local bus service will end well before the club does.

Inside the Venue

Upon entering Cactus Beach Club, expect a casual, beach-club vibe: staff usually stamp or wristband guests, and basic security checks are in place. The club enforces an 18+ ID policy, so have your passport or driver’s license handy at the door. Inside there is a bar serving both local and international beers, mezcal tequila cocktails and tropical mixed drinks. The food menu is simple comfort fare: tacos, burgers, pizza, ceviche, and the like – exactly the kind of eats one expects at an all-night beach party. You’ll find a handful of wooden tables around the edges and a counter for ordering food, but the atmosphere is loud and lively so most people stand by the bar or on the dance floor. Don’t expect fine dining – lines at the food counter can form early in the night as hungry club-goers fuel up. The décor is relaxed and surf-inspired (bamboo furniture, surfboard art, string lights), reinforcing the tropical beach mood.

Most of the venue is outdoors (with partial roofing), so keep the weather in mind. Cactus has basic restrooms under the palapa – often clean but simple (it’s good to carry a few bills for a tip to the attendant). There is no coat check or locker room, so plan to keep belongings with you or in small bags. The staff is generally informal and friendly; once inside you’re free to move around. Connectivity can be spotty – there is no advertised Wi-Fi or charging station, so don’t count on internet. Don’t look for a merch stand: Cactus doesn’t sell branded souvenirs. The main “amenities” are the music and the sea air. Overall, it’s a low-key, unpretentious environment where you should just grab a drink, hit the dance floor, and enjoy the party. (If you need cash, note that while cards are accepted for bar tabs, the cover charge and some vendors probably prefer pesos.)

Nearby Amenities

The area around Cactus Beach Club has plenty of casually cool spots for dining and lodging. Brisas de Zicatela is a surfer’s neighborhood, so local restaurants are very laid-back: Chill Inn Beach Cafe (an adjoining hostel’s café) and One Love Hostel’s restaurant serve great breakfast and lunch platters before the nightlife kicks in. Closer to the club there are tasty taco stands and seafood shacks along the sand; just a few blocks north on Zicatela Beach you’ll find more lively cafés and eateries. For example, El Cafecito is known for coffee and smoothies, Palmar and Killaha Fish have good cocktails by the water, and La Olita offers sit-down Mexican lunches and dinners in a festive setting. If you enjoy seafood, look for local vendors grilling pescado (fish) and camarones (shrimp) on the beach – one or two tacos will keep you going until the late-hours food counter opens at Cactus.

Accommodation is plentiful if you plan to stay late. Within walking distance of Cactus there are hostels and small hotels like Chill Inn and Casa Bajo El Sol, where you can easily catch sunrise after an all-night party. A short taxi up the beach leads to larger Zicatela hotels and surf camps if you need more amenities. Since local buses do not run late, it’s wise to pick a place reasonably close if you intend to enjoy the late-night music without worrying about a long trip home. Ride-sharing apps (where available) or taxi stands in central Zicatela can help after hours, but having a room nearby is easiest. Overall, the neighborhood feels safe and go-with-the-flow after dark, with enough beach bars and street food to sustain the party until morning.

What Makes This Venue Special

• Beachfront Setting: The dance floor is literally on the sand, just steps from the surf. This open-air, tropical setting (with palms and a palapa roof) is rare for a music venue, letting guests dance under the stars or catch the famous Zicatela sunset during earlier shows.
• Legendary Parties: Cactus is most famous for its weeknight and holiday parties – especially Monday nights when top DJs play electronic, house and Latin beats. This consistent, high-quality programming (from house DJs to reggaetón events) has built a loyal following. Attendees often cite the Monday “Blue Monday” party as something you can’t find anywhere else in Puerto Escondido.
• Surf Culture Fusion: The club grew out of the local surf community, and that surfer spirit still permeates every event. There’s a laid-back, always-friendly vibe that comes from being part of Zicatela’s surf history. Local surfers often drop in after dawn patrol, melting into the party with international travelers. This fusion of local and global scene gives Cactus a one-of-a-kind community feel.
• Food and Cocktails: Unlike many rowdy clubs, Cactus is also known for its food. The owners serve everything from wood-fired pizza to Pacific seafood tacos, which keeps people hanging out on the beach for dinner as much as for music. Signature cocktails – for example the house margarita made with local mezcal – are a highlight. In a way it feels more like a beachside comida (casual meal) spot by day that miraculously turns into a dance club at night.
• Family Atmosphere: The operators (an Italian chef and a Mexican chef) have created a family-run feel. Staff members are known to recognize regulars by name, and the crowd tends to be a friendly mix of locals, expats, and vacationers. Many first-time visitors comment that Cactus feels more personal than a slick city club – it’s like dancing among friends under the palms. This genuine hospitality sets it apart.

Economically and culturally, Cactus Beach Club has become a small landmark for the community. It draws tourists to Brisas de Zicatela, supporting local business, and it offers a stage for Mexican holiday celebrations (like Día de Muertos events with altars and costumes). Its continued popularity has helped turn Puerto Escondido into not just a surfing destination but a nightlife destination as well. Locals appreciate that an international-style club exists right in their neighborhood rather than having to go to a big city. In short, Cactus Beach Club’s unique blend of beach vibes, good food, and great music – all with an authentic, friendly personality – is what makes it special.

Visitor Tips and Information

Cactus Beach Club is casual, but here are some practical pointers to enhance your visit:

• Age and ID: This venue enforces an 18+ policy for evening events. Bring a government photo ID (passport or driver’s license) – it will be checked at the door. Security staff are friendly but firm about age restrictions.
• Dress: Beach-chic attire is perfect. Lightweight clothing and shoes that can get sandy or wet are best; many dancers go barefoot. There’s no formal dress code – boardshorts, sundresses, flip-flops and the like are the norm. (However, avoid heavy jackets or heels – the venue is largely sand and open-air.)
• What to Bring: Essentials include your ID, some cash (many bars and food stands prefer pesos), and maybe earplugs if you’re sensitive to loud music. Phone cameras are fine for personal photos, but avoid professional-camera setups unless given permission. Small clear bags usually pass muster, but large backpacks or coolers could be turned away.
• Prohibited Items: Don’t bring outside alcohol (there’s a full bar inside) or large coolers. Weapons or any hard objects are strictly banned. Smoking is generally allowed in the sandy patio areas (but please step away from the bar or food counters). Also note that serious rain could delay an open-air show, so check the forecast beforehand.
• Accessibility: Keep in mind that Cactus Beach Club is spread over sand and uneven ground. If you have mobility issues or need a wheelchair, full access may be challenging. The staff usually will assist where they can, but there are no official ramps or handicapped restrooms – something to plan for.
• Arrival Time: Shows usually start around 10–11 PM, but it’s wise to arrive earlier, especially on busy nights. Earlycomers can enjoy drinks on the beach and snag front-row spots. Late arrivals might face a line or even a wait if the club has reached capacity, especially during festivals or holidays.
• Local Etiquette: The crowd is mixed (surfers, local families, tourists), so be respectful and friendly. Tipping bartenders and servers in pesos (10–20%) is appreciated. The vibe is always communal – feel free to strike up conversations, but also respect people’s personal space on the dance floor. Remember it’s a public beach area, so help keep it clean and pick up after yourself.
• Other: Expect very loud music and lots of dancing. The club’s open layout means noise is not confined – bring earplugs if needed. Also, cell reception may be spotty under the palapa, so arrange meeting plans or check schedules before you head in. Above all, embrace the surf-party spirit: come with a positive attitude, stay hydrated, and enjoy the unique mix of beach relaxation and vibrant nightlife!