About RIU PARTY
The Riu Party is a branded open-air party venue located at the Hotel Riu Santa Fe in Cabo San Lucas (Los Cabos, Baja California Sur). Positioned on Medano Beach along the Tourist Corridor, Riu Santa Fe is a 5-star all-inclusive resort with over 1,200 rooms and ten swimming pools (www.riu.com ). In 2018 the hotel underwent a major renovation to introduce the new “Riu Pool Party” entertainment concept, making Riu Santa Fe the first resort in Los Cabos to offer this immersive DJ-driven party area (www.tripadvisor.com ). Today Riu Party is essentially a dedicated water-side stage and nightclub around the resort’s main pool, complete with professional lighting and sound. As a result, it’s not a traditional building but a branded event experience – complete with swim-up bars, thematic décor and live DJs and dancers (www.tripadvisor.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Riu Party is known for its over-the-top themes (color parties, neon nights, white parties, etc.) and draws large crowds of young adults. It is famous locally as a lively hub of music and dancing on Cabo San Lucas’ resort strip, and it helps solidify Los Cabos’ reputation as a premier party destination.
Events and Programming
Riu Party hosts multiple themed events each week, blending poolside ambience with nightclub-style entertainment. According to the Riu Hotels blog, the schedule typically includes a “White Party” on Monday nights (ancient Greek/white decor, classic dance music), a “Jungle Party” on Tuesdays (tropical atmosphere with Latin house/Reggaeton), a “Neon Party” on Friday nights (fluorescent glow and EDM/hip-hop beats), and a “Pink Party” on Saturday nights (all-pink décor with hip hop, pop, and funk music) (www.riu.com ) (www.riu.com ). These elaborate themed parties feature professional DJs and live performances. In addition to the weekly resident DJs, Riu Party regularly books international and regional artists for special events. In recent years (2022–2025) the stage has welcomed names like Claptone, Cheat Codes, Afrojack, Sommer Ray, Morten, Le Twins and even Steve Aoki, often as part of the themed-night lineup (www.cabo.party ). For example, TicketFairy listings show Cheat Codes, Claptone and pop-reggaeton star Lunay headlining Riu Party events in 2025, while social media imagery highlights Steve Aoki spinning at a Pink Party in Cabo. From family-friendly pool dance-offs during the day to high-energy music festivals at night, Riu Party stays busy nearly every day. These parties are generally open to adults (18+) staying at Riu resorts in Los Cabos (Riu Santa Fe, Riu Palace Cabo, etc.) and often sell tickets quickly. Typical ticket prices vary by event and performer; early presales and group rates may be offered. In general, expect to pay on the order of tens of dollars for standard entry and more for VIP tables. Recurring seasonal festivals (for example, special Spring-Break or holiday EDM events) are also common, making Riu Party a year-round entertainment venue. (www.riu.com ) (www.cabo.party )
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Riu Party events are usually available through official channels and the resort. Guests staying at Riu Santa Fe or sister Riu hotels often have the party ticket included with their stay, while outside visitors can purchase access separately. In practice, Riu releases event announcements a few months in advance, and tickets often become available through the resort’s concierge or certified resellers. There is typically no physical box office on site – you purchase before the event via a secure form or concierge desk. For headliner nights, it’s advisable to buy early since popular shows (especially on weekends) tend to sell out. VIP tables can be arranged by contacting Riu ahead of time; the Riu official website even provides a “Book your VIP table” form for party reservations (www.riu.com ). These VIP packages (often color-coded by section) include bottle service and reserved seating for small groups. Pricing tiers usually start at general admission and escalate for front-row or VIP sections. Keep an eye on the Riu Santa Fe events calendar or local listings to know when tickets go on sale; sign up for the resort’s newsletter or ask at check-in for presale information. At the door, tickets can sometimes be purchased if available, but sold-out events will not admit walk-ins without advance reservation.
Seating and Layout
Riu Party’s layout centers on a large lagoon-style pool with a stage at one end. The general admission area is open to all around the pool – many guests dance in fluid crowd space or lounge at the swim-up bar. There are no fixed theater seats; rather, floor-to-ceiling sound towers flank the stage and the crowd stands or floats in the pool. Around the perimeter and on a raised platform are designated VIP sections. These VIP areas have names (often color-coded) such as Backstage, Green, Yellow and Purple; each table holds between 4 and 10 guests (www.cabo.party ). For example, the Backstage section can accommodate up to 10 people per table, Green 8 people, Yellow 6, and Purple 4 (www.cabo.party ). These tables offer a prime view of the stage and come with bottle service. If you’re looking for the best perspective in general admission, aim for the center-front near the stage (being mindful of speakers) or along the shallow end of the pool for a close-up dance-floor vibe. Note that acoustic sound is engineered to cover the entire area, so most spots have good music and lighting effects. Those who prefer a quieter view can stand toward the edges or near the bars. Restrooms are available near the pool decks, and Riu Santa Fe’s layout (ramps and walkways) makes the stage area accessible. Overall, there is no ‘bad seat’ because it’s an open dance venue, but avoid being too close to powerful speakers or in direct splash zones if you want to stay dry. The VIP tables and organized queue lines are clearly marked, and staff will guide you to the reserved sections if you’ve purchased table service (www.cabo.party ). For safety, avoid blocking pathways; security staff maintain clear aisles around the pool and stage.
Getting There and Parking
The Riu Party venue is at Hotel Riu Santa Fe, on Cabo San Lucas’s Hotel Corridor. The exact address is the Tourist Corridor, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, 23454 (www.cabo.party ). The resort is about a 20-minute drive from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and roughly 15 minutes from downtown Cabo Marina. If you’re driving, Riu Santa Fe offers free self-parking on site (www.tripadvisor.com ). According to TripAdvisor reviews, “self-parking at the hotel is plentiful” and there is no valet fee (www.tripadvisor.com ). Parking is safe and well lit. If the lot fills, adjacent Paraiso Mall has a large paid lot ($1 USD/hr) and many guests park there and walk across the street; that mall also contains restaurants and shops for pre- or post-party dining (www.tripadvisor.com ). For public transit, local minibuses (“colectivos”) run along the corridor. The Riu Santa Fe has a bus stop a short walk from the front gate on the main road. (It does not stop right at the resort entrance – you may need to walk a block toward the highway to catch it (www.tripadvisor.ca ).) These colectivos are very inexpensive (under 10 MXN one way) and can take you to downtown Cabo or up the Tourist Corridor. There is also an intercity bus (Ruta del Paraiso) that stops nearby. Rideshare services like Uber and local taxis are widely available; an Uber from Cabo marina to Riu Santa Fe runs roughly $10–$15 USD. The resort can also arrange private shuttles or car service. If staying at another hotel, note that shuttles between Riu resorts exist but you may need to purchase a party ticket to board the shuttle on Riu Party nights. Walking from nearby hotels is possible via the beachfront promenade, but it can be a long jaunt in evening, so a taxi or shuttle is usually easier. In general, rides should plan for the main corridor traffic, especially on weekends or after shows. Once on site, follow the signs to the evening venue; if arriving after hour, Riu Santa Fe’s main entrance and parking area will be staffed for party traffic.
Inside the Venue
On entering the Riu Party area, you’ll pass through security screening (standard bag and ID check). The atmosphere is loud, colorful and electric – the pool deck is lit with neon lights, themed props, lasers and auxiliary dancers. Being outdoors, the space relies on large speakers and DJ lighting rigs. Expect a 100% adult crowd. Drinks are included 24/7 for resort guests, so open bar service operates at the stage bar and swim-up bar during the party. The poolside swim-up bar is in the center of the main pool and there is an additional poolside bar on the deck; snacks and appetizers may be offered at a separate snack bar by the pool entrance (www.tripadvisor.com ). Staff circulate freely offering cocktails, so you do not need to leave the dance floor to order. (Non-guests purchase drinks at a bar like any club.) Restrooms are located just off the dance area, and coat-check is not typically provided given the casual beach environment. Towels are available by the pool (provided by the resort for guests). Wifi extends throughout the property, so you can usually get a signal around the party (www.riu.com ). ATM machines are located in the lobby of Riu Santa Fe if needed. The concrete decks are anti-slip, but can be wet, so wear sandals or sneakers. Cell phone charging points are uncommon, so battery packs are recommended if you plan extended recording. Remember to protect your belongings – lockers are not usually available, but most people keep valuables locked in their hotel rooms. Finally, Riu Party has a strict 18+ policy (www.riu.com ), so be prepared to show ID (passport or driver’s license) for alcohol or entry. As a culturally-respectful tip, Mexicans often dress up a bit even in casual settings, so you’ll see a mix of swimsuits with cover-ups and summer partywear; avoid overly revealing beachwear late at night. Smoking (cigarettes/hookah) is allowed in designated outdoor areas (it’s outdoors anyway), but vaping or anything more is prohibited. Cameras and phones are allowed for personal use; professional photo/video gear might be restricted. In short, expect 24/7 Riu resort service with nightclub energy: free drinks, loud music, dancers, and an enthusiastic party vibe from the moment you arrive.
Nearby Amenities
Since Riu Party is on a large resort grounds, many guests use on-site amenities before or after the show. Riu Santa Fe features six restaurants (buffet plus Mexican, Italian, Asian cuisine, etc.) and 10 bars spread around the pools and beach (www.riu.com ). Guests often have dinner or snacks at the resort’s main buffet or a la carte eateries earlier in the evening, then head to the party. If you plan to eat off-site, the Paraiso Mall (across the street) has casual dining options like burger bars, Mexican grills and a coffee shop. A quick taxi or shuttle ride (or 20-minute walk along Medano Beach) will bring you to the heart of Cabo San Lucas harbor, where dozens of restaurants, sports bars and entertainment venues are open late (e.g. downtown Marina’s Señor Frog’s or Palapa). For nightlife-oriented pre-show vibes, the Riu is adjacent to other resorts (Riu Palace Baja California, Riu Palace Cabo). Many groups meet up at nearby pool lounges (the Riu Bar) or take advantage of the Riu’s nearby beachfront area on El Médano (very popular for daytime watersports and sunbathing). After Riu Party, note that most restaurants in Cabo San Lucas stay open until midnight or later; however, check hours on weekdays. The Riu Santa Fe front desk can recommend local bars that offer late-night transport or group taxi service back to the hotel. Finally, since the property is sprawling, it’s best to arrive at Riu Party with enough time. Most advise arriving at least 30 minutes before showtime to find your spot, especially on busy weekend nights.
What Makes This Venue Special
Riu Party stands out because it melds a luxury resort setting with festival-style events. Unlike a downtown club or indoor arena, Riu Party offers an open-air, tropical playground with palm trees, pools and ocean breezes – all incorporated into the production. Architecturally, the stage and poolside design are built for maximum spectacle: large LED screens, choreographed dancers on lava rock formations, and a DJ booth perched over water. It’s one of the few places where guests can dance in a pool among reefs and fountains while la playa surrounds them. Culturally, the Riu Party was groundbreaking in Los Cabos. It launched the Live-Music All-Inclusive model here and became a draw for young travelers and conventions. Many international visitors choose Riu Santa Fe (a “party resort” in local parlance) specifically to experience these branded events. Historic highlights include the nightly themed spectacles that have become tradition: for example, the Jungle and White parties have been running for years, and images of neon dancers or confetti-lined pools during Pink Parties have circulated widely on social media. Celebrity visits also add to the lore – famous DJs and performers often cite Riu Party as a memorable gig (the Cabo.party site even shows Steve Aoki headlining at Riu Los Cabos) (www.cabo.party ). The synergy with Cabo’s party culture is strong: during Spring Break or holiday seasons, the Riu Party heats up with thousands of revelers, boosting local bars and restaurants. This cyclical influx of tourists for Riu Party has created local traditions (like the Friday “Neon Night” dress code and Instagram photo ops) that remain unique to this venue. In essence, Riu Party is special because it is a self-contained immersive festival: an impressive stage and sound system in paradise, with the quality service and all-inclusive convenience of a resort. Both artists and audiences love it for that reason – fans can dive into the pool between sets, and performers play to an exuberant, water-splashed crowd under the stars. It’s a venue that only works in a beach resort, giving it a party-at-the-pool under-the-moon feeling unmatched by indoor clubs.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Riu Santa Fe is largely wheelchair-accessible. The resort provides accessible parking, ramps, an ADA-accessible pool and restrooms (www.expedia.com.hk ). The Riu Party area is on a level hardscape, so wheelchairs can move around, though getting down to a swim-up bar requires elevator or lift access. If you have special needs, contact the hotel in advance to confirm accommodations.
What to Bring: Bring your room key (often your wristband grants entry), ID, and a small bag or waterproof pouch for essentials (phone, cash, card). Towels and basic toiletries (sunscreen) are provided by the resort, but you may want your own earplugs (volume can peak at EDM levels) and a portable charger if you plan to take many photos. A light jacket or cover-up is smart for cooler evenings by the ocean. Since it’s a pool party, wearing swimwear or quick-dry clothes is fine – just be mindful that no glass containers or weapons are allowed inside the party zone.
Dress Code: Daytime parties are casual – swimsuits, shorts, sundresses or tropical prints are common. For themed nights, festive attire is encouraged (e.g., white outfits for White Party, neon clothing or glow sticks for Neon Party, jungle costumes, etc.). In the evening, totally casual resort wear is acceptable; most guests just aim for fun rather than formal. Footwear should be non-slip (water-friendly sandals or sneakers); think of it like a nightclub on sand.
Age and ID: All Riu Parties are strictly for adults 18 and over (www.riu.com ). Be prepared to show photo ID at the entrance and when ordering drinks. If you’re traveling with teens or children, note that they will not be allowed into the party area after dark. During special family-brand events (which are rare), children may be allowed in daytime, but the standard Riu Party nights are 18+
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Rain or Weather: This is an outdoor venue, so events may be delayed or modified by heavy rain or storms. Light rain typically doesn’t cancel a show (as the sound and lights are robust), but check with staff if weather is bad. There is no weather backup indoors for Riu Party. Cabo’s dry season is November through May, so parties in summer have a slightly higher rain risk. If it does rain, the friendly local policy is usually “dance in the puddles” – the party would only be cancelled under severe conditions.
Departure: The party usually wraps up by late evening (often around 11pm on weekdays, midnight on weekends). Taxis and shuttles stand by after events. If you plan to leave near closing time, avoid heading straight to the highway; walk toward the main gate or ask security for transport. Ubers and local cabs queue at the resort entrance. If you live on resort grounds, you can simply walk back to your room (it’s only a few minutes away).
Etiquette: Riu Party is a fun, high-energy environment, but guests should respect the property and fellow visitors. Keep dance areas clear and do not jump on the stage. Stay hydrated (it’s an all-inclusive all-spirits party!). There is no tipping expected as Riu is all-inclusive, but tipping good service (drink servers, DJs, etc.) will always be appreciated. And of course, use biodegradable sunscreen to protect Cabo’s ocean life when returning to the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Riu Party in Cabo San Lucas?
Riu Party is the branded entertainment zone at Hotel Riu Santa Fe in Cabo San Lucas. It’s not a separate club building, but a specialized outdoor party experience around the resort’s main pool (www.ticketfairy.com ). The area features a stage, DJs, bars, and themed décor (swim-up bar, snack bars, etc.) for adults-only parties (www.tripadvisor.com ) (www.riu.com ). Essentially, it’s a nightclub-meets-beach scene with live music and dancing by the water.
Do I need to be staying at Hotel Riu Santa Fe to attend Riu Party?
Tickets are typically included for Riu Santa Fe guests, but non-guests can also buy a pass for special events. The weekly themed pool parties are usually free for Riu guests, while big-name DJ nights require a separate ticket. You don’t strictly have to stay at Riu Santa Fe, but you will need to purchase a ticket or wristband from the resort or an authorized seller to enter the Riu Party area if you’re not a guest.
How much are tickets and where do I buy them?
Ticket prices vary by event; major concerts or festival nights often cost in the range of a mid-tier concert ticket (roughly $50–$150 USD), while regular pool parties may be free for resort guests. To buy tickets, you should contact your Riu resort concierge or visit the official Riu Santa Fe events page. Riu also has a VIP table reservation form online (www.riu.com ). Avoid unofficial resellers. It’s best to purchase tickets as soon as the event is announced, since popular shows sell out quickly.
Is there assigned seating or general admission?
Riu Party is mostly a general admission space around the pool – think standing/dancing room rather than fixed chairs. Guests flow around the pool and stage. The only reserved areas are the VIP table sections, which are color-coded (Backstage, Green, Yellow, Purple) and require a reservation (www.cabo.party ). If you don’t have a VIP table, it’s first-come territory. Arrive early to grab your spot if you have standard entry.
What time should I arrive for a Riu Party event?
Most Riu Party events start between 2:30 PM (afternoon beach parties) and 6:30 PM (evening parties). It’s wise to arrive at least 30–60 minutes early, especially for VIP check-in and to claim a good spot. Weekends and hotel busy seasons can be crowded, so an earlier arrival helps avoid lines. Check the specific event info (usually posted on Riu’s website or social media) for exact start times.
Can I bring food or drinks into Riu Party?
Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the Riu Party venue. It’s an all-inclusive situation, so beverages are provided by the resort’s bars. If you have dietary needs, it’s best to eat before arriving or enjoy the onsite bars and snack stations once inside. Smoking is permitted only in outdoor designated zones (the pool deck itself is open-air, so smoking is tolerated around the edges), but no other outside consumables are allowed.
What is the dress code?
Dress is resort-casual. For daytime pool parties, comfortable swimwear or shorts and T-shirts are fine. Evening themed parties often encourage costumes – white outfits for White Party nights, neon accessories for Neon nights, etc. Otherwise, resort wear (sun dresses, nice shorts, sandals) is typical. No formal attire is required. Footwear should be non-slip (water-friendly sandals or shoes); note that illegal substances and offensive clothing are not permitted. If a theme is announced (e.g. pink dress code for Pink Party), many guests join in the theme colors for fun.
Are children and families allowed at Riu Party?
Riu Party events are restricted to adults (age 18+) only. The pool parties were specifically created as an adults-only entertainment experience (www.riu.com ). Therefore, children and teens are not permitted inside the party area in the evenings. If kids are part of your group, plan for childcare or separate activities during party hours. Riu Santa Fe does have family pools and a water park for children earlier in the day, but once the scheduled Riu Party starts, no minors can enter.
Is Riu Party wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The Riu Santa Fe resort is equipped with accessible facilities, and the Riu Party area can accommodate wheelchairs via ramps and accessible paths (www.expedia.com.hk ). The pool is typically shallow on one side for easy entry. Accessible restrooms and parking are available on site as well. However, the party and pool environment is crowded and energetic, so we recommend letting staff know in advance if you need any special assistance navigating the event.
What happens if it rains?
Because Riu Party is outdoors, light rain can be a bummer but often won’t cancel the show. In the event of heavy rain or storms, staff may delay or brake the event; in extreme cases, the party could move or reschedule. There is no large indoor backup venue. Cabo’s climate is dry November–May, so check seasonal forecasts. You can keep rain gear handy, but note that the production (equipment, lights) is not fully waterproof, so final calls on weather are made by the resort’s management. If a cancellation is announced, they typically notify guests via text or say on social media.
What is the best way to get back to my hotel after Riu Party?
After the party ends (usually around 10–11pm), you’ll find taxis and Ubers waiting at the resort gate. If you live at Riu Santa Fe, you can simply walk to your room (it’s a short distance). For guests at other hotels along Cabo’s corridor, the resort offers late shuttle service back to Riu Palace Baja California and Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas at no extra charge (if you have a wristband). Alternatively, you can hail an Uber or taxi at the entrance. We recommend planning how you’ll get back before the party: ask the front desk about shuttle times or note that the Riu Taxi Stand is right outside the gate.
Is parking available at Riu Party?
Yes. Hotel Riu Santa Fe provides free self-parking in its parking lot (no valet needed) (www.tripadvisor.com ). Guests report that parking is plentiful. After parking, you can walk directly to the pool party area. If the hotel lot is full, the nearby Paraiso Mall (just across the street) has a large paid parking lot ($1 USD per hour) (www.tripadvisor.com ). From there, it’s a short walk to the Riu Santa Fe entrance. We recommend arriving early enough to secure parking if you’re driving in.
