Here’s how to find venues for events in La Paz. For more information and maps, visit one of the tourism offices (see below). You can also download a map from Baja Insider at http://www.bajainsider.com/baja-maps/la-paz-map.htm. And scroll down for a list of links: at the bottom of the page are a list of useful links to other English-language sites for more information about La Paz and Baja California Sur.
Alianza Francesa: The French cultural centre, called Centro Cultural Roger de Conynk, is the site of French classes, films, art exhibits, live performances of music, roundtable discussions and other special events. The centre is on Revolución 635 between Morelos and Guadalupe Victoria. It’s open Monday through Friday 5-9 pm; Sat 9:30 am-2 pm. Phone number: 122-28-88.
Allende Books of La Paz: This English-language bookstore also features gifts and artwork. It's at Independencia #518, between Serdan and G. Prieto. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Phone number is (612)125 9114.
Archivo Histórico Pablo L. Martínez: at Unidad Cultural, next to Teatro de la Ciudad, Navarro and Héroes de Independencia. Site of archival exhibits. Hours listed are Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bagel Shop y La Galería: The gallery is upstairs from the bagel shop at Belisario Dominguez between 5 de Mayo and Constitución. New hours: Monday through Saturday 7:30 am to 3 p.m.. Phone: 12 55878. The upstairs gallery is also a meeting space, available to community groups. (December 2011)
Bar Salsipuedes: This bar and restaurant is the site of films, art exhibits and televised sports events. It’s at Alvaro Obregón (Malecón) 2130 between Allende and Juárez, (612)12 8 55 94
Biblioteca Central Filemón C. Piñeda: The library is at Unidad Cultural Prof. Jesús Castro Agúndez, Navarro and Héroes de Independencia (near Teatro de la Ciudad). Hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Telephone: 125-0369.
Biblioteca Leopoldo Ramos is on Álvarez Rico, between Jalisco and Colima. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
CICIMAR: Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, the marine sciences institute, is near the beach at the foot of Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Driving away from the city centre Abasolo, you would turn right one block after Colosio (which at that intersection is also named Golfo de California). Information: 612-1234658.
Callejón Ignacio Bañuelos Cabezud: This is the small plaza on Obregón near the Malecón across from the Muelle Fiscal with the watchtower. Site of Saturday night university performances and other performances. The centrepiece of the Callejón is a sculpture of three “seashell musicians.”
Casa del Artesano Sudcaliforniano: Exhibit and sale of regional arts and crafts in wood, shell, clay, weaving, cultured pearls and more. Open daily 10am to 10pm, Malecón and Bravo next to the skateboard park. Information: 128-8707.
Casa de la Cultura del Estado: 825 Madero between Salvatierra and Torre Iglesias. Monday through Friday, 8am-8pm and Saturday 9:30am to 2pm. Site of concerts and many workshops.
Casa de la Cultura Municipal: Independencia between G. Farías and Altamirano. Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Telephone: 122-8784. Site of workshops, performances and cultural activities.
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Paz: Cathedral across from Jardín Velasco on Revolución between Independencia and Cinco de Mayo.
Centro Cultural Esperanza Rodríguez A.C: Independencia No. 107 B., between Belisario Dominguez and the Malecón (next to Las Varitas nightclub). For information, call 1229900. Site of independent film series, workshops and art exhibits.
Centro Cultural La Paz: The old city hall on 16 de Septiembre at the corner of Belisario Dominguez has undergone a major renovation to become a venue for art exhibitions and other cultural events. Posted hours for Centro Cultural La Paz: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Phone number is (612) 122-0065. E-mail address is centroculturallapaz@live.com
Centro de Artes y Culturas Populares de Baja California Sur: This is the site of the old Casa de Gobierno del Territorio on Madero across from Jardín Velasco, between Independencia and 5 de Mayo. It is the site of changing arts and cultural exhibitions.
Centro de Convenciones y Expresión Cultural de Sudcalifornia: Location is Navarro and Héroes de Independencia, on the grounds of Unidad Cultural Profr. Jesús Castro Agúndez, near Teatro de la Ciudad. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Phone: 125-0486.
Centro Social Otro Mundo: It’s the site of workshops and events. Location is Calle Pera 176, between J. Mújica and Toronja.
Ciao Molino restaurant: Topete at Legaspy (across from Marina de La Paz): site of Wednesday night jam session and Mexican Train dominos.
Costa Baja: Kilometre 7.5 on the highway to Pichilingue, north of La Paz. Ask at the bus depot on the Malecón about free transportation from the centre of town. The commercial zone and restaurants offer live music, art exhibitions and films. For information on events, e-mail sfeliz@costabaja.com or phone 612-121-6226 (ext. 6424).
Dirección de Culturas Populares e Indigenas: I.M. Altamirano, between 5 de Mayo and Constitución, open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm
Ecology Project International: This environmental organization has workshops, field trips and campaigns to promote its cause. Call Wendy K. Sánchez at 612-165-6561 or e-mail wendy@ecologyproject.org for more information. EPI is located on Guillermo Prieto #1038 between Navarro and Encinas. Visit the website at http://www.ecologyproject.org (updated for October 2011)
El Rincón de la Tertulia: There’s lots happening at this recently opened venue. You’ll find poetry readings, live music, movies and workshops here. It’s at Valentín Gómez Farías 2335, between Manuel Pineda and Márquez de León. Cel telephone: 044-612-140-2727.
Escuela de Música del Estado: the state music school is at 1055 Morelos on the corner of Marcelo Rubio. Site of concerts and rehearsals, which are open to the public. School hours: 8am-8pm, Monday through Friday. The school’s phone number is (612) 125-55-19 and the e-mail address is serv_escolares@escuelademusicabcs.com The office is open 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. For information about activities or to donate orchestral instruments, you can also contact Thomas A. Ireton, 123-4424 or e-mail thomasireton@hotmail.com
Estado Arturo C. Nahl: Constitución and Lic. Verdad near Ley’s supermarket. Site of major live events, including concerts and special events.
Galería de Arte Carlos Olachea: Exhibits change monthly at this major gallery, which is next to Teatro de la Ciudad at Unidad Cultural, Navarro and Héroes de Independencia. Admission is free. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Also check out the vestibule of Teatro de la Ciudad for other changing exhibits.
Galería de Arte Tonantzin: The gallery owners were once lawyers in Mexico City, but they developed a passion for art. Tonantzin (the name has connections to both the Aztec goddess and the Virgin Mary) is an art gallery and cultural space for live performances. You'll find prehistoric pieces and contemporary Sudcalifornian and Latin American artists. There are concerts of live music in the gallery courtyard some evenings. Location: Constitución 320 (between Aquiles Serdán and Revolución), the same block as the post office. Space at the gallery is also available to rent for private events, meetings, exhibitions, courses or workshops. Phone number: 044-612-154-8136. Posted hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
Galería, Galería :The gallery features workshops and a children’s library, as well as art and interior decorating. It’s at Revolución 590, at the corner of Juarez. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Lucia Frausto at siritapa@yahoo.com or phone 612-1256973.
Galería La Encantada: Artist Lila Magallón’s gallery has exhibitions of paintings and sculpture, as well as a wine bar, deli and occasional live acoustic music in the courtyard and a film series. Location is Belisario Dominguez 1245 (between 5 de Mayo and Callejón Constitución). A century-old house in the heart of La Paz’s historic district was renovated to create a gallery that is, itself, a work of art. Hours for La Encantada: from Tuesday through Saturday, gallery and wine bar were open 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. For more information, For more information, call 18 5 34 69 or 612 14 00 3 91 or e-mail laenantadalapaz@gmail.com or lilamagallon@hotmail.com. You can read more about this gallery on the FEATURES page. (updated December 2011)
Galería La Paz: Sidne Byars, an artist, collector and real-estate agent, established her first art gallery in La Paz 13 years ago. She features contemporary Mexican artists such as Gabo and Miguel Ramirez. You will also find original pieces that are functional – a clock, a lazy susan, a piece of furniture. The gallery is on the Malecón on Alvaro Obregón 299 and Constitución. Galería La Paz, which doubles as a real estate office, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, contact Sidne Byars sidne@galeria-la-paz.com
Governor’s Palace: The large plaza in front of the palace is where people in La Paz gather to celebrate major events, such as Mexico’s Independence Day’s Grito de Dolores. Location is on Isabel la Católica between Bravo and Rosales, across the street from the parking lot of Chedraui.
Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social - Centro de Seguridad Social (IMSS): IMSS is near the north end of the Malecón (on Obregón at the corner of Héroes del 47). It’s a centre for workshops, classes and performances in its theatre. Contact information: call 123-6700, visit the centre or e-mail alejandra.madrid@imss.gob.mx
Jardín Velasco: The public square by the cathedral is between 5 de Mayo and Independencia, and between Madero and Revolución. Site of performances and Lotería (Mexican bingo games)
Kiosko on the Malecón: It’s at the foot of 16 de Septiembre on the Malecón and it’s the site of many public outdoor events. The dock nearby is called the Muelle Turístico.
La Casa Azul y Oro de Pumitas: Francisco J. Mújica, at the corner of Almendra, Col. Indeco. Hours: Monday to Friday, 5 to 8 pm. Telephone: 121 17 37
Librería Educal: Spanish-language books, art and gifts for sale in this beautiful government bookstore. You’ll also find magazines, videos, CDs, maps, crafts, educational toys, archeological reproductions and more. Open daily 10 am to 8 pm, Antigua Presidencia Municipal de La Paz, 16 de Septiembre at the corner of Belisario Dominguez, across the street from Dorians department store.
Muelle Fiscal (also sometimes called Muelle Turísitico): It’s the wide dock with the watchtower on the Malecón across the street from the Callejón Ignacio Bañuelos Cabezud with its centrepiece of three “seashell musicians.” It’s between Burger King and Hotel Perla.
Muelle at the foot of 16 de Septiembre: It’s the narrow dock that catches a delicious breeze at sunset. Some maps call it the Muelle Turístico (but the other muelle is sometimes called that, too). It’s on the Malecón at the foot of 16 de Septiembre, close to the kiosko that is the site of many events.
Museo Comunitario de la Ballena: Whale museum, Antonio Navarro between Ignacio Altamirano and Héroes de la Independencia (near Teatro de la Ciudad). Hours: Monday through Friday, 9am-2pm. Information: museoballenerobcs@hotmail.com or telephone (612) 348 762.
Museo Regional de Antropología e Historia: Altamirano and 5 de Mayo, Mon-Sun 9 am-6pm. Site of many exhibits. Also has an interesting gift shop, open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Mondays to Fridays. Information: 122-0162. Admission is free Sundays and holidays. Admission is free daily for students and senior citizens.
Palacio Municipal: on Luis Donaldo Colosio between Avenida de Los Deportistas and Carabinas, near Soriana and City Club.
Parque Cuauhtémoc: across from the Malecón at the foot of Bravo Street. Site of tourism office, crafts cooperative and the former skateboard park.
Parque Revolución (also called Plaza de los Músicos): across from CCC Palacio on Felix Ortega between Bravo and Rosales. Site of Thursday night music performance Jueves Alegres (Happy Thursday).
Palabra por Palabra: La Paz book club meets monthly, usually first Tuesday of the month. Sometimes authors visit. For more information, contact Allende Books.
Palacio de Gobierno: Major events (for example, Independence Day celebrations and Christmas performances) take place at the Plaza de la Reforma, the plaza of the Palacio de Gobierno, (the Governor’s Palace) on Isobel la Católica between Bravo and Rosales, across the street from the parking lot of Chedraui.
Polifórum Cultural: It’s on the campus of UABCS (University of Baja California Sur), which is on the higway Carretera al Sur km.5.5 (Boulevard Forjadores). Telephone: 123 88 00, extensión 1500. Building hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. The Poliforo is the first building you see if you take the right-hand road after the traffic circle, which is past the large brick gate. The building is some distance from the road on the other side of a dirt field. There’s a large sign visible from the road.
Sala de Conciertos de la Ciudad de La Paz: This new concert hall is at Morelos 1055, on the corner of Marcelo Rubio, next to the state music school. For more information, call 122 22 86 y 125 55 19
Salón de los Espejos del Ágora de La Paz: I.M. Altamirano, between 5 de Mayo and Constitución, Teatro de la Ciudad: Unidad Cultural, Navarro and Héroes de Independencia. Major venue for performances of theatre, dance and music.
Salsipuedes: See listing for “Bar Salsipuedes.”
Se Habla...La Paz Spanish Language School: The school presents a free weekly one-hour cultural talk in Spanish 1:15 p.m. Tuesdays. The school is at Francisco I. Madero #540, between Republica and Guerrero. Phone number is (612) 122-7763. E-mail info@sehablalapaz.com www.sehablalapaz.com Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Teatro de la Ciudad: This is a major venue for live performances of theatre, dance and music. The theatre -- along with its nearby art gallery, archives and plaza -- is at Navarro and Héroes de Independencia. The site is called Unidad Cultural Profr. Jesús Castro Agúndez. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Telephone: 125 04 86 y 125 02 07
Teatro-Espacio Angular Esterito: Valentín Gómez-Farías 525, between República and Guerrero in Colonia Esterito.
Teatro Juárez: This historic building opened as a community theatre almost 100 years ago. It’s now a centre for music, dance and theatre, as well as exhibitions of art. A group of citizens has undertaken a major restoration project, financed by people who support the theatre. Location: Belizario Dominguez between 16 de Septiembre and Independencia.
Teatro Revolución: This is on the grounds of the art gallery Galería, Galería at Revolución 590, at the corner of Juarez. For more information, contact Lucia Frausto at siritapa@yahoo.com or phone 612-1256973.
Tourism offices: One office is next to the skateboard park across from the Malecón on Obregón between Bravo and Rosales; the other office is in the Antigua Presidencia Municipal de La Paz, 16 de Septiembre at the corner of Belisario Dominguez, across the street from Dorians department store.
Unidad Cultural Profr. Jesús Castro Agúndez: This is the site for several arts cultural venues and offices, including Teatro de la Ciudad, Galería de Arte Carlos Olachea, the archives Archivo Histórico Pablo L. Martínez and Patio de los Almendros. It’s at Navarro and Héroes de Independencia.
Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur: UABCS, University of Baja California Sur on Boulevard Forjadores, is the largest university in La Paz. To get to the university campus, stay on Calle Forjadores past Soriana, continue over the bridge to the first traffic light and 1/4 mile beyond, turn right.
To find the Centro de radio y T.V. and the Explanada de Difusíon Cultural, look for the statue of the horse and the garden, which is located near the entrance to the university. Buildings at the university have signs corresponding to their letter of the alphabet. For additional directions, ask at the office of Difusión Cultural, which is the little building in front of the statue of the horse. This is also where you’ll find the Polifórum Cultural (for directions, see its listing). To find the art centre, look for a building with five arches, the first building on the right once you’re on campus.
LINKS TO ONLINE RESOURCES
BAJA CITIZEN: This is the community newspaper for La Paz. It’s published every two weeks and is available free at newstands around the city. Editor Gari-Ellen Donohoe has recently made the newspaper available online. To find out more, e-mail her at gari-ellen@bajacitizen.com
BAJA INSIDER: an online magazine for traveling and living in the Baja. You’ll find a wide range of features, plus fishing reports, weather information and excellent articles about Mexican holidays. http://bajainsider.com/
BAJA PONY EXPRESS: another informative e-mail newsletter, this one serving Los Barriles and the surrounding area on the East Cape. Like the Baja Western Onion, it’s an exchange where readers post questions, want ads and items of general interest. To subscribe to this group, send email to bajaponyexpress3@gmail.com
BAJA WESTERN ONION: an e-mail newsletter serving the communities of Todos Santos, Pescadero, and surrounding areas on southern Baja's "Left Coast.” The BWO allows readers to post questions, want ads, or items of general interest to the local community via e-mail. To subscribe, visit the website at http://www.BajaWesternOnion.com/subscribe.asp
EATING THROUGH LA PAZ: "The bread guy takes you on a very random tour of his new home town with various stops for food lore he has gathered along the way." This interesting blog is dedicated to foods and restaurants in La Paz. http://eatingthroughlapaz.blogspot.com/
EL CALENDARIO DE TODOS SANTOS: There have been changes to Janice Kinne’s magazine and blog about Baja California Sur. She is no longer publishing El Calendario at http://elcalendariodetodossantos.com/blog/ The new magazine’s name is Journal de Pacifico. See listing below. The new blog address is journaldelpacifico.com/blog (November 2011)
EXPERIENCE BAJA: The Best of Baja is a blog by Mike Brozda: “I created this blog to share my respect for Baja and its people. It’s also meant to be a practical, useful, ‘how-to’ guide for Baja residents and visitors.” Brozda, who lives in Todos Santos, was a staff editor for Sunset Magazine based in Menlo Park and Los Angeles, California. He also worked for many years as a freelance writer for a wide variety of publications, the City of Los Angeles, and radio station KUSC-FM. You’ll find his blog at www.ExperienceBaja.com
JOURNAL DEL PACIFICO: Janice Kinne’s magazine and blog about Baja California Sur, El Calendario de Todos Santos, now is the Journal del Pacifico. The new blog address is journaldelpacifico.com/blog (November 2011)
LA PAZ GRINGOS: This online forum for English-speakers in La Paz is a place to exchange information, activities and ideas. Unlike the Pony Express and Western Onion, where items are cut-and-pasted by the moderators into a concise format, LPG members get broadcast e-mails. So if you sign up, consider the option of a “daily digest” if you don’t want to get several individual e-mails daily. For information or to join, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lapazgringos/ or contact Sheryl Hamilton at hamiltos12@yahoo.com
La Paz Newsfeed: This is an open Facebook group for those living in and around La Paz, BCS, Mexico. You can talk about your activity, your business or just get in touch with locals. Members share links, photos, specials and news. You join the group through Facebook. The actual URL is http://www.facebook.com/groups/145406298804992/
TodosSantos.me: The website offers “news, rumors and great information” — mainly about Todos Santos, but the site includes several useful links related to Baja California Sur. The URL is http://www.todossantos.me/
