Mexico City - As the country's premier tourism destination, Mexico City is home to many enticing cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
And, as the number one destination on The New York Times "52 Places to Go in 2016" list, there's never been a better time to visit. From decades-old traditions to newer, artistic events and major sporting events, Mexico's capital has something for everyone this year.
Here is a list of some of this year's most exciting upcoming events in Mexico City:
FESTIVALS & CULTURAL EVENTS:
Mexico City International Horror Film Festival (August 23-31)
This annual event will celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2016. Nearly 25,000 people are expected to attend the nine day event which celebrates a mix of new, independent horror films along with the classics and cult-following flicks.
Gallery Weekend (September 23-25)
In September, 30 galleries and independent venues will spotlight 32 art exhibitions throughout the city during Gallery Weekend, showcasing a variety of great artistic works and the city's creative minds.
International Book Fair (October 9-18)
Each year, over 300 exhibitor's present published works from over 700 publishing houses at this fair in the metropolis' main square, the Zócalo, attracting readers and collectors alike.
International Documentary Film Festival (October 13-22)
As one of Latin America's most important film events, this festival exhibits nonfiction films while also honoring new, contemporary filmmakers & the best works from around the world.
MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS:
Mexico City Marathon (August 28)
The 34th edition of the Mexico City Marathon will take place on August 28th and follow the 1968 Summer Olympics route starting in the Juarez Monument and finishing in the Olympic Stadium. Over 35,000 runners from all over the world are expected to participate this year.
Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix (October 28-30)
The emblematic "Hermanos Rodriguez" circuit will once again host the Mexican Grand Prix, which is quickly becoming one of the most electrifying races on the Formula 1 calendar. The 2015 event won multiple awards, including Formula 1 "Event of the Year."
Bridgestone America's Golf Cup / Tiger Woods & Bubba Watson (October; dates TBA)
Part of the Latin-American PGA Tour calendar, The Bridgestone America's Golf Cup will return to Mexico City for the second annual year. The 2016 tournament is scheduled to include Tiger Woods and Bubba Watson and will be held at the "Campestre Club" of Mexico City. Twenty-eight teams of different countries are scheduled to participate, including: United States, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Guatemala, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Honduras, Brazil, Canada, Guatemala, Venezuela, Panama, Puerto Rico and Uruguay.
Lorena Ochoa Invitational (November 10-13)
The best female golfers in the world will return to Mexico City for the third annual Lorena Ochoa Invitational 2016. Mexico's own Lorena Ochoa, who was the #1 ranked female golfer in the world for several years, organizes this LPGA event at the Mexico Golf Club.
NFL Monday Night Game (November 21)
On Monday night, November 21st, the NFL will return to Mexico City for a regular season game that will feature the Houston Texans and Oakland Raiders. The game, to be played at Estadio Azteca, will be the first NFL regular season game held in Mexico City since 2005. Additional activities for local and visiting fans are being organized across the city and throughout the weekend.