Lakeside Living – February 2026

5^th

LLT will feature New York’s Metropolitan Opera’s production of Vincenzo Bellini’s bel canto I Puritani. Set during England’s Civil War (c. 1650), Puritani tells the tragic tale about delicate Elvira and her forbidden romance. The spectacle will feature Mexican tenor Javier Camarena, “one of the great voices of our time.” February 5th, 4:00 pm

7^th

We’re delighted to share an upcoming art experience featuring some of the most well-known and respected artists in the Lakeside community.

Centro Cultural Ajijic proudly presents SALA I, a collective exhibition bringing together an extraordinary group of artists: Gabriel Mariscal, Pat Apt, Jesús Eduardo López, Judy Dykstra Brown, Isidro Xilonsochitl, Anne Engsig, Rosario López García, Xill Fessenden, Antonio López Vega, Judy Miller, Miguel Méndez, and Jaime Vega. This exhibition celebrates the depth, diversity, and creative strength that define our local art scene.

In SALA II, acclaimed painter Jesús López Vega presents Sincretismo, a powerful solo exhibition exploring cultural fusion, identity, and artistic continuity through his distinctive visual language.

Guests are warmly invited to an Opening Reception, a chance to meet the artists, experience the work firsthand, and celebrate together in the vibrant atmosphere of Centro Cultural Ajijic.

Opening Reception Saturday, February 7th  3:00–7:00 pm, Centro Cultural Ajijic

14^th & 15^th

February 14th and 15th, 4:00 pm: LLT will host National Theatre Live’s rendition of the acclaimed Streetcar Named Desire, utilizing its state-of-the-art projection and sound system–better than front row seats at a fraction of the cost. The Independent called the production “nothing short of a spectacle.” 

27^th – March 10^th

The second and largest musical of our 61^st season, Something Rotten directed by Tim Johnson

In the 1590s, the Bottom brothers boldly set out to challenge the great William Shakespeare himself by creating what just might be the world’s first musical. What follows is a hilariously over-the-top spectacle featuring a cast of 26, nearly 100 handmade costumes, a daring and imaginative set, a 10-piece orchestra, and six gloriously outlandish dance numbers.

Matinees (Saturdays, Sundays, and Tuesday) are at 4:00 pm

Evening shows (Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays ) at 7:30 pm.

Reserve tickets–$500 pesos for Something Rotten and $350 for both I Puritani and Streetcar Named Desire–at  www.lakesidelittletheatre.com/tickets or at the box office before the performances. Patrons with a Mexican INE will receive a $100 peso discount at the box office or by making a reservation via tickets@lakesidelittletheatre.com. 

Theater location:  Allen W. Lloyd Drive, San Antonio Tlayacapan.  Secure parking is provided in LLT’s lot with overflow parking, courtesy of Telmex, in their lot on the east side of Allen W. Lloyd Dr.

February 6^th – 8^th

ART WALKERS

2026 Carnival Third Edition

Art Walkers is far more than an annual cultural project — it’s a creative movement. Rooted in the community of Riberas del Pilar, Chapala, this multidisciplinary celebration invites the public to experience contemporary art up close, not tucked behind glass or confined to a gallery hush.

Representing over 50 bold and innovative artists — local and international — who call the Lake Chapala region home, Art Walkers transforms streets, studios, and cultural spaces into living galleries. Here, creativity isn’t observed from a distance. The mission is simple and vital: Connect people through art in a dynamic, open-door experience where visitors, creators, and cultural venues meet face-to-face. This is where curiosity becomes conversation, inspiration becomes collaboration, and new audiences discover that art belongs to all of us.

The third edition of the Art Walkers CARNIVAL event, scheduled for February 6^th – 8^th, will begin from Riberas del Pilar in Chapala and head west to Ajijic. The route will continue to expand and will also include the town of San Juan Cosala and its artists.

The tour will run from 10 am to 2 pm. Note: 10 am to 5 pm (Ajijic area) 10 am to 2 pm (San Juan Cosala area)

Ticket purchase is $50 pesos and includes a map of the walk and will be available starting the first week of January at the participating artists’ venues.

The full list is available at artwalkers2026.blogspot.com

No reservations required

7^th

Fund raiser for the Riberas Pets Store Cat Shelter

Live music, Mexican food, silent auction filled with art from local artists, door prizes and more!

Saturday February 7, 11:30 to 2:30. Tickets are $600 pesos and available at Riberas Pets store or online at lakesidepaypalchapala@gmail.com or LakesideCharities.org (Select Animals then, Lakeside Friends of the animals.) For questions call  37 6765 5544 or email RiberasPetsstore@gmail.com

13^th   14^th – 15^th  20^th – 22^nd

The Dark Lady

Playwright: Jessica B. Hill

Directed by Lynn Phelan

A duel of intellect, ink, and desire plunges the audience into the secret, decades-long entanglement between William Shakespeare and Emilia Bassano—a brilliant woman who challenged, inspired, and consumed him. It is a story of forbidden love and creative obsession, where genius is forged as much by passion as by poetry. Debra Bowers as Emilia Bassano and Rob Ferron as William Shakespeare.

Feb. 13^th at 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 14^th – 15th and 20^th – 22^nd  at 4pm

Tickets $350 pesos. Reserve via email at tickets@thebravo.org. Tickets also available at It’s Kinda Bazar… and Kinda Not

Photo Credit: Jack Voller

17^th

Mardi Gras & All That Jazz! A Fundraiser for St. Andrew’s Congregation, Riberas del Pilar

A Celebration of Rhythm, Soul, and New Orleans Magic

We’re bringing the spirit of Bourbon Street right here to Lakeside with an unforgettable Mardi Gras performance featuring: Don Beaudreau — world-traveled pianist, Sunshine Johnson — beloved local vocalist, and Horatio — drummer for The Street Dogs.

Tuesday, February 17^th Doors and bar open 3:00 p.m. Concert begins 4:00 p.m.

19 San Lucas, Riberas del Pilar

Tickets $500 pesos All proceeds support the St. Andrew’s congregation.

Reserve your ticket by emailing: wbeaudreau@aol.com

Pay at the door on the day of the concert

This Month & Beyond

Democrats Abroad Lake Chapala meet every 3^rd Monday of month at 4:00 pm, La Bodega, 16 de Septiembre 124, Centro Ajijic. For other DALC events including Coffee and Conversation and possible Hands Off Sidewalk Rally – https://www.democratsabroad.org/mx_lake_chapala_events 

The Artists of Lake Chapala invite you every third Saturday, (this month: February 21) to their Artisan (original art only) Art Show 10-3pm at the Cultural Center located on the carretera in La Floresta! Tacos, Drinks, and coffee bar too! Free entrance.  See you there.

Lakeside Freethinkers meet every 3^rd Thursday of month at 4:00 pm, Yves Restaurant in West Ajijic. Everyone is invited, no fees or membership dues. “Atheism Advanced” and “Natural Atheism” by David Eller will be discussed on Feb. 19^th 

Ask an Expat meets the 1^st and 3^rd  Tuesdays of month at 5:00 p.m.

Considering moving to Lakeside? Newly arrived? Have questions? Start at Casa Del Sol, Javier Mina 7. Happy Hour Gathering / Free! No reservations required. Cash bar available. For more information, contact Steve: U.S. +1 512-921-6150, email Newkidintown78624@gmail.com

Wellness in Motion

Plaza Zumba Mondays 9:00 a.m. Ajijic Plaza, free class with Lisa, bring yoga mat and water! In front of Cultural Center. Contact: Lisa NomadLee9@aol.com

Malecon Zumba Mon – Wed – Fri 8:00 – 9:00 am, Instructor Ana, 331-304-1317, on Malecon by skate park. $50 pesos a class. All abilities welcome.  Ana 

Chair Yoga Mon – Wed – Fri 11:00-12:00 Instructor Reba, sablelady1941@gmail.com Inside the Ajijic Cultural Center on Plaza. All abilities welcome.  $70pesos a class

Stretch, Balance, Strength Tue – Thurs – Sat 8:45 am to 10:15 am, Ajijic Plaza Free Class with Lisa in front of Cultural Center. Bring yoga mat and water.

Stretch & Balance 9:00 – 9:50 am, Lake Chapala Society back patio. Front and back entrances open. All abilities welcome.

Hands & Hearts at Work

Riberas Pets Store Cat Shelter

If you love cats, volunteers are needed to help socialize cats. 10:00 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Saturday 10-1:30. Chairs, toys, combs and brushes provided. Hildago 212 Riberas del Pilar. For questions 37 6765 5544 or RiberasPetsstore@gmail.com

Lucky Dog Rescue and Adoption Center

Needs Loving Volunteers to walk dogs; help socialize puppies; give them food and fresh water; and assist with kennel cleaning. https://www.luckydoglakechapala.org

One volunteer’s experience: There is not a lot that is more special than the bond between humans and animals. For me, volunteering at Lucky Dog checks a lot of boxes. I’m outside. I’m moving. I’m walking and I’m hanging with dogs. How does it get any better than that? Tara

Operation Feed has been serving the villagers of San Juan Cosala for over 35 years! Visit operationfeedsjc.com. Have you ever heard of the “Egg Ladies”?

Exciting Events Coming in March

March 6^th, 7^th, 8^th

The Love List

Playwright Norm Foster

Directed by Collette Clavadetscher

Mark Donaldson, Kathleen Spaulding, and Keith Tandy

The Love List is a charming romantic comedy that blends sparkling humor with genuine heart. Centered on two engaging characters, the play explores the complexities of love through a quirky list that reveals their deepest hopes and desires. Foster’s sharp, witty dialogue and relatable situations spark laughter while gently inviting reflection on our own relationships.

The chemistry between the characters is lively, the pacing brisk and engaging from start to finish. With its clever turns and warm insights into love and connection, The Love List is a delightful choice for anyone who enjoys romance seasoned with laughter.

Showing: Friday, March 6^th, Saturday, March 7^th and Sunday, March 8^th

All shows at 4:00 p.m. Seats held till 3:50 pm. Now with A/C. Hearing assist

headsets are available. Tickets are $200p on Friday and $300p on Saturday

and Sunday.

Reserve at: barestagetheatre2018@gmail.com

Location: 19 San Lucas, Riberas del Pilar. Door & bar open at 3:00 pm.

All bar proceeds go to Operation Feed.

H/C parking in front; otherwise, please use our corner parking lot if

possible.

Like, Follow, Share, sign up for our Mail Out on our Facebook Page:

www.facebook.com/barestagetheatre2018/ 

March 12^th

LCO Conductor Michael Reason, invites you to the first of four 2026 presentations in his series, In Tune With Reason.

“Who Needs a Conductor?” is an engaging multimedia talk that invites you inside the world of the orchestra and the person on the podium. Why does an orchestra need a conductor? How did this role come to be, and what difference does it truly make to the music we hear? Through vivid examples and shared listening, these questions come to life in an experiential and thought-provoking way. This talk is perfect for music lovers, orchestra patrons, and anyone who’s ever wondered what really happens on the podium—and why it matters.

Thursday, March 12^th, 3:00 pm at St. Andrews Church, Riberas.

Tickets: $200 pesos

Reservations: Email LCCOtickets@gmail.com

March 13^th

Nova Lux

Nova Lux warmly invites you to Un Tapiz de Clásicos Corales, a beautifully woven choral concert celebrating more than five centuries of vocal music. Performed by the ensemble’s 16-voice chamber choir, this program gently guides listeners through the evolving language of choral expression—from the luminous madrigals and sacred polyphony of the Renaissance to the rich Romantic tradition and the vibrant voices of the 20th and 21st centuries. Featuring music by Byrd, Palestrina, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, Lauridsen, Whitacre, and others, the concert reflects Nova Lux’s deep commitment to musical excellence, clarity of text, and expressive depth. Un Tapiz de Clásicos Corales is an inviting journey through time, celebrating the enduring power of the human voice to connect hearts, spark reflection, and inspire listeners across generations.

Friday, March 13^th at Lakeside Little Theatre

Sunday, March 15^th at Haus der Musik

Concerts begins at 4:00 pm.

Ticket price: $500 pesos

Seating is limited. Reserve your tickets today. Email LasVocesTickets@gmail.com

All Non-Profits Are Welcome to Submit News & Information

To have your event included in El Ojo Del Lago, please note the following:

Deadline: The 1st of the month before the month of publication.

Required Information: You must include:

Event Name and Sponsor

Date(s) and Time

Cost (if any)

Photos are accepted in jpg or png format.

Send your information to me: lillie.henley@gmail.com