Schedules for events in Mazatlán change frequently and quickly. Check websites or call ahead for up-to-date info.

4 Ballet Folkloric Sinaloense
Produced by Rebeca Llamas. $100 pesos. Canucks, Paseo Claussen, Olas Altas. Info, reservations: www.canucksinmaz.com.

5 Artwalk The free, self-guided tour of 30+ artist’s galleries and workshops continues. 4-8 pm. Centro Historico. Info, maps: www.artwalkmazatlan.com.

5 Mardi Gras Fiesta Dixieland Jazz by the Cats ‘n’ Jammers Jazz Band will fill the air at this outdoor Mardi Gras Fiesta in the courtyard next to the Shrimp Bucket. Two shows/seatings are at 6-8pm and 9-11pm. $300 pesos include 3-course dinner (salad, fish & shrimp gumbo, crème brulé, glass of wine or domestic drink. Info, tickets at the Shrimp Bucket, Olas Altas.

6 Velada de las Artes / Evening of the Arts This annual sell-out show features the Sinaloa Symphony and guest opera singers in a gala extravaganza of sound. Info, tickets: Angela Peralta Theater, Plaza Machado, 982-4446, www.carnavalmazatlan.net.

8 Viva Sinaloa! Museum Opening This new museum commemorates the many cultural icons and personalities of Sinaloa, including singers Pedro Infante and Lola Beltrán, symphony maestro Enrique Patrón de Rueda, painters, poets, novelists scientists, philosophers, Olympic and sports champions. Inauguration free at 7pm. One block from Plaza Machado at Calle Libertad #312, corner Heriberto Frías, Centro. Regular admission: $15 pesos/adults, $10 pesos/students.

11 Coronation of King of Joy / Coronación Rey de la Alegría Carnaval kicks off with this event, this year a highly contested position. The winner performs a concert to remember that’ll set the stage for the week of festivities ahead. Free. 8pm, Olas Altas stage.

12 Coronation of the Floral Queen / Armando Manzanero & Susana Zabaleta Since 1937, the winner of the Clemencia Isaura Poetry Award crowns the Floral Queen in an evening dedicated to intelligence, creativity and beauty, followed by a concert by Armando Manzanero and Susana Zableta $100-$500 pesos. 7:30pm at the Estadio Teodoro Mariscal (baseball stadium), Info: www.carnavalmazatlan.net, 982-4446.

13 Coronation of Carnaval Queen + Yuri The 2010 Carnaval Queen will be crowned tonight after the final judging, in a spectacle of music, lights and lots of action. The popular singer/actress Yuri, who’s sold millions of CDs - performs in the gala after-show concert. Tickets: $100-$500 pesos, available at kiosks in the Plaza Machado. 6:30pm at the Estadio Teodoro Mariscal (baseball stadium). Info: www.carnavalmazatlan.net, 982-4446.

13 Quema del Mal Humor / “Burning of Bad Humor” Yes, a literal effigy of something “bad” from the year before will be burned before a giant crowd of happy (and probably inebriated) Carnaval-goers. A little macabre? Perhaps. But hey, really fun too. Join the fun and let all your troubles go up in smoke. Free. 9pm. Olas Altas, in front of the Freeman Hotel.

13 Combate Naval This fantastic “Naval combat” is actually a re-enactment of the heroic defense against the French invasion of 1864, but in true Mazatleco fashion, it’s been turned into a festive affair with fabulous fireworks – launched from land & sea – blaring banda and happy crowds of enthusiastic revelers. Head to Olas Altas early to get a spot! Free. 11pm, Olas Altas.

14 First Carnaval Parade Eagerly awaited each year by thousands of locals and visitors alike, the Carnaval parades are spectacular displays of art, costumes, beauty, music and all-around revelry. Giant floats, costumed dance troupes and more will all make their merry way along the Av. Del mar in front of the malecón starting at Valentino’s and going south. Free. 4pm. Av. Del Mar.

15 Coronation of the Child Queen / “Atrevete a Sonar: El Musical” Since 1921, a Child Queen has been crowned as part of Carnaval. The musical comedy and TV phenomenon “Atrevete a Sonar” closes the evening. Tickets: $150-$950 pesos. 6:30 pm. Estadio Teodoro Mariscal. Info: www.carnavalmazatlan.net, 982-4446.

15 Carnaval Fireworks For the fourth year, a second pyrotechnic display will light up the night during Carnaval, this one along Av. Del Mar between the Fisherman’s Monument and Valentino’s. Set yourself up on the beach or malecón and get ready to enjoy the fun! Free. 9pm.

16 Second Carnaval Parade The party’s not over yet – one more parade will make its way down Avenuida del Mar in front of the malecón, starting at the Aquarium and ending up in Olas Altas. Free. Start time: 3pm. Make reservations NOW at restaurants along the way for the best view.

20-21 “Clasico de Invierno” 2010 Surf Competition Like big waves? Better yet, like to watch surfers ride ‘em? Surfers from all over the world converge on Playa Bruja to compete in this fifth annual contest starting at 8am both days. Info: One Way Surf Center, 176-6427.

The M! List

6 School of Modern Dance A special performance by Mazatlán’s own. 8pm. Recrea, Cionstitucion, Centro.$60.

7 Champagne Brunch Amigos de los Animales presents its annual sell-out champagne brunch fundraiser, with door prizes, silent auction and all-you-can-drink champagne or mimosas. Table reservations for 10 available; limited space. $200 pesos adults/$100 pesos children. 10am, Hotel Aguamarina. Info, tickets: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at Casa Nika Bazaar in Centro, 6699-12-0884.

12 Jonas Rojas Inauguration of exhibit of the artist & architect. 8pm. Free. Recrea,

11-16 Concerts in Calle Ninoes Heroes Enjoy a week of outdoor concerts on a stage set up in the street of Ninos Heroes between Constitution & Mariano Escobedo, two blocks from the Plaza Machado. Lorna, Mil Amores, Wings Army, El Pez Gallo and La Mona will serve food. From 4-8pm, relaxing music for dinner; after that, DJs and rock ‘n’ roll go on till the wee, wee hours. You’ve been warned. Free.

23, 24 & 25 “A Collection of Silly Bits IV” Lots of laughs will be had by all – audience and performers alike – during this annual show by the Mazatlan Theater By The Sea Players. $120 pesos. Canucks, Paseo Claussen, Olas Altas. Info, reservations: www.canucksinmaz.com.

Ongoing

Printmaking Exchange: NY-Mazatlán Three studios and 10 artists exchange and exhibit their work in two host cities. Etchings, monotypes, and more. Free. Through Mar. 21. Angela Peralta Theatre Gallery (downstairs), Plaza Machado, Centro.

Tuesdays Want to learn Spanish/English? Come to this free conversation club. 6pm, Recrea, Constitución #209, Centro Historico, 669-982-4959.

Thursdays & Saturdays Bi-lingual walking tours of Centro Historico led by locals. 10am-1pm. $10 US or peso equivalent. At Recrea (see above).