Here’s a few ideas…

• To find out what events are being held in the city, follow the Que Pasa Oaxaca Facebook page. They also publish an occasional digital magazine on the Issuu platform.
• Both the historic Zocalo and El Llano are great squares to people-watch in the evening, and soak up the scene, Mexican-style.
• La Cruz de Piedra is another nice square for hanging out. It’s smaller and quieter.
• Bulletin boards: there are some good ones outside Boulenc restaurant, Pan Con Madre bakery/cafe, and La Jicara Librespacio Cultural (with adjoining bookshop) advertising local events, workshops, readings, and more.
• Mural spotting: Jalatlaco and Xochimilco are two neighbourhoods with a number of murals. Both are on the touristy side, but they’re nice places to wander on foot, especially if you get into the backstreets.
• To learn more about Oaxacan textiles, check out the excellent Museo Textil de Oaxaca. It’s in a beautiful building, it’s free to enter and exhibitions are constantly changing.
• Housed in a former convent that dates back to 1529, the neighbouring Centro Cultural San Pablo is also well worth visiting. There’s a coffee shop and various art exhibitions both inside and outside.

• Want to get into the botanical groove? Oaxaca is especially biodiverse and will bring out your inner phytophile. Visit the renowned Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca for a plant primer before you set off. There are 2-hour, guided tours. Check times and arrive early for the English language tour especially. The late neurologist and naturalist Oliver Sach’s Oaxaca Journal is an engaging read for those interested in learning more about the area, from both a botanical and cultural standpoint.
• Lucha Libre; I’m no expert, but this looks like a great guide if you want to check out Oaxaca’s wrestling scene!
• Oaxaca has a vibrant block print art scene; the collective Subterráneos runs a great workshops if you to try this for yourself. Why not turn a memory from a ride here in a beautiful print, like Andy below!