Life's a Beach | Expat Life in Playa del Carmen

The 4th of July almost upon us and if you are anything like me, about this time you might start to feel a little homesick. It's hard to not miss the backyard family BBQs, block parties and spectacular fireworks displays that we all enjoyed during our years in the US. Every year, more and more people relocate to Playa from the United States, just as we did 10 years ago (yikes). If you are one of them and are looking for somewhere to celebrate Independence Day with like-minded gringos we have a few good options for you. While you're unlikely to find any fireworks being set off, there are a couple of great parties going on that will sure to be a big draw for expats this 4th of July.

Wah Wah Beach Bar will have it´s annual 4th of July beach party. Wah Wah is presenting a buffet packed with all the best All-American BBQ that you would expect to see at home with a Mexican twist. The all-you-can-eat buffet will offer Grilled Hotdogs, Hamburgers and Wah Wah's famous Chicken Wings served with all the traditional salads and sides. There will also be Chili, a Nacho Bar, Fajita Bar and so much more. The buffet will be available from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. All you can eat for just 120 mn per person! At the bar and on the beach, enjoy 2 X 1 Margartitas from 12 to 5 pm!!

Of course, World Cup fever means that all the soccer games will be showing on 4 huge flat screen TVs at the bar. Come early and watch France VS Germany at 11:00am and stick around for Brazil VS Colombia at 3:00pm. After the matches, LIVE music will begin at 7:00pm with one of Playa del Carmen´s hottest bands, RIO FUNK!

Wah Wah Beach Bar is a favorite with families and is VERY kid friendly. If you are living in Playa or just visiting the area with your family Wah Wah is the place to go to meet people and let the kids make some new friends. Wah Wah is located on the beach just south of Calle 2.

La Casa del Agua is having a very sophisticated 4th of July celebration with a huge festival of American wines! Enjoy over 80 wines will be available to taste from some of the best producers from the United States. The event will feature wines from Rhiannon, Robert Mondavi, Greg Norman, Kendall Jackson, Ridge, Stags Leap, Gloria Ferrer and many more! The tasting will take place from 7:00pm to 11:00pm.

Basic Tasting $350 pesos (day of event $400 pesos) - Includes 45 basic level wines and delicious house made canapes.
Premium Tasting $600 pesos (day of event $650 pesos) - Includes 35 premium level wines + 45 basic level wines and delicious house made canapes.

Click here to see the list of wines for both the basic and the premium tasting levels.

You can buy the bracelets at La Casa del Agua from 10:00am to 10:00pm today or after 10:00am tomorrow. You can also contact the staff at on 984 164 6700 or 984 133 9662 and they will deliver the bracelets to your home or office. How about that for service! La Casa del Agua is located on 5th Av. at Calle 2.

You can always find a good party at Zenzi and this July 4th will be no exception! Zenzi will be offering and all-you-can-eat American BBQ buffet with Grilled Hamburgers, Sausage, Chicken, Ribs, traditional Baked Beans, sweet Corn on the Cob and your choice of three Salads. The buffet will be open from 4:00pm - 8:00pm and will cost $150 pesos per person. Also enjoy LIVE rock and roll entertainment from RADIO CERO! Eat! Drink! Chill!

Zenzi is located on the beach at Calle 10. For more info call 984 803 5738 or check out the Zenzi facebook page.

Celebrate the 4th of July in Akumal with all your expats friends. Lol Ha will be offering a fine spread of classic American BBQ fare like Ribs, Grilled Sausages, Chicken Wings, Corn on the Cob and good old fashioned Potato Salad all for just $150 pesos per person. The drink of the day will be a Miami Vice. What could be more American than that!

Lol Ha’s famous Happy Hour will be running from 5:30-6:30pm but the All-American menu will be offered all day long! The crowd at Lol Ha is always a lot of fun, the food you know is delicious and the view can’t be beat! Where else would you rather be? Lol Ha is located on the beach on Akumal's main bay just south of the arch.

Of course, Bad Boys Beach Bar will be hosting their own 4th of July beach bash with live music from Creizy Toy from 3:00pm - 6:30pm. Cowboy John will be cooking up delicious traditional American fare. Guests are asked to bring a favorite side dish to share, perhaps a favorite American style potato salad, coleslaw or apple pie or whatever makes your 4th of July complete! If you are just here on vacation and can't participate in the pot-luck, just $150 pesos let's you take advantage of all of Cowboy John's good old fashioned fix-ins like Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Coleslaw and Green Salad!!

The buffet will start at 3:00pm and go until the food runs out so get there early! Bad Boys is located on the beach just south of Calle 4. Just look for the pirate flag.