The state-funded Baja California Cultural Institute (ICBC, Av. Ortiz Rubio and Callejón Libertad s/n, Zona Centro, tel. 665/654-1483, www.icbc.gob.mx/tecate, 8 A.M.–7 P.M. Mon.–Fri., 9 A.M.–1 P.M. Sat.) holds concerts, lectures, and art exhibitions in the Galería de la Ciudad. The Tecate Cultural Center also hosts performances, workshops, classes, and other cultural activities.

A tour of the Tecate Brewery (Dr. Arturo Guerra 70, tel. 665/654-9478, www.tecate.com.mx, 10 A.M.–noon and 3–4:30 P.M. Mon.–Fri., 9–10:30 A.M. Sat.) is a popular way to experience a bit of Tecate history. Reservations are required.

Nightlife is virtually nonexistent in Tecate, although a few of the nicer restaurants such as El Mezquíte (Juárez 1450, tel. 665/521-3066) also have bars. Guests from Rancho La Puerta in search of a real Mexico experience often head here for a margarita or two.

In the daytime, off-road races provide a popular pastime for locals and visitors alike. The Santa Veronica Offroad Park and Roadway (www.ranchosantaveronica.com), at Rancho Santa Veronica, 30 kilometers east of Tecate off Mexico 2, produces a few such events each year, including the Gran Carrera de Tecate, a three-day festival held in late May. The Gran Carrera de Caballos is more popular among locals. It takes place on the last weekend in March.

The SCORE Tecate Baja 500 occurs in June and early November (U.S. tel. 818/225-8402).

During the second week of October, the city celebrates the Fiesta de la Fundación de Tecate, which commemorates Tecate’s founding in a multiday festival of parades, live music, and (rare in Baja) fireworks.