Three Creative Workshops We’re Loving in San Miguel de Allende

One of the best ways to experience San Miguel isn't just by admiring the creativity around you—it's by joining in!

Vogue recently called San Miguel a “next-generation creative capital,” and you don’t have to look far to see—or experience—why. Whether you're here for a weekend or a local, taking a class is a wonderful way to meet people, try something new, and tap into that creative energy.

These are a few workshops and classes that we—and our friends and families—have personally enjoyed and happily recommend.

Get Your Hands Dirty: Ceramic Workshops

San Miguel is known for its thriving ceramics community, and there’s no better place to try it yourself than 369 Clay Studio, a creative space where visitors and locals can experience the joy of working with clay. Whether you're a complete beginner or have experience on the wheel, their welcoming instructors guide you through the process of shaping, glazing, and creating your own unique piece.

Recently, Ann and her daughters took a class there together for the first time, discovering firsthand the meditative, playful nature of working with clay.

Learn to Bake Like a Local at Panina

Discover the art of breadmaking with a class at Panina at Panina, Julie’s favorite bakery in San Miguel—and one where she has taken classes herself. Panina was also among the local creative businesses highlighted in Vogue’s recent feature about San Miguel as the “next-generation creative capital.”

Founded in 2021 by Guadalajara chef Paulina Carreno, who honed her craft in renowned kitchens across Europe and Mexico, Panina quickly became a local favorite. Known for its artisan breads, sourdough, slow fermentation, and seasonal ingredients, the bakery has a warm, community-driven spirit that carries right into its workshops.

They offer seasonal workshops throughout the year, as well as online sourdough classes for those who want to keep baking long after leaving San Miguel.

Try Something Unexpected: Welding at Van Doren Art

If you're looking to step outside your comfort zone, Van Doren Metal Art offers welding workshops led by a father-and-son team whose combined 50 years of experience in metal art spans everything from spot welding to forging, casting, and soldering. Together, they have spent the last three decades creating large-scale corporate, public, and private metal art installations and water features, while continuing to produce commissioned works—including pieces on view in San Miguel at their gallery, Van Doren Studio in the Fabrica La Aurora.

Their workshop is unlike anything else in the town, housing an extraordinary collection of both vintage and cutting-edge equipment. Over the years, a growing interest from family, friends, and the public inspired them to open their studio to the world.

Participants work hands-on with professional tools and materials, learning foundational welding techniques while bringing their own artistic ideas to life in steel. It's a unique opportunity to explore a completely different creative medium, whether you're a beginner or an experienced maker looking to expand your practice.

Creativity Is Everywhere

These are just a few of the many workshops available throughout San Miguel. From jewelry making and photography to floral design, dance, writing, and textile arts, there are endless opportunities to discover a new hobby or reconnect with your creative side.

One of the things we love most about San Miguel is that creativity isn't reserved for professional artists. It's part of everyday life—and everyone is invited to participate.

Where to Find More Workshops

Some of the best workshops in San Miguel are discovered simply by asking around. Check with local galleries and coffee shops, keep an eye out for posters around town, and browse the Galería San Francisco workshop calendar, Fábrica La Aurora’s website, Atención News, and local Facebook groups. New classes and pop-up workshops are happening all the time, so there’s always something new to discover.