Annual Festivals and Events

ANNUAL FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Visitors to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico will often say that it always seems that somewhere in Banderas Bay there is a colorful and exciting celebration going on. And that’s pretty much true. All year long there are numerous well-organized festivals and events within in the city of Puerto Vallarta and throughout Banderas Bay. This list is intended to provide you with an overview of the types of festivals and events you can look forward to during your upcoming vacation to Puerto Vallarta. This list by no means covers all of the area’s numerous events. If you are the organizer of an event, or if you happen to know of an event that should be included on this list, please take a moment to email us at: beachoceansun@yahoo.com

If there is a particular celebration that you would like to attend during your upcoming visit to Puerto Vallarta, be sure to pick up a few local newspapers and magazines when you arrive and check the events section. It’s also highly recommended that you stop by the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Office in the Old City Hall building located in Centro across the street from the Malecon and the Main Plaza (refer to the Centro map) to pick up current information. For publicity and advertising, most organizers of local events and festivals rely heavily on posters mounted throughout the area, so keep an eye open for those as well. Many new and exciting festivals and events are always being added to the existing ones in Banderas Bay, Mexico.

MONTH OF JANUARY

  • Art Festival: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in front of Estudio Cafe on the boardwalk of the Nuevo Vallarta Marina, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
  • Vallarta Cup Race Series (Regatta along Banderas Bay): Vallarta Yacht Club, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
  • Sayulita Festival: This event is held in Sayulita, Mexico. For more information: www.festivalsayulita.com
  • Fiestas Patronales de Nuestra Senora de la Paz (week-long religious festival): Bucerias, Mexico
  • A Taste of La Cruz: Marina Riviera Nayarit, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
  • South Side Shuffle on BB: Two Fridays per month, from November to early April, there’s an evening street party from 6 – 10 p.m. on Basilio Badillo in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta. www.facebook.com/southsideshufflebb
  • Charro National Championship: This 4-day event begins the end of January, continuing into the first part of February at the Arena Vallarta (in the El Colorado part of town, 20 minutes from PVR airport) with supporting events held in downtown Puerto Vallarta.
  • Historic Center Art Walk: Self-guided walking tour every Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., November through May, in downtown (Centro). There are 10 participating art galleries that host visitors and supply complimentary cocktails in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. www.vallartaartwalk.com

MONTH OF FEBRUARY

  • South Side Shuffle on BB: Two Fridays per month, from November to early April, there’s an evening street party from 6 – 10 p.m. on Basilio Badillo in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta. www.facebook.com/southsideshufflebb
  • Charro National Championship: This 4-day event begins the end of January and continues into the first few days of February at the Arena Vallarta (in the El Colorado part of town, 20 minutes from PVR airport) with supporting events held in downtown Puerto Vallarta.
  • Art Festival: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in front of Estudio Cafe on the boardwalk of the Nuevo Vallarta Marina, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.
  • Flower & Garden Show: At the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, www.vbgardens.org
  • Historic Center Art Walk: Self-guided walking tour every Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., November through May, in downtown (Centro). There are 10 participating art galleries that host visitors and supply complimentary cocktails in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. www.vallartaartwalk.com
  • Festival de Cocina Tipica Familiar: Festival of Typical Cooking and Family Recipes of Puerto Vallarta, held at Lazaro Cardenas Park in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Previously held in June, this awesome food event is next scheduled for the evening of February 7, 2015.

MONTH OF MARCH

  • Punta Sayulita Longboard & SUP Classic: An annual two-day competition along with a concert and festivities held in Sayulita, Mexico. www.puntasayulitasurfclassic.com
  • South Side Shuffle on BB: Two Fridays per month, from November to early April, there’s an evening street party from 6 – 10 p.m. on Basilio Badillo in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta. www.facebook.com/southsideshufflebb
  • Historic Center Art Walk: Self-guided walking tour every Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., November through May, in downtown (Centro). There are 10 participating art galleries that host visitors and supply complimentary cocktails in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. www.vallartaartwalk.com
  • PV Regatta – San Diego to Puerto Vallarta: An intense race finishes in Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. www.sdyc.org/pv
  • Puerto Vallarta International Birding Festival: The Festival is hosted by the Vallarta Bird Conservancy. In 2015, this 4-day event will kick off at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.  www.vbgardens.org
  • Banderas Bay International Regatta: In 2015 this regatta will enjoy it’s 23rd year. The event is hosted at Vallarta Yacht Club in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. www.banderasbayregatta.com
  • Art Festival: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in front of Estudio Cafe on the boardwalk of the Nuevo Vallarta Marina, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.
  • Mexico Cup Regatta: This nautical event is hosted at the Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. www.regatacopamexico.com

MONTH OF APRIL

  • Bugambilia Festival: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. For more information: www.bugambiliasfestival.com
  • South Side Shuffle on BB: Two Fridays per month, from November to early April, there’s an evening street party from 6 – 10 p.m. on Basilio Badillo in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta. www.facebook.com/southsideshufflebb
  • Historic Center Art Walk: Self-guided walking tour every Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., November through May, in downtown (Centro). There are 10 participating art galleries that host visitors and supply complimentary cocktails in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. www.vallartaartwalk.com
  • Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf Classic: This glamorous golfing event is held in Punta Mita, Mexico.
  • Art Festival: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in front of Estudio Cafe on the boardwalk of the Nuevo Vallarta Marina in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.
  • Oyster Festival: Oyster fishermen give away their daily catch to the local population to celebrate this day. Event includes music and festivities in Bucerias, Mexico.

 

MONTH OF MAY

  • International Altruism Festival: Marriott CasaMagna in Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
  • Restaurant Week: Puerto Vallarta & Banderas Bay, Mexico
  • Riviera Nayarit International Beach Polo Cup: This 4-day annual event combines glamor, luxury, rock, polo, beach, and art. In 2014, the 8 competing teams included 2 from Guadalajara, 2 from Mexico City, Italy, Canada, Switzerland, and a mixed team from Mexico and Argentina. The beach polo competition takes place on the beach in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.
  • Fiestas Patronales: La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Mexico
  • International Copa Vallarta Soccer: This 5-day event is held in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. For more information: www.vallartadeportes.com
  • Salsa Mambo Fest: A three-day event that kicks off with a concert. This event takes place in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. For more information: www.salsamambofest.com
  • Coffee & Raicilla Festival: Three days of festivities in San Sebastian, Mexico. For more information: www.facebook.com/SanSebastianDelOestePuebloMagico
  • Festival Mama Chula (Mothers’ Day Festival): This lively festival includes numerous food booths from gourmet restaurants, drinks and live entertainment. Proceeds benefit a local charity. This event is held along the marina boardwalk in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.
  • Riviera Nayarit Wind Festival: Kite surfing contest held along the south end of the main beach in Bucerias, Mexico.
  • Santa Cruz Patron Saint Festival: This event includes a fair, charro horse dance, folkloric ballet, and fireworks, as well as live music and free snacks in the Plaza.
  • Art Festival: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in front of Estudio Cafe on the boardwalk of the Nuevo Vallarta Marina, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

MONTH OF JUNE

  • Texas Music Festival: 2014 marks the 9th anniversary of this exciting festival that includes beach parties, band performances and a Texan gastronomy event. Festivities are held in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.
  • Art Festival: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in front of Estudio Cafe on the boardwalk of the Nuevo Vallarta Marina, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

MONTH OF JULY

  • Banderas Bay Fishing Tournament: This annual event takes place in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.
  • Stand Up Paddle World Series: This exciting SUP event takes place in Sayulita, Mexico.
  • Optimist North American Championship: This multi-country Regatta is held at the Vallarta Yacht Club in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.
  • Art Festival: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in front of Estudio Cafe on the boardwalk of the Nuevo Vallarta Marina, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

MONTH OF AUGUST

  • Art Festival: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in front of Estudio Cafe on the boardwalk of the Nuevo Vallarta Marina, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.
  • Riviera Fest: Annual Volkswagen exhibition where more than 150 classic and worthy new VW cars are presented at the event held in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Mexico.

MONTH OF SEPTEMBER

  • Vallarta-Nayarit Gastronomy Event: This is a fabulous gourmet weekend with multiple activities and events. Location is Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
  • Mexican Independence Festivities: Held in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
  • Independence Celebrations: A fun and colorful night festival that includes traditional “Grito” and fairground rides in Riviera Nayarit.
  • San Francisco Patron Saint Festival: A 10-day festival starting the end of September and continuing into October. This event includes fun fair attractions plus evening festivals and dances. Held in San Pancho, Mexico.
  • Art Festival: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in front of Estudio Cafe on the boardwalk of the Nuevo Vallarta Marina, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

MONTH OF OCTOBER

  • La Cruz Deep Sea Fishing Tournament: A mega fishing tournament hosted by the Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.
  • Art Festival: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in front of Estudio Cafe on the boardwalk of the Nuevo Vallarta Marina, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

MONTH OF NOVEMBER

  • South Side Shuffle on BB: Two Fridays per month, from November to early April, there’s an evening street party from 6 – 10 p.m. on Basilio Badillo in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta. www.facebook.com/southsideshufflebb
  • Day of the Dead: Various celebrations in Puerto Vallarta and in the towns of Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. Cemeteries in every community are filled with flowers and special colorful arrangements.
  • International Gourmet Festival: Event held in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. For more information: www.festivalgourmet.com
  • Riviera Nayarit Half Marathon: Deemed one of the most beautiful marathon circuits in Mexico. This annual athletic competition is held in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.
  • Art Festival: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in front of Estudio Cafe on the boardwalk of the Nuevo Vallarta Marina, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.
  • Hook the Cure: This annual benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation includes spa, fish and golf. For more information: www.hookthecure.org

MONTH OF DECEMBER

  • Processions for the Virgin of Guadalupe: Beautiful processions to the Church of our Lady of Guadalupe (the famous church with the crown) in Puerto Vallarta take place each evening from December 1 through December 12, with the most elaborate one occuring on the final day. These festive evening events are something every tourist arriving in December will want to witness. Processions include singing, floats and banners. The starting point is usually in front of Woolworths department store with the route being 11 blocks down Juarez street ending at the church. Along the procession route and in front of the church there are vendors selling food and souvenirs. As the night progresses the crowd gets thick. A schedule for the evening processions is available at the Tourism Office which is located across the street from both the Malecon and the Main Plaza, and is also down the street from the church. Additionally, schedules are printed in Puerto Vallarta’s local papers The PV Mirror (pvmcitypaper.com) and Banderas News (banderasnews.com).
  • Chili Cook Off & Taste of Nuevo Vallarta: This exciting event includes competitive samplings of truly delicious chili prepared by competing individuals and teams, as well as by professional chefs from local restaurants. This event takes place in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.
  • International Fireworks Festival: This event will take place in Puerto Vallarta from December 20 through 31, 2014. Participating countries will include Spain, USA, Canada, Italy, and five states of the Mexican Republic. Festivities will include music, dance, painting and performances. This is expected to be annual event!
  • South Side Shuffle on BB: Two Fridays per month, from November to early April, there’s an evening street party from 6 – 10 p.m. on Basilio Badillo in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta. www.facebook.com/southsideshufflebb
  • Patron Saint Festivities of Our Lady of Guadalupe: The church in Sayulita is dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Pilgrimages and an enormous devotion are part of the celebration. Location: Sayulita, Mexico.
  • Sinergiarte Festival: Contemporary art shows and exhibitions in San Pancho, Mexico.
  • Recycling Christmas Tree Challenge: The entire length of Lazaro Cardenas Street is illuminated at night. Trees are made out of either recyclable plastic or non-recyclable plastic to raise awareness. This 2-week event takes place in Bucerias, Mexico.
  • Banderas Bay Blast Sailing Regatta: This 3-day event takes place at the Vallarta Yacht Club in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.
  • Art Festival: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in front of Estudio Cafe on the boardwalk of the Nuevo Vallarta Marina, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.
  • New Years Eve Fireworks: Big fireworks displays are presented along the Malecon or at the Main Plaza in Puerto Vallarta. Many hotels all around Banderas Bay also have their own fireworks displays.

OTHER ONLINE RESOURCES FOR EVENT CALENDARS:

The above listing by month is intended to give you an overview of the types of exciting celebrations and festivals you can look forward to during the time frame you are visiting Puerto Vallarta. To access current event calenders for the Banderas Bay festivals, activities and more, the page below contains some great online resources to check when planning your vacation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

PV Online Newspapers