Puerto Vallarta hosts events and festivals nearly every month of the year: Año Nuevo fireworks and the Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe in December, Semana Santa in spring, Mexican Independence Day in September, and Día de Muertos in November, plus whale-watching season (December to March) and turtle release season (July to December).
Looking for Puerto Vallarta events? Let me help! I’ve been living in Puerto Vallarta for three years and love attending events, so I’ve been to most of them! In this guide, I’m sharing the best festivals and events in Puerto Vallarta to check out for an unforgettable vacation.
Puerto Vallarta has been one of Mexico’s top travel destinations for decades, thanks to its laid-back beach days, electric nightlife, and locals who treat almost any occasion as a reason to celebrate. Here’s the full lineup of upcoming events and festivals to build your trip around.
Top Puerto Vallarta Events in 2026 and 2027
These events are listed from January to December, not by quality.
1. Año Nuevo (New Year’s Eve)
Dates: December 31 annually
Those looking for a unique way to celebrate New Year’s Eve should certainly have Puerto Vallarta on their radar.
The city’s buzzing nightlife comes alive during Año Nuevo, and there are parties in all the main bars on the strip.
Many people like to gather on the Malecon to watch the impressive fireworks displays as all the large hotels and resorts compete to put on the most extravagant show.
But, even better, if you have a hotel with a balcony or rooftop space – there is no better way to welcome the New Year than with a cold glass of bubbles in your hand!
Whether you are planning your trip to attend one of these events or happen to stumble across them, they are a fantastic way to meet the thriving and welcoming community of Puerto Vallarta. I’ve celebrated New Year’s Eve in Puerto Vallarta twice now, and my favorite so far was watching it from a friend’s rooftop right behind the Malecon. The DJ set on the Malecon was pumping, boats had anchored out in the bay just for the show, and when midnight hit and the fireworks went off over all those boats lit up on the water, it was easily one of the best NYEs I’ve ever had.
2. Vallarta Cup Race Series
Dates: Month of January
The Vallarta Cup Race is a series of Saturday races hosted by The Vallarta Yacht Club to celebrate local sailing talent. The race is between the 3 Marinas in the area and is quite the spectacle for sailing enthusiasts.
Novices can also participate in several activities alongside the race, such as classes for beginners to learn the art of sailing along the coast of the Bahia de Banderas.
While visiting the Marina, you may also inquire about potential boat trips you can take on your visit, such as the stunning Isla Marietas.
You may find yourself out on the sea – whale watching, wakeboarding, or snorkeling before you know it!
3. Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival
Typically held in late February; check the current year’s schedule for exact dates
For those nature enthusiasts, don’t miss the Vallarta Bird and Nature festival.
The Jalisco and Nayarit regions are famed for their incredible untouched jungles, teeming with life.
Puerto Vallarta’s botanical gardens host a yearly celebration of the diversity of the area’s wildlife. The gardens are Located just 30 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta in the nature-rich jungle of Cabo Corrientes. It’s one of my favorite places to go to destress and connect with nature.
The event’s mission is to spark awareness of the fragility of the ecosystem and encourage people to conserve the precious natural spaces of Mexico.
This is a truly worthy cause to support and a wonderful celebration for those who want to learn more about Mexican wildlife.
4. Semana Santa
Dates: Late March or early April (Holy Week before Easter — the exact dates shift every year, so double-check the current year’s calendar)
Semana Santa, which means Holy Week in Spanish, is the week preceding Easter and the busiest vacation period for Puerto Vallarta, as many Mexicans come there for their holiday.
I’ve been in town for Semana Santa several times now, and it really feels like a different city that week. The Malecon gets completely packed shoulder to shoulder, mostly with Mexican families and locals on holiday rather than foreign tourists, and it’s one of the most fun, high-energy times to be out walking around.
If you want to get a taste of the best Puerto Vallarta nightlife, come during Semana Santa! Just make sure to book your hotel ahead, as they fill up fast. If you don’t like crowds – avoid coming during this week. It marks the end of high season and becomes much chiller afterward.
5. May Cultural Festival in Puerto Vallarta Mexico
Dates: Month of May
May Cultural Festival is held annually by the local government in Jalisco to celebrate their rich local heritage.
They celebrate the “Festival Cultural de Mayo” with events and activities throughout the month.
Important local painters, musicians, and actors participate in various community events such as concerts, exhibitions, film screenings, dance performances, and food tastings
There are often many events spanning the entire state of Jalisco, so be sure to ask about upcoming exhibits in some of the smaller towns in the region, which could make a fantastic day trip.
6. Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Week
Dates: Usually mid-May through mid-June (exact dates vary year to year, so check the current schedule)
Another one for the foodies, Puerto Vallarta restaurant week is the best time to check out the city’s growing restaurant scene at a steep discount.
During the three weeks, some of the top restaurants in Puerto Vallarta offer innovative three-course menus, with three options available for each course at a reduced price.
I got to try Cafe Des Artistes and Le Kliff during restaurant week, two of the most beautiful restaurants in town, Le Kliff especially, since it’s built right into the cliffside overlooking the ocean. The cocktails there are still pricey even during restaurant week, but the discounted three-course menu makes it a much more affordable way to experience a restaurant like that.
I live in Versalles, and plenty of the neighborhood’s own restaurants take part too, so it’s worth checking the participant list even if you’re staying away from the tourist zone. Be sure to specifically ask for the restaurant week menu when you sit down, since servers won’t always offer it automatically.
Check the current year’s participating restaurant list closer to the date, since the lineup changes.
7. Punta Mita Surfing Competition
Dates: Typically held in late April; check the current year’s schedule for exact dates
Punta Mita hosts a yearly longboard competition – Mexi Log Fest. This week-long event is located on the beautifully secluded beach around 30 minutes North of Puerto Vallarta – one of the best places to surf near the city.
The competition is a great way to spend a relaxed day in the sun and watch some of the world’s most talented surfers compete to pull off the best tricks.
There are also plenty of other activities on the day, including yoga classes, sound baths, kid’s surf clinics, delicious food, surf films, and live music.
8. Puerto Vallarta Gay Pride
Dates: Towards the end of May each year; check the current schedule for exact dates
Puerto Vallarta is well known among the LGBTQ community as one of Mexico’s leading areas in the fight for equality. The city has a thriving gay district in La Zona Romántica, which has a week-long pride week celebration towards the end of May with many parties hosted at the various bars.
This includes the week-long pride celebration at Mantamar Beach Club on the famed Los Muertos gay beach.
The Top Bar typically hosts The Pink Dinner on opening night with fireworks, a four-course dinner, a live DJ, and the “Pride Vanguard Award” presented by the Vallarta Pride Committee.
My favorite part of pride is watching the annual parade; it’s such a fun atmosphere. It ends in the Romantic Zone, where there’s a block party with live DJs all night. I’ve been going for the last two years, and I always meet so many amazing people.
Whether you are gay or straight, it’s an unforgettable experience to celebrate pride in such a diverse and welcoming community.
9. Anniversary of Puerto Vallarta
Date: May 31st annually
Every May 31st, Puerto Vallarta celebrates the anniversary of its founding, along with its later designation as a city.
This anniversary traces back to May 31, 1918, when the Jalisco State Congress issued the decree elevating the then Las Peñas county to the category of municipality, subsequently changing its name to Puerto Vallarta.
Fifty years later, the destination had well-established infrastructure and air and land connections, earning the designation of the City of Puerto Vallarta.
The celebrations encapsulate the vibrant culture and history of Puerto Vallarta, featuring a series of cultural and sporting events as well as free concerts in the city’s most iconic locations. The festivities usually culminate with the cutting of a large anniversary cake and a dazzling fireworks display.
In 2023 they had free concerts on the Malecon, which were very crowded. I ended up going back to my house to watch the fireworks from the rooftop, which was much more enjoyable!
10. Puerto Vallarta Mango Festival
Date: Usually mid-July (check the current year’s exact date)
Puerto Vallarta celebrated the 5th annual mango festival! It’s a delightful celebration held at Lázaro Cárdenas Park, where a wide variety of dishes made with mango are featured.
There will also be awards for the best dish, drink, and dessert made with mango. The entrance is free, and it’s a must-visit if you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta during July.
Alongside the festival, 18 Puerto Vallarta restaurants will offer various dishes, desserts, and drinks made from mangos. The participating restaurants donated profits from these dishes to raise funds for the construction of a house of culture on land donated by the ejido in Ixtapa.
This collaboration adds a noble cause to the gastronomic celebration, making it an event that resonates with the generous spirit of Puerto Vallarta’s rich culture. I haven’t had a chance to attend yet, but am looking forward to going and eating all the mangos soon.
11. Mexican Independence Day
Dates: September 15-16 annually
Mexican Independence day, otherwise known as Grito de Dolores (Cry for Independence), is a national celebration of Mexico’s victory over Spanish rule that ended in 1810.
The citywide festivities in Puerto Vallarta are an impressive 2-day party where traditional displays of Mexican culture invite locals and travelers to celebrate together.
Expect to see how Mexicans like to throw a street party – with blaring trumpets, parades, games, and various local cuisine from street vendors.
On the evening of the 15th, the mayor delivers a speech called The Proclamation of Independence, followed by an impressive fireworks display. This is a fiesta you don’t want to miss!
12. Mexican Días Los Muertos (Day of the Dead Puerto Vallarta)
Dates: November 1-2 annually
Mexican Day of the Dead is a beautiful Mexican tradition where families gather to remember friends and family who have passed away. They create shrines and light candles, and have a night of reflection.
As celebrations begin at midnight on November 1st, these shrines can be seen dotted along Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón.
The week-long festivities include folkloric ballets, mariachis, and Catrinas (painted skeleton mask) contests.
Although this festival has a mournful theme, you will quickly discover this colorful display of Mexican culture is, in fact, a celebration of life through acknowledging the dead.
I’ve been to Puerto Vallarta’s Day of the Dead celebrations a few times now, and I’ll be honest, it’s not as authentic an experience as you’d get in a place like Oaxaca. But it’s noticeably improved every year I’ve been, with more elaborate art installations and skeleton sculptures showing up along the Malecon each time. My favorite part is the parade, it’s a lot of fun to watch, and it’s a great way to experience the tradition if you can’t make it further inland.
13. International Gourmet Food Festival
Dates: Mid-November, typically (check the current year’s exact dates)
Each year the International Gourmet Food Festival comes to Puerto Vallarta and attracts chefs from all over the region, and the world, to unite in one of Mexico’s biggest culinary events of the year.
Guests will enjoy numerous exciting activities, including a sit-down tasting experience, masterclasses with Michelin-star chefs, and food and wine pairings.
This Puerto Vallarta food festival is a great place to get inside knowledge and recommendations for restaurants and specialty dishes to try during the rest of your stay so you can have the most authentic culinary experience possible. This is a must-visit for the foodies out there!
14. Puerto Vallarta International Fishing Tournament
Dates: Typically held in November each year; check the current year’s schedule for exact dates
Did you know Puerto Vallarta has some of the best sport fishing in Mexico? If you’re a fan of the spot, don’t miss this event that brings together the best fishermen from all over the world.
The International Marlin and Sailfish Fishing Tournament takes place in November when hundreds gather in Puerto Vallarta to fish for sailfish, marlin, wahoo, and dorado in the Bay of Banderas.
15. Puerto Vallarta Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Dates: Dec 1-12 annually
Our Lady of Guadalupe (Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe) is Mexico’s most iconic religious image and shares its name with Puerto Vallarta’s main church.
This festival is a significant religious celebration for the locals, but it is a fascinating display of Mexican ceremonies, whether you are religious or not.
Festivities begin in December with processions through the Old Town to the city’s main church. The groups represent schools, neighborhoods, businesses, and civic associations.
They are often joined by folkloric dancers, musicians, parade floats, and pyrotechnics as they wind their way through the narrow streets of the Old Town.
I usually catch this one after our beach workouts. We’ll walk over to the plaza afterward for the street food, there are so many good vendors set up selling sweet treats and snacks that week, and it’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit even though it doesn’t feel very wintery outside.
On December 12th, activities culminate in a street party with live music, parades, and a taste of the local Mexican cuisine. It’s one of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Puerto Vallarta with the locals!
16. Humpback whale migration
Not an official event, but if you’re a nature lover, time your trip to Puerto Vallarta to coincide with the whale-watching season from December to March.
Thousands of humpback whales make their way to the warm waters of Mexico to breed, and the Bay of Banderas becomes one of the best places to watch them.
I’ve been out whale watching at least five times now, including once with my dog Puglo. My favorite way to do it is renting a private yacht with a group of friends and splitting the cost, it works out pretty affordable per person and you get way more freedom than a big group tour boat. If you want the same experience, there are plenty of whale-watching tours you can book, or you can just watch from the shore. It’s one of my favorite things about living here, I never get tired of it.
17. Turtle Season
July to December
Another one for wildlife lovers – if you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta from July to December, don’t miss the chance to take part in a baby sea turtle release.
They plan turtle release ceremonies during the season at participating hotel beaches and turtle camps. And as a tourist, you can take part in one.
Check this Facebook group to find turtle-release events in Puerto Vallarta. While July to December is the most common time to see them, you can see them at other times of the year. Watching baby sea turtles get released is one of my favorite things I’ve done here, there’s something about seeing them make that slow crawl down the sand toward the water for the first time that gets me every time.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta for events and festivals?
Puerto Vallarta has events year-round, but winter through spring is the busiest stretch: whale watching season runs December to March, the Guadalupe Festival and New Year’s Eve bring big crowds in December, and Semana Santa fills the Malecon in March or April. If you want a specific celebration, plan your trip around that event’s dates rather than just the season.
When is whale watching season in Puerto Vallarta?
Humpback whales migrate to the Bay of Banderas from December through March, making that the best window to see them, either on a tour or from the shore. It’s not an official festival, but it’s one of the most popular reasons people time a visit to Puerto Vallarta around this stretch of the year.
Is Puerto Vallarta a good place to experience Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)?
Yes, though it’s not as traditional an experience as somewhere like Oaxaca. The celebrations have gotten more elaborate every year, with shrines, art installations, and Catrina (painted skeleton) displays along the Malecón from November 1-2, plus a parade that’s one of the highlights of the week.
Does Puerto Vallarta celebrate Pride?
Yes. Puerto Vallarta has a thriving gay district in La Zona Romántica and hosts a week-long Pride celebration towards the end of May, with parties at bars throughout the neighborhood, an opening-night dinner with fireworks, and a parade that ends in a block party with live DJs.
Final thoughts: Puerto Vallarta events
Puerto Vallarta’s calendar is full of vibrant festivals, cultural celebrations, and unforgettable events that capture the spirit and traditions of this enchanting coastal city.
Whether you’re a lover of food, art, music, or sports, there’s an event that will resonate with your interests. Timing your visit with one of these annual festivities not only enhances your experience but also provides a unique opportunity to connect with the local community.
From whale watching in December to the meaningful Anniversary of Puerto Vallarta, each event offers a taste of the rich cultural tapestry that makes Puerto Vallarta a must-visit destination.
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