Puerto Vallarta Events
From fireworks symposiums to gourmet food fairs, film festivals and art exhibitions, Puerto Vallarta offers visitors an eclectic mix of artsy entertainment, dazzling shows and participation in local traditional celebrations that raise any ordinary Mexican beach vacation experience into extraordinarily memorable.
Art Walk Old Town/Downtown
The ever-popular Old Town Art Walk has more than 16 participating galleries which host complimentary cocktail receptions and expositions on Wednesday nights from 6pm-10pm during the high season winter months. People wander from gallery to gallery in search of art, conversation and the perfect glass of wine. A good way to meet some artists and make new friends.
Walking Art Tour of the Malecon
Galeria Pacifico sponsors a Public Sculpture Walking Tour that starts at 9:30am every Tuesday at the Millennium sculpture near the Hotel Rosita at the north end of the Malecon. You can meet some of the sculptors of the statues and hear them speak about their work along the mile long Malecon. Galeria Pacifico owner Gary Thompson acts as your guide and informs you about the present local art scene. Free, no reservation. For further info, tel: 222-1982
Puerto Vallarta Film Festival of the Americas
Each December the International Puerto Vallarta Film Festival brings together filmmakers of divergent styles and subjects, who face remarkably similar obstacles to the production and distribution of their films. At its core, the Festival hopes to create a forum where these films and filmmakers can come together and share their art, ideas and cultures. An annual event. Further info at www.vallartafilmfestival.com. Tel: 297-1605 and 297-1947.
Gourmet Festival
This festival of fine dining held in Puerto Vallarta brings together some of the world’s finest chefs creating magical menus in the town’s top restaurants. Added attractions include a gourmet food expo, cooking classes, tequila and wine tastings, and an array of special events and parties. Dates vary, but the festival generally takes place for 10 days in mid-November. www.festivalgourmet.com
Voladores de Papantla
Enjoy this traditional Mayan ceremony laden with symbolism as four men (“flyers”) suspend upside down with their feet tied to ropes on a 50-foot pole high above the Puerto Vallarta Malecon several times a week at sunset. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 6 pm.
Municipal Band Concerts
At the main Plaza every Thursday and Sunday at 6 pm. In front of the City Hall.
Local festivals
December 1 to 12 - Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe
May Festival (last week of may and first week of June) - commemorating the anniversary of the municipality. The festival features outdoor concerts, artistic expositions, sporting events and a parade.