Puerto Vallarta Festivals and Events

Celebrate the culture, cuisine, art and history of Puerto Vallarta at the exciting festivals and events held throughout the year. Enjoy exciting festivals, colorful fiestas, and sporting events - from golf to sailing - held in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, including the Vallarta Film Festival, Banderas Bay Regatta, Sailfish & Marlin International Tournament, International Gourmet Festival Vallarta, and Surf Classic in Sayulita. Puerto Vallarta also offers monthly cultural events and art exhibitions at local art galleries, as well as colorful Mexican fiestas. Feel the spirit of Puerto Vallarta at our local festivals and events that enhance your vacation on Mexico's golden coast.

Puerto Vallarta Mexican Fiestas -

Colorful Mexican fiestas are held throughout Puerto Vallarta and at Velas Vallarta featuring traditional Mexican food, drinks, music and folk dance performances. Enjoy an authentic Mexican fiesta during Mexico's holidays, including New Year's Eve, and feel the spirit and culture of Puerto Vallarta come alive.

Puerto Vallarta Festivals & Events Calendar

Vallarta Film Festival -
January 19 to 22, 2011 - This film festival in Vallarta, Mexico presents the best of independent cinema with special events and movie industry panels. The Puerto Vallarta event brings together a mix of celebrities, film buffs, students and entertainment industry professionals. Visit www.vallartafilmfestival.com.
Puerto Vallarta Art Festival -
November - The exceptional Festival de las Artes features a month-long series of art gallery shows and open-air, beachside theater performances. See impressive range of artwork displayed from artists throughout Mexico. All events are free to the public.
Sailfish & Marlin International Tournament -
November 9- 12, 2011 - This extraordinary annual event - in its 55th year - draws fisherman to Banderas Bay with cash prizes for those catching the big marlin, sailfish, dorado and tuna.. Visit www.fishvallarta.com.
Banderas Bay Regatta -
March 8-12, 2011 - The Banderas Bay Regatta in Vallarta, Mexico, is a 5-day event with competitive boat and catamaran races, nightly fiestas, live music and entertainment. This is the signature event of the Vallarta Yacht Club.
Puerto Vallarta Gourmet Festival -
November 10 - 20, 2011 - Mexico's top culinary event, the annual Puerto Vallarta Gourmet Festival offers 10 days of epicurean fun. The festival showcases local restaurant chefs and over 30 acclaimed chefs from throughout the world, as well as gourmet cooking demonstrations, sunset wine tasting, Chef's Table and Winemakers' Night, and sumptuous feasts at many resorts and restaurants, including Grand Velas Resort. Founded in 1995, this Puerto Vallarta festival attracts foodies with a passion for culinary art. Visit www.festivalgourmet.com.
Mexico's Independence Eve Celebration -
September 15 - Mexico's famed Independence Eve celebration is held in the central plaza filled with revelers participating in the traditional Cry for Independence. The following day is a national holiday, celebrated by a parade through the center of Puerto Vallarta and month-long festivities.
Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe -
December 12 - This important religious holiday marks the anniversary of the day the Virgin Guadalupe made her miraculous appearance in Mexico. The celebration culminates with fireworks in Puerto Vallarta's central plaza, filled with street vendors and people. The date also marks Puerto Vallarta's birthday!
Vallarta Yacht Club Opens -
October 1 - The Vallarta Yacht Club opens for a fabulous season packed with sailing and parties. Visit www.vallartayachtclub.com.
Cultural Festival -
May - Each May, Puerto Vallarta hosts the Festival Cultural where important local, national and international artists, including painters, musicians, and actors, present art shows, events and happenings in galleries and venues all over the city.
Surf Classic in Sayulita -
December - This annual surf event draws board riders from all over the world to Sayulita - one of Mexico's top surf destinations.