Good to know
Good to Know
- Festival Gourmet International tickets and dining reservations sell out quickly; book early if interested.
- Day of the Dead (late October–early November) is the most vibrant cultural period; accommodation is high-demand and prices peak during this time.
- Most signature cultural events occur October–November; plan accordingly for the most active cultural season.
- Art Walk runs year-round Wednesday evenings October–April in the Romantic Zone and Art District, with free gallery access.
- Weather is optimal during Day of the Dead season (late October–early November) with warm, dry conditions and minimal rain.
- Many Day of the Dead events are free and public (Malecón decorations, parades, altars), while some activities like specialty dinners and beach experiences require tickets.
Events
Festival Gourmet International
- Month
- November
- Scale
- Regional; attracts ~25,000 visitors
- Timing
- November 13–23
- Description
- Mexico's longest-running culinary festival, now in its 30th edition, featuring over 60 guest chefs, 30+ participating restaurants, and 15+ exclusive dining events across Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, and Tepic. Includes wine tastings, progressive dinners (Gourmet Safaris), chef's table experiences, and theme nights.
Día De Muertos / Day of the Dead (Recuérdame Festival)
- Month
- October–November
- Scale
- City-wide; major cultural event with free and ticketed activities
- Timing
- October 28–November 3
- Description
- Annual Day of the Dead celebration featuring the Tallest Calavera Catrina in the World (90+ feet, Guinness World Record holder), 40+ decorated giant skulls along the Malecón, public altars (ofrendas) in Main Square and parks, live music and folkloric performances, parade on November 2 starting at 5:00 PM from the cemetery through downtown to Los Muertos Pier with fireworks, cultural exhibitions, and traditional foods (pan de muerto, tamales, atole).
Puerto Vallarta Art Walk (Paseos De Galería)
- Month
- October–April
- Scale
- Neighborhood-based; free public access to galleries
- Timing
- October–April (year-round during these months)
- Description
- Recurring monthly art gallery openings in the Art District and Romantic Zone, held every Wednesday from 6:00 PM–10:00 PM, featuring 19+ galleries showcasing local and international artists, paintings, sculptures, and handmade crafts.
International Charro Championship Vallarta
- Month
- February
- Scale
- Regional sporting event
- Timing
- Early February (annual)
- Description
- Annual family-friendly competition showcasing elite charro and escaramuza teams from Mexico and the U.S., celebrating Mexico's national sport of Charrería with horsemanship, bull riding, roping, and a vibrant parade along the Malecón.
Mango Festival
- Month
- May–June
- Scale
- Local seasonal event
- Timing
- May–June (seasonal)
- Description
- Celebration of the region's mango harvest featuring tastings of different mango varieties, derived products (sauces, desserts, beverages), live music, traditional dances, and family activities.
Festival Fiestas De Mayo
- Month
- May–June
- Scale
- City-wide festival
- Timing
- Mid-May to early June
- Description
- Month-long annual celebration featuring live music, carnival rides, food stalls, sporting events, and family-friendly activities celebrating Mexican culture throughout the city.
Madonnari Festival (Chalk Art Festival)
- Month
- Varies
- Scale
- Street-based art event
- Timing
- Annual (date varies)
- Description
- Street art festival transforming Puerto Vallarta's streets into open-air canvases with chalk artwork created by local and international artists, celebrating artistic creativity and talent.
Ceviche and Aguachile Festival
- Month
- January
- Scale
- Local food-focused event
- Timing
- January 28 (annual date)
- Description
- Culinary celebration of regional seafood traditions featuring over 60 varieties of ceviche and aguachile from local restaurants, craft beers, pastries, live music, and entertainment.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this signature annual events research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Puerto Vallarta
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.