Event news covers stories and updates related to various types of events in Puerto Vallarta, such as concerts, festivals, sporting events, theater, and community gatherings. This news includes information on event schedules, ticket sales, and artist or performer announcements. Event news in Puerto Vallarta also includes reviews and coverage of events after they have taken place, providing insights into the experience for those who were unable to attend. Event news plays an important role in keeping people informed about cultural and social events happening in their community, as well as providing entertainment options and promoting tourism. It also allows individuals to stay up-to-date on events they may be interested in attending, enabling them to plan their schedules and make the most of their leisure time.
Puerto Vallarta’s cultural calendar is bursting at the seams this year, proving once again that the Bay of Banderas offers far more than sun-soaked beach days. From gallery strolls that turn cobblestone streets into open-air museums, to high-energy pride parties, foodie feasts, rodeo parades and deep-sea showdowns, the months ahead deliver a kaleidoscope of experiences for every kind of traveler (and local!). Whether you’re planning a last-minute getaway or filling out your newsroom’s story budget, the following lineup spotlights the can’t-miss moments that capture Vallarta’s creative pulse, culinary flair and sporting spirit all the way through December. Mark those calendars—these are the events poised to make 2025 unforgettable on Mexico’s glittering Pacific coast.
More than 100 youth and amateur squads from Mexico, the U.S. and Central America will converge on the Bay of Banderas for the Copa Vallarta Soccer Internacional, scheduled April 30–May 4. Matches take place at Unidad Deportiva and municipal pitches in Pitillal, leveraging the city’s sea-level altitude that scouts say favors technical play. Organizers expect an economic spillover of MX$20 million in hotel nights and restaurant sales. The tournament—now in its 37th year—has produced several Liga MX standouts, including Atlas FC midfielder Aldo Rocha. Admission to most games is free; the championship final on May 4 carries a nominal MX$50 ticket.
The largest traditional-dance gathering in the country, Festival Vallarta Azteca del Folclor Internacional, pirouettes onto the Malecón May 1–9. Over 800 dancers from 12 Mexican states plus guest troupes from Colombia and Spain will perform nightly sets of sones, huapangos and zapateados, many in region-specific dress. Daytime workshops in zapateado technique and costume embroidery are open to the public at the Cuale Cultural Center. Tourism officials credit the festival—founded in 1997—with popularizing Jalisco’s vibrant dance heritage among cruise-ship visitors who might otherwise miss it. All shows are free; arrive early for front-row benches.
Charros in wide-brimmed sombreros and escaramuza riders in swirling skirts will clip-clop along Avenida México on May 3 for the annual Amigos de a Caballo Charro Parade. The one-kilometer procession honors Vallarta’s ranching roots and cleanses a stretch of downtown with a blessing from Father Manuel Blanco outside Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. More than 150 horses are expected, including prized Azteca and Andalusian breeds; spectators traditionally bring apples or carrots for post-parade treats. The parade starts 10 a.m. at the Sheraton roundabout and ends with a free rodeo demonstration at Lázaro Cárdenas Park.
Anglers will shoulder long rods instead of boarding boats for the VIII Surfcasting Vallarta Shore Fishing Tournament on May 4. The catch-and-release contest runs dawn to noon along the Malecón, where water depth drops steeply just meters from shore, making it possible to hook jack crevalle, roosterfish and even the occasional mahi-mahi. The grand prize: a MX$25,000 cash purse and a custom 13-foot Z-Surf rod. Registration (MX$600) includes bait, shirt and post-weigh-in ceviche lunch at Hidalgo Pier. Family zones with casting clinics aim to spark interest among junior fishers.
Stage legend Sylvia Pasquel returns to Teatro Vallarta on May 8 for a one-night run of her sharp-witted monologue “No seré feliz pero tengo marido.” The 90-minute show, based on the bestseller by Rosa Montero, blends dark humor with poignant reflections on love’s compromises. Pasquel has toured the piece in 70 Mexican cities since 2012; critics praise her seamless swings between sarcasm and vulnerability. Curtain is 8 p.m.; tickets range MX$450–1,200 and are on sale via Ticketmaster and the theater box office.
La Chupitos and La Dama de la Comedia join forces May 9 at Act2PV for “Borrachas, pero buenas muchachas,” a Spanish-language variety show that mixes stand-up, improv sketches and a live banda finale. Both comics are social-media powerhouses: La Chupitos’ boozy alter ego boasts 3 million TikTok followers, while Claudia “La Dama” Martínez is fresh off Amazon Prime’s LOL México. Doors open 7 p.m.; general admission MX$600 includes a welcome margarita. Producers promise “unfiltered humor” and advise 18+ audiences only.
Foodies mark your calendars: Restaurant Week by Vallarta Lifestyles returns May 15–June 10 with the largest roster in its 20-year history—62 restaurants from Marina to Mismaloya offering three-course prix-fixe menus at MX$459, MX$575 or MX$699. First-time participants include oceanfront newcomer Icú Bistro and vegan haunt La Chula Plant-Based. Organizers say the goal is to boost low-season traffic without sacrificing creativity; chefs must present at least one exclusive dish. Diners can browse menus at restaurantweekpv.com and reserve directly. A social-media contest will award dining vouchers to the #RW2025 hashtag’s top foodie photos.
From May 16 through June 1, the city fairgrounds in Las Juntas transform into a neon-lit playground for Fiestas de Mayo, a tradition that dates back to the 1950s sugar-cane harvest celebrations. Expect nightly banda concerts, family rides, artisan stalls and the much-anticipated Charro Queen coronation on opening night. Entry is MX$40; unlimited-ride bracelets cost MX$200 Monday–Thursday. Municipal officials project 80,000 visitors across the 17-day run, generating temporary jobs for more than 400 locals.
Reality-TV alum and podcast star Hernán “El Potro” debuts his “Sacado de onda” tour in Puerto Vallarta on May 16 at the Palm Cabaret. The set blends stories from MTV’s Acapulco Shore with open-mike observations about dating apps and millennial adulthood. VIP passes include a post-show meet-and-greet and limited-edition merch. Show time 9 p.m.; tickets from MX$500 on Boletia.
Puerto Vallarta’s signature LGBTQ+ celebration returns May 17–25 under the banner “Revolution: The Future Has No Gender.” Highlights include the Parade down the Malecón May 22, a new Queer Tech Expo at Hotel Almar and nightly headliner concerts at Parque Hidalgo. Organizers expect a record 25,000 visitors and project an MX$600 million economic impact. The festival began in 2013 and has steadily grown into one of Latin America’s top Pride weeks. Full schedule at vallartapride.org.
Leashed pups in rainbow tutus will take over Olas Altas May 19 for the third PV Pride Pet Parade, raising funds for local shelter AyudaMutt. Registration MX$150 includes a bandana; prizes awarded for best costume and best dog-owner look-alike. The 1.2-km walk concludes with a beach “paw-ty” featuring agility demos and paw readings by pet psychic Lupita Chávez. Last year’s event financed 400 spay/neuter surgeries.
From May 21–26, Puerto Vallarta Lesbian Pride packages an entire vacation: daytime catamaran cruises, pool parties at Mujeres del Mar Resort, and sunset meditations led by TikTok yogi Ale Hernández. Passes start US$699 per person double-occupancy, covering accommodation, airport transfers and entry to all parties. Organizers launched the women-centric week in 2017 after noticing gay male tourism dominated local Pride spending; attendance has doubled since.
May 21–25 sees the return of Bear Pride by Bearadise, a curated series of boat cruises, pool raves and a signature “Underwear Glow Party.” Host hotel is the clothing-optional Cuale Hotel; full-week wristbands run US$249. Bearadise founder José Ramos says inclusivity remains paramount: “All body types, all ages, no attitude—just bears being bears.” Sponsorship from craft-brew label Los Osos will fund a free STI testing clinic on May 23.
Signature by Pinnacle’s rooftop Sky Bar hosts the official Sunset Meet & Greet on May 21, kicking off Pride’s nightlife schedule with DJ José Spinnin Cortés. The casual mixer, free with RSVP, offers two-for-one martinis until 8 p.m. and panoramic views of the bay’s pastel sky. Expect an international crowd of early arrivers swapping itineraries.
Mexican actor-director Rafael Perrín brings his psychological shocker “Esquizofrenia” to Puerto Vallarta for the first time. The 80-minute play places the audience inside the fragmented mind of a doctor confronting his own demons; lights are cut during jump-scare moments to heighten suspense. Showtime 8 p.m.; tickets MX$400–900. Viewers with heart conditions are cautioned.
The first of two clothing-optional splash fests at Cuale Hotel features live sets from DJ Cazwell and unlimited draft beer from noon to 6 p.m. Ticket US$45 in advance.
The sequel ups the ante with foam cannons, drag queen lifeguards and an all-you-can-eat taco bar (yes, even poolside). Runs 1 p.m.–7 p.m.; tickets US$55.
Cult performer Silverio—known for crimson loincloths and anarchic stage dives—makes his Puerto Vallarta debut May 24 at Hidalgo Park. The one-day micro-festival also books Le Butcherettes and local surf-rockers Los Tabaquillos. Early-bird passes MX$800; capacity capped at 2,500. Promoter Arturo Vélez says the goal is “a boutique counter-culture experience that feels spontaneous, not corporate.”
Bear Pride wraps on the sands of Bearadise Beach with a noon-to-sunset blowout featuring snorkel tours, BBQ buffet and a sunset cuddle-pile photo. Shuttle boats leave every 30 minutes from Los Muertos Pier. GA US$65; VIP cabanas sold out.
Author-motivator Odín Dupeyron brings his candid one-man show “Recalculando” to Teatro Vallarta June 5. Part stand-up, part self-help workshop, the monologue tackles fear of failure with biting humor. Doors 7 p.m.; tickets MX$350–750.
Runners, climbers and weekend warriors will test grit on June 22 during the PV 246 Challenge, a 6-km course threading Old Town staircases, beach sprints and a cargo-net climb on the Malecón. Wave starts begin 6 a.m.; entry MX$600 includes medal and cooling towel. Proceeds benefit Casa Hogar orphanage.
Puerto Vallarta hosts the 32nd National Congress of Pediatric Asthma July 9–12 at Hotel Sheraton Buganvilias. The program features 40 keynote sessions on biologic therapies, plus a free public lecture on inhaler technique. Organizers anticipate 1,800 delegates and MX$50 million in direct spending.
Chefs Elena Reygadas, Virgilio Martínez and Dominique Crenn headline Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica 2025, slated October 12–18 across venues in PV and Nuevo Vallarta. This year’s theme “Oceans & Origins” emphasizes sustainable seafood. Passes range US$80 (single tasting) to US$750 (full VIP).
The XVIII Los Muertos Beach Fishing Tournament November 7–8 draws shoreline anglers chasing snapper and jack for cash prizes up to MX$150,000. Weigh-ins at the pier make for spectator-friendly drama. Entry MX$2,500 per two-person team; kids’ division free.
Runners will pound a beachfront course at sunrise for the 21st Puerto Vallarta Half Marathon & 5K on November 9. Organizers tout a new out-and-back layout that eliminates previous bottlenecks near Marina. Registration MX$650 through October. A post-race agua fresca festival keeps things refreshingly local.
From November 12–15, the 69th International Marlin & Tuna Tournament promises more than MX$1 million in prizes for the heaviest marlin, sailfish and yellowfin caught offshore. Host club Asociación de Pesca Deportiva offers real-time tracking apps for fans following the fleet. Awards banquet at Villa Premiere, MX$1,200 per seat.
Thirty restaurants, 60 guest chefs and 11 days of tastings: Festival Gourmet International (Nov 13–23) plans an anniversary worthy of its pioneering status. Founders Thierry Blouet and Heinz Reize will recreate the 1995 opening dinner alongside protégés who now helm Michelin-starred kitchens abroad. Events sell out fast; packages at festivalgourmet.com.
Nuevo León rapper MC Davo hits the Concha Acústica on November 16 with openers Sandro Malandro and Gera MX. Expect hits “Mis Defectos” and “Andamos de Peda” plus new trap corridos teased on Instagram. Tickets MX$800–1,600, on sale May 1. Security will enforce a clear-bag policy.
Music icon Lionel Richie turns VidantaWorld’s new Esplanade into a sing-along arena December 11. The 8,000-cap venue promises state-of-the-art acoustics and midnight fireworks set to “All Night Long.” VIP lounges with bottle service are already wait-listed; GA starts MX$1,200 via Eticket. The concert is part of Vidanta’s strategy to position PV as a marquee entertainment hub following the success of Cirque du Soleil’s “Luzia” residency.
Puerto Vallarta is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, which is reflected in the many events and festivals that take place throughout the year. From traditional Mexican celebrations to international music festivals, here is a closer look at some of the top events and festivals in Puerto Vallarta:
Dia de los Muertos: Celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday honoring the dead. In Puerto Vallarta, the holiday is celebrated with colorful parades, elaborate altars, and other traditional rituals.
Vallarta Pride: Puerto Vallarta is known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community, and the annual Vallarta Pride festival is a major event in the city’s calendar. The festival features parades, parties, and other events celebrating diversity and inclusion.
International Film Festival: The Puerto Vallarta International Film Festival is a popular event that showcases films from around the world. The festival includes screenings, workshops, and discussions with filmmakers and industry professionals.
Gourmet Festival: The Puerto Vallarta Gourmet Festival is a celebration of the city’s culinary scene, featuring top chefs from around the world and showcasing the region’s fresh seafood and local ingredients.
Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe: The Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a major religious celebration in Puerto Vallarta, honoring the patron saint of Mexico. The festival includes processions, music, and other traditional celebrations.
Day of the Dead Fashion Show: A unique event that combines traditional Dia de los Muertos celebrations with high fashion, the Day of the Dead Fashion Show is a popular event in Puerto Vallarta’s social calendar.
Festival of San Pancho: A short drive from Puerto Vallarta, the Festival of San Pancho is a music and arts festival featuring local and international performers.
Puerto Vallarta Art Walk: A weekly event that takes place during the winter months, the Puerto Vallarta Art Walk features galleries and art studios opening their doors to the public, showcasing the city’s thriving arts scene.
Fiestas de Mayo: A month-long celebration of Puerto Vallarta’s cultural heritage, Fiestas de Mayo includes music, dance, food, and other events showcasing the city’s traditions and history.
In conclusion, Puerto Vallarta is a city with a rich and diverse range of events and festivals, reflecting the region’s cultural heritage and vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Whether you’re interested in music, film, food, or traditional celebrations, there’s always something to see and experience in this beautiful coastal city.
