Puerto Vallarta will mark a double anniversary with three days of public events, tying the city’s May 31 civic date to a weekend schedule across the Malecón and municipal buildings. The program includes a historical exhibit, cultural performances, a solemn session, recognitions, fireworks, and a late-night closing act. For residents and visitors near Centro, the schedule also means a busier-than-usual holiday weekend in some of the city’s most visible public spaces.
Puerto Vallarta plans three days of anniversary events
Puerto Vallarta will hold a three-day public program from Friday, May 29, through Sunday, May 31, to mark 108 years as a municipality and 58 years as a city.
The schedule brings together civic ceremonies, cultural performances, public gatherings, and evening entertainment. Events are planned at the Municipal Presidency, Los Arcos del Malecón, Plaza de Armas, the Malecón letters, Faro del Malecón, and Estadio Agustín Flores Contreras.
The first day is centered on the city’s local history. An Archivo y Memoria exhibition is scheduled for 8 a.m. Friday in the Patio de Presidencia. A swearing-in ceremony for the Consejo Regional de Occidente is set for 5 p.m., followed by an Archivo y Memoria conference at 6 p.m.
Saturday’s program shifts to performances at the Malecón. Ballet Folklórico Cuauhtémoc is scheduled at 6 p.m. at Los Arcos del Malecón. The Orquesta Escuela PV and Ballet Clásico VallArte Estudio are listed at 7 p.m., followed by DJ Jovana Dávalos at 8:30 p.m., with projections at Faro del Malecón.
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Main celebration set for May 31
Sunday is the main anniversary date. Activities begin at 7 a.m. with the Carrera de la Niñez at Estadio Agustín Flores Contreras.
The official civic program begins at 3 p.m. at Los Arcos del Malecón with honors to the flag. It continues with music from the Región Militar and a folkloric ballet performance near the Malecón letters. A solemn session is scheduled at 4 p.m. at Los Arcos.
At 5:30 p.m., the program lists an aerial show by the Águilas Aztecas acrobatic squadron of the Mexican Air Force. Recognition awards are scheduled afterward, followed by the national anthem and a cake-cutting ceremony at Plaza de Armas.
The evening program moves to the main stage at 7 p.m. with a jazz band. Grupo Caché is scheduled for 8 p.m., followed by Grupo Farra at 9:30 p.m. A countdown to pyrotechnics is set for 11 p.m., with fireworks at 11:05 p.m. Grupo Farra is scheduled to return at 11:20 p.m., before a surprise artist at 12:30 a.m.
The date behind the anniversary
The May 31 date marks two legal milestones in Puerto Vallarta’s history. On May 31, 1918, the former comisaría of Las Peñas was elevated to municipal status by decree of the Jalisco Congress and was renamed Puerto Vallarta.
On May 31, 1968, Puerto Vallarta was elevated to city status. The 2026 program commemorates both dates through civic events and public celebrations in central areas of the city.
Residents and visitors planning to attend should check official channels before heading out, since public event programs can change. The heaviest activity is likely to be around the Malecón and the Plaza de Armas on Sunday afternoon and into the night.
