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.
Copa Vallarta Soccer Internacional Kicks Off April 30
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.
Vallarta Azteca Folkloric Fest Dances Into May
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.
Amigos de a Caballo Charro Parade Saddles Up May 3
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.
Surfcasting Tournament Casts Lines May 4
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.
Sylvia Pasquel Brings Hit Comedy “I’m Not Happy But I Am Married”
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.
Double Dose of Stand-Up: “Borrachas, pero buenas muchachas”
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.
Restaurant Week Extends to More Than 60 Kitchens
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.
Carnival Spirit Arrives With Fiestas de Mayo
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.
Influencer-Comedian Hernán “El Potro” Lands First PV Show
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.
Vallarta Pride 2025 Adopts Futuristic Theme
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.
PV Pride Pet Parade Marches for Rescue Dogs
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.
Lesbian Pride Week Offers All-Inclusive Getaway
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.
Bear Pride by Bearadise Promises Five Days of Furry Fun
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.
Sunset Meet & Greet Toasts the Skyline
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.
Thriller Esquizofrenia Haunts Teatro Vallarta May 23
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.
Pool Parties Turn Up the Heat for Bear Pride
Bearback Mountain – May 23
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.
Bearylicious – May 24
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.
Electro-Punk Icon Silverio Headlines This Is Not a Festival
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.”
Bearwatch Beach Bash Closes Pride Week May 25
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.
Odín Dupeyron’s Recalculando Inspires and Amuses
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.
Urban Obstacle Fun: Interleds PV 246 Challenge
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.
Pediatric Asthma Experts Meet at 32nd ComPedia Congress
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.
Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica Marks 17 Years
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).
Los Muertos Beach Fishing Tournament Turns 18
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.
Puerto Vallarta Half Marathon Returns Nov 9
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.
Marlin & Tuna Tournament Lures Big-Game Anglers
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.
Festival Gourmet International Celebrates 30th Edition
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.
Rap Star MC Davo Brings Gira Mamalona to PV
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.
Lionel Richie Headlines VidantaWorld Concert Series
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.
