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Events

Puerto Vallarta Events Calendar 2009

Year-round
2010
January February March
April May June
July August September
November October December

Year Round

Music
The Malecon The Malecón is closed to traffic and several music shows will be performing there on Saturdays and Sundays.

Music
Municipal Band Concert Time: 6:00 p.m. The band performs a free concert in the Main Plaza Bandstand at Zaragoza & B. Juarez in downtown Puerto Vallarta every Thursday
Location: Main Plaza Bandstand

Dance and Music
Ballroom Dance Time: 7:00 p.m. Each Sunday you can enjoy this traditional Mexican music, the "danzon". Just enjoy, or learn to dance it. Location: Main Square
Visitors to Vallarta are also warmly welcomed to learn Tango at La Practica held weekly at a popular local nightclub; Thursdays, 8-10 pm, at J&B Dancing Club located at Francisco M. Ascencio 2043, Hotel Zone. No formal instruction is given at the practice. Group classes are bilingual Spanish/English. Private instruction is also available. For current information, email alybarbara@yahoo.com, or phone (in Mexico) 322 222 8895. From the US or Canada call 415-513-4497.

Theater
The Santa Barbara Theater —- "Puerto Vallarta's most popular entertainment venue!"
Located at 351 Olas Altas. Tel: 322-223-2048
The 2010 season will mark the sixth year as a theatrical venue and the quality of entertainment has gotten better each passing year. Have dinner before a show at our fun Broadway Cafe with a retro feel and down home Americana flavor or stop by just for breakfast or lunch. Late night entertainment from “Rocky Horror Picture Show” to Live music to karaoke is available and the bar and late night menu is open all night.
Don't miss Monday nights - its Karaoke Night! Visit the site for details: www.santabarbaratheater.com

Special
The famous Voladores of Papantla
Indians from the Papantla region perform a folkloric show of aerial acrobatics with colorful traditional costumes. Ask your concierge for performance times and dates. Most often Fridays and Sundays in the evening. Their aerial stunts and dances performed from a tall pole are accompanied by flute and drums. Their ritual stems from an ancient act of worship and their presentations have mesmerized audiences around the world. Location: The Malecón next to the seahorse statue.

Music
Latin jazz on guitar Alberto, the owner of La Palapa, is a talented musician who sings and plays Latin jazz on his guitar on Mondays and Tuesdays nights. Location: La Palapa Restaurant, Olas Altas For more information, please call: 222 5225

Special
Mexican Fiesta
Enjoy a spectacular traditional and authentic Mexican fiesta every Tuesday in town at 7:00pm. An evening with fun, Mexican food and traditional culture. Location: Krystal Hotel For more information, please call: 224-0202 Ext.2093

Music
Free Cultural Concert Time: 8:30 p.m. The first Thursday of every month this Cultural Concert varies from Classical to Jazz, even Mariachi. Location: Mayan Palace, Marina Vallarta

Art
October - April
Gallery Walk
Every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the associated galleries are open to the public. Some offer cocktails, snacks and refreshments, and in many of them you can meet the artists. Download a printable art walk map of downtown: www.galeriavallarta.com/puerto-vallarta/downtown-artwalk.htm

Art
October - May
Old Town ArtWalk
Self guided tours and wine receptions at some galleries in Old Town. There is no charge for the event and visitors are welcome to start at any gallery they choose since this is not a guided tour. Refreshments are served at each of the 15 participating galleries: Galeria Arte Latinoamericano, Galeria Uno, Galeria Vallarta, Galeria Corona, Galeria 8 y Mas, Sergio Bustamante, Galeria de Ollas, Galeria Pacifico, Galeria des Artistes, Beatriz Narvaez Galeria, Corsica Galeria, Galeria Jorgé Marin, Thierry Blouet Collection, Galeria Omar Alonso, The Loft. Puerto Vallarta has become an important destination for art lovers and collectors. These events offer an opportunity for visitors to see the best paintings, sculpture, photography, designer jewelry and unique crafts by Mexican and international artists. Visitors who cannot make the free cocktail expositions are invited to visit the galleries during regular business hours.

Nature
December - April
Migrating Humpback whales in Banderas Bay. Sightseeing tours offer a chance to photograph the whales up close. Visitors can watch migrating humpback whales in the warm waters of Banderas Bay. Local eco-tour operators maintain the strict regulations of the National Environmental Agency by allowing viewers to watch these giant creatures from a respectful distance. The official season is from December 15 thru March 31st, however, a few weeks on either side of these dates can provide great whale watching results!

Nature
May - December
Sea Turtle preservation program aims to educate people and protect the eggs of the sea turtle in the breading grounds along the bay. Visitors and locals participate in nighttime tours, research and release of the baby turtles to the sea. The Puerto Vallarta Sea Turtle Protection Project is a joint effort of the Puerto Vallarta Hotel Association, city government and federal authorities.

Nature
October - July
Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens. This is another do not miss attraction with the gardens open from 9am to 6pm Tuesday thru Sunday. Admission is 50 pesos and is redeemable for food or drink in the Garden’s Restaurant. The Botanical Gardens also offers a lovely venue for special events.
For more information, see www.vallartabotanicalgardensac.org

January 2010

Through April
Sports
Polo Season - Open to the public Location: The Polo fields are 3 miles south of the resort of Costa Careyes. Polo season comes to life in Baja from November - April and is played on deep green, well manicured fields at Costa Alegre, constructed in 1988. Polo was introduced to Mexico in 1887 and Mexican teams now participate in the prestigious International Cartier Cup in England. Practice takes place 4 times a week. Public is welcome to watch at no charge. Individual players and teams welcome. A la carte games can be arranged. Green Fees from US $70 (subject to change) per game, per player. Month and full season green fees available. Ponies, lessons and clinics available. Stabling available for 100 horses. Stick and ball 20 to 30 minutes per horse (morning only) $50 US (subject to change), including horse rental. Mexican professionals available on site and on request. Ask your concierge or hotel activities desk for details.

Through April
Tours
Peace Real World Home Tours
Tours every Friday. Cost: Approximately $35 USD. Tour four exclusive homes ranging from modest to luxurious. You'll see inside and out. Includes transportation, light lunch, and a souvenir sports water bottle. Information: Email yavette@peacemexico.org.

January 01
Holiday
New Year's Day Public Holiday

January 06
Holiday
Day of the Kings - A favorite children's holiday. New toys are given in honor of the three kings who took gifts to the baby Jesus. A traditional cake, Rosca de Reyes, is served, and whoever finds a tiny plastic baby in their cake has to make the tamales for a party.

January 17
Holiday
Feast Day of de San Antonio de Abad - Religious holiday where the Catholic Church allows animals to enter the church for blessing.

January 29
Dance
Performance by Xiutla dance troupe. Enjoy a unique show by Xiutla, a folklore dance troupe, free of charge at Lazaro Cardenas Park.

January 22 - 31
Arts
The Festival Cuale "Culture in Motion"
This second annual festival will display national and international artists and will take place at the River Cuale Island in Puerto Vallarta. For more about the Cuale Festival please visit: www.festivalcuale.com

January
Special
8th Annual "Sobriety Under the Sun" - Alcoholics Anonymous Serenity Group will be hosting the convention at the Hotel NH Krystal Resort. For more information and reservations; please visit: www.aapvconvention.com or send an email to aapvconvention@yahoo.com.

January - Febuary
Sports
Del Rey Yacht Club & Corum Present The 2010 Puerto Vallarta Yacht Race. Instead of racing past some of the most beautiful destinations that Mexico has to offer, this sailing race series allows you to stop at three picturesque anchorages, and, at the same time, enjoy the camaraderie of socializing with competitors at destination parties. In addition, you have the opportunity to compete in four exciting races, and to win four separate trophies, including an elegant CORUM Admiral’s Cup timepiece for the overall winner in each class. DEL REY YACHT CLUB - 13900 Palawan Way, CA 90292 - Ph 310.823.4664 - Fax 310.821.1346 Or visit www.pv09.com

February 2010

February 01
Holiday
Constitution Day recognizes the ratification of the National Constitution.

February 6
8th Annual RISE for Hope Fundraiser
A benefit for Infantil Santa Esperanza (RISE), a children's shelter in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. Location: American School -- When: From 5:00pm - 9:00pm -- Enjoy food and drink from Vallarta's finest restaurants, live auctions and entertainment. Contact Chris Amo at keithamo@msn.com to purchase tickets ahead of time.

February 2 - 20
Arts
2nd Annual Photography Exhibit and Competition
Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens have announced that this year's theme is The Glories of Mexico - Its People & Natural Wonders. The competition is open to the public, amateur and professional photographers alike. The deadline to submit photos is January 29, 2010.

February 9 - 14
Arts
Puerto Vallarta Film Festival 2010
Zootropa, a cultural foundation with the mission to promote creativity and social awareness, hopes to start a discussion of our planet's current state by gathering filmmakers and experts to share their films on the topic. The festival will take place at MMCinemas and will feature the films of Luis Bunuel and other filmmakers from the community. For details, please visit: hytp://virtualvallarta.com/puertovallarta/puertovallarta/upcomingevents/2009-12-16-Zootropo-Announces-New-Film-Fest-in-Puerto-Vallarta.shtml

February 10 - 16
Arts
Carnival in Puerto Vallarta!
An annual five-day holiday prior to the start of Catholic Lent. It is celebrated with parades, floats and dancing in the streets. It's an offical Mexican Holiday.

February 12
Special
Becas Valentine Classical Concert Under the Stars
The Westin Resort will host a concert featuring two of Vallarta's own artists, guitarist Mario Blanco and pianist Adriana Martínez, playing classical romantic music that will satisfy the most demanding of music lovers. Please contact the Westin for full details.

Through February 13
Arts
International Sculpture Symposium
The public is welcome to come watch ten sculptors from different countries at work. All scuptures will be held for sale, with a percentage of the proceeds to benefit the Peter Gray Museum of Art. Please visit http://pviss.com/ for more information about the event.

February 18 - March 20
Sports
Extravaganza Nautica 2010
Book your hotel early to visit for Extravaganza Nautica 2010, from February 18 - March 20, 2010! An unprecedented event for sea and water sports enthusiasts that will take place in Riviera Nayarit with pristine coastline and beautiful unspoiled beaches. More than 12 sports and cultural activities will be held for participants. The Marina Riviera Nayarit boasts the largest marina on Mexico's Pacific Coast with over 340 slips that can accommodate yachts up to 400 feet. Please visit www.nauticalextravaganza.com for details about the nautical festival and events.

February 20-24
Festival/Holiday
2009 Carnival in Puerto Vallarta is a 5 day celebration before the Catholic Lent begins. Lent begins on February 25th. It is celebrated with parades, floats and dancing in the streets. It's an offical Mexican Holiday.

February 22-28
Special
4th Annual Vallarta Wine Festival
The Vallarta Wine Fest was created in the interest of spreading information and enjoyment of wine, as well as taking advantage of the event to show off Vallarta as a destination of cultural tourism and excellent cuisine. Local restaurants and hotels on hand with delicious tastings. http://www.vallartawinefest.com/english/index.html

February 23 - 28
Nature
Puerto Vallarta Flower & Garden Show
Don't miss this flower and garden show which also includes displays of coffee, chocolate, vanilla, orchids, wine baskets, clay pottery, statuary, native tropical plants and more. Vallarta Botanical Gardens with twenty acres of tropical flowering plants is located about one half hour south of Old Town at Km. 24 on Highway 200. For more information, call (322) 223-6182 or visit VallartaBotanicalGardensAC.org for more about the garden show.

February 24
Holiday
Mexican Flag Day a patriotic holiday. Citizens, military and officials parade with the green, white and red flags.

February 26-28
Lecture
The Fifth Annual Puerto Vallarta Writer's Weekend
Calling all writers! Enjoy the featured speakers for an informative and fun weekend. Elizabeth Kadetsky, Marcos McPeek, and Dave Lieber are scheduled at this year's Writer's Weekend - to take place at Los Mangos Library. Please visit our website for further information: www.puerto-vallarta-writers-group.com

March 2010

March 1 - 6
Sports
Kitesurfing Competition
Come watch 130 participants compete for the highest award given to kitesurfers in Mexico. This event will take place at Bucerias and Nuevo Vallarta beaches. www.nauticalextravaganza.com

March 3 - 6
Sports
Regatta Copa Mexico - Optimist Tournament
Youth competition featuring the sport's outstanding competitors ages 9-15 from Latin America, the US and Canada. The event will be hosted by Riviera Nayarit. For more information visit: www.nauticalextravaganza.com/

March 11
Special
Becas Ball Annual Fundraiser
Becas Ball is a local charity event that is held annually. Supporting a great cause - children and their education. Location: Patio of the Club Regina, Marina Vallarta. Polish your dancing shoes, get out your best bib and tucker and get ready for an evening of dining and dancing. This event brings together the Who's Who of Puerto Vallarta while being serenaded by the famous "Los Bambino's". Be prepared for gourmet food and lively music while you meet some new friends and dance the night away! To purchase tickets and get further information on this event, please contact: Polly Vicars at 223-1371.

March 01-31
Music
Spring Equinox Music Festival - The annual Spring Equinox Music Festival is organized by the Cuates y Cuetes bar and restaurant and takes place on Los Muertos Pier in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta. Come greet the spring with live jazz, blues and rock performed by national and international artists.

March 16 - 20
Sports
The 18th Annual Banderas Bay Regatta.
The Vallarta Yacht Club is located in Nuevo Vallarta and is race headquarters. This one week series of challenging races with a wide range of boats is exciting for all. There will be lots of fun, food and saling. Not to mention the beautiful natural bay of Mexico with whales, manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins and deepwater fish. What more could you ask for?! www.banderasbayregatta.com

March 15
Holiday
Benito Juarez Birthday - Holiday honoring the humble, indigenous former Mexican president whose egalitarian world view was likened to that of his contemporary, Abe Lincoln.


April 2010

April 04
Holiday
Easter Sunday - Highest holiday of the Catholic faith. Holy Week and Spring Break - The week/s before and including Easter. Holy Week is a wildly busy time when nationals arrive "en masse" to play and camp on beaches. Book your accommodations early!

May 2010

May 01
Holiday
Labor Day - Public Holiday where unions parade in the streets.

May 05
Cinco de Mayo
Commemorates the defeat of the French at Puebla in 1862. This holiday is most widely celebrated in parts of the USA. Banking holiday in Mexico.

May 01 - 31
Festival
The May Cultural Festival (Festival Cultural de Mayo) features events all over Jalisco state with national and international musicians, painters, sculptors and artisans exhibiting and performing for the public. Puerto Vallarta is far from left out of the fun, with rock and electronic music concerts in the open air at Los Arcos amphitheatre on the Malecón. Ask your concierge for information about local events.

May 09
Holiday
Mother's Day - Mother's Day is a huge celebration. Families gather around to sing Las Mananitas for the "Queen for a Day" at midnight the night before. School Holiday.

June 2010

June 01
Holiday
Navy Day - All the navy ships in port process in a colorful, morning parade followed by tour boats and fishing boats flying their nautical flags.

June 24
Holiday
St. John the Baptist. Religious holiday and festivals.

July 2010

August 2010

August 28 - September 5
Special
Ujena Swimwear Bikini Jam 2010
International Bikini Jam 2010-Puerto Vallarta. This is a huge event searching for new modeling talent. It's the place for models to get noticed, build your portfolio, network with the leaders in the industry and gain valuable knowledge. Compete for model or photographer of the year, 5k run, golf, and fishing tournaments. Ujena Swimwear sponsored event. Sign up now for Bikini Jam Cancun, Bikini Jam Spain, or the International Bikini Jam in Puerto Vallarta Mexico. Models and photographers may compete with any package - get details at www.ujenajam.com

September 2010

September 01
Special
The annual “Informe” or National State of the Union Address by the nation’s president. Broadcast on national TV. All banks and government offices are closed.

September 02 - 03
Sports
Ujena Big Game Fishing Tournament
Don't miss out on this fantastic sportfishing event taking place in Puerto Vallarta! Amateurs and casual participants may also reserve a boat and enter the competition. A model and photographer can join your crew for an optional photo shoot on your boat. Visit: www.ujenabiggamefishing.com

September 14
Special
Day of the Charros
One of Puerto Vallarta's not-to-be-missed events. Charros are horseman and horsewoman (or, cowboys and cowgirls). Beautifully outfitted and riding on horseback through the heart of town in a colorful parade. The parade is followed by traditional festivities including authentic food, dancing and rodeo demonstrations of incredible skill and showmanship. A celebration in honor of Mexico's Independence Day.

September 15
Holiday
El Grito de Dolores - El Grito de Dolores, the cry for liberty at Dolores Hidalgo in 1810, is perhaps the most emotionally powerful holiday for the patriotic and those who love this country. The mayor of each town pronounces the names of Mexico's Founding Fathers over the town square. The crowd responds with a heartfelt "Viva" after each name, culminating with a resounding "Viva Mexico!"

September 16
Holiday
Independence Day - Marks Mexico's liberation from the Spanish in 1810.

October 2010

October 01
Sailing & Yachting
Vallarta Yacht Club opens for season
The nonprofit Vallarta Yacht Club opens for a season packed with sailing and parties.
www.vallartayachtclub.com

October 11
Holiday
Día de la Raza - National Holiday Government offices, some shops, schools are closed.
Columbus Day - Commemorates the discovery of America in 1492.

October 21 - 24
Special
Hook The Cure Tournament
In the event's first four years, $1.3 million in proceeds have gone to benefit The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I.G.F.A.-qualifier fishing tournament. With superb awards, special guests, live entertainment, prizes and auction items is not your every day catch-and-release fishing tournament. Not only do our participants enjoy one of the greatest fishing locations in the world but also enjoy first-class all-inclusive accommodations, gourmet meals and nightly social events. In addition to fishing, world-class golf, award-winning spa, or combination packages are also available. Visit: www.hookthecure.org

November 2010

November 01
Holiday
All Soul's Day (Día de Todos Santos) On this day, Mexicans pay homage to the souls of the children who have passed on. Tradition states that the departed descend from the heavens on this day, so family members prepare for their arrival by leaving sugar skeletons, skulls and treats on altars custom-designed for the occasion. Each year City Hall offers a special alter exhibition, as does the Cultural Center on Rio Cuale Island. Restaurants, nightclubs and stores also create altars.

November 02
Special
Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) - Families hold a graveside vigil on this night, or at least leave their favorite food and drink (usually tequila) on a special alter constructed in their home or on the tomb of their departed ancestors. Bakeries are filled with sweets shaped in the symbols of death, and flowers and memorials fill the cemetery. Particularly popular are marigolds, the sacred Aztec flower that represents death.

November Dates TBD
Sport
Annual Sailfish and Marlin Tournament 2010
The 2010 tournament commemorates the 55th Sailfish and Marlin Tournament. A Puerto Vallarta tradition and one of the most traditional fishing events in Mexico. Passionate Outdoorsmen come together for three days of fishing in some of Mexico's finest waters. For more information, please contact: info@fishvallarta.com or call: (322) 225-5467 Visit www.FishVallarta.com

November 07
Sport
Annual Puerto Vallarta International Half Marathon & 5K
The community of the Friendliest City in the World, Puerto Vallarta, along with the Office of Tourism, the Hotel Association and the Jalisco Secretary of Tourism plus Marathon event sponsors, invite Running Clubs and the general public to participate. The start and finish of the 2010 Puerto Vallarta International Half Marathon & 5K is on the Municipal Stadium Agustin Flores Contreras near the Sheraton Hotel. Prize: $200,000 Mexican Pesos. Please visit www.maratonvallarta.com

November 11-22
Special
16th Annual Gourmet Festival de México Festival
In its 16th edition (in 2010) the Gourmet festival, this festival involves the best restaurants at the bay area in a celebration of cuisine. Ten days of cooking demonstrations, wine tasting and interactive events. More information to come: www.festivalgourmet.com

November 12-14
Art
Annual Maestros del Arte Exhibition
The Annual Maestros del Arte is a very unique art show held in Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico every November. Art lovers have the opportunity to buy fine Mexican art and folk art directly from the artists. For more information, please contact Marianne Carlson at +52-376-765-7485 or www.mexicoartshow.com

November 15
Sport
9th Annual Copa de Golf 2010
Played on the golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf at Vista Vallarta. Prizes valued at approximately $900,000 USD! Contact gerencia@vallartagolf.com or visit: www.vallartagolf.com

November 20
Holiday and 100th Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution!

Public Holiday with parades in the streets. Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution, from 1910 - 1917. Revolution Day Parade (Día de la Revolución) Mexican Revolution of 1910. Official Mexican holiday. Students and local security forces dress up and parade to band music, with creating human pyramids and carrying out sports events. The recommended view is from the Malecón promenade. The 100 year anniversary is 2010!

November 25
Dance
Latin Fever 12 - Gay destination event. Set in the beautiful Mexican resort of Puerto Vallarta, Latin Fever aims to heat things up over the Thanksgiving holiday. Expect a fiesta of sun, sand and wild hedonism. www.willgorges.com

December 2010

December TBA
Festival
Puerto Vallarta Film Festival
Event is tentative. Information forthcoming for 2010.

December 1-12
Festival
Guadalupe Processions. The anniversary of the appearance of Mexico’s Virgin, Our Lady of Guadalupe, to Juan Diego. This annual celebration takes place the first twelve days of December in a visually rich and colorful festival known as the Guadalupana.

Guadalupe Day in Quimixt0 December 12th - Quimixto, a small, south shore community, pays homage to the Virgin Guadalupe on this eventful day. Baptisms, first communions and sometimes weddings take place within the local community, culminating with a procession of small “flotilla” decorative fishing boats at 10:00 a.m. The women and children that fill the ‘pangas’ sing hymns in the Virgin Guadalupe’s honor.

December 12
Special
Anniversary of the foundation of Puerto Vallarta - Special ceremony at the City Hall Council and Fiesta at the malecon celebrating the founding of Puerto Vallarta by Don Guadalupe Sanchez Torres in 1851.

December 28
Holiday
Holy Innocent's Day is the Mexican April Fool's Day, the joke could be on you!

December 25
Holiday
Navidad (Christmas Day) Official Mexican holiday.

December 28
Dance
Latin Fever NYE - PV
Organizer of must-visit gay destination events; www.willgorges.com/




Puerto Vallarta
Events Calendar


Festival Fever

Film & Gourmet Festival

Galleries: Art Walks

 TIKUL
Warm, rich tones of amber and gold reflect the standard of high cuisine which places Tikul among only a few fine dining establishments in Puerto Vallarta. On the Marina Vallarta boardwalk, capturing a spectacular view of the yacht harbor and marina.
More
 Los Xitomates
Los Xitomates is fine dining at its best. A classic in Puerto Vallarta. Tel: (322) 222-9434.
More
Upcoming Events
Puerto Vallarta Film Festival 2010, February 9 - February 14
Carnival in Puerto Vallarta!, February 10 - February 16
Becas Valentine Classical Concert Under the Stars, February 12
Love Hot Party 2010, February 14
Ash Wednesday, February 17
Experience Puerto Vallarta - For more great vacation ideas look for the Puerto Vallarta book in your hotel room.