Puerto Vallarta Events Calendar

Year Round

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

Lecture
Literary gathering Time: 5:30 p.m. Every Thursday. Different themes, free entrance and coffee. Location: Avenida Francisco Villa No. 1001, Col. Los Mangos For more information, please call: 224-9966

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

For Kids
Public Library Activities Time: 10 a.m to 12 noon. Public Library offers activities for children every Saturday morning. Location: Avenida Francisco Villa No. 1001, Col. Los Mangos

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 2007 lineup includes: Shirley Valentine's Vallarta Adventure, Bob Fosse's And All That Dance, Los Bambinos - Voted the best musical group in Puerto Vallarta, The Grinch Stole Christmas.
Don't miss Monday nights - its Karaoke Night! Visit the site for details: http://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

Adopt a Pet Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Animal Protection Association organizes this adoption program. Every Saturday. For more information, please call 224-7452 or 221-0466.

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: http://www.galeriavallarta.com/puerto-vallarta/downtown-artwalk.htm

Art
October - May
Old Town ArtWalk
The first art walk is Wednesday, October 24th and they will continue every Wednesday night from 6 to 10 p.m. through May 28, 2008. There is no charge for the events 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.

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.

Special November - May
15 Yoga Vacations at Villa Amor and Las Alamandas Via Yoga, the Seattle-based yoga vacation company, offers 11 6-night yoga vacations for the adventurous at Villa Amor in Sayulita, and four 4-night vacations for those who love pampering at Las Alamandas in Jalisco. All levels of students are welcome. For more detailed information, please visit: http://www.viayoga.com

Nature October - July
Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens 2007-2008 Season The Gardens are open from 9am to 6pm Tuesday thru Sunday. Admission is 50 pesos and is redeemable for food or drink in the Garden’s Restaurant.
For more information, see www.vallartabotanicalgardensac.org

Special
Spanish Language Course in Puerto Vallarta. A newly designed Spanish Language Immersion course. Highly individualized instruction and Spanish immersion through community contact mark this unique course. For more information, please call 505-310-0703. March 10-24, 2007 and November 5-19, 2007
http://www.bellecora.com/SpanishLanguageCourses.html

January 2008

Through April 20, 2008
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.

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 25-27
Special
6th annual "Sobriety Under the Sun" - Alcoholics Anonymous Serenity Group will be hosting the convention at the Hotel NH Krystal Resort. For more information and convention updates, visit the website: http://www.aapvconvention.com, send an email to aapvconvention@yahoo.com, or call Barbara H or Jim H in the US at 206-322-8975 or Denny B in Mexico at 011-52-322-222-2505.

February 2008

February 05
Holiday
Constitution Day recognizes the ratification of the National Constitution.

February 05
Festival/Holiday
2008 Carnival in Puerto Vallarta - 5-day celebration before the Catholic Lent. Begins the weekend before Lent, Carnival is celebrated with parades, floats and dancing in the streets. Official Mexican holiday.

February 08
Special
Writers Weekend Workshop 2008 - Join us for an informative and fun-filled weekend of learning, the Third Annual Puerto Vallarta Writers Weekend Workshop, February 8 – 10, 2008. We have an exceptional speaker this year, Dan Poynter, known worldwide as the leading expert on self-publishing, and author of ‘THE SELF-PUBLISHING MANUAL’.
Please visit our website for further information: www.puerto-vallarta-writers-group.com

February 15 - 22
Sports
2008 Marina del Rey to Puerto Vallarta Race - Continuing Del Rey Yacht Club's tradition of innovation, the 2008 Puerto Vallarta Race will combine the best of all Mexican races in one. Using technology made possible by Satellite Transponders onboard every yacht, DRYC has created Crossing Lines at 3 distinct locations along the Mexican coast.

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

February 27 - March 01
Special
Vallarta Wine Fest - A total of 14 participating hotels and restaurants reported great results and sponsors immediately signed up for the new edition. “This festival is an alternative for tourists who plan their vacations on those days, offering culture beyond just sun and beach,” said Wine Fest organizer Nacho Cadena.
Please visit our website for further information: www.vallartawinefest.com

March 2008

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 01 - 08
Sports
Regatas y Deportes Marítimos - Bahía de Banderas and The Vallarta Yacht Club is holding their sixteenth annual regatta from March 1 - 8, 2008. You don't want to miss this exciting event. The Vallarta Yacht Club located in Nuevo Vallarta, is Race Headquarters. There will be lots of fun, food and entertainment for everyone!
The Banderas Bay Regatta consists of a one-week series of exciting events to challenge a wide range of high performance boats along with traditional cruisers. A wonderful addition to our festival is that the Mexican Offshore Racing Circuit fleet (MEXORC) is taking a part in this year's event. Come join the fun at Vallarta Race Week!

March 01 - 15
Special
3rd Annual Huichol Festival - Wixaritari Takei Kie
Where: Plaza Caracol in Hotel Zona
When: 10am to 9pm
Admission: Free
Come see these lively cultural people share there traditions through music,regional dance, food, and art! Be sure to explore this wonderful culture and bring the family too!

March 01 - May 18
Sports
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2008 Qualifier - Don't miss this world class event! The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2008 Qualifiers are ready to kick off. The only teams which qualify for the most important event of the year will compete in March and will continue until May 18th.
Website: www.beachsoccer.com

March 02 - 05
Special
16th Annual Gala Vallarta Travel & Trade Show
Where: Convention Center of Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta (Riviera Nayarit).
Gala Vallarta is a specialized trade show that brings together national and international wholesalers and tour operators that sell travel to Puerto Vallarta, with Puerto Vallarta’s hotel industry leaders.
Website: www.galavallarta2008.com

March 06
Special
Becas Ball
Where Hotel Westin Resort and Spa (at the beach)
Time 6:00pm.
Polish your dancing shoes, get out your best bib and tucker and get ready for a “fantasia” evening of dining and dancing at this lovely property. Meet 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!
The Becas Ball is a local charity event that not only supports a great cause, children and their education, but also lends itself to support many less fortunate children in the local arena. Come and join this fun filled evening your sure not to forget!
To purchase your tickets and get further information on this event call Polly Vicars at 223-1371.

March 09 - 23
Special
Shop and Learn Spanish Language Course in Puerto Vallarta - A newly designed Spanish Language Immersion course. Highly individualized instruction and Spanish immersion through community contact mark this unique course.
One and two week Spanish Language courses available in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, using our own unique style of Spanish Language Immersion and taught by qualified University trained instructors and coordinated by Margarita Ruiz, native Spanish speaker, educator, language specialist.
For more information, please call 505-310-0703 or visit www.bellecora.com.

March 16
Music
Chamber Orchestra "Nick Salmans Conducting"
Time: 8:00pm
Where: The Colegio Americano (American School) is located near the Plaza Marina.
Admission Donation at the door.
Don't miss this enchanting evening of musical delight when Nick Salmans conducts the Chamber Orchestra! There will be three highly acclaimed soloists performing during this wonderful program.
For further information, call Mary MacLachlan at 222-7806.

March 17 - 23
Holiday
Holy Week - The week before, and including Easter (March 23). Holy Week is a wildly busy time when nationals arrive en masse to play and camp on our beaches. Children make pretty confetti-filled eggs that they throw at the unsuspecting victims.

March 21
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.

March 23
Holiday
Easter Sunday - Highest holiday of the Christian faith.

April 2008

April 01 - 30
Dance
Puerto Vallarta Dance - Festival The annual Puerto Vallarta Dance Festival (Festival de Danza) offers the chance to see the best of the repertoires of seven of the city's dance and ballet schools at Los Arcos on the Malecón, all for free.

May 2008

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

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

May 01 - June 01
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.
Website: www.festivaldemayo.org

May 10
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.

May 16 - 18
Sports
International Sports Classic Aerobics Marathon
This lively competition will be comprised of seven different sports, basketball, tennis, golf and softball along with 3 others. The participants will be not only amateur athletes but also national and international former and active Olympic performers. Make sure to mark your calendar for this outstanding competition!

June 2008

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 01 - 03
Special
Meeting Place Mexico Meetings and Incentives Industry Convention

June 17 - 19
Lecture
WORLD OF CONCRETE Mexico is positioned as the most important business event in the concrete and construction industry, displaying the best offers in machinery, tools, products, materials and equipment for concrete construction in the whole country.
Get full details at www.WorldOfConcreteMexico.com
Attendees include architects, engineers, commercial contractors, residential contractors, housing developers, pre-cast and pre-stressed concrete manufacturers, concrete block manufacturers, distributors,investors,civil engineers,decorative concrete contractors, private developers, government authorities, state corporations, government agencies, general and rental center owners.
WORLD OF CONCRETE Mexico also boasts of a unique International Conference Program developed by Hanley Wood Exhibitions, E. J. Krause de Mexico and IMCYC (Mexican Cement and Concrete Institute) with the help of a high level Advisory Board, covering all aspects of construction with concrete for all areas of the construction industry.
Last year, the third annual WORLD OF CONCRETE MEXICO was a big success, with thousands of construction professionals from all over the world gathering in Mexico City to do business. World of Concrete Mexico 2008 will once again take place at the state-of-the-art Centro Banamex in Mexico City. From June 17-19, 2008, highlighting the best technologies in machinery, equipment, commercial construction products and services from leading industry suppliers.

July 2008

July 11 - 13
Sports
2nd International Marlin and Tuna Fishing Tournament - In July 2008, the elite sport fishing tournament welcomes all the enthusiastic participants to be part of this exciting event in the State of Nayarit. It is the First International Marlin and Tuna Fishing Tournament in Riviera Nayarit, Vallarta Mexico. Our commitment, as important event organizers in Riviera Nayarit, is to be the best hosts.
We invite you to learn all about this First International Marlin and Tuna Fishing Tournament in Riviera Nayarit, Vallarta México, where we are sure you will catch beautiful fish from each category, and you will leave all the adrenaline behind as part of the pleasure this wonderful sport causes everyone to experience.
Event URL: http://www.fishingtournamentvallarta.com/
Telephone: 011-52 (322) 225-5467

August 2008

August 23-30
Special
Ujena Swimwear Bikini Jam - International Bikini Jam in Puerto Vallarta Mexico. Talent search week. The place to get noticed, build your portfolios, network with the leaders in the industry and gain valuable knowledge. Compete for the model or photographer of the year, 5k run, golf and fishing tournaments. Check out the Ujena Jam in Cancun and Spain as well. Visit the site for complete details and travel information:
http://www.ujenajam.com/

August 28-29
Sports
2nd Annual Ujena Big Game Fishing Tournament - Don't miss out on this fantastic sportfishing event! 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.
http://www.ujenabiggamefishing.com/

September 2008

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 14
Special
Day of the Charros (Mexican horsemen and women). Beautifully outfitted cowboys and cowgirls ride 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 skill and showmanship.

September 16
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 2008

October 12
Holiday
Columbus Day - Commemorates the discovery of America in 1492.

October 28 - November 03
Art
Festival of Erotic and Sensual Art - The yearly Festival of Erotic and Sensual Art (Festival de Arte Erótico y Sensual) takes place in numerous art galleries downtown and in the centre with Pacífico, Rueda Fine Arts and Gradiva.
National and international artists meet to express their ideas on unbridled eroticism in their painting, photography and sculpture. Related films showing in the Cinemark cinema in Plaza Caracol.

November 2008

November TBD
Sports
53rd (2008) Sailfish and Marlin Tournament - The 53rd Sailfish and Marlin Tournament is Puerto Vallarta tradition and one of the most traditional fishing tournaments 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 FishVallarta.com

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 07 - 09
Art
7th Annual Maestros del Arte Exhibition - The 7th Annual Maestros del Arte is a very unique art show held in Ajijic, 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 click here.

November 20
Holiday
Public Holiday with parades in the streets. Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution, from 1910 - 1917.

November 27 - December 01
Festival/Special
Latin Fever 11 - 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.
http://www.willgorges.com

December 2008

December TBD
Festival
Puerto Vallarta Film Festival 2008 - The 5th Annual Vallarta Film Festival is nestled between the beautiful bay of Banderas and the jungles of the Sierra Madre Mountains. The John Huston Maverick Awards. In keeping with Puerto Vallarta’s famed Hollywood traditions, some of the best new productions from Mexico, Canada, and the rest of Latin America will be introduced.
For more information, please visit: www.puertovallartafilm.com

December 1 - 12
Festival
Guadalupe Processions - 2008 is the 477th 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 festival known as the Guadalupana. This year promises to be especially colorful.

December 12
Holiday
Guadalupe Day in Quimixto - 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 25
Holiday
Navidad (Christmas Day) Official Mexican holiday.