Puerto Vallarta’s event calendar matches its seasonal rhythm: most festivals cluster in the dry season from November to May when weather is reliable and tourist numbers peak. The Day of the Dead, New Year’s Eve on the Malecón, and the Festival Gourmet are the standout events.
Day of the Dead (November 1-2)
Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) transforms Puerto Vallarta for three days from October 31 to November 2. The Malecón becomes a gallery of public altars (ofrendas) honoring the deceased, with marigolds, candles, sugar skulls, and photographs. Catrina parades (skeleton-costumed processions) run each evening along the Malecón, with the largest on November 2. The municipal cemetery (Panteon 5 de Diciembre) is open to visitors during the day, where families decorate graves with flowers and share meals. The Malecón is extremely crowded from 6:00 PM onward; arrive by 5:00 PM for a spot at a restaurant balcony overlooking the parade route. November 1 is a public holiday.
Festival Gourmet International (November)
The Festival Gourmet International runs for 10 days in mid-November, pairing 50+ Puerto Vallarta restaurants with guest chefs from North America and Europe. Participating restaurants offer specially priced multi-course menus (MXN 500-1,500). The festival’s hub is typically at the Marriott or Sheraton in the Hotel Zone, with events spreading to Zona Romantica restaurants. The opening gala is a ticketed event (MXN 1,500-2,500). For restaurant recommendations, see things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
New Year’s Eve on the Malecón (December 31)
Puerto Vallarta’s New Year’s Eve celebration draws 50,000+ people to the Malecón for a massive street party with live bands, DJs, and a midnight fireworks display over Banderas Bay. Restaurants along the Malecón offer prix-fixe dinners (MXN 1,200-3,000) with balcony views. The fireworks are launched from a barge offshore, visible from the entire Malecón and Zona Romantica. Hotels in the Romantic Zone and downtown book out months ahead. The municipal government organizes the entertainment and security. The party runs until 3:00 AM.
Puerto Vallarta International Film Festival (March)
The Puerto Vallarta International Film Festival runs for 5 days in mid-March, screening independent films from Mexico, the US, and Latin America at venues including the Cuale Cultural Center on Isla Cuale and Cinépolis VIP. Individual tickets cost MXN 80-120. The festival has a strong LGBTQ+ cinema strand reflecting Puerto Vallarta’s status as Mexico’s premier gay beach destination. The closing night awards ceremony and party are held at a beachfront venue.
Whale Watching Season (December to March)
While not a single festival, whale watching season is Puerto Vallarta’s biggest natural event. Humpback whales arrive in Banderas Bay in December and stay through March. The peak window is mid-January to mid-February. Tour operators at Marina Vallarta and Los Muertos Pier offer half-day tours (MXN 800-1,200). The Whale Watching Festival in early February includes educational talks and coastal cleanups. Boats must maintain 30-meter distance from whales by Mexican law.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 1-12)
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is Mexico’s most important religious festival, running December 1-12. In Puerto Vallarta, the main events center on the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the red-brick landmark church topped with a crown in the city center. Each evening at 6:00 PM, pilgrim processions arrive from different neighborhoods with banners, flowers, and mariachi bands. December 12 is the main feast day with masses from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM and a fireworks display. The area around the church is closed to traffic during evening processions.
