Puerto Vallarta Events & Festivals
What's on through the year — the festivals worth planning a trip around, and the ones worth avoiding the crowds of.
Puerto Vallarta has a busy calendar of religious festivals, cultural events and seasonal draws. Some are worth timing a trip around; others simply mean higher prices and fuller beaches. Here's what's on, and our write-ups of the big ones.
The highlights, by season
- Late May — Vallarta Pride: one of Mexico's biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations.
- Dec–Mar — Whale season: not an event, but the reason many visit; see whale watching.
- Nov 1–2 — Día de los Muertos: altars, processions and Catrina parades.
- Dec 1–12 — Fiestas de Guadalupe: the city's biggest and most heartfelt festival.
- Christmas & Easter (Semana Santa): peak crowds and prices — book far ahead.
Latest event guides
Late May
Vallarta Pride
Mexico's marquee LGBTQ+ celebration, centred on Zona Romántica.
Read →
Nov 1–2
Día de los Muertos
Altars, Catrinas and processions along the Malecón.
Read →
Dec 1–12
Fiestas de Guadalupe
The city's biggest festival — nightly processions to the church.
Read →More event guides are added through the year. Dates for recurring festivals are given by their usual period — always confirm exact dates close to travel, as they can shift.