Vallarta Pride

One of Mexico's biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations, in a city that's gay-friendly all year.

By Sam Med · Usually late May · Last updated September 2026

Rainbow fans at a Pride march — A Pride march in Mexico City. Photo: TSolange, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Vallarta Pride is Puerto Vallarta's headline LGBTQ+ event, drawing visitors from across North America and beyond. It typically takes place in late May, running for about a week and centred — like the city's whole scene — on Zona Romántica.

What to expect

The Pride Parade along the Malecón and into Old Town — the centrepiece.
Parties and pool events at venues clustered around Lázaro Cárdenas, Olas Altas and the beach clubs at the southern end of Playa Los Muertos.
Cultural events — drag shows, art, cabaret and community gatherings.

Planning tips

Book accommodation early. Pride week is one of the busiest of the year in Old Town, and the best gay-owned hotels fill months ahead. See where to stay and hotels in Zona Romántica.
Stay in Old Town, not the resort zones — everything is walkable, so you will not need a taxi between events, and being able to walk home at 3am is the whole point.
Most events are free or low-cost; the parade and street events cost nothing, while pool and beach parties are ticketed.
Weather: late May is hot and mostly dry, at the tail of the dry season — bring sun protection for daytime events.
Book flights early too, since it coincides with a generally cheaper travel period that Pride pushes back up. See flights.

Exact dates shift year to year — confirm the official Vallarta Pride dates before booking flights.

If you can't make Pride

Puerto Vallarta's LGBTQ+ scene runs year-round and is one of the strongest in Latin America — the bars, beach clubs and gay-owned hotels are there every week, not just in May. In 2026 the area is being designated Mexico's first LGBTQ+ friendly district. See gay Puerto Vallarta.