Top 5 Winter Events in Puerto Vallarta You Can't Miss

Looking to get away from the winter cold?  Puerto Vallarta is the ultimate destination for you!  This tropical paradise is bursting with winter events that cater to every traveler, from sun-drenched beaches to lively festivals and rich cultural experiences.

Puerto Vallarta's winter lineup promises unforgettable memories, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.  Let's explore the best of the events that will make your visit truly special! 

Ceviche and Aguachile Fest Puerto Vallarta 2025

• Save the Date: Sunday, January 26 from 12:00pm to 8:00pm.
• Where At: Hidalgo Park Esplanade in Downtown Puerto Vallarta.
• Why to Attend: This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Ceviche and Aguachile Festival.  If you're a fan of seafood, get ready to taste over 40 varieties of the freshest ceviches and spicy aguachiles, with original recipes from up to 14 Puerto Vallarta seafood restaurants.  Tastings of local craft beer and pastries will also be available at the Ceviche and Aguachile Festival.  As in previous editions, the Ceviche and Aguachile Festival will feature live music to keep those attending entertained.
• We Love: The competition for the three best ceviche and aguachile recipes prepared by the participating restaurants will showcase the creativity and culinary talent of Puerto Vallarta's chefs. This activity is judged by some of the most popular chefs in Puerto Vallarta.
• More Information: You can check out the full schedule of activities on Facebook at: Festival del Ceviche y Aguachile PV.

ARTE Zona Romántica

• Save the Date: On Fridays: January 24, February 7 and 21, 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
• Where At: Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone. 
• Why to Attend: In this "Art Walk" through the south of the city, 19 art galleries, jewelry stores and boutiques in the heart of Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone open their doors to art, music and creativity. Of course, the event is free of charge and open to the public. The 2024-2025 season of ARTE, Zona Romantica (formerly known as "South Side Shuffle in Art District Zona Romantica") includes every Friday fortnight from November to May. 
• We Love: Stroll the streets of Old Town Vallarta and, like the traditional Historic Center Art Walk, enjoy live music, cocktails and performances while touring some of the area's most renowned galleries, including Galleria Dante, Cassandra Shaw, Kathleen Carrillo Galleries, Peyote People Gallery, and others.
• More Information: Via Facebook at: ARTE, Zona Romántica.  

International Charro Championship Vallarta 2025

• Save the Date: From Thursday, January 30 to Sunday, February 2
• Where At: Miguel “Prieto” Ibarría Arena, located just a few minutes from the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center.
• Why to Attend: The International Charro Championship Vallarta 2025 represents charreria at its best.  Thirty-five of the best charro and skirmish teams from Mexico and the United States will show their determination, courage and skill to take first place in the competition.  Participating in this year's event are: two-time national champions Charros de RG2, Rancho Las Cuevas, Rancheros de Tijuana, Charros Villa de Oro, and Rancho El Soyate, a popular charro team well known for being part of the Aguilar dynasty.
• We Love: The International Championship Charro Vallarta 2025 is a 100% family event which highlights the Mexican national sport.  On Friday, January 31 at 11:45 am, don't miss the traditional "Maleconeada", a colorful and lively parade along the Puerto Vallarta Malecon boardwalk with the riders participating in the International Charro Championship, is undoubtedly one of the most popular activities in the program. 
• More Information: Check out the full program of events (in Spanish) via Facebook at: Campeonato Charro Vallarta 2025.

Puerto Vallarta College Challenge 2025

• Save the Date: February 6-9 (Session 1), and February 13-16 (Session 2)
• Where At: Nancy Almaraz Softball Field, located at the Agustín Flores Contreras Sports Complex (aka “El Estadio”.)
• Why to Attend: The ninth annual edition of the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge 2025, the collegiate tournament that brings together the best softball teams in the United States, is a must for softball fans and the "King of Sports".  This year, athletes from universities such as Florida State University, Oklahoma State University, Northern Colorado University, Illinois State University, North Dakota State University and LA Tech University will be participating.
• We Love: The tournament, held in Puerto Vallarta since 2015, was the first event of its kind to be held outside of the United States, and is an opportunity to see promising young American college athletes in competition, including the Women's College World Series teams from Florida and Oklahoma, and other competitive teams debuting at the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge.
• More Information: Check out the schedule of games at the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge website.

El Carnaval Puerto Vallarta 2025

• Save the Date: February 20 to 22, 2025.
• Where At: Puerto Vallarta's Downtown and the Romantic Zone. 
• Why to Attend: With three days of shows, parties and fun, culminating in a colorful parade along the Malecon with more than 85 floats, the first edition of El Carnaval Puerto Vallarta attracted more than 35,000 visitors. With the slogan "Dance, Laugh and Celebrate," El Carnaval Puerto Vallarta 2025 promises to surpass last year's experience with a full program of live music at stages strategically located throughout Downtown Puerto Vallarta and the Romantic Zone. 
• We Love: The Puerto Vallarta Carnival has a long tradition dating back to 1956, when the first 100% family-oriented carnival took place. Miss María de la Luz Mantecón Montes was named Queen of the first Puerto Vallarta Carnival. Don't miss the El Carnaval Puerto Vallarta Parade on Saturday, February 22 at 5:00 pm featuring floats, dance and music. The parade will start at the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort. It will go down Mexico Avenue, along the Malecon and will end at the Romantic Zone.
• More Information: Via Facebook at: El Carnaval PV.

Puerto Vallarta offers many other entertainment and fun options, depending on the interests of each type of traveler, in addition to these unmissable seasonal events.

From the traditional Art & Market Marina Vallarta, humpback whale watching tours and the Historic Downtown Art Walk, to tours of Puerto Vallarta's most beautiful homes or a guided walking tour of the Malecon sculptures.  Are you going to miss them?