September 17, 2026

A Complete Guide to Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica Culinary Fest

Puerto Vallarta is set to ignite the senses this October with the tantalizing scents of live-fire cooking, exceptional wines, and elite haute cuisine.

For anyone seeking a reason to getaway to Jalisco's premier beach destination, the wait is over: Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica returns for its landmark 18th anniversary, gathering an extraordinary roster of globally acclaimed culinary talent.

Key Event Details

Celebrating its 18th year under the theme “Discovering a New Reality,” this premier gathering runs from October 4 to 7, 2026, in Puerto Vallarta. Spain, Guanajuato, and Ciudad Juárez serve as the featured guest destinations for this edition.

The epicenter of 2026 Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica will be the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort, prime-located in Puerto Vallarta's North Hotel Zone, though festivities and special events will spill across Banderas Bay and the surrounding area.

Beyond the host hotel, the festival's rich itinerary spans venues throughout Puerto Vallarta, the Riviera Nayarit, and the charming Pueblo Mágico of San Sebastián del Oeste.

Over 80 top-tier culinary authorities—ranging from Michelin-starred legends and Repsol Soles honorees to Latin America’s 50 Best winners and Top Chef icons—headline the program.

Reflecting the event's stature, the previous festival edition of Nayarit Vallarta Gastronómica attracted upwards of 14,400 visitors to its diverse programming.

Event Schedule & Essential Highlights

Interactive Cooking Demos & Masterclasses

The core of the event unfolds across two action-packed days: Monday, October 5, and Tuesday, October 6, between 9:00am and 6:00pm. Guests can look forward to dynamic cooking demonstrations, gourmet workshops, fine wine and spirits tastings, expert master lectures, a massive exhibition hall, live smokehouse and grilling showcases, as well as prime industry networking opportunities.

Culinary Mastery Live

Live cooking showcases by Michelin-starred culinary visionaries stand as the absolute highlight of Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica. Guests are offered front-row access to watch world-class talent perform sophisticated techniques and discuss the inspiration behind their award-winning creations.

Artisanal Grilling & Open-Fire Cooking

Fans of barbecue and live-fire cuisine will find an unmissable lineup on the schedule. Key features include live demonstrations from The Grilling Bastards, charcoal specialist Chef Mati Ruiz Díaz, Guadalajara’s celebrated Emberwood project, and Mexico City’s Chef Garo Castro.

Exclusive Dining Experiences & Gala Evenings

An array of high-profile culinary gatherings defines the event's social program, featuring a Welcome Cocktail, Ambassador Dinner, Grand Gala Pairing Dinner, and a ceremonial Closing Dinner.

Multiple ticket tiers—such as 1-Day Gourmet Pro, 2-Day Gourmet Pro, and Premium Access—are available to explore and purchase on the official Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica website.

Featured Guest Chefs

Spain: International Guest Destination

Benito Gómez from Bardal in Ronda (holder of 2 Michelin Stars and 2 Repsol Soles) leads the international delegation representing Spain. The Iberian contingency also features Kisko García of Córdoba's Choco (1 Michelin Star, 2 Repsol Soles) alongside Rubén Sánchez of Epílogo (1 Michelin Star).

Latin American Guests

Highlighting Latin American excellence, Colombian Chef Natalia Cocomá joins the event as the winner of the 2025 Sustainable Restaurant Award by Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants. Making his debut at Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica, Venezuelan Chef Maycoll Calderón brings his signature culinary style from Los Cabos' Michelin-starred Acre.

Renowned Mexican Culinary Figures

Leading the national roster is Chef Carlos Gaytán, the historic first Mexican chef to receive a Michelin Star. The prestigious delegation includes Rodrigo Rivera Río, Claudia Lara, and Paco Ruano, whose Guadalajara establishment, Alcalde, was recently awarded a Michelin Star.

Further representing Guadalajara's vibrant food scene are PalReal's Fabián Delgado (Bib Gourmand recipient), alongside Octo's Blanca Arellano and Óscar Garza.

Regional & Local Talent

Homegrown chefs from Puerto Vallarta take center stage, featuring Mauricio Leal of Icú, celebrating its 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand honor. He joins an esteemed line-up of regional culinary stars, including Salvador Carrillo, Carolina Arriaga, Gaetano Simonetti, and Erasmo Carvajal.

The spotlight also shines on Jalisco's rich culinary heritage, celebrating key local ingredients and artisanal spirits such as premium tequila, handcrafted raicilla, and Yahualica chili.

Planning Your Trip to Puerto Vallarta

Start organizing your visit today to reserve your lodging, pick your top-choice masterclasses, and discover Puerto Vallarta's best attractions or schedule a one-day trip to nearby Pueblos Mágicos.